My Genealogy Hound

Adam Schorr, who for eleven years has been engaged in carpentering in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and is now chief of the fire department in Creston, is well known as an energetic, industrious man, whose labors have contributed to the business activity of his adopted city. He was born in Germany in 1864, a son of Balser and Otillia (Helfrich) Schorr, who were likewise natives of Germany. The father was a shoemaker by trade and died in his native land in 1869, when about forty years of age, in the faith of the Catholic church, of which he was a communicant. In 1871 his widow brought the family to the new world and located at Carthage, Illinois. Her remaining days were passed in this country and she died in 1894, at the age of sixty-five years. In their family were four children: Balser J., who is with the Burlington Railroad Company in Creston; Philip, who is in a packing house at Ottumwa; Katie, deceased; and Adam.

The last named was a lad of but five summers at the time of his father’s death, and when seven years of age was brought by his mother to the new world. His education was acquired in the common schools of Carthage, Illinois, after which he learned the butcher’s trade. He came to Creston in 1886 and was engaged in the restaurant business for some time. During the past eleven years he has been an employe in the carpentering department of the Burlington road, his mechanical ability and skill insuring him continued service in the position. He has displayed energy and industry in every business relation of his life and the success he has attained is attributable entirely to his own labors.

In 1889 Mr. Schorr was married to Miss Eva Burgman, who was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1870. They now have a son and daughter: John, who is in the office of the Burlington road at Creston; and Pauline, now in school. The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Schorr is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His political views are in accord with the principles of democracy and in community affairs he is deeply interested, having supported many progressive public measures. In the spring of 1907 he was appointed chief of the Creston fire department and in this position is doing excellent service for the public.