USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 51
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Schmidt, William J .- The Mount Carbon brewery is one of the substantial industries of Pottsville, as well as a typical representative ni the results of industry, coupled with good judgment and business sagacity. In 18;2. G. Lorenz Schmidt, then a young man of twenty- seven, emigrated from his native land. Bavaria, Germany, and located in Reading. Pa., where for five years he was in the employ of Lauer & Co., brewers. In 187; he leased from Mr. Lauer what was then known as the "Orchard Brewery." now extinct, and operated that until 188 -. In the meantime. having decided to enlarge the sphere of his efforts. he constructed. in 1886, the valuable property now known as the Mount Carbon brewery. Such portions of the old Orchard plant as could be made available in the construction of the new, were removed to the site and utilized in the new structure. This property was put in operation in May, 1887. and was conducted suc- cessfully by the founder until his death, on Aug. 20, 1893. G. Lorenz Schmidt came to America without means, and the valuable property
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which he acquired within the space of twenty-one years, was wholly the result of his own unaided efforts. Since the death of Mr. Schmidt, the business has been operated very successfully by his sons, under the title of the Lorenz Schmidt estate. The brewery is located on Center and Main streets, Mount Carbon. The principal structure is a handsome brick building 135 feet front, by a depth of 40 feet. The brewery, proper, is four stories high, while the ice house, storage rooms, stables, office and residence are ample, and in some cases, elaborate structures. The plant throughout, is equipped with the most modern and improved appliances for the purposes designed. Of eight children born to G. Lorenz and Theresia (Peters) Schmidt, three are living, namely: William J., G. Lorenz, and Frederick E. The sons are employed in the business of the extensive estate, as manager, foremen, salesmen, etc. The father of this family was a soldier during the Franco-Prussian war. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the German Lutheran church ; was a good citizen, a kind and indulgent husband and father, whose untimely death was greatly deplored.
Schoen, Jacob B., senior member of the firm of Schoen Bros., cigar manufacturers of Pottsville, was born at Trevorton, Northum- berland county, Pa., Jan. 25. 1860. a son of Adam and Annie Maria Elizabeth (Burnhardt) Schoen. The father was born in Rhine Palz, Byron, Germany, Aug. 5, 1833, and the mother was born in the same vicinity. Nov. 26, 1835. They came to America in 1853, and were married in this county in 1855. locating at Middleport, Schuylkill county, Pa. The Schoen family is descended from pure German stock, their ancestors for many generations back having been natives of the "Rhine Country." near the boundary between Alsace Lor- raine. (then a province of France) and the German possessions. The paternal grandfather, Henry Schoen, and his wife, whose maiden name was Burnhardt, were natives of the same locality in Germany. and sprang from wealthy and influential families, both of which were identified with the farming interests. The grandfather Schoen was a man of stalwart frame, brave and fearless nature, and was a soldier in the regular army of Germany, enlisting in the cavalry in 1799. He was a superb horseman and a favorite with the king. His father was a member of the German aristocracy, and a man of wealth. During the Napoleonic wars he exchanged an acre of land for a loaf of bread. He was impoverished by his country's wars and died poor. In 1853 he came to America and died at Wilkes Barre at the age of seventy-five years. His wife died in a New York city hospital the day after her arrival in America. Her maiden name was Cath- erine Engle. The maternal grandparents of Jacob B. Schoen were Philip and Elizabeth (Graff) Burnhardt, who were born, and spent their lives in Germany. The grandfather was a man of great intel- ligence, was the legal adviser of his neighbors and a valued and useful citizen among them. He was a wealthy farmer, and a fancy linen weaver. Adam Schoen and his consort were the parents of a numerous family, of whom Charlotte, now Mrs. Christ Schultz of
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Silver creek, is the oldest; Adam died at the age of two years. Jacob B. and Philip, constituting the firm of Schoen Bros., were the next in order of birth; AAmelia is the widow of Jacob Burch, late of Potts- ville, and Magdalene is the wife of Miles K. Staller, an expert pen- man, of Mount Carmel. The present extensive business firm of Schoen Bros, was originated in November, 1894, when Philip Schoen commenced the manufacture of cigars. The beginning was on a limited scale, occupying one room in the William Burnham build- ing at Port Carbon, and employing but one assistant. The business proved prosperous from the first, and his brother Jacob B., the sub- ject of this sketch, was taken in as a partner during this incipient stage. In January, tool, Philip started a factory at Hinkletown. Lancaster county, and developed a fine business which was merged with the firm of Schoen Bros. in 1902, and the business was en- larged to a considerable extent. This is under the direct supervision of Jacob. Both he and Philip travel constantly in the interest of outside trade. Many thousands of cigars are thus distributed to buyers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and as far west and south as Arkansas. The manufacturing department gives constant employment to a large force of men, employed at the present time. Mr. Schoen has been a salesman of exceptional ability and has repre- sented one of the largest cigar manufactures in Philadelphia. On Nov. 10. 1802, he married Miss Olive E. Olewine, then of Phila- delphia but a native of Pottsville, and they are the parents of five children, namely: Elva, Edith, Isabel. Margaret and Richard. Mr. Schoen is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party and has held the office of councilman in Pottsville for two terms and a like position in Port Carbon. He is a member of the Central Repub- lican club and of the Masonic fraternity, while his religious affilia- tion is given to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Schoen is a splendid business man and owns considerable real estate in Pottsville, in which community he has the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.
Schoen, Philip, a member of the extensive business firm of Schoen Bros .. of Pottsville, is a native of Schuylkill county, having been born at Locust Dale, Sept. 27, 186t. The parental home was transferred to Pottsville in that year and he attended school, first under the tuition of Miss Measey, in the old Kopitach building, and later was transferred to the watchful care of Prof. Johnson at Bunker Hill. At the age of fourteen he left school and engaged in driving team for his father, who was then engaged in general teaming and transfer business. Two years later he was entrusted with the care and driving of a heavy team in the service of Stein & Trough, and in 1878 he was in the employ of the C. M. Atkins Company at the Pioneer furnace. No. 2, engaged in "snapping cinders." In 1879 he was weighmaster at Port Carbon for the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Company, and the follow- ing year was in the employ of W. H. Shuman, a South Center street merchant. Philip Schoen was then variously employed until Novem- her. 1894. when he began the manufacture of cigars on a limited scale. During the incipient stage of this business his brother. Jacob B., was
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taken in as a partner. The firm was successful from the start and has grown until at the present time it is an important industry in the city of Pottsville. As an evidence of the success of this business enterprise, it may be stated in this connection that the subject has recently pur- chased a farm of thirty-seven acres, known as the property of the late Dr. George W. Brown. Half of this land has been platted in town lots and constitutes what is known as Schoen's addition to Port Carbon. (For further information in regard to the firm of Schoen Bros. and for the ancestry of Philip Schoen see the sketch of Jacob B. Schoen appear- ing in this volume.) Philip Schoen was married on Oct. 31, 1889, to Miss Annie S., daughter of Jeremiah Kline, a contracting painter of Schuylkill Haven. The only child born to this union is a daughter, Laureta, born Feb. 1, 1891. Mr. Schoen is a Republican in political views, and takes an active interest in the success of his party princi- ples. He was a member of the monumental association at Port. Carbon which erected the handsome monument to the memory of the soldiers of the Civil war. He is a progressive and public spirited citizen, and an active and successful business man.
Schoener, George M., proprietor of a popular cafe in Shenan- doah and member of the city school board, was born at Pottsville, Pa., June 6, 1862, his parents being Richard J. and Adelia (Griesmerr) Schoener, both natives of Pennsylvania, but of German ancestry. They are now living in Philadelphia. The father and four of his brothers served in the Union army during the Civil war. The children of Rich- ard J. and Adelia Schoener were Harry, who died in childhood; Car- rie, now Mrs. Silverman and lives in Philadelphia; and George M., whose name heads this sketch. George M. Schoener was educated in the public schools of St. Clair, where he lived with his grandfather, Richard Dennis Schoener, and at the age of sixteen years he began life as a stage driver for his uncle, A. J. Schoener, on the line running from Shenandoah to Frackville. He continued in that occupation for about ten years, when the aggressions of the Pennsylvania railroad made the business unprofitable and the line was discontinued. He then embarked in the restaurant business in Shenandoah and continued in that until he started his present place of business in 1906. Mr. Schoener is a pro- nounced Republican in his political views, always takes an active part in campaigns, in 1905 was a candidate for county commissioner, and the following year was elected a member of the school board. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and affiliates with the Presbyterian church. In all his societies he is de- servedly popular because of his generous nature and genial disposition. Mrs. George M. Schoener was Miss Lena Gross, daughter of Charles Gross, a representative member of one of the oldest and most respected families in Schuylkill county. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Schoener-a son named Harry-died in early childhood.
Schraedley, George R., bookkeeper for the well known firm of Sparks & Parker, was born in Trevorton, Northumberland county, Pa., Dec. 9, 1879, a son of Isaac N. and Matilda Pauline (Reick) Schraed-
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les The father is a native of Schuylkill counts, having been born at Silver Creek, where he has been in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Radread Company as a clerk and accountant for more than thirty years The mother was born at Trevorton Both parents are living, their home being at Silver Creek. They have a family of four sons and two daughters, of whom Frederick William, the oldest, mar- red Miss Annie Shipe, and is supply clerk at Silver Creek colliers. Their only child i Miss Violet. George R., the subject of this sketch. was the second in order of birth: Ada May is at home ; John Andrew is a brakeman for the Philadelphia & Reading railway and lives at St. Clair : Guy Elmer and Catherine Frances are at home. George R. Schraedles was educated in the public schools of Asbland, and com- pleted a business course at Williamsport commercial college, being graduated with the class of 1000. He was bookkeeper for the Wyland Manufacturing Company at Williamsport for one and a half years, and occupied a similar position for a like period with the Dark Water Coal Company. He then accepted a more Incrative gestion in the employ of the Jersey Central Railroad Company, but his wife's health being delicate he was obliged to return to the mountains and took up his residence at Port Carlin, where he has since resided. In November. 1005. he accepted his present position with fliram Parker, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr. Sehraddley was married on Feb. 17. 103. to Miss Amelia Runkle, a native of Mahanov City, Schuylkill county, and a daughter of George W. and Jennette S. ( Bebelheimer ) Runkle. Her father is a carpenter and contractor in Mahanoy City. Mrs. Schraedley is the only daughter and eldest child in a family of six, her brothers being Earle Edwin, John Raymond. Daniel Rebel- heimer. Willard and Alonzo Phacon, all at home. Edwin is a car- penter. employed with his father, and John R. is a clerk in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Schraedley have one son, George Isaac, born Sept. 23. 1004. They are members of Saint Paul Lutheran church, in Port Carbon. Mr. Schraedley is a Republican in political sentiments, but has never as- pired to public office.
Schrink, Gustavus C., postmaster at Pottsville, and a prominent resident of the place since 1870. is a native of Newark, N. J., where he was born May 1, 1856. a son of Rev. Christian and Julia (Hoff) Schrink, natives, respectively, of Würtemberg and Alsace Lorraine in southwestern Germany. Mr. Schrink was educated in the public schools of his native city, but by far the greater part of his education was acquired in the more practical school of experience. At the age of eleven year- he became an apprentice to the printer's trade in the office of a German newspaper published in Newark. While quite young Mr. Schrink became infatuated with the theatrical stage and appeared for some time in the role of a German comedian, but pa- rental counsel dissuaded him from this and he became a traveling sales- man in the hardware trade. His association with actor- and his natu- ral inclination toward the stage, however, had led him to the acquire- ment of some of the accomplishments of that profession. He became
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an excellent singer and a talented musician, while he is also quite noted, locally, as a writer of poetry. While in the discharge of his duties as a traveling salesman, he was sent to Pottsville to establish a branch store for his employer, Mr. E. G. Ford. This he did in 1880, was soon advanced to the position of general manager and because of his business ability was made a partner under the firm title of G. C. Schrink & Co. The partnership was dissolved two years later by the withdrawal of Mr. Ford, and Mr. Schrink continued to conduct the business successfully until 1899, when it was sold out, Mr. Schrink being then commissioned as postmaster at Pottsville. President Mc- Kinley's choice in this was approved four years later by Mr. Schrink's reappointment to the office by President Roosevelt. The subject of this sketch has always been an active, working Republican, and has wielded a strong influence in shaping the policies of his party. Per- haps no man in Schuylkill county has a wider acquaintance, or is more favorably known among influential politicians throughout the state than G. C. Schrink. His jolly, companionable temperament brings him in close touch with the people, while his high standing as a citizen and politician renders his acquantance desirable on grounds of policy. Mr. Schrink was elected to the legislature in 1895 and served four years as a member of that body, being accorded honorable positions at the head of some important committees. He was assistant sergeant- at-arms in the Republican national conventions of 1900 and 1904 and witnessed the nominations of the two great champions of human rights, Mckinley and Roosevelt. He has always taken an active in- terest in local affairs, bearing his share of the honors of municipal and school offices. After a service of twelve years on the school board, he resigned that office when appointed postmaster. During his residence in New Jersey, he served four years as a sergeant in Com- pany F, Ist New Jersey state militia. He was married on May 24, 1887, to Miss Sarah Kimmel, a daughter of Jacob and Anna ( Big- ler) Kimmel, of Harrisburg. Her mother was a sister of the late Gov. William Bigler. Mr. and Mrs. Schrink are members of Trinity Reformed church. They have no children. Mr. Schrink has always taken an active interest in social organizations, charitable institutions and athletic sports ; was one of the promoters of the Pottsville hos- pital ; has been a liberal contributor to that beneficent institution and to the Pottsville Benevolent Association ; served as a member of the board of control, and also as a member of the Third Brigade band, but accumulating business interests compelled his resignation from active membership in these. He continues active affiliations in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Heptasophs, the Humane Fire Com- pany ; is secretary of the Pottsville gun club, a member of the Penn- sylvania club of Washington, D. C., and a member of the Pottsville Liederkranz. In his home life Mr. Schrink is a happy medium be- tween the social and the convivial. His hospitality is only bounded by the limits of the market, and the social characteristics of the fam-
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ils are such as to impress the visitor that his stay is altogether too brief. He has fitted up a basement room at his residence, which he designates as huis "den." in which he entertains his friends. This is truly a work of art. The walls are adorned with portraits and biog- raphics of every prominent politician in the state and nation. He has steel portraits and brief biographies of every president from Wash- ington to Roosevelt, and a complete political history of the United States, this department being especially complete with reference to the state of Pennsylvania. Relics from all nations are to be found here and the vari-colored electric lights which surround the room show of the interior to the best possible advantage. Mr. Schrink's "den" is really "a thing of beauty and a joy forever." His wireless tele- phone is an innovation in the mechanical world which only the genius of Europe could produce. It is one of the many handsome parlor adornments. The "old court house chair" reposes smugly in a con- spicuous corner in the "den." and should not be ignored by the curi- ous visitor. Last but not least comes the suggestion that the nine barrels of native wine are not without merit !
Schuettler, Leonard, a well known merchant tailor of Pottsville. was born in the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, Sept. 22, 1870. He served an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade in his native town of Wachbach, and came to America when a lad of sixteen and a half years. His parents. Conrad and Margaret ( Moser ) Schuettler, na- tives of Wurtemberg, remained in their native country until 1890, when they came to America, and are now living in Pottsville, the father retired from active business. They have a family of five sons and two daughters living, viz. : Charles, George, Frederick. Leonard. August, Catherine and Mary, all married and engaged in life's strug- gles on their own account. The brothers are mostly engaged in mc- chanical pursuits and all reside in Pottsville .except Frederick, whose home is in Reading. Mr. Schuettler received a good common school education in his native land, which was supplemented by a thorough course in English at a night school in Philadelphia, being employed in that city during his first five years in America. He was married there on Aug. 6, 182, to Miss Pauline Kloepfer, who was born in Würtemberg and came alone to America in 1889. She is a daughter of Carl and Caroline Kloepfer, natives of Germany, where they both ended their days. Mr. Schuettler brought his family to Pottsville in 1803. and established his present business at No. 222 North Center street, which is also the family residence. He employs four workmen in his business and has a well established reputation as a first-class tailor. Himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran church. in which he is one of the deacons. He is secretary of Hayden Lodge. No. 44. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been an active member for the last ten years. He is also a member of the Liederkranz, a popular German musical society, and is a first tenor singer. Mr. Schuettler is a Republican on national issues and independent in local politics. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Schuettler
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includes the following named children : Charles, Mary, Emil and Mar- garet. The three first named are in school.
Schultz, J. W., M. D., a leading physician and president of the board of health of Tremont, was born in Schuylkill county on March 18, 1873, a son of J. H. and Emma (Ziebach) Schultz, both born in Pennsylvania of German parents, and now residents of Tremont. The doctor is the eldest of their four children. The others are: Stella S., at home; Anna L., a teacher of music; and Clarence F., manager of the Pennsylvania Telephone Company at Harrisburg. After com- pleting the courses offered in the common schools of Tremont Dr. Schultz found employment as a clerk in a drug store. His ambition was to become a physician and this work was a stepping stone. Dur- ing the three years he remained in the position he did reading in a medical line under Dr. R. H. Hess, of Tremont, and when he had accumulated sufficient money matriculated at the Medico-Chirurgical college of Philadelphia. In 1895 that institution granted to him the degree of Doctor of Medicine and he returned to Tremont to engage in practice. From year to year this practice has grown until now it covers a large territory and occupies his entire time. By successful work and strict attention to duty he has attained to a position of emi- nence among the physicians of the county. He is a broad and varied reader and has thus kept in touch with the trend of thought of the great leaders of the profession and his ideas are the most modern. When the 809th district was created on Jan. 1, 1906, he was appointed local state registrar. His fellow citizens of Tremont have shown their appreciation of his ability and skill by placing him at the head of the board of health, where he has more than fulfilled every expectation. On Oct. 3, 1905, Dr. Schultz married Miss Eva Zimmerman, of Sun- bury, Pa. They have no children. Mrs. Schultz is a communicant of the Episcopal church. The doctor is a member of the Schuylkill county medical association, but is identified with no secret societies.
Schum, Albert D., a well known contractor and builder of Potts- ville, was born in that city on Jan. 18, 1849, his parents being Daniel and Mary A. (Erdman) Schum, both natives of Berks county, Pa., though the mother came to Pottsville when she was but four years old and there lived until her death on March 15, 1905, in the eighty- first year of her age. Her father, John Erdman, was one of the pio- neers of Schuylkill county, locating there in 1828, and spent most of his life in Pottsville, where he followed his trade of boat builder, though he owned a fine farm in Hegins township. Daniel Schum was a carpenter by trade. He came to Pottsville in 1839 and worked as a journeyman until 1870, when he succeeded to the business of his brother Jonathan, and continued in the business as a contractor and builder until his death on March 6, 1893, in his seventy-third year. Five children of Daniel and Mary A. Schum grew to maturity, viz. : Frank, Albert D., John, Benjamin A. and Katie A. Frank and John died after reaching manhood. Albert D. Schum was reared and edu- cated in Pottsville, where he learned the carpenters' trade with his uncle Jonathan, beginning in 1865. Upon the death of his uncle in.
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1870 he continued with his father until the latter's death in 1893, when he inherited the business, which he still successfully conducts. for nearly half a century, the Schums have been engaged in the build ing trade, and many of the handsome residences in and about Potts- ville were erected by them. Mr. Schum is a firm believer in the prin- ciples advocated by the Republican party, though he is not what could be called an active political worker. He is a member of Girard Lodge. Vi. 53. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Camp No. 1 .. Patriotic Order of the Sons of America; and Mountain Castle. Knights of the Golden Eagle, in which order he is the present district grand chief. He married, in 18;t, Miss Lizzie, daughter of John K. and Sarah (Seitzinger) Fernsler, of Pottsville. Three of the children born to this marriage are living, viz. : Daniel A., Maude M. and John K. Mande is now the wife of William Vogel.
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