SCHAAD, THOMAS F., one of the substantial farmers of Cass County who is now operating the homestead of his family which he bought from the other heirs at his mother's death, was born September 25, 1874, in township 18, range 10, this county, a son of Carl and Augusta (Dietsch) Schaad, natives of Germany. They came to Cass County when young, and later married, after which they resided at Meredosia for a short period. They then bought 150 acres of land on the Sangamon River bottom, and later fifty acres near the Sangamon River. The land was very swampy, but Carl Schaad understood farming, and put it in good condition, fencing the fields and making many improvements. He died February 1, 1877, his widow surviving him until January 17, 1905. Their children were: John C., who is of Cass County; Mary and Minnie, who lived on the homestead; Henry A., who is of the same county; William, who is deceased; and Thomas F.

Thomas F. Schaad attended the schools of his district and the Illinois State University at Champaign, Ill., having grown up on the farm he was qualified to take charge of it, and since buying it has carried on grain farming and raises some stock, meeting with gratifying success.

On March 22, 1905, Mr. Schaad married Louella Taylor, born in Cass County, a daughter of William and Mary E. (Horrom) Taylor. There are no children of this marriage. Mr. Schaad belongs to Hickory Presbyterian church, of which he has been an officer since 1902, and superintendent of Sunday school since 1900. A republican, on that ticket he was elected road clerk, has been a drainage commissioner since 1905, and has also served as township treasurer of schools, this prominence illustrating the fact that he is a man of considerable influence in his neighborhood. The Modern Woodmen of America at Chandlerville hold his membership.