Ervin Julius Schneider was born on July 8, 1899, making today his 125th birthday. Ervin was the youngest child of Emil and Theresia (Meyr) Schneider. The Schneider’s had been members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, but when the new congregation, Zion Lutheran Church, was established in Pocahontas, they became members of that church. That is where Ervin was baptized. We can take a look at his baptism record from that congregation’s books shown below.

Just 6 months after he was born, Ervin’s father died of pneumonia. So, when we see Ervin in his first census in 1900, his mother was the head of the household, and Ervin was not even one year old yet. His mother is called the farmer in this household, with 2 of Ervin’s older brothers, ages 14 and 12, who were called farm laborers. The family was living in the Shawnee Township.

Next, we find Ervin in the 1910 census at the age of 10. This time, his mother was no longer called a farmer, and several of Ervin’s older brothers were doing the farming.

Ervin had his World War I draft registration completed in 1918. It says he was farming, and his mother was his employer.

The 1920 census would be the last one in which we find Ervin living in Missouri. This time, his brother, Gustav, was listed as the head of the family. Gustav had gotten married and had 2 children by this time. Ervin was helping on the Schneider farm at the age of 20.

Now, it is time to take a look at the woman who would become Ervin’s bride. Her name was Floretta Adele Groh, who was born on January 23, 1907. Floretta was the daughter of Ernest and Anna (Schuessler) Groh. Both of her parents had been born and raised in Perry County, Missouri, but after they were married they resided in Jacob, Illinois. Floretta was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob. Her baptism record is pictured here.

Floretta appears in her first census in 1910 at the age of 3. Her father was a wagonmaker in the Fountain Bluff Township. Like it was with Ervin Schneider, Floretta was the last child born into her family.

Floretta, often called Flora, is next found in the 1920 census at the age of 12. She was the only remaining child in the Groh household.

Ervin Schneider married Floretta Groh on June 29, 1927 at Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob. The church marriage record for this couple is displayed below.

According to our German Family Tree, the Schneider’s had two sons, Willard and Orvil. Both of them were baptized at Christ, Jacob. The 1930 census shows this young couple with just their first son. They were living in Grand Tower, Illinois where Ervin was working as an oiler at the power plant. Also included in their household was Vera Palisch, who was called a cousin. She was actually the cousin of Floretta. Vera was the daughter of Anton and Ida (Schuessler) Palisch. If you look at Floretta’s baptism record again, you will see that Anton Palisch was one of her sponsors. Vera was a stenographer at the same power plant at which Ervin worked.

I have previously shown this photo of the power plant that is located across the river from Wittenberg, Missouri that is near Grand Tower. It is no longer in operation.

The 1940 census shows the Schneider’s with both of their sons. Ervin continued working as an oiler at the electric power plant.

Ervin had his World War II draft card filled out in 1942. His employer is called the Central Illinois Public Service Company.

The last census the public can view is the one taken in 1950. This time, Ervin is called a relief man at the public utility. Just their younger son, Orvil, was living with them, and he was a student at a business college.

Ervin Schneider died in 1979 at the age of 80. I am able to show a transcription of his obituary. It includes more details about other activities he was involved in during his life.

Floretta Schneider died in 1989 at the age of 82. Ervin and Floretta are buried together in the Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Jacob.

I was happy to find a story for today’s post that took us to Grand Tower, Ilinois. Recently, a museum that was located in Grand Tower that focused on the history of Mississippi River boat traffic, decided to close. They offered some of their artifacts and exhibits to our museum in Altenburg. We have now transported many of their items to our location and are getting close to opening a new exhibit displaying many of those items. I took a photo this morning to give you a sneak peek at what our visitors will be able to view when that exhibit officially opens. You can come now to see this “exhibit in progress” if you would like.