Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

JOHN SCHABERG

John Schaberg was born in the City of Rotterdam, The Netherlands on the 14th day of May, 1849. At the age of seven years his parents emigrated to America and settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At a very early age he was compelled to leave school to earn his own living. For a short period he worked for his father in a bakery, and at the age of sixteen years he lost his right arm in a cracker making machine upon which he was working. A short time later his father died leaving him the chief support of the family which consisted of two brothers and a sister, and he continued to conduct the business of his father until he was married in 1875 to Elzora F. Gillett then living at Flowerfield, Michigan.

Immediately after his marriage he moved to Dallas Texas, where he lived for about eighteen months and there his first child, Herman Henry, was born. The climate not agreeing with the child it was found necessary for him to move back to Michigan, which he did, moving to Grand Haven. He was then induced by Captain Upham to move to Saugatuck and start a bakery, and he opened up his first bakery and store on what would be now the rear of the site of the Fruit Growers Bank. In 1882 a second son, Marvin J., was born, and in January, 1890, a daughter. Marie, who is now Marie D. Verburg of Marion, Ohio, was born. Mr. Schaberg continued to conduct his bakery and general grocery business and moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he died in February, 1916. His wife survived him for a little over three vears, passing away at the home of her daughter in August, 1919.

Mr. and Mrs. Schaberg's principal interests and activities in Saugatuck centered around the First Congregational church, of which they were devout members, during all of their residence in Saugatuck. Both of them were very active and officially connected with the different organizations of the church and exemplified in every way their devotion to its faith.