WILLIAM TECUMSEH SCHEIB, b 20 Jul 1842

SCHEIB, TROUT, REDDEN, PIERCE, SHIRK, HEIL

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 10/9/2004 at 08:34:02

William T. Scheib, dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, is the oldest merchant in Baldwin, having established himself in business there in 1870. He was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., near McKeansburg, July 20, 1842. His father, Samuel Scheib, was of German parentage, and was born in Schuylkill, March 3, 1812. He learned the trade of a carpenter, and in 1841 was united in matrimony with Mary Ann Trout; she was also born in Schuylkill County, and the father, John Trout, was a native of New Jersey.

Samuel Scheib was born March 3, 1812, near Orwigsburg, Pa., and was by occupation a farmer and carpenter. He was married to Mary Ann Trout, Aug. 20, 1841. Mrs. Scheib was the eldest daughter of John and Mary Trout, and was born Oct. 7, 1824, near Orwigsburg. After their marriage, Samuel Scheib and his wife settled on land near MIddleport, Pa., within two miles of his birthplace, where he cleared a farm from the dense forest and mountains, and lived here with his family until the spring of 1857. Then emigrating to Iowa, he settled on 150 acres of land near Nashville, in this county, where he lived and labored until 1878, when he retired from the active duties of life, and took up his residence in Baldwin. His death occurred Jan. 21, 1887, after an illness of only one week. His wife had departed this life on the fourth day of the same month and same year, after a year's illness and six months of great suffering.

To Samuel Scheib and his estimable wife there were born fourteen children, the nine eldest near Middleport, Pa., and then of these lived to attain their majority. William Tecumseh, our subject, was the eldest; Sarah Dora was born Feb. 6, 1844, and died at Bellevue, Iowa, Sept. 21, 1866; Leventina Catherine was born Nov. 29, 1845, and is now the wife of John W. Redden, of Oregon; Susan Dora was born July 21, 1847, and is the wife of James Redden, of Arizona; Charles H., was born Oct. 28, 1848, and is a resident of Colorado; George Francis was born Feb. 15, 1850, and died June 30, following; Daniel Franklin was born June 10, 1852, and resides in South Fork Township; John Adam was born Sept. 10, 1854, and is living in California; Carolina Viola (Mrs. Pierce), was born Sept. 25, 1855; Emma Ellen was born April 15, 1857, and died June 21, following; Ellen was born Nov. 16, 1858, and died Dec. 16, that same year; Samuel, Jr., was born March 16, 1860, and died that same day; Cora Etta was born Feb. 15, 1862, and is the wife of Jacob E. Shirk, of this county; Arra Irvin was born Oct. 7, 1864. The five younger children were born Oct. 7, 1864. The five younger children were born near Nashville, Iowa, and those not located as given above, are residents of this county. They had all been given a good education, and were left a fine estate at the father's death.

William T. Scheib, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest of the family. He passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm. Jan. 1st, 1862, he responded to the call of his country by enlisting, and was mustered into service in Company H, 16th Iowa Infantry. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and had a very close call for his life. The regiment was ordered to return, but Mr. Scheib being busy fighting, did not hear the order, but soon discovered that he was alone, and nearly surrounded by the enemy. He, of course, ran toward the Union lines while bullets were flying through the air in every direction. Before Mr. Scheib reached his company, his clothing and haversack contained many bullet holes. One hand was wounded, and a ball had lodged in the back of his head, where it remains to this day. This wound was supposed to be very serious, but Mr. Scheib did not enter the hospital. He was off duty only about one week, which speaks well for his patriotism, as the wound did not fully heal over for six years. Shiloh was his first battle, then came Iuka and Corinth, and numerous skirmishes. At Corinth he was again unlucky, receiving a wound in the left hand and arm. After receiving this wound, he was lying on a cot, and having it dressed, when the Union lines retreated, and Mr. Scheib was again nearly surrounded by the enemy. Forgetting his wounds, he arose from the cot, and being a good runner, made his escape, the shower of bullets flying after him. His wound, however, proved serious, and he was discharged from service, having served one year and fifteen days. This wound was also six years in healing, but as the United States Government never forgets the soldiers, he now receives a pension of $18 per month. Returning from service, Mr. Scheib soon entered school at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and after receiving a suitable education, engaged in teaching for five years. In 1870 he established his present business, which he has carried on very successfully.

Our subject was married Dec. 28, 1871, to Lydia F. Heil, a native of Jackson County. Their four children now living, are named, Ada, Bessie, Harry and Nellie. Two children, Jennie and Bernice, died of diphtheria in childhood. Politically, a Republican, Mr. Scheib has frequently held local offices, to the duties of which he gave the same strict attention and zeal that characterized his every act in life.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)