My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL SCHWARTZ is the present Postmaster at Elkville, and is an efficient and faithful officer, who in the prompt discharge of his duties has won high commendation. Mr. Schwartz is a native of Elkville Township, and is therefore all the more deserving of representation in this volume. He was born in 1847, and is a son of George and Sarah Schwartz, who were numbered among the pioneers of the state, having settled in the southern part of Illinois in 1812, during territorial days. They were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectively and on leaving their childhood home became residents of Jackson County, Ill., locating south of Murphysboro. At that time the Indians still lingered along the Mississippi, and the entire district was in a wild and unimproved condition. Later Mr. Schwartz made extensive purchases of land in Elkville Township, which subsequently became the property of numerous heirs of the family.

Amid the wild scenes of frontier life, Samuel Schwartz passed the days of his boyhood and youth. He worked on a farm during the summer months, and in the winter season attended the common school, where he acquired a good education. When he had arrived at man’s estate, he took up the pursuit to which he had been reared, and very successfully followed farming for some time. He still owns two hundred acres of valuable land, comprising one of the best farm properties in Jackson County. The land is highly cultivated, and is improved with all the buildings and conveniences found upon a model farm.

In 1872, Mr. Schwartz was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Hackney, of Tennessee, who has proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate. She is a most estimable lady, and has many warm friends throughout the community, who esteem her highly. The Schwartz household numbers our subject, his wife and the three children who have graced their union. Charles E., the eldest, is now attending the State Normal University of Carbondale, Ill., and is rapidly winning success as a correspondent of the St. Louis papers. Fannie B. and Chester R. are still at home.

Mr. Schwartz has twice been elected Postmaster at Elkville, and is now filling the office in a creditable and acceptable manner. He votes with the Democracy, and is a warm advocate of its principles. In 1891 he established a general store, and from the beginning this investment has proved a profitable one, increasing his income materially. He is a man of energy and enterprise, and his success is the result of well directed efforts.