Joseph Schneider Was Prosperous Earlier Day Farmer

from Wilmette's 75th Anniversary 1872 - 1947, September 18, 1947

Joseph Schneider Was Prosperous Earlier Day Farmer

The large Schneider relationship, identified with Wilmette history for more than a century, had its beginnings in this area in 1846 when Anton and Gertrude (Huerter) Schneider--both born 1799--left their native Prussia to cast their lot, along with thousands of other liberty seeking Germans, in the New World.

Proceeding to Chicago after the Atlantic crossing, this pioneer couple soon purchased and established their home on 133 acres of land on Section 31, in New Trier township; buying the farm, its crops and stock for $900. There Anton Schneider carried on farming during the greater part of his life, although he was a blacksmith by trade. His death occurred in 1875.

Joseph Eldest Child

Coming to America with his parents was Joseph Schneider, born in Germany in 1841, the first of a large family of children with which the couple was blessed.

Joseph acquired his education in the public schools, and, while his training was meager, biographical reference to his career states he became "well known on all questions of the day."

Records show that Joseph Schneider followed in his father's footsteps by cultivating 55 acres of the old homestead. While this was less than one-half of the entire farm which his father had purchased for $900, the tract was estimated conservatively (in the mid 90's) as valued at $10,000, and described as a model establishment.

Joseph Schneider was married in 1864 to Katherina Kriel, also a native of Prussia, whose family came to America in 1846, and in 1862 established residence in New Trier township

Twelve Children

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schneider, one of whom died at birth. The others were in the order of birth:

Anton, Margaretha, Maria, Mathias, Peter, Joseph A., John G., Wilhelm J., Katherine, Frank, and Adam.

Joseph Schneider, old records indicate, was "a democrat, since casting his first Presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas. . . but never sought political preferment."