Biography - George Schoch
GEORGE SCHOCH. It is with pleasure that we incorporate in this Record a
brief account of the life of this respected citizen of Tower Hill Township,
Shelby County. He has borne a worthy part in the agricultural work of the
county, and in that of social and benevolent circles, and to every position
he has brought the energy and earnestness which are his chief
characteristics. As a farmer, he uses excellent judgment in the preparation
of the soil for crops, in the character of the produce raised, and reaps a
corresponding harvest. Buildings suited to the various needs of the family
and farm economy have been erected and everywhere the indications are of
peace and plenty. The estate is pleasantly located on section 4 and
comprises one hundred and twenty acres.
Mr. Schoch is one of our German-American citizens, who have aided so
materially in the development of our country. He was born in Wurtemberg,
Germany, October 9, 1840, and grew to manhood in his native land. In the
excellent public schools of the Fatherland he gleaned a good education and
at the same time assisted his father in the farm work, for which he had a
natural aptitude. His parents were Leonard and Magdelena (Knodler) Schoch,
who passed their entire lives in Germany. George Schoch, the subject of this
biographical notice, remained in Germany until he was about twenty-four
years old, and in September, 1865, took passage for America.
Landing in New York Mr. Schoch proceeded directly to Shelbyville, this
county, where for about three years he worked out on a farm. He then rented
land for about three years, and by careful hoarding of his hard earned money
he was enabled in 1871 to purchase a tract of forty acres in Tower Hill
Township. He afterward added to the acreage as suited his convenience and
now owns one hundred and twenty acres, nearly all of which is in
cultivation. He erected a commodious residence on his farm, and in various
ways embellished his property. Possessing good judgment and untiring energy
he naturally ranks among the foremost farmers of the community.
When prepared to establish domestic ties of his own, Mr. Schoch was married
in Tower Hill Township, to Mary Weidle, who was born in Ohio April 8, 1852.
Unto them were born six children, namely: Charlie F., Lizzie B., Rickey K.,
Minnie A., William G. and Emma C. Mrs. Schoch is the daughter of Frederick
and Rickey (Reossler) Weidle, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to
America in 1852 and settled in Preble County, Ohio. In 1857 they came to
Illinois settling in Rural Township, Shelby County, where Mr. Weidle died in
1859. Our subject and his wife are both faithful members of the Lutheran
Church, and are noted for their benevolent and kindly dispositions.
Politically, Mr. Schoch is a Democrat, but has never sought office,
preferring domestic quiet to the turmoil attached to a public career.
Extracted 05 Feb 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 652-653.
