EMIL G SCHAFFNIT

Sacramento County

Biographies

EMIL G. SCHAFFNIT

EMIL G. SCHAFFNIT.--Possessing courage, self-confidence and the ability to meet and master situations, Emil G. Schaffnit has steadily progressed toward the goal of his ambition and as owner of the Sacramento Fuel & Feed Company he is at the head of a prosperous and growing business. A native of Germany, he was born April 22, 1889, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Becker) Schaffnit. The father served on the police force of Alzey, Province of Hessen, and is now deceased, but the mother survives and lives at Darmstadt, Hessen.

Emil G. Schaffnit acquired his education in the schools of his native land and when seventeen years of age sought the opportunities of the United States. After spending a year in St. Louis, Mo., he spent some time traveling and came to the Pacific Coast, locating in Sacramento in 1910, and for a time was employed in various lines, at length becoming owner of a gasoline wood-saw outfit. This gave him his initial start in business; later he purchased two other outfits, devoting eight years to the occupation of wood-sawing. During the progress of the World War, Mr. Schaffnit enlisted as a private in the United States Army and for eight months was stationed at Camp Kearney. After his discharge from military service, he purchased the property at Nos. 509-511 L Street and in 1919 established the Sacramento Fuel & Feed Company, of which he is sole proprietor. The venture proved a success from the start; and through earnest, systematic effort and straightforward dealing he has built up a trade of large proportions, employing twelve men in the operation of his business. Since January 1, 1923, he has added a department of automobile tires, oils and accessories.

Mr. Schaffnit exercises his right of franchise in support of the platform and candidates of the Democratic Party and cooperates heartily in the activities of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants’ Association of this city, being identified with both organizations. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and is also a member of the American Legion. He is an alert, enterprising and wide-awake business man to whom opportunity has ever been the call to action. He is thoroughly American in spirit and ideals and none can question his loyalty and devotion to the country of his adoption.

Transcribed by Vicky Walker, 8/3/07.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 974-975. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.