Richland County IL Archives Biographies.....Schonert, Frederick E. 1834 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 27, 2011, 2:16 am

Source: See below
Author: Lake City Publishing Co.

FREDERICK E. SCHONERT, a practical and progressive farmer residing on section
20, Olney Township, has for many years made his home in Richland County, and is
numbered among its leading and  influential citizens. Of German birth, he first
opened his eyes to the light of day in Saxony, Germany, December 24, 1834. His
parents, Godford and Catherine (Shellhorn) Schonert, were both natives of the
Fatherland. The former was a German farmer. They became the parents of seven
children, six sons and a daughter, one of whom died in the Old Country before
the death of the mother, which also occurred in the land of her birth. In 1851
Mr. Schonert bade adieu to his old home, and with his children sailed for
America. He took up his residence in Olney Township, Richland County, where he
made his home until his death, which occurred two years later, at the age of
sixty. The children still living are Christopher, a retired farmer of this
county; Frederick E., our subject; and Christian, who follows farming in Wabash
County, Ill.


  Mr. Schonert whose name heads this record spent the first sixteen years of his
life in Germany, and then accompanied his father on the voyage across the
Atlantic, which was made in a sailing-vessel that dropped anchor in the harbor
of New York after ten weeks spent upon the water. Before coming to America, he
had learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked for six months after reaching
Richland County. Being obliged to abandon it on account of his health, he then
went to live with a farmer, with whom he remained until he had attained to man's
estate. In compensation for his services, his employer then gave him forty acres
of land and a horse. For about a year after attaining his majority, he worked as
a farm hand by the month and was then married.

  It was on the 27th of November, 1856, that Mr. Schonert was united in marriage
with Miss Fredericke G. Membell, who was born in Saxony, Germany, January 19,
1839. Her parents, Andrew and Catherine Membell, were also natives of that
country, and emigrated to America on the same ship in which our subject sailed.
After reaching Richland County, Mr. Membell entered the farm upon which Mr.
Schonert now resides, and with his wife there lived until called to the home
beyond. His death occurred November 25, 1855, and Mrs. Membell passed away
November 27, 1867. Their remains were interred side by side in the German
cemetery. Seven children, four sons and three daughters, grace the union of our
subject and his wife. Catherine, born May 20, 1858, is the wife of H. H. Jones,
a farmer of this county; Mary, born July 24, 1860, is the wife of Conrad Kurtz,
who follows the same pursuit in Richland County; the next child died in infancy;
Sarah, born April 13, 1865, married John W. Gallagher, also a farmer; Charles,
born November 5, 1867; Eli G., born July 25, 1870, and Harry Edward, born
October 3,1873, are still at home. The children have been provided with good
school privileges and are thus fitted for the practical duties of life.

  Mr. and Mrs. Schonert began their domestic life upon the farm and he now owns
two hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land situated four and a-half
miles southwest of Olney. There is a neat residence and a good barn upon the
place and other modern improvements. Mr. Schonert has led a busy and useful life
yet has found time to faithfully discharge his duties of citizenship. He served
for three terms as School Director and is a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party. Socially, he is connected with Olney Lodge, Independent Order of Mutual
Aid. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife holds membership
with the German Lutheran Church. An honorable, upright man, he has the respect
of all with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties
Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co.
1893


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