For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 368
JOHN BELL SCHENCK....John Bell Schenck, whose labors as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of success, resides on a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which his father bought of the government, and a half of which is located in Wapsinonoc township, Muscatine county, and the other half in Cedar county. This place has remained his home since he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 27th of Jnauary, 1858.His parents, James Finley and Maria C. ( Bell ) Schenck, were natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. In the year 1845 the father took up his abode in Muscatine, this county, where he engaged in merchandising until the date of his marriage ---October 12,1854. Subsequently he removed to the farm which is now in the possession of our subject, devoting his attention to its operation until called to his final rest on the 12th of July, 19000, when seventy-one years of age. The period of his residence in Muscatine county covered fifty-five years and he enjoyed an extensive acquaintance within its borders. His widow still survives him, making her home with her daughter in Cedar county. They had eight children, as follows ; William Rogers, who passed away in 1876 ; John Bell, of this review ; Phoebe, the wife of Joseph Bowman, of Cedar county ; Mary Bell, who is the wife of Willis Crozer and lives in Muscatine ; Charles Green ; Ida Bell, the wife of Robert brook, of West Liberty, Elizabeth Roger, who gave her hand in marriage to Allan Hemmingway, of Cedar county ; and James F.
John Bell Schenck is indebted to the common schools for his educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youthful years. When not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and have brought him a gratifying annual income.
On the 1st of December, 1897, Mr Schenck was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Applegate, a daughter of Elijah and Mary E. ( Thompson ) Applegate, who had nine chidlren, namely : William deceased ; Margaret, the wife of Cyrus Orr, of Iowa City ; Daniel, who died in infancy ; Thomas, who is a resident of Iowa City ; Harriet, the wife of W. F. Hill, of Westmoreland, Kansas ; Wlylum, of Downey, Iowa ; John, also of Downey ; Sarilda, the wife of Will Harrington, of Johnson county ; and Mrs. Schenck. The last named is the mother of one daughter, Margaret Lucile, who is now twelve years old.
Mr. Schenck gives his political aggegiance to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. In religious faith he is a Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A resident of this district during his entire life, he has become widely acquainted throughout the locality and occupies a high place in the regard and esteem of his fellowmen by reason of his honorable methods and upright principles.
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