My Genealogy Hound

JOHN J. SCHADT, ex-Treasurer of Lehigh County, and a representative citizen of Allentown, was born in Whitehall on the 18th of May, 1838. His grandfather, John Schadt, was born in this state, but was of German descent. His father, Henry Schadt, was born in North Whitehall, and was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He married Polly Knauss, a native of South Whitehall, and a daughter of Jonas Knauss, who was also of German lineage. They became the parents of four sons and five daughters, and seven of the family are yet living. The father died in 1869, and the mother, who survived him twenty years, passed away in 1889.

Mr. Schadt of this sketch remained upon the home farm until seventeen years of age and attended school in Whitehall. With his brother he learned the trade of blacksmithing. On the death of his employee he returned to the old homestead, but afterward worked in a rolling-mill, filling the position of foreman. In 1874 he opened a blacksmith shop in Allen town, and has carried on business continuously since with good success, building up a fine trade, which yields to him a good income.

In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schadt and Miss Ann A. Burger, a native of Allentown, and a daughter of Stephen Burger. Seven children were born of their union, as follows: Alice, wife of Wilson Jacoby; Harvey, a cigar manufacturer; Minnie, wife of Henry Landis; and Hester, Anna M., Edward J. and Robert, who are still with their parents.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Schadt is a stanch Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles of his party. He has been honored with a number of local offices. In 1892 he was elected to the position of County Treasurer, which he creditably filled. The best interests of the community have ever found in him a friend, and he is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, who gives his hearty support and co-operation to all those enterprises which are calculated to prove of public benefit and to promote the general welfare. He and his wife hold membership with the Salem Church, and are highly respected people, who have many warm friends throughout the community. They have a pleasant home at No. 618 Linden Street, and their household is the abode of hospitality. Mr. Schadt may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed, and by overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his path by industry and determined efforts, he has steadily worked his way upward, and is now the possessor of a comfortable competency. His career has been an honorable and upright cue, and his example is worthy of emulation.