My Genealogy Hound

JACOB SCHNEIDER. In the perusal of this volume, the reader has doubtless been impressed with the fact that the majority of the successful men of southwestern Michigan have risen from poverty and humble parentage to positions of responsibility solely through the exercise of their abilities, unaided by any extraneous circumstances. Indeed, the remark is not infrequently made that he who woos sweet Fortune must not offer a tribute of gold to the fickle Goddess of Wealth, else the coveted success will not be gained. The subject of this sketch is one of those men who have made their own way in the world, attaining prosperity through arduous and unceasing exertions.

Now a resident of section 9, St. Joseph Township, Berrien County, our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 27th of March, 1833, and is a son of John Jacob and Margaret Schneider. His father was a farmer in Bavaria, and was one of the men who served in the war with Napoleon Bonaparte. While in active service, he was taken prisoner, remaining in the enemy’s power for one hundred days. A man of public spirit and enterprise, he was one of the most prominent citizens of his community, and served acceptably as an Alderman. He was also Commander of the Village Guards. He and his good wife have been called from earth, and one of their children is also deceased. The surviving members of the family are: Jacob, of this sketch; and Henrietta, Margaret and Philip, residents of Germany.

After having acquired an education in the common schools of Bavaria, at the age of sixteen he began to learn the trade of a weaver. In 1850 he emigrated to America, making the long voyage alone, and upon arriving in the United States he located in Cleveland, Ohio, where for one week he was employed on a farm, receiving a salary of $1. He then worked in a bakery for one month, his wages being $8, and afterward secured employment as a cigar manufacturer at a salary of $10 per year. After twelve months thus spent, he went to Buffalo, and he for two years occupied a position in a vessel on the lake.

We next find Mr. Schneider a cigar manufacturer in Syracuse, N. Y., where he resided from 1854 until 1862. Thence he removed to Lyons, N. Y., where he embarked in the cigar business and conducted an extensive and profitable trade, having usually a force of ten men in his employ. In 1887 he disposed of his interests in Lyons, and, removing to Illinois, made a temporary sojourn in Chicago. In the spring of 1888 he came to Michigan, and settled upon the farm which he has since occupied. Here he owns nineteen acres of highly improved land, upon which he carries on an extensive business as a fruit-grower, raising all varieties of both small and large fruits. The location of the place is desirable, being beautifully situated on the lake shore.

The marriage of Mr. Schneider occurred in 1857, his wife being Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob Becker, and a native of Germany, although at the time of her marriage a resident of Syracuse, N. Y. They are the parents of two children: George W., a cigar manufacturer residing in St. Joseph; and Henrietta D., who resides at home with her parents. In politics a Democrat upon subjects of national importance, Mr. Schneider is independent in local affairs, and casts his ballot for the man whom he considers best qualified for the position. He is quite prominent in local politics, and has held a number of responsible positions. For four years he served as Alderman of the village of Lyons, N. Y., and was also Assessor for two years, he was School Inspector for two years, and Moderator of the schools of his district. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the commandery at Elmira, N. Y., and the blue lodge at St. Joseph.