Miamisburg

Hon. Henry Schoenfeld, son of Henry and Margaret Schoenfeld, of the Electroral Dukedom of Hesse, Germany, was born November 26, 1829. He came with his father to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1843.

In 1848, he went to South America, and traveled through that country and Cuba and the Sandwich Islands until 1851. He studied under four private professors before going to South America. After his return to Pennsylvania from his travels, he completed his studies, and graduated at the Philadelphia Medical College in the year 1853, with all the honors of the profession. From about the time he was seventeen, he practiced medicine.

In 1854 he came to Dayton, thence to Miamisburg, where he commenced practicing medicine, and has continued in the profession till the present time. An interesting episode in his life occurred when he visited Germany in the year 1865: He was there arrested for the non-performance of military duty. He remained in prison two weeks, and was then released on heavy bail. Held as state prisoner four months, when the higher courts decided that he was not subject to military duty. He returned that same year, with not very pleasant experiences. He was elected to the Legislature in 1869; in 1871 he was re-elected. He has also held various offices of trust, with satisfaction to his constituents. He is a firm supporter of the Democratic party; has been of that political persuasion since the time he cast his first ballot. Mr. Schoenfeld is a member of the German Reformed Church. During nine months while in South America he lived with the Indians, and became familiar with all their customs and sports, among which was that of gambling. The mode of this pastime, the gentleman who is the subject of this sketch can relate in a pleasing manner, but time and space will not permit of a rehearsal at present. The Indian dogs were tame wolves, that were never on good terms with the pale-faced doctor. In September of the year 1855 he married Emma Shell, daughter of John and Catharine Shell, of Miamisburg. Result of said union, four children, three boys and one girl; the daughter died when an infant. The honorable gentleman and physician has had a successful practice, and is highly respected by his fellow citizens.