John H. Schroder

SCHRODER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/30/2010 at 07:35:49

History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1910, James W. Ellis

JOHN H. SCHRODER.

John H. Schroder, who carries on an extensive and successful business as a hardware dealer of Preston, was born in Germany on the 15th of October, 1853. His father, John H. Schroder, who was a native of Schleswig, Germany, crossed the ocean to the United States in 1881 and made his home in Clinton county, Iowa, until called to his final rest in 1887.
John H. Schroder of this review was the eldest in a family of eleven children. He was educated in the schools of his native land and there also served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. In 1875, when a young man of twenty-two years, he set sail for the new world and came direct to this state, locating near Lyons, Clinton county, where he worked at his trade. At the end of two years he took up his abode in Gooselake, that county, where he resided until 1894, being actively identified with industrial interests as a contractor and builder. In 1894 he came to Preston, Jackson county, and succeeeded R. M. Essex in the conduct of a hardware store, being associated with W. A. Butzloff until the 1st of November, 1906, when he purchased his partner's interest and has since been the sole proprietor of the business. In addition to carrying a large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware he also does plumbing, tinning, etc.. and his business has increased annually until it is now one of extensive as well as profitable proportions. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Preston Water Works Company and is still serving as secretary thereof.
In 1878 Mr. Schroder was united in marriage to Miss Tena Unrau, a native of Schleswig, Germany, and a daughter of Claus Unrau, who in 1869 established his home in Iowa and here continued to reside until he passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have been born nine children, as follows: Hattie, the wife of Harry Paup; Fred C, who is associated with his father in business; Clara, Helma and Herbert, all of whom are at home; Christina, who died at the age of thirteen; Henry and Irene, both of whom passed away when but three years old; and one who died in infancy.
At the polls Mr. Schroder casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. He was tax collector of Deep Creek township, Clinton county, for several years, also served as a member of the school board in that county and since coming to Preston has done effective service for the cause of education in the same capacity. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Preston. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization has worked his way steadily upward until he is now a worthy representative of commercial interests in Preston.