In the history of the business houses of Council Bluffs, Mr. Schoening stands prominently forward as a representative business man, being a member of the firm of Petersen & Schoening, who conduct the largest store not only in Council Bluffs but in Iowa, as dealers in hardware, furniture and carpets. Germany, which has furnished so many of America's most enterprising business men, was the birth place of Henry E. Schoening. He was born October 28, 1838, and received his early educational training in the fatherland. Ambitious to push out into larger fields, he sought the object of his hopes in America and at the age of nineteen years landed in New York, making his way at once to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he secured employment on a farm. He was connected with agricultural pursuits until 1905, but it was evident that the business world held more that was attractive for him. In 1890 the present firm, of which he is a prominent member, was organized with a small stock of hardware and a small capital. Mr. Schoening's fine business ability, superior executive talent and Christian character were at once recognized and during the seventeen years which have passed since its organization the firm of Petersen & Schoening has risen to a prominent place in commercial circles in Iowa, its present immense proportions being due in large measure to the wise guidance of the subject of this review.

In 1865, Mr. Schoening was married, at Council Bluffs, to Trina Brockman, and their union has been blessed with seven children: Emma N., the wife of William Shwensen; August W.; Charles N.; Martha C., deceased, who was the wife of Otto Geise; Nellie, deceased; Martha C.; and Minnie C.

Mr. Schoening belongs to the Elks lodge and because of his religious beliefs has become a member of the Lutheran Church. He is active in the affairs of the Democratic party in Iowa and though he has never sought its honors has been interested in promoting the cause of its candidates. Both as a man and a citizen he is among the ablest representatives of the business world, whose merit alone has won him his success. He enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and the doors of his home are ever open for the reception of a large circle of friends, who hold him in the highest esteem.