Henry L. Schaefer

As printed in 1902

HEXRY L. SCHAEFER.

Henry L. Schaefer. who is engaged in the undertaking and embalming business at Xo. 144 'est Main street. Spring-field, was burn July 31, 1850, in this city. His father, Leonard Schaefer. was born in Germanv in 1823, learned the trade of locksmith in that coimtry and came to America from Stuttgart, Germany. He had there occupied the position of foreman in a large lock fact)Ty, being a Aery experienced and expert man in his line of business. Li 1849 he emigrated to the new wood, n.making his way direct to Springfield, Ohio, which was then a cily containing about five thousand inhabitants. Here he began business as a kjcksmith, and from the beginning his trade constantly increased. He also conducted a machine shop and began the manufacture of railings, fences and awnings. The first iron raihng which he made is now on the residence of the Catholic sisters of Springfield. The enterprise which he established in 1850 was located on East Main street, 'between Spring and Foster streets. For many years he followed an active business career here and was regarded as an important factor in the industrial life of the city. It was an accident which caused him to choose Springfield as his place of residence, 'hile on board the vessel coming to America he was taken ill with smallpO'X. ' He had intended to locate in Cincinnati, Ohioi, but as cholera was A-er\- prevalent there he remained in this city. For nearly forty years he conducted business here and was respected as an industrious, aiergetic man, who well merited the success which attended his efforts. His business card was in the first directory ever published in this city, in 1852. Leonard Schaefer came to America a single man and was here married by Dr. Chandler Robbins to Rosina Esslinger, who was born in Germany in 1823. Tins marriage took place in 1849, irs. Schaefer coming to America soon after her huston's arrival. Her father, John Gottleib Esslinger. was a soldier against Bonaparte in 1814. and our subject now has a paintingof his grandfather in his uniform, it having been brought to this country by Mr. EssUnger. Henry L. Sdiaefer was the only child born of these parents who grew to maturity. The mother died in 1869, and in 1870 the father was again married and had three sons by this union — C..Albert, who is now associated with the Thomas Manufacturing Company; Leonard, who is in the employ of Elder & Tuttle, dealers in hardware; and Paul, who is employed by the Webster & Perks Tool Company, of Springheld. The father died at the old home place on East Main street, May 5, 1895, where he had erected a residence. In politics he took an active interest and supported the Democratic party, but was never an aspirant for office. He belonged to St. John's German Lutheran church and was a member of the old Union Fire Company. Xo. 3, of Springfield.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in A Biographical record of Clark county, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.