For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 764
FRANCIS XAVIER SCHAEFER. Success is the legitimate and logical outcome of close application, determination and well formulated plans. All of these have been elements in the prosperity of Francis X. Schaefer, now proprietor of a laundry and dry-cleaning and dyeing establishment at No. 215 Iowa avenue in Muscatine. This is his native city, his birth having here occurred November 16, 1873.He bears the name of his paternal grandfather, Francis Schaefer, who became one of the early residents of Muscatine, where he conducted a brewery for several years. He died at the age of sixty-six years. Unto him and his wife, Anna Schaefer, there were born three children, John, George and Anna. George A. Schaefer was a native of Germany and was a lad of eleven years when brought to the United States by his parents, who crossed the broad Atlantic that they might enjoy the better business opportunities offered in the new world. The family did not tarry long on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Muscatine when this was but a small town of comparatively little industrial or commercial importance. Later George A. Schaefer engaged in business here as a brick manufacturer and grocer, conducting industrial and commercial interests with success for a number of years. He wedded Anna Doerfler, who was also born in Germany, in which country her parents died. She was one of a family of seven children, namely: Mrs. Peter Hirschman; Kate, the wife of George Hunt; Mrs. John Heibner; Mrs. Christ Will; Anna, who became the wife of Mr. Schaefer; John; and one who was killed in the Civil war.
The marriage of George A. Schaefer and Anna Doerfler was celebrated in Muscatine, and here they maintained their residence until called to their final rest. Both were consistent members of the Catholic church. The mother died in 1890 at the age of forty years, but the father survived for about sixteen years and passed away on the 3d of January, 1906, at the age of sixty-five years. Their family numbered fifteen children, of whom eight are now living: George, Jr., of Chicago; Anna, the wife of A. J. Fuller, of Muscatine; Francis X., of this review; Mary, the wife of O. O. Hager, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Kate, who married A. F. Millis, of Waukesha, Wisconsin; Dr. Joseph Schaefer, of Chicago; Edward, also of that city; and Charles, of Muscatine.
No event of special importance colored the life of Francis X. Schaefer. His early days were spent in Muscatine and his education was acquired in the parochial school. After putting aside his text-books he began clerking in a clothing store and in 1893 he turned his attention to the hat business in partnership with H. K. Rutherford. In the same year he embarked in the laundry business in connection with Miss Lydia Parker and Mrs. L. M. Maxon. This relation was maintained for two years, when Mr. Schaefer disposed of his interest in both the laundry and the hat store. Subsequently he purchased the New Process laundry on East Second street and afterward bought his present building at No. 214 Iowa avenue. To that location he removed his laundry and has since successfully conducted by. He is carrying on an extensive business for the excellence of the work there done brings him a liberal patronage. In 1903 he purchased the Kemble hotel, which he conducted for a year, after which he bought the Commercial Hotel of which he was proprietor for four years and ten months. In 1904 he began a carpet cleaning and rug making business in which he still continues, and in 1908 he added a dry-cleaning an dyeing department. These various interests still claim his attention, and he is now conducting a business of extensive and profitable proportions. In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder in the Muscatine State Bank.
On the 25th of December, 1902, Mr. Schaefer married Miss Clara Apel, a daughter of John Apel. Mrs. Schaefer died February 24, 1904, leaving a son, Clarence. On the 1st of September, 1906, Mr. Schaefer wedded Miss Clara Hess, a native of Muscatine and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hess, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Muscatine. Her father is now deceased, but her mother still survives. Their family numbers three sons and four daughters, Harry, Frank, Benjamin, Clara, Nellie, Sadie and Helen. There has been one son born of Mr. Schaefer's second marriage, Harold X.
The parents are members of St. Mathias Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. Schaefer is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen. Politically he is a republican, stanchly advocating the principles of the party. He lives at No. 215 Iowa avenue and in addition owns three fine business blocks on the same street, his property being the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. Gradually he has worked his way upward and in the field where he labors is meeting with substantial and well merited success.
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