Ferdinand Schumacher was born in Celle, Hanover, Germany back in 1822. After completing high school, he apprenticed in the grocery business until he was 28. He and his brother Otto emigrated to the United States. He settled in Akron, Ohio where he was a farmer. He established a grocery trade in 1852.
In 1857, he rented water power from the Ohio Canal to power a mill for the production of something I know you will recognize. In 1875, he introduced steam power to the plant thus insuring power all year round.
He married his first cousin in 1851, they had seven children, only three survived to adulthood. He died in 1906.
What you may not know about Ferdinand is the mill he started was for the production of barley. He was known as The Oatmeal King, and one of the founders of a company I’m sure you’ve heard of the Quaker Oats Company. Care to take a guess on what they produce????
Anyway, until tomorrow keep a smile on your face, a penny in your pocket, you’ll be richer and happier than most people on the planet.
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