My family history is something I’ve always felt deeply connected to, especially when I think about where we came from and the journey that led us here. The Schiele name is of German origin, and like many German families in the 19th century, our ancestors made the journey to America during a time of upheaval in Europe. They settled in the South, specifically around Natchez, Mississippi, and later, in Frogmore, Louisiana
Our ancestors likely arrived in America during the mid-19th century, a time when waves of German immigrants sought new lives in the face of political and social unrest in their homeland. The Revolutions of 1848 in Europe forced many families to look for opportunities elsewhere, and the United States was a beacon of hope, particularly for farmers looking for land and stability. While many Germans settled in the Midwest, the Schiele family found its way to the South, specifically around Natchez, Mississippi, and later into Frogmore, Louisiana.
One of the most significant figures in our family’s story is Robert D. Schiele, born in 1865, just after the Civil War, a time when the South was undergoing Reconstruction. Robert eventually settled in Frogmore, Louisiana, after likely making his way from Natchez or nearby areas. His life as a farmer and landowner was more than just a reflection of personal success—it was a testament to the resilience and determination of our family during a difficult time in history. Robert oversaw a farming operation with 17 tenant farmers, which was significant in the post-Reconstruction South. Tenant farming was a dominant economic system at the time, especially in states like Louisiana and Mississippi, where the agricultural economy relied heavily on labor-intensive crops like cotton. Tenant farmers worked the land in exchange for a share of the crops, and Robert’s farm was no exception.
But what stands out most to me is the fact that Robert Schiele’s property wasn’t just a farm—it was a community. His land included a school, a commissary, and a cotton gin. Think about that for a moment. In the post-Civil War South, having your own cotton gin meant that Robert was able to process his own cotton on-site, a rare privilege that placed him among the more prosperous farmers of the region. A cotton gin was an essential tool in processing raw cotton into usable fibers, and owning one was a strong indicator of both wealth and influence in the community. In a place like Frogmore, which was deeply tied to the cotton industry, this made Robert and the Schiele family an integral part of the local economy.
The fact that his property included a school and commissary is equally remarkable. Schools in rural areas weren’t as common as you might think, especially for farming families. Education was clearly important to the Schiele family. They didn’t just want to farm the land—they wanted to build a community, ensuring that both their children and the children of their workers had access to education. The commissary would have been a hub for the farm, providing supplies and goods to workers and their families, reinforcing the idea that the Schiele family was central to the well-being of the local population.
Historically, Frogmore, Louisiana, is known for its role in the cotton industry, and it’s likely that our family was connected to the broader economic landscape of the time. Frogmore Plantation itself was a major cotton plantation, and there’s a possibility that Robert’s farm was either part of or closely associated with this larger economic system. If not directly tied to the plantation, Robert’s success with his own cotton gin would have placed him in a strong position within the regional cotton trade, contributing to both local and regional economies.
As the story continued, Benjamin Schiele, my grandfather, was born in 1889. He took after his father, continuing the family tradition of farming. Benjamin married Eliza Sena in 1909, and together they had 12 children—just like Robert, continuing the legacy of large family structures that were typical of rural, farming families during that era. Benjamin would have lived through some of the most challenging times in American history—the Great Depression being one of them. He likely saw the beginning of farm mechanization, a period where tractors and machinery started to replace manual labor, transforming the agricultural landscape forever.
Among those 12 children was my father, Theodore Roosevelt Schiele, the youngest of the bunch. He carried the name of Theodore Roosevelt, the U.S. President who served from 1901 to 1909. I believe this name choice speaks volumes about the era my grandparents lived through. Theodore Roosevelt was known for his reform efforts, his strength, and his vision for America, particularly in conservation and progress. Naming my father after such a figure says something about the aspirations they had—not just for him but for the family as a whole. It’s a reminder that even in rural Louisiana, families like ours were connected to the broader currents of American history and were looking to build something lasting, something that would carry on through the generations.
There’s still so much more to uncover about our family’s past, and I’m committed to digging deeper into the records to learn more. The U.S. Census records from 1870 onward could reveal important details about Robert D. Schiele and Benjamin Schiele, including household members, land ownership, and more about the daily lives they led. We know they owned a substantial amount of land and operated a cotton gin, so land records and property deeds from Concordia Parish, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, would offer valuable insights into the size and scope of their property.
There are also historical newspapers and archives from the area that could shed light on their involvement in local affairs and provide a window into the community they helped shape. Local church and school records could reveal more about the education they supported, especially since we know there was a school on the property. This tells me that education was a priority for them, and I’d like to learn more about how they ensured access to it for the children in the area.
At the end of the day, it’s clear that the Schiele family has a rich legacy that goes far beyond farming. They were builders—of land, of community, and of opportunity. That’s something I want to carry forward in my own life, honoring the values they instilled and continuing the work they started generations ago. It’s a legacy of hard work, of leadership, and of dedication to something greater than ourselves. And I’m proud to be part of it.
Further Research:
To gain more specific details and facts about the Schiele family’s history, a few avenues of research would be helpful:
- Census Records: U.S. Census records from 1870 onward would show more details about Robert D. Schiele and Benjamin Schiele, including household members, land ownership, and occupation.
- Land Records and Deeds: Since the family owned a substantial amount of land and operated a cotton gin, checking land deeds and property records in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, could reveal more about the size and scope of the Schiele family’s property.
- Historical Newspapers and Archives: Local newspapers or Louisiana historical archives could provide insight into the Schiele family’s impact on the community, as well as their involvement in local affairs.
- Church and School Records: Since the Schiele family was involved with a school on the property, checking with local church records or parish archives might reveal more about the education they provided or supported.
Timeline Breakdown:
Robert D. Schiele (Born 1865):
Robert D. Schiele, my great-grandfather, appears to have settled in Frogmore, Louisiana, after possibly moving from Natchez, Mississippi, or nearby areas. His work as a farmer and landowner with 17 tenant farmers suggests he was part of the post-Reconstruction South, a time when tenant farming and sharecropping were prevalent, especially in agricultural states like Louisiana and Mississippi. These tenant farmers were often families who farmed sections of the land in exchange for a share of the crop or payment to the landowner.
The fact that Robert Schiele’s property included a school, commissary, and cotton gin points to his being a significant local figure in the community. This suggests that my family had considerable influence, as cotton was one of the primary crops in the region. Having a cotton gin on the property was a significant marker of wealth and productivity, as it allowed my family and the surrounding tenant farmers to process cotton locally. Schools and commissaries would also have been key parts of rural community life, providing education and goods to the local population.
Frogmore Plantation and Historical Context:
Frogmore, Louisiana, is historically known for its connection to the cotton industry, with plantations playing a major role in the economy. It’s possible my family was part of this economic system, contributing to the local and regional cotton trade.
Frogmore Plantation itself was a major cotton plantation and could be connected to my family’s history in the area. It’s worth exploring further if the Schiele family had direct links to this plantation or if we were part of a neighboring operation.
Benjamin Schiele (Born 1889):
Benjamin Schiele, my grandfather, followed in his father Robert’s footsteps and became a farmer himself. Born in 1889, Benjamin married Eliza Sena in 1909, and together they had 12 children, a reflection of the large family structures common in rural farming communities during this era. As a father of 12, Benjamin navigated the trials of the Great Depression and the early stages of mechanization in farming, which transformed how agriculture was done in the South.
The introduction of tractors and mechanized tools began replacing manual labor and tenant farming during Benjamin’s time, but his family’s strength and work ethic continued to carry them through these changes. His children would play significant roles in preserving the Schiele family’s values and connection to the land.
The 12 Children of Benjamin and Eliza Schiele:
Theodore Roosevelt Schiele: My father, Theodore Roosevelt Schiele, was the youngest of the 12 children, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who symbolized strength and progress. As the youngest, Theodore observed his older siblings’ contributions to the family farm and likely gained much wisdom from their experiences. Though he grew up with farming in his blood, Theodore’s journey led him on a different path, one that combined the family’s values with his own ambitions.
Robert Schiele Jr.: The eldest son, Robert Jr., was expected to follow closely in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. His responsibility as the oldest son was to assist Benjamin in maintaining the family’s farm operations and to continue the agricultural legacy that Robert Sr. had begun in Frogmore.
Lilian Schiele: Lilian, the first daughter, balanced household duties with contributions to the farm, especially during peak agricultural seasons. Like many young women in rural communities, she helped sustain the family’s operations while supporting her younger siblings.
Lucille Schiele: The next daughter, Lucille, played an essential role in maintaining family cohesion. Rural families often relied on their daughters to help manage both the household and, during critical times, the farm. Her leadership in the home mirrored the family’s work ethic and values.
Benola Schiele: Benola continued in her sisters’ footsteps, contributing to the household’s functioning. These strong women were central to the smooth running of the Schiele family farm, combining traditional domestic roles with the demands of rural life.
Elizabeth Schiele: Elizabeth also helped sustain the farm and household, showing the resilience and strength of rural families like the Schieles. Her contributions to the family were essential, as large families had to work together to survive and thrive in the agricultural economy.
Joseph Schiele: Joseph, the next son, worked alongside his father and brothers on the farm. Growing up in a farming family during the early 20th century meant that boys like Joseph learned the value of hard work from a young age, taking on increasing responsibilities as they matured.
Benjamin “Bennie” Schiele Jr.: Named after his father, Bennie Jr. carried on the family’s farming legacy, contributing to the maintenance and growth of the farm. His position as a namesake likely came with expectations to preserve the family’s values and traditions.
Freddie Schiele: Freddie, another of Benjamin’s sons, grew up during a time of significant change in agriculture. Like his brothers, Freddie learned to navigate both the physical demands of farming and the increasing mechanization that defined this era.
James Schiele: James took on an essential role within the family’s farming operations, contributing to the manual labor required to maintain such a large family farm. His work ethic mirrored that of his father and grandfather, cementing the Schiele family’s status in the community.
Theodore Roosevelt Schiele and Alberta Washington:
My father, Theodore Roosevelt Schiele, eventually met and married Alberta Washington, forming the next chapter in our family’s story. Alberta came from a similarly hardworking background, and together, they built a life grounded in the values passed down from my grandfather, Benjamin, and great-grandfather, Robert. The union of Theodore and Alberta marked a significant shift in the Schiele family’s trajectory, as my father moved away from the strict agricultural focus of his forebears and sought to broaden the family’s horizons.
The values of discipline, perseverance, and community remained core to Theodore’s life, but he also embraced new opportunities, combining the lessons he learned on the farm with a forward-thinking approach to his family’s future. His partnership with Alberta introduced a fresh perspective, blending two powerful legacies into one.
A Legacy of Hard Work, Family, and Community:
The Schiele family’s story, from Robert D. Schiele’s prominence as a farmer and landowner in Frogmore to Benjamin Schiele raising 12 children through some of America’s most challenging agricultural years, is one of endurance and dedication. Each of Benjamin’s 12 children contributed in their own way, from working the land to managing household responsibilities. Together, they upheld the values instilled in them by generations before, maintaining their connection to the land and to each other.
The Schiele name, tied to the land and community in Frogmore, Louisiana, represents more than just farming. It is a testament to the strength of family, the value of hard work, and the importance of legacy. As I reflect on this history, I am filled with pride for the path my ancestors walked, the sacrifices they made, and the lessons they passed down. Those lessons continue to guide me and the generations that follow.
