Feldschneider, Frederick S.

FELDSCHNEIDER, HOUSEMAN, LORENZEN, HEINKE, REICHTER, KLEIN, KHOETE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/22/2009 at 14:34:24

Feldschneider, Frederick S.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch has long enjoyed prestige as a leading citizen of the community where he resides. This is the result of genuine merit and ability, but is not to be wondered at when we learn that in his veins flows the blood of a long line of sterling Prussian ancestors, and many of their praiseworthy attributes seem to have outcropped in him, so that the courage he has displayed in the battle of life has won him definite rewards.

Mr. Feldschneider was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, June 18, 1854. He is the son of Frederick and Rekka (Houseman) Feldschneider, both born in Prussia, now a part of Germany, the father's birth occurring on August 11, 1828, and there they grew up and married. The father learned the trade of stonemason, which he followed with success. In 1849, soon after he was married, he immigrated to America on an old-fashioned sailing vessel, the voyage requiring forty-five days. They landed at New Orleans and later came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, in which city they spent three and one-half years, then went to Freeport, Illinois, where they lived until 1866, working at his trade. Then he and his family loaded their household effects in two covered wagons and drove through to Jasper County, Iowa, and bought eighty acres in Mariposa Township. Here they prospered by hard work and they added to their original purchase until the home farm consisted of an entire section of good land. This the father operated successfully and accumulated a competency and lived here the balance of his days, dying on April 2, 1899. He was well known and influential in his community. He served in several local offices, such as Township Trustee, school director, and he took an active part in the affairs of the Democratic Party. He and his wife belonged to the German Evangelical Church. Their family consisted of two sons and three daughters, namely: Mrs. Louisa Lorenzen, deceased; Frederick S., of this review; Mrs. Mary Heinke; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Rekka Reichter, deceased.

Frederick S. Feldschneider grew up on the farm and was educated in a German school in Illinois and district No. 4, in Mariposa Township, Jasper County, Iowa. He remained at home and worked for his father until he was thirty-one years old, then rented land of his father for twelve years. He inherited one hundred and twenty acres of the old home place, and to this he has added eighty acres, and the two hundred acre farm which he is now successfully operating is one of the best in the vicinity. He has placed it under excellent improvements and keeps it well cultivated. He built a substantial and attractive dwelling in 1900 and he has good outbuildings. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising Light Brahma chickens, and he raises various kinds of good livestock. He is now serving as Township Trustee and as school director in his district. Politically, he is a Democrat and he attends the German Evangelical Church, assisting liberally in its support.

On December 16, 1885, Mr. Feldschneider was united in marriage with Sophia Klein, who was born in Freeport, Illinois, on May 18, 1859, and her death occurred on March 17, 1908. She was the daughter of Friedman and Louisa (Khoete) Klein, both natives of Germany. To the subject and wife the following children were born: Clara, John (deceased), Grace and Freda.

The subject is interested in the People's Savings Bank of Laurel, also in the Farmers' Elevator at that place. He is regarded as one of the progressive businessmen and citizens of his Township. The subject's nephews, Frederick and William Feldschneider, sons of his brother Henry, who is now deceased, make their home with him, our subject having reared them from babyhood. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 1362.