T.R. Schoonover's Africa-India Travelogue
Introduction by Grand-daughter, Christine Zachary
Thomas Richard Schoonover was born in 1888 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, son of an attorney. They were of Ohio pioneer stock, his mother English and his Father of Dutch ancestry.
He took over the care of the Schoonover family as the head of it in the early part of the century, as his older brother had died unexpectedly. He was loved and respected by all. As a young businessman, he began to make small loans to farmers in Ohio from an office in Wapakoneta. When he died his company had 180 offices all over Ohio, with the main office in Lima.
He was married to Helen Wemmer, daughter of a cigar manufacturer. To me he represents the best of early American society, with his goodwill toward everyone, pragmatism and lack of snobbism or class distinction when judging a person for his ability or worth.
An Unassuming Man…
Despite the wealth acquired for the education and benefit of his family, my grandfather was not himself a materialistic man. When he died, his personal possessions consisted of his elegant clothing, a ruby ring, his Cadillac car, and a painting of his father.
He also left a large estate divided equally 6 ways between his wife, his four children and to the public school systems of Ohio. He had previously given Schoonover Park to the citizens of Lima, Ohio and engaged in much philanthropy.
…Generous…
His company, the City Loan and Savings Company, was acquired by a larger bank after his death. His generosity and goodwill to family, friends and everyone he met was what makes him unusual and I believe an outstanding person.
I can remember him standing on the street, in his banker's dress of immaculate cashmere coat and white silk scarf leaning on his cane (he had a spinal injury), discussing the crops or quality of farmland with a farmer in overalls. He would drive his Cadillac out onto the corn field of his farms which he ran, and watch the haymaking. I used to go with him daily as a child.
…and Great Raconteur
My grandfather was a great raconteur of well crafted stories. He seemed able to assemble facts and put them into a vivid tale always interesting to me as a child. In those early years of my life I spent much time with him and learned lot of things from him and even at the time was aware of his power of observation.
He was for the most part a quiet, contemplative man but with a genuineness that made people like and trust him immediately. I can remember him standing for half an hour when we went to Florida, watching a large cage of parakeets with the greatest interest, while I flitted around looking at various displays.
[Left:]
T.R. Schoonover boarding RMS Queen Mary 09 April 1952 after his cruise on board Caronia
Photo: Cunard - Courtesy of Christine Zachary
He was a great observer of clouds. He was always interested in the people he met and listened to. I think the booklet about the Caronia Cruise illustrates his great interest in obtaining facts and information to share with others in a way appreciated particularly by other “down-to-earth” practical Midwesterners. Perhaps this is what makes this memoir so vivid.