Sacramento County
Biographies
HENRY SCHNETZ
For several generations in the past
America has been the land toward which many aspiring young Germans have turned
their eyes in eager longing, and hither among many thousands of emigrants came
Henry Schnetz at the very opening of manhood's
activities, a youth scarcely twenty-one years of age, unfamiliar with the
English language or with American customs, almost wholly without means, yet
fortunate in having a rugged constitution and a thorough knowledge of a
trade. There ensued for him years of indefatigable exertion in the
acquisition of a competency and eventually he suffered in health, from the
prolonged continuance of his arduous labors. A vacation from work being
considered necessary for the benefit of his health, he left California,
accompanied by his wife and son, and enjoyed an
European tour of eight months, during which time he revisited the scenes of
childhood and the home where his father and mother had spent their last
days.
Descended from an old Teutonic family,
Henry Schnetz was born in Germany May 2, 1862, and
received the advantages of the excellent schools of his native land. At
the age of fourteen he left school and began to learn the baker's trade in the
bakery owned and operated by his father, Carl Schnetz,
who was an expert in the occupation and enjoyed a local reputation for skill in
the preparation of food products. Upon the completion of his
apprenticeship he went to Heidelberg and secured work as a baker, remaining
there for three years. During 1883 he crossed the ocean to the United
States and for two years worked in New York City, where in June, 1885, he
crossed the continent to San Francisco. In that city and in Oakland he
found employment at his trade. Upon coming to Sacramento in October of 1885
he secured work in a bakery, where he continued until 1888. Returning to
San Francisco he first worked for others and then opened a bakery of his
own. At the expiration of three years he sold his interest in the
business to a partner.
When again establishing his business
headquarters at Sacramento in 1892 Mr. Schnetz bought
an interest in the Pioneer bakery, and subsequently he bought his partner's
interest, thereby becoming the sole proprietor. This bakery is the oldest
in the city, having been established at the present location, No. 124 J street, in 1849. The business developed into one of
profit and its management brought him a fair degree of success. At this
writing employment is furnished to twenty persons and three wagons are in
constant use for the delivery of orders to customers. With the failure of
his health, which necessitated a lessening of his labors, Mr. Schnetz sold an interest in the bakery to his brother, Otto
Schnetz, who since then has been associated with him
as a partner. January 11, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Probst, a native of Kentucky, but reared and educated in
Santa Clara county. Their only son, Earl, born
March 10, 1900, is now a student in the schools of Sacramento. The family are earnest members of the Roman Catholic church and
Mr. Schnetz has been a generous contributor to its
maintenance. Since becoming a citizen of our country he has supported
Republican principles in national elections, but in local campaigns gives his
allegiance to the best men regardless of politics. After coming to
California he entered into fraternal activities and now holds membership with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 701-702. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.