Biography - HENRY C. SCHELDT

Henry C. Scheldt, a farmer and stock raiser of Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, who owns and operates the Clover Hill Farm, a fine property of 183 acres situated in section 29, was born in Madison County, Illinois, June 23, 1864. He is a son of Philip and Christine (Bausch) Scheldt.

Philip Scheldt was born in Darmstadt, Germany, November 3, 1830. His mother died when he was 11 years of age. When he was 21 years old he came to America, and after working two years went back to Germany and brought with him his father, who later died at his son's home in Madison County, Illinois, aged 75 years. Philip Scheldt married Christine Bausch, also a native of Germany, who now resides in Chicago, Illinois. His death occurred on his farm in Macoupin County in 1895. He was an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder for many years. In politics he was a Republican, and he held a number of township offices. Although he began life with few advantages, by energy and thrift he accumulated a large property. His children were: Susan Gabrielle, who died at the age of 21 years; Jacob T., a lumber man in business in Chicago; Henry C, of this sketch; and Lizzie, Amelia and Kate, all residents of Chicago.

Our subject was six months old when his parents settled on the present farm, on which he has lived ever since. He has here very successfully carried on general farming and stock raising, and has a herd of Jersey cattle, eligible to register. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs which are also eligible to register, his boar "Romeo" being one of the best in this State. He raises large crops of wheat and corn, but of late years has been directing his efforts more in the line of fruit culture, and has set out 1,400 pear trees and 100 apple trees. On account of the favorable situation of his land and his careful methods, there is no doubt but that Mr. Scheldt will reap large harvests of choice fruit.

In 1891 Mr. Scheldt married Mary Kreig, who was born in Madison County, Illinois, October 2, 1868, and is a daughter of John and Barbara Kreig, both natives of Germany. They have one son, Roscoe, a bright boy now attending school. In politics, Mr. Scheldt is identified with the Republican party in which he is held in such esteem that he is often called upon to fill official positions. He has been a school trustee for a long period and for nine years served as highway commissioner, much credit being due him for the excellent conditions prevailing throughout the township. He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church and one of the trustees, as well as one of its most liberal supporters.

Extracted 2018 May 06 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 147-148.