Chris Schroeder, who upon the foundation of broad, practical experience in agriculture has built his life work-that of disseminating useful knowledge concerning improved methods of farming and live stock breeding-is now live stock editor of the Wisconsin Agriculturist, published at Racine. He was born in Kewaunee, this state, December 31, 1880, a son of Frederick C. and Margaret (Hoeltz) Schroeder, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born in 1842 and with his parents came to the United States in 1853, the family home being established in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, where they followed the occupation of farming. The life record of Frederick C. Schroeder covered seventy-two years, his death occurring in 1914. His wife was born in 1846 and was brought by her father to the new world in 1850, the Hoeltz family being also established in Manitowoc County. Three years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Schroeder removed to Kewaunee County, where they became pioneer settlers and tanners. Previous to his marriage Mr. Schroeder served for three years as a federal soldier in the Civil war, from 1862 until 1865, fighting in the Western Army at Vicksburg, along the Rio Grande and at Mobile.
Chris Schroeder, reared on the old homestead farm, obtained his education in the public and high schools of Kewaunee and afterward followed the profession of teaching for two years. A contemporary biographer, writing of his youthful days, said: “He received his early farm training under the guidance of his thrifty parents, and too, by working primarily before and after school hours. Many a 5 am alarm, saw the boy at chores and milking, and it is not unusual for him today to show visitors the sixty-acre farm where stood the young forest which was leveled to the ground with the help of his axe during vacation time. There was comparatively little so-called recreation for the boy Schroeder. The farm was paid for through the thrift of his parents and older brothers, but there were improvements necessary. He was anxious to help make it a success and he loved farming and work too much to idle long. The outdoors seemed to call him continually. He thrived behind the plow and mowing machine-the live stock seemed to know they were being handled by one who appreciated their qualities. His constant desire for knowledge led him into teaching at the rural school, for he has always contended that to know a thing one must be able to teach it. Then again it gave him the opportunity of trying out his theory that farm children should be taught by one who knows farming and could intelligently interpret the lessons in a language they understood. Two years of this and he became hungry for a college training, so in 1902 he entered the Lon!, Course in agriculture at the University of Wisconsin, graduated with honors, and remained at the university farm for a year, specializing, in the core of beef cattle and breeding, horse stock, assisting, also in class work. Still intent upon making the teaching of better live stock his vocation, he accepted the position as instructor in animal husbandry at the Minnesota Agricultural College, and in June, 1908. assumed the responsibility of live stick editor with the Wisconsin Agriculturist,- in which connection he has since continued, making his department of the paper one of extreme interest and value to the breeders and raisers of live stock. In this connection he has also served as the secretary of the Holstein-Friesian Breeders’ Association of Wisconsin since March, 1913.
On the 9th of June, 1908, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Jordens, of Milwaukee, who passed away on the 2d of March, 1912. On the 1st of July, 1913, Mr. Schroeder was again married, his second union being with Beulah R., Sherburne, of Palmyra, Wisconsin. By his first wife he had one child, Gerda Leone, who was born on the 10th of December, 1909.
Mr. Schroeder exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican Party and, while not an office seeker, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Equitable Fraternal Union and his life standards are drawn from the teachings of the Congregational church, his membership being now in Plymouth church of Racine. He belongs to the Commercial Club arid is deeply interested in all of its proposed plans and projects for the improvement and development of the city. Of him it has been said: “All through his life a tireless worker, a consistent thinker and a loyal friend, he numbers among his acquaintances most of the best farmers of the state. He seeks no glory other than that which is the natural result of helping others, and is acknowledged by many as being one of the best, posted young men in animal husbandry in the state.” Advancement has been his watchword and his entire life has been a stimulating influence for benefit in connection with every work that he has undertaken.