My Genealogy Hound

John Scherer, one of the oldest, and justly conceded to be one of the most influential citizens of Hermann, was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July 4, 1822, receiving as he grew up an excellent education in both public and private schools. Subsequently he served an apprenticeship of five years in a store, and then filled a position as clerk until 1853, when he immigrated to America. Upon reaching this country he joined a brother in Detroit, Mich., and in 1861, upon the inducements of Michael Poeschel, was led to come to Hermann, Mo., to engage in the wine growing business. Together they established the firm of M. Poeschel & Scherer, which, in 1878, was sold to the present owners, they remaining in the firm, however, until 1883, under the firm of M. Poeschel, Scherer & Co., when the firm was changed into the Stone Hill Wine Company. At this time Mr. Scherer is a member of the Gast Wine Company, of which he has served as president for several years. He was instrumental in the organization of the Hermann Savings Bank, and in 1883 was elected its president, a position which he still holds. He has also been connected officially with the public schools of Hermann, and for a number of years has served as president of the Agricultural Association. In 1864 Mr. Scherer was married to Miss Mary Steiger, a lady of American nativity. Their happy union has been blessed with seven children, five of whom survive. The father of the subject of this sketch, John Scherer, was also a native of Germany; his wife’s maiden name was Sophia Koch. They died when their son was a small boy.