MICHAEL SCHIELE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born November 2, 1831, in Germany, and was the fourth child born to Michael and Mary (Smith) Schiele, both natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch emigrated to America in the spring of 1852, landing in New York City, whence he went to Montgomery County, Penn., where he remained two years, going from there to Ohio, where he remained until 1861, when he moved to Indiana, stopping a few months in Owen County, then going to Harrison Township, Clay County, where he has since lived. While in Germany, he attended school eight years, then learned the shoe-maker's trade of his father. He left Philadelphia with 27 cents in his pocket, and now has a beautiful farm of 220 acres all acquired by hard labor and good management. He takes great pride in making his farm attractive, and it is one of the finest in the county. His marriage occured July 13, 1856, to Mary M. Miller (now deceased). Six children were born to this union, viz., Reuben J., David F., Catharine (deceased), Henry (deceased), Mary E. and her twin sister, Rosina S. (deceased). His second marriage occured February 12, 1867, to Elizabeth Krieble, a native of Pennsylvania. Seven children have been born to them, viz., William A., Sylvester, Doretta S., Susanna C., Lavinia J., Nathan C. and Andrew D. Mr. and Mrs. Schiele are active members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, Mr. Schiele is a Republican, having voted with that party since he became a voter in America.

From Blanchard History of Clay County, 1884, p. 438-439.

Michael Schiele, native of Germany, born November 2, 1831; attended school eight years, and learned the shoemaker's trade with his father, then came to America, in 1852, landing in New York City, going thence to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he stayed two years, thence to the state of Ohio, where, on the 13th day of July, 1856, he married Mary M. Miller. In 1861 he came to Clay County, located in Harrison township, acquiring, in course of time, by industry, ecomony and good management, a fine farm of two hundred acres, a mile north of what is now Clay City. His first wife having died, on the 12th day of February, 1867, he married Elizabeth Krieble, a native of Pennsylvania, who is still living. On his leaving the city of Philadelphia, in 1854, for the west, to grow up with the country, his cash in pocket for the trip was just twenty-seven cents. Mr. Schiele was an enterprising, energetic, progressive farmer and citizen, reliable and trustworthy in every respect, and in the year 1890 was the Republican candidate for township trustee. Died September 12, 1897, aged sixty-five years ten months and ten days. Michael Schiele was the father of William, Reuben and David Schiele, farmer citizens of Harrison township.

From History of Clay County, Indiana, by William Travis, 1909, Volume II, p. 401-402.