Among the business men of Clinton county who have by the exercise of industry, energy, and sterling character won for themselves honorable positions, are the Schlafly Brothers, bankers of Carlyle. They are natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland. John Joseph Schlafly, the father, brought his family to America in 1854. He landed in New Orleans, and from thence came up the river to St. Louis, and from the latter place direct to Highland, in Madison county, Illinois. He remained in Highland until his death, which occurred two months later. He married Margaret MARGUIES in Switzerland. She still survives her husband. By that union there were nine children, five of whom are living. John, the eldest son, died three years ago. Fredoline, the eldest brother of the firm, was born July 4th, 1848, and was in his sixth year when the family came to America. Augustine, the younger brother of the same firm, was born May 4th, 1850. Their education was of a limited character. Their father dying while they were yet young, they were compelled to provide for themselves and help to support the family at a time when more favored youths were receiving education and fitting themselves for the battle of life. Some few years after the death of the father, the family removed to Carlyle, and here the young Schlaflys attended the public schools and received a fair common school education. In 1862 Augustine accepted a situation as clerk in the grocery store of Mr. HERVEY, with whom he remained nine month, then clerked for three and a half years for Col. BACON , who had become Hervey’s successor in the business, after which Bacon sold to L. D. COOK & Co., with whom Mr. Schlafly remained nearly five years, then was with Zophar CASE, and soon after the firm of Schlafly Bros. was formed. They dealt in groceries, queensware, hardware, and agricultural implements. The members of the firm were John, Fredoline and Augustine. They continued the same until the death of John, in 1877; the firm name, however, was not changed. On the 6th of January, 1878, they sold out their business, and in March of the same year started in the banking business, in which they still continue. The firm of Schlafly Bros. is well known throughout the county, and no firm in the line of business enjoys more fully the confidence of the public than they do. They are straight, correct business men, conducting their affairs upon business principles. They are also liberal and enterprising; any enterprise having for its object the increase of the material wealth or the good of the town or county, finds in them ready patrons and substantial friends.

Fredoline married Miss. Catharine HUBERT in May, 1876, by which marriage there are two daughters. Augustine married Miss Jane ALLEN, Nov. 12, 1874, by which union there are three children, two sons and one daughter. Both families are members of the Catholic Church. They are Democrats in politics, and vote that ticket upon national and state occasions.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

Submitted by: Pamela Safriet

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