SCHAAD, ROBERT. - There are few better cultivated farms in Cass County, Ill., than that lying in township 18, range 10, N, which is the property of Robert Schaad. Although still a young man, Mr. Schaad has manifested those sterling qualities of industry, thrift, economy and sound judgment that have enabled him to forge ahead within a brief period, until, with the start given him by energetic and foresighted predecessors in the work, he can boast the ownership of one of the most desirable farming properties to be found within the limits of the county. A share of this enhancement in value is due however, to the patient toil and tireless energy of Robert Schaad's worthy parents. Andrew and Miza (Taylor) Schaad, the former a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and the latter of Campbelltown, Scotland.

Andrew Schaad came with his mother and brother to the United States and settled in Cass County, Ill., when he was sixteen years of age, and for a time worked out by the month until they started farming for themselves on rented land. Continuing thus for several years, they jointly purchased a farm which they cultivated together for a long period. Abut four years after his marriage Andrew Schaad bought eighty-five acres of the farm where the subject hereof now lives, and kept adding to his first purchase, until he ad accumulated 200 acres of choice land on the Sangamon River bottom, also fifty acres in township 19, range 11, and sixty acres on the bluff. Here he carried on farming until his death March 7, 1912, when seventy-seven years old. His wife had passed away August 29, 1909. They had the following children: Niel, Charles and Margaret, deceased; Robert; and Catherine and Maud, who live with Robert.

The homestead farm was left to the son, Robert, who now cultivates about 150 acres, renting out the remainder. A farm of 248 acres lying near the line of Menard County, fell to the two sisters jointly. Mr. Schaad and his two sisters also own twenty shares in the State Bank at Chandlerville. Robert Schaad was born the Sangamon River bottom, in township 18, range 10, November 19, 1873. During his early youth he attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and for six months was a pupil in the Whipple Academy at Jacksonville. In politics, Mr. Schaad is identified with the Republican party, and since 1902, has rendered efficient public service as school director. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 604, Knights of Pythias, of Chandlerville; and the D.O.K.K. of Jacksonville. He is a man who is much liked by a large circle of friends, and commands general respect among his neighbors.