Schoof, Fred

HOLTZ, SHANEWISE, THIESINGER, COWLISHAW, KROESCHE, HAGEMAN, SCHUETTE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/19/2010 at 10:36:25

Fred Schoof is specializing in the raising of pure-blooded shorthorn cattle upon one hundred and sixty-one acres of choice land on section 36, Maxfield township, and is known as one of the most successful stock-raisers in this vicinity. He is also connected with public affairs as a member of the county board of supervisors, a position which he has filled with credit and ability since 1910. He is a native son of Bremer county, born in Maxfield township, November 18, 1865, his parents being John and Frederika (Holtz) Schoof, natives of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, the former born January 21,1823, and the latter May 21, 1829. The parents were among the early settlers in Maxfield township, locating here in 1856. Both have passed away, the father dying in July 1895, and the mother March 15, 1901. They became the parents of three sons, all born in Maxfield township: John, whose birth occurred March 2, 1858, and who is now residing in Waverly; Henry, who was born June 7, 1860, and who also resides in Waverly; amd Fred, of this review.

Fred Schoof was reared in Maxfield township and acquired his education in the German and district schools of this locality and also at Wartburg College in Waverly, which he attended for six months. At the age of seventeen he engaged in carpentering and followed that occupation for ten years thereafter. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, becoming extensively interested in raising Poland China hogs and continuing to specialize in the breeding of those animals until his herd was completely destroyed by cholera. He has since devoted his time and attention to breeding pure-blooded shorthorn cattle and now has a herd of forty-seven fine animals. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty-one acres on section 36, Maxfield township, and is well improved in every particular, the home being modern and well furnished and the buildings substantial and in good repair.

In 1889 Mr. Schoof was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Shanewise, who was born in Maxfield township, February 7, 1871, and who acquired her education in the public schools of this locality. She is a daughter of William and Kate (Thiesinger) Shanewise, natives of Germany, the former born in Baden, April 13, 1847, and the latter born June 21, 1853. The parents were among the early settlers in Bremer county and now reside in Waverly. In their family were twelve children: Mrs. Schoof, wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. Emma Cowlishaw, of Waterloo; William L., residing in Bennington township, Blackhawk county; Frank, of Waverly; Mrs. Clara Kroesche, of Wisconsin; Mrs. Kate Hageman, residing in Maxfield township; Margaret, of Waverly; Mrs. Barbara Schuette, of Blackhawk county; Allice, of Waverly; a son who died in infancy; and Leta and Mabel, residents of Waverly. Mr. and Mrs. Schoof have become the parents of three children: Fred W., born April 30, 1890; Maurice, born July 9, 1894; and Rosa, born September 6, 1900.

Mr. Schoof gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is very active in public affairs, having served as school director and as president of the township board of education for a number of years. He was township clerk for four years and in 1910 was elected to the county board of supervisors, winning reelection in 1912. He discharges the duties of this office in a capable and progressive way, his record reflecting credit upon his ability and his public spirit. In all business and official relations Mr. Schoof is reliable and straightforward and he enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914