My Genealogy Hound

FRED W. SCHRIEBER, a well known resident of Randolph County, and one of its honored settlers, now living in Horse Prairie, claims Germany as the land of his birth. His father, A. Schrieber, was born in the same country, and in 1835 emigrated to America, accompanied by his wife and four children, the eldest of whom was Fred. Charles, the second, is now a resident of Carondelet, Ill.; William is living in St. Louis County, Mo.; and Wilhelmina is a resident of Randolph County.

Our subject was a youth of sixteen when he came to the New World, taking up his residence in this community. For ten years he remained under the parental roof, and then, in 1848, he began life for himself. He chose as a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Miss Wilhelmena Luebkarman, and by their marriage were born eleven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Frederick, Henry, Edward, Charles and Herman. The two youngest are now residents of St. Louis.

Mr. Schrieber started out in life for himself empty-handed. In early life he secured from the Government a farm of eighty acres of wild land, which was covered only with prairie grass, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made. He at once began breaking it, and from time to time he extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises almost an entire section. This tract he has placed under a high state of cultivation, making many excellent improvements upon it, which stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner. His life has been indeed a busy and useful one, and by his economy, industry, perseverance and good management he has achieved success. His sons are also well-to-do men and are industrious.

When Mr. Schrieber first came to this county in 1838, wild game was to be had in abundance, and as he was very fond of hunting he had ample opportunity to indulge his taste for that sport. He has seen the county in its wild condition, and in the work of improvement and development has ever borne his part. In 1876 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was called to her final rest. She was a faithful Christian woman and proved a faithful helpmate to him. He and his family are all members of the Lutheran Church, with which they have been connected since its organization. To its support he contributes liberally and in its upbuilding and welfare he takes an active interest. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with a success that is well deserved.