In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1912) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1832
From History of Crawford County and Ohio : containing a history of the state of Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time ... a history of Crawford County ... biographical sketches, portraits (1881), History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912)
C. H. SHONERT, County Treasurer, Bucyrus. This gentleman is a son of John H. and Frederika (John) Shonert, and was born in Saxony April 13, 1832, where he went to school until he was 14, and afterward worked with his father at blacksmithing for two years. In March, 1848, he sailed from the port of Bremen, and, after a voyage of six weeks, landed at New York on May (J. He removed to Crawford Co. with his father's family and settled in Lykeus Township, where Mr. Shonert worked on the farm for one year. lu April, 1849, he came to Bucyrus and learned tanning with Aaron Cary. For eighteen years he carried on business for himself, and now has a half-interest in the business with Jacob Haller. He early developed a remarkable taste for music, and is one of, if not the finest musician in the city. He has held several city offices, and, in 1875, he was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1877. During his terms of office he has shown himself capable and energetic, and made himself deservedly popular. He was married, Oct. 30,1856, tr> Maria W. Miller, of Bucyrus. Seven children arc the fruit of this union — William, Emma M., Francis O., Edwin M., Anna Z., Clara W., Thomas C. Mr. Shonert commenced life poor, with no capital but his own labor and energy, but he has succeeded admirably in making his fortune b- his own etlbrts.
As printed in History of Crawford County and Ohio : containing a history of the state of Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time ... a history of Crawford County ... biographical sketches, portraits (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
CHRISTIAN SHONERT, dealer in pianos and other musical instruments at Bucyrus, O., who is known all through this section as a musician of a high order of ability, was born in Saxony, Germany, April 13, 1832, and is a son of John H. and Frederica (John) Shonert.
John H. Shonert followed the blacksmith trade in Germany and was an excellent workman but many of his customers were people of small means and unable to pay enough for Mr. Shonert's services to enable him to take care of and provide for a rapidly increasing family. In the hope that in America he would find better opportunities, Mr. Shonert decided to emigrate and in 1848, with his family left the port of Bremen for the United States. After a voyage of six weeks the family was safely landed at Castle Garden, New York City, and from there made their way to Crawford county, O., and settled on a farm in Lykens township, where the father followed both farming and blacksmithing.
Christian Shonert attended school in his native land and was 16 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. After one year of toil on the farm in Lykens township he left home and came to Bucyrus, where he learned the tanning business, and afterward, for a number of years, continued in this line, during a part of the time alone and also with a partner. The German people are noted for their natural musical talent and Christian developed this very early although circumstances were such that he had little opportunity to develop it while young. Later he secured advantages and it has long been said of him that he is the finest musician in Crawford county. He was the first real musical man in Bucyru.? and has had much to do with the encouragement of music in this city. He has been in the musical instrument business at his present location. No. 415 N. Sandusky Street, since 1849.
Mr. Shonert was married October 30, 1856, to Miss Maria W. Miller, a resident of Bucyrus, and they have had seven children, all of whom have inherited their father's remarkable musical gifts and have had them cultivated and appreciated. The third son, Edwin M. Shonert, has become a celebrated pianist and at present is on the concert stage. Mr Shonert has been one of Bucyrus' most useful citizens. He has served with satisfaction and efficiency in city and county offices and was four times elected county treasurer, first in 1875 and again in 1877 and also served the two terms from 1884 to 1888. He retired from this office of trust and responsibility bearing with him the respect, esteem and commendation of his fellow citizens. He has also served a number of years on the school board and city council.
As printed in History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Jacob Haller (b. 1844)
Their biographies name C. H. Shonert: W. W. Miller (b. 1808)
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.