HENRY SCHREIBER.
In the daily struggle for an honorable competence and a substantial career on the part of the farmer there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter, but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who. without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and finally wins, not only a pecuniary independence, but what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been spent. Such a man is Henry Schreiber, a well-known farmer of Melville township and the proprietor of six hundred and twelve acres of splendid farming land in that township, located in sections 2 and 3.
Henry Schreiber was born on July 12, 1838, in Columbiana county, Ohio, the son of Ignatius and Alaria (Richard) Schreiber, natives of Switzerland and France, respectively, who died in Carroll county, Ohio. To them were born three children, Frederick, who lives in Carroll county; Henry, the subject of this sketch, and Mary, who was drowned at the age of ten years. Henry Schreiber set out from his home in Ohio in 1858, and traveled in several western states as well as in Virginia. Eventually, he settled in Will county, Illinois, and was married there in 1869. For many years he followed the trade of blacksmith there and in 1889 came to Audubon county, he having ten years before purchascd four hundred and thirty-two acres in Melville township, this county, at nine dollars an acre. In 1903 he added to his holdings by the purchase of one hundred and eighty acres at sixty-one dollars an acre. Mr. Schreiber has placed most of the present improvements on both farms, though some of the trees were planted by his brother-in-law, Anthony Ruddy, who lived on the place eight years previous to Mr. Schreiber's coming to this county.
On December 29, 1869, in Illinois, Henry Schreiber was married to Catherine Ruddy, and to this happy union six children have been born, namely: Annie, who lives in Chicago; Elizabeth, of Audubon; Henry, of Chicago; Catherine, of Chicago; Helen, who is the wife of Daniel Kerwin, and May, who is living at home.
Politically, Mr. Schreiber is independent, but he is more or less identified with the fortunes of the Democratic party, and most of the time supports the Democratic candidate and ticket. He and Mrs. Schreiber and all the members of their family are devout members of the Catholic church of Audubon, and are liberal contributors to the support of their faith. They have many friends throughout the county and are held in high regard by all.
|
Transcribed from History of Audubon County, Iowa Its People, Industries and Institutions With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, by H. F. Andrews, editor, Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen & Company, 1915, pp. 562-563.
|
|
