August L. and John Schocker

SCHOCKER, WHITE, MURRAY

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/25/2011 at 18:32:33

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2 by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910. Biographical Sketches

August L. and John Schocker

Two of the native sons of Jackson county who are winning large returns from the cultivation of their extensive farm in Maquoketa township are August L. and John Schocker, sons of Henry Schocker. The father was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, in 1845, and in 1852 came with his father, also Henry Schocker, to Jackson county, Iowa. The elder man secured one hundred and sixty acres of arable land in Fairfield township, on which he lived until his death in 1897. At the age of twenty-one Henry Schocker, Jr., left home and bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Fairfield township, on which he lived for about twelve years. He then sold it, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in another part of the township. That remained his home until 1886, when he disposed of it and went to the state of Washington, where he stayed only a short hme, however, locating in North Platte, Nebraska, upon his return east. Although he had bought a tract of land there he sold it after one year's experience, finally returning to Jackson county. At present he is living in South Fork township on a farm of one hundred and ninety-seven acres. He is a man who knows how to make success come as a result of his labors and is confident that the b*st opportunities for advancement are to be found in this state.

August L. Schocker, whose birth occurred May 16, 1867, spent his boyhood in Fairfield township, attending the district schools near his home. In 1883 he entered as a pupil the high school at Maquoketa, but the next year went to Fulton, Illinois, where he was enrolled as a student of the Northern Illinois College. He remained there until 1886, when he went west with his father, accompanying him also on his removal to Nebraska and later on his return to Jackson county. Here for a few years he engaged in teaching and then, from 1890 to 1893, worked upon a farm in Lincoln county, Minnesota. Thereafter he assisted his father in the operation of his farm in Jackson county until 1896, when he came to Maquoketa township. He remained here only a year and a half, however, when he went to Calamus, Clinton county, engaging in business there for the next seven years. In 1905 he returned to Jackson county, for two years renting a farm and then buying the place on which he now lives. It is a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, lying on section 13, Maquoketa township, and during the past two years has proved a valuable possession, for it is rich and fertile, well adapted to general farming. He has tried many localities and several different occupations, but he has finally decided that he can achieve the greatest success in the section of the state he has now chosen for his place of residence.

In 1896 August L. Schocker wedded Miss Cora Edna White, a daughter of Alfred E. White, who during his active life was engaged in farming in Macon county, Illinois. He retired some years before his death, which occurred in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Schocker have three children, namely: Edna Grace, born September 30, 1898; Beulah Bernice, September 16, 1903; and Fern Arlene, December 29, 1908. In regard to national issues Mr. Schocker invariably votes the democratic ticket but in local matters he gives his support to the man or measure most likely to advance the welfare of the community in which he lives.

John Schocker was born in Fairfield township, this county, April 9, 1872, and upon his father's farm was reared, while he attended the district schools near his home. In 1886 he accompanied his father when he went west and returned with him to Jackson county, assisting him in his agricultural pursuits. In 1897 he married and the next year removed to Davenport, where he secured employment in the Bettendorf Car Works. A few months later he returned to this county, and in June, 1903, purchased the place on which he is now living. It is a fine tract embracing one hundred and sixty acres, excellently adapted to general farming, which he pursues, while it also affords ample pasturage for the cattle he raises. His stock is of good grade, of the black poled strain, and finds a ready market in the larger cities to which it is shipped. As he has spared no effort to promote his interests, has been industrious and farsighted, each year his fields have yielded him bountiful harvests and his stock has added considerably to his income.

In February. 1897, John Schocker was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Murray, a daughter of John Murray. Two children have been born to them: Earl, who was born November 14. 1897; and Blanche, whose birth occurred in April, 1903. Mr. Schocker is a democrat in his political views and as a member of the school board of district No. 4, has participated in the public life of his community.

Both August L. and John Schocker have throughout their lives given proof to their right to be numbered among the successful farmers of Maquoketa township. They have prospered in their affairs by honorable means, and their good fortune in turn redounds to the credit of their fellow citizens who extend to them well deserved respect.

Note: Parents of August and John were Nicholas Henry Schocker and Sophia Meinke.