GODFREY SCHNEIDER, who carries on general farming on section 32, German
Township, has been a resident of Richland County for more than half a century,
the date of his settlement here being 1840. He is a prominent German citizen as
well as a leading agriculturist. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 7,
1826, and is a son of Michael Schneider, who grew to manhood and was married in
that country. With his family he emigrated to the New World in 1840, taking
passage for New York on the "Havre de Grace," a sailing-vessel, which made the
voyage in thirty-eight days. The family made their way Westward to Canton, Ohio,
and a few weeks later went to Louisville, Ky., where a brother of Mr. Schneider
resided. In the fall of the same year they came to Illinois, locating in what is
now Richland County. The father entered and purchased land in German Township,
and for many years made his home upon the farm which he there developed. At
length he sold out and spent his last days in the home of his son Godfrey, dying
in 1866, at the advanced age of seventy years.
Our subject remained in
the Fatherland until fourteen years of age, and during that period received good
school privileges. With his parents he came to the United States, and under the
parental roof he remained until he had attained his majority, when he started
out in life for himself. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose
Rogina Hahn, their marriage being celebrated in Vincennes, Ind., in 1848. They
began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres, one-half of which Mr.
Schneider obtained of his father, and the other half entered from the
Government. He continued its operation until 1865, when .he sold and purchased
his present farm, an improved place and one of the first settled in this part of
the county, on the old stage road between Lawrence and Shelbyville. It was
formerly owned by Jake May, who kept a postofflce and store here at a very early
day and traded with the Indians. Mr. Schneider purchased one hundred and twenty
acres, and afterwards bought an additional forty-acre tract. He owned at one
time three hundred and forty acres, but has given a considerable amount of this
to his children. His farm is considered one of the best in the township, being
well improved with all necessary buildings and under a high state of
cultivation. The owner began life for himself empty-handed, but by his own
labor, enterprise and industry he has acquired a valuable farm and a good home,
and is to-day ranked among the substantial citizens of Richland County.
Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schneider: Mary, wife of Martin Kocher;
Catherine, wife of Peter Cooper; Rachiel, wife of Joseph Ginter; Adelia, wife of
Andrew Roth; Philomena, who married Jo Rennear; Louisa, wife of Jacob Rennear;
Michael, Simon and Jacob, all of whom are married and follow farming in Richland
County; and Jo, who aids in carrying on the home farm.
The parents and
their children are all members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Schneider was
formerly identified with the Democratic party, but of late years has been
independent, supporting the candidate best qualified for the office. He has
filled several official positions of honor and trust, has a number of times been
elected Justice of the Peace, was Highway Commissioner several years, and School
Treasurer for some time. His various duties he discharged with promptness and
fidelity, proving a faithful and efficient officer. He has ever had the best
interests of the community at heart, and has given his support to every
enterprise calculated to promote the general welfare.
Extracted 10 Feb 2021 by Norma Hass from 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties, Illinois, pages 503-504.
| Jasper | Crawford | |
| Clay |
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Lawrence |
| Wayne | Edwards | Wabash |
