William Schelb, Sr., of Girard, Illinois, whose long and
honorable business record, and whose many years of faithful service in the
city's public life, entitle him to be considered a thoroughly representative
citizen, was born December 26, 1832, in the town of Zachringen, Grand Duchy
of Baden, Germany. He is the only surviving son of Philip and Theresia
Schelb. The father was a wholesale merchant for many years and prominent in
the political and social circles of the grand duchy, where his death took
place in 1864.
According to the provisions of the German law, young
Schelb was placed in school at the age of six years and remained there until
he reached the age of 14 years. His parents were strong Catholics as were
all the people of that section of the country, and it was their desire that
William should be a Catholic priest and he was accordingly sent in the
spring of 1846 to the archbishop at the city of Freiburg for his theological
education. At the outbreak of the revolution in the year 1848 in Baden and
some of the other States, the seminary was closed and young Schelb returned
home. The father at that time was a member of the Legislature and with a
party that was not in harmony with the revolutionary party and was forced to
leave his home and seek safety in Switzerland. William being at home at that
time went with his father and it was there, away from the strong church
influence and among philosophers, free men and free thinkers, that he too
breathed the air of investigation and since then has allowed no man or set
of men to do his thinking. Filled with the love of liberty and independence,
it was his desire to learn a trade and accordingly he was taken by an old
friend of his father, who was a very fine artist, to learn the painter's
trade. The contract was for two years and he was to receive, besides
instruction, his board and $50 in money. At the expiration of the two years
he remained with this man for another year for which he received good pay.
He returned home in the year 1851 and after some three months rest he
traveled and hunted for work; finding it with but little trouble, he worked
for over two years in the city of Weinheim, Baden. By the German rule he
entered the regular army in April, 1853, at the age of 20 years, in the
Jager Battalion and remained in the army seven years or until April, 1860.
During this period he was advanced to the rank of orderly sergeant, and on
two occasions received medals of gold and silver for his services and many
times good prizes for fine shooting. Resigning his commission as orderly
sergeant, he followed his trade as carriage painter and entered the State
railroad shops at Carlsruhe as manager of the car painters and remained
there for eight years.
In October, 1858, Mr. Schelb was united in
wedlock with Christina Kuebler, who was born in Unterderdingan, Kingdom of
Wurtemburg, a daughter of William Kuebler. Mr. Schelb came to America in the
year 1868 and located in Girard, Illinois, where he had a brother-in-law.
His family at that time consisted of his wife and three children — one
daughter and two sons: Lena, William, Jr., and Adolph Robert. Later, in
1870, a son was born to them in this country — Ernest F. In August, 1880,
Adolph Robert died at the age of 16 years. Lena Schelb married the late Fred
G. Storz, of Girard, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. The two
surviving sonsj William, Jr., and Ernest F., now carry on the painting
business that was established by their father and which was left to them on
his retirement a short time ago. Mrs. Schelb is a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church and the children were all christened in that church.
Mr. Schelb cast his first vote for General U. S. Grant for President but
ever since he has been a strict Democrat. He is a member in high standing in
Girard Lodge, No. 192, I. O. O. F., and has several times been its
representative in the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Encampment and
is the present representative in the Grand Encampment, I. O. O. F. He was
also honored by his brother Odd Fellows with a veteran's jewel, which is for
his membership of more than 25 years in good standing in his order and for
the good work he had done for it. He was elected and served as village
trustee of Girard and after it became a city he was elected and served for
eight years in the Board of Aldermen. Resigning that position, he was
elected for a two-years term as city treasurer.
Working at his trade
in this country, he was a contractor for house painting and for 36 years
conducted a shop where he did carriage, wagon, sign and other fine painting.
He closed this successful career as a painter on January 5, 1904, when at
the age of 71 years he retired and turned the business over to his two sons,
who are now conducting the business.
Mr. Schelb is one of the
largest real estate owners in Girard and is, in fact, considered one of the
capitalists of Macoupin County. His residence in Girard is one of the
handsomest and is also one of the most hospitable, for both Mr. and Mrs.
Schelb have a wide circle of warm friends. Mr. Schelb, although about 72
years of age, seems hale and hearty and gives promise of many years of
usefulness as a citizen and public benefactor, as in his lodges and in his
home city his advice and assistance are sought by his brothers and
fellowmen.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 305-307.
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