Gustav Schreiber
Among the German-American citizens of Crawford county are to be found many of its most prosperous people. In numerous instances they owe their fortunate condition almost entirely to their own industry and application. Gustav Schreiber, who owns a beautiful farm in Soldier township, is a native of Germany and has by the good use of opportunities attained in his adopted state a gratifying measure of success.
He was born February 11, 1871, a son of Ferdinand and Louisa (Strohfe1dt) Schreiber, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America with their family, arriving in this country, February 22, 1888. After spending eight years in Chicago, Illinois, they removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they lived for one and one-half years, when death visited the household and the beloved mother was called away. The father and one of the sons, Gustav, came to Crawford county, Iowa, and here he lived, making his home with his son until he was called away in 1901. There were four children in the family: Augusta, now the wife of Herman Semlor, of Chicago; Carl, of Crawford county; Gustav, the subject of this review; and William, who died at the age of twenty-nine years.
Gustav Schreiber crossed the ocean with his parents at the age of seventeen, having previously secured his school education in his native land. At the age of twenty-six he bought eighty acres in Soldier township, Crawford county, which he cultivated to good advantage for eight years, selling it at a price much in advance of its cost. He then purchased land on section 22 of the same township and has shown such good judgment in his work that at the present time he is the owner of two hundred and forty acres, one of the most productive properties of its area in this part of the county.
On September 16, 1897, Mr. Schreiber was united in marriage to Miss Emma Kroll, who was born in Chicago, December 10, 1878, a daughter of Gustav and Augusta (Scheeve) Kroll, both natives of Germany. They were married in Chicago and lived in that city until 1888, when they came west and settled on a farm in Crawford county, Iowa. The mother died December 24, 1907, the father passing away about three years later, on March 30, 1910. There were six children in their family, namely: Emma, now Mrs. Gustav Schreiber; William, of Woodbury county, Iowa; and Gustav, Emil, George and Clara, all residents of Crawford county.
Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schreiber: Walter, who was born October 2, 1898; George, born May 31, 1900; Edwin, born November 18, 1902; Meta, born October 15, 1904; Mahala, born October 27, 1906; Otto, born September 16, 1908; and Gustav. born December 4, 1910.
Mr. Schreiber and his wife were both reared in the Lutheran church and give their earnest support to that organization. Politically he affiliates with the democratic party. From hIs boyhood he has recognized the value of labor in the accomplishment of any worthy purpose. He early determined to acquire a competency and with this end in view he did not hesitate to practice self-denial when it was necessary in order to get a start. He now enjoys a prosperity which he well deserves and has also assisted materially by his labors in adding to the wealth of the county. His success cannot fail to encourage ambitious young men, as the road to fortune and ease is open to all who will readily apply themselves during the early years of their business life, thus acquiring a safe foundation for permanent prosperity.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.