David Schein

David Schein, the popular and efficient Postmaster of Berksville, and one of its leading merchants, is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred there February 6, 1850. His parents, Andrew and Henrietta (Jacoby) Schein, were also born in the same country, and were there educated. The father was a machinist of Kempen, and was a very industrious and hard working man. Both he and his wife were members of the Hebrew Church. They have now departed this life, the father's death having occurred at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-four. They were the parents of thirteen children, but only thee are living, Joseph, Salo and David.

Our subject acquired a good education in the public schools of the Fatherland. In 1866, at the age of sixteen years, he came with his brother, Salo, to this country, and after spending about a year in travel, he located in Berksville, Monroe County, where he has since made his home. He had had some business experience before his emigration to the New World, for he had been engaged in clerking in the Fatherland. After arriving here, he engaged in clerking for six years, and was a trusted employee, ever faithful to the interests of those for whom he worked. In this way, through his industry and economy, he acquired some capital, which in 1875 he invested in a business of his own. Forming a partnership with Mr. Ziebold, they opened a general store in Monroe City, and together did business until 1877, when the connection was dissolved, and Mr. Schein opened a store of his own. This he conducted for eleven years, when in 1888 he sold out and came to Berksville, opening the store of which he is now proprietor.

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Schein was in her maidenhood Emma Lorentz. She was born in Iowa, but the greater part of her girlhood was spent in this county, where she acquired a good education. She is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is an estimable lady, who has many friends throughout the community. By their union were born eleven children, Ida (wife of Peter Schneider), Nelson, Henry, Julius, Henrietta, George, Phelona, and four who died in infancy.
In his political views, Mr. Schein is a stanch Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles of his party. He has served as School Director, was Justice of the Peace for several years, and for nine years was Postmaster of Monroe City. He now holds a similar position in Berksville, and is a capable and efficient officer. He is a member of the Harigari Lodge, and holds membership with the Lutheran Church. He commenced life for himself without a dollar, but he is an excellent financier, and by careful attention to the details of his business and by well-directed efforts, he has met with signal success, and has become one of the substantial citizens of the community.