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Surname: Schieferstein
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Biography of Phil L. Schieferstein
From 1918 Standard History of Adams and Wells Counties by Tyndall
& Lesh
Submitted by Nola (Schieferstein) Rains
Phil L. Schieferstein is one of the prominent residents of Root Township
and has spent nearly all the years of his active manhood in cultivating
one of the admirably situated and fine farms of that vicinity.
He and his family are well known in Adams and Allen counties. Mr. Schieferstein
was born in Marion Township of Allen County, January 9, 1872. He is a son
of George and Elizabeth (Braun) Schieferstein, old time residents of Allen
County. George Schieferstein came to the United States from Prussia, Germany,
in 1850. He was a single man then, had given service for three years in
the German army, and came to this country in company with the Braun family,
whose daughter he afterward married. His first home in Indiana was a small
log cabin about five miles from Fort Wayne on the Peter Smith farm. He
lived there about two years, and his principal occupation was cutting cord
wood at 20 cents a cord. He was poor but industrious, a man of strict probity,
got along well with his neighbors, and in the course of time his labors
began to show fruit. In 1861 he bought a farm of his own, consisting of
eighty acres, and from that time forward his prosperity has been on the
increase. The land which he bought was acquired by Government title and
was in an absolutely primitive condition. He cleared away a few acres and
built the humble home in which his son Phil and six other children were
born. Four of the family are still living: Henry, Fred, Phil and George.
The daughter Christina died several years ago.
George Schieferstein in 1881 bought fifty-five acres in Root Township of
Adams County, and this is the land now occupied by Henry Schieferstein.
Phil Schieferstein grew up at the old home in Allen County, acquired a
common school education, and by experience and observation has perfected
himself as a practical and progressive farmer. His home is in Root Township,
a short distance from the old Village of Monmouth and about three miles
north of Decatur.
Phil Schieferstein married Miss Ada May Lewton, daughter of L. W. and Mary
Lewton, of Monmouth, Root Township. To their marriage were born three children,
Thurman D., Marlow F. and Elizabeth Hattie. These children have all had
the advantages of the local district and high schools. Mrs. Schieferstein
has brothers and sisters named C. D., Amos, Edgar, Effie M. and Daisy.
Effie married L. W. Frank and Daisy married Vesta Brokaw.
Mr. Schieferstein bought two other farms in Root Township, the McConnell
and Bottenberg farms, comprising altogether 117 acres. The family are members
of the Lutheran Church.