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 M. SCHULHOFF, of the firm of Bower & Schulhoff, proprietors of the popular “Fair,” formerly the Boston Variety Store, in Mattoon, is a native of the city of Nyireghyhaza, Hungary, and was born on the 24th of December, 1861. He is the son of Samuel and Fanny (Pavlovits) Schulhoff, who were natives of the same place. The father was engaged extensively in farming, and was one of the influential citizens of the place. He was a soldier and Captain in the Revolutionary War of 1848-49, and during that time was taken as a prisoner of war and held for a considerable time. The subject of this sketch was raised in the city and received a good practical education. At the age of twelve years he accepted a position in a gentlemen and ladies furnishing house, where he remained for seven years, and during that time received his first practical knowledge of business affairs. In 1880 he emigrated to America, and first settled in Nashville, Tenn., at, which place he commenced selling goods by sample on the road, and in that business continued for two years. In 1883 lie came to Mattoon, and in connection with the gentleman with whom he is now associated, began the business which has grown to such dimensions as to require the services of from five to ten salesmen. He is practically a self-made man, and his start in life was without assistance from others. In his business affairs he displays a vast amount of tact and energy, and leaves no stone unturned in his efforts for success. The firm of which he is a member is considered one of the most reliable and energetic in Coles County, and it has already taken its place in the front ranks of the mercantile firms in that section of Illinois. The father of Mr. Schulhoff died in 1865, the supposed cause of his death being wounds which he received while in the army. The mother is still living in Hungary. They were the parents of six sons, five of whom are now living: Jacob is engaged in hotel-keeping in his native land; Paul is a distiller in Hungary; Maurice was born in 1859, and died in 1865; Charles and Adolph came to America in 1881; the former is in the tin business in New York, and Adolph is engaged in railroading in that State; Francis M. is the subject of this sketch. The father and all the members of the family were brought up in the faith of the Hebrew Church, of which they were all devoted members. All the children who are alive have identified themselves with business affairs, and all of them have been successful in their undertakings. Mr. Schulhoff is a Republican in politics. He takes great interest in the work of secret societies, and is a Mason in good standing and a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. In all his social relations he is pleasant and affable, and has already drawn to himself in Mattoon and Coles County a large circle of friends. |
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