Biographies
ALFRED SCHADEN
For many years the Schadens,
father and son, have been identified with the grocery business in Sacramento,
where the father built up an extensive trade as early as the '70's and upon his
retirement was succeeded by his son, one of the present partners in the
prosperous establishment. The genealogical records of the family indicate the
lifelong residence of Henry and Anna (Winters) Schaden in the province of Hanover, Germany, whence the
former went forth to the duties of a seafaring existence, serving for a long
period as a cook on great ocean vessels of his day. In the family of Henry Schaden there was a son Arend,
who was born in Hanover, October 9, 1813, and who in childhood listened with
the keenest interest in his father's tales of voyage in distant ports. Thus was
roused within him an ambition to see something of the world and scarcely
had he left school at the age of fourteen years before he shipped from Bremerhaven to New Orleans. The Civil War had just opened
and the ship experienced the delays incident to such a condition of affairs.
After having been detained on a bar for ninety-five days, the vessel was the last
to leave New Orleans after the blockade had been established by the Union
fleet.
After having returned to Bremerhaven on the same ship, the young seaman accompanied
the vessel to Guttenberg, thence to Cape Town, Africa, and from there to Rangoon,
India, thence returning to Germany by way of St. Helena's Island. Meanwhile
having been made steward on the ship, he made a voyage to Akyab,
East Indies. Upon his return to Bremer, he was appointed light sailor, with
little less than the wages of first-class seamen, on a vessel commanded by
Captain Thierman and shortly afterward accompanied
the vessel to the United States, where, liking the country and having wearied
of the sea, he determined to settle. Looking about him for employment in the
city of New York he was successful in securing a clerkship in the grocery store
of J. Brunenerhop, on the corner of East Broadway and
Rutgers. That position he retained until he decided to come to California. On
November 28, 1868, he sailed from New York for Panama. Having crossed the
Isthmus, he continued the voyage to San Francisco and there landed on Christmas
day. The next day he came to Sacramento and on the 1st of January he entered
the employ of his uncle, Herman Winters. During October of 1879 he formed a
partnership with S. D. Fuller under the firm name of Schaden
& Fuller. At the expiration of five years he purchased the interest of his
partner in the grocery business. Five years later he moved across the street to
the location with which his name is especially linked. From 1880 until his
retirement in 1910 he continued at the same place and meanwhile established an
enviable reputation for sagacious judgment, discrimination as a buyer, and the
most honorable dealings with all customers. Not only among the early settlers
of Sacramento, but also with the present generation, he has
a high standing as a business man and citizen. For years he was very active in
the Knight's of Honor, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved
Tribe of Red Men.
The marriage of Arend
Schaden occurred in Sacramento, March 8, 1874, and
united him with Miss Ameta Sanders, a native of Bremen,
Germany. They became the parents of four children, namely: Alfred, who was born
in Sacramento April 21, 1878, attended the public schools until sixteen years
of age, then engaged for two years as bookkeeper with Holbrook, Merril & Sietsma of Sacramento,
and since that time has been associated with the retail grocery business
founded by his father; Aara Gestine,
Arend Otto, and John Henry, of whom the two
last-named sons died in early life. The surviving son has been prominently
identified with Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., in which he now holds the rank of
past president. Reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, he adheres
to its doctrines and supports its missionary movements. In politics he
maintains an independent attitude and considers the merits of candidates rather
than their claims. During May of 1900 he was united in marriage with Miss Grace
Uren, of Sacramento, and two children bless their union, Harold Alfred and
Clara Helen.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1039-1040.
Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.