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Henry C. Schadeberg

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Henry Carl Schadeberg (October 12, 1913 – December 11, 1985) was an American protestant minister and Republican politician from southeast Wisconsin. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms, representing Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1961 to 1965, and from 1967 to 1971. Schadeberg was an unabashed conservative and a strident anti-communist.

Henry C. Schadeberg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Wisconsin's 1st district
In office
January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1971
Preceded byLynn E. Stalbaum
Succeeded byLes Aspin
In office
January 3, 1961 – January 3, 1965
Preceded byGerald T. Flynn
Succeeded byLynn E. Stalbaum
Personal details
BornOctober 12, 1913
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedDecember 11, 1985(1985-12-11) (aged 72)
Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, U.S.
Resting placecremated
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Ruth Eleanor Hamilton
​
​
(m. 1938⁠–⁠1985)​
Education
ProfessionPastor
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy Reserve
Years of service1943–1945
1951–1966
RankCaptain, USNR
UnitUSS Louisville (CA-28)
Battles/warsWorld War II Korean War

Early life and education

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Henry Schadeberg was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He graduated from Manitowoc's Lincoln High School in 1931. Schadeberg was active in his church and church community from an early age.[1] He went to Carroll College in 1934.[2] While in college, he began preaching at a Congregational church in East Troy, Wisconsin.[3] After completing his bachelor's degree in 1938, he became pastor serving three Methodist churches in eastern Walworth County, Wisconsin. He went on to attend Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1941.[2]

Pastoral career and military service

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After completing his second degree, he moved to northern Wisconsin, where he was pastor of the Methodist church in Oconto. After a year, he returned to southern Wisconsin, preaching in central Rock County.[4] In 1943, he was elected the first president of the Evansville Ministerial Association.[5]

In the fall of 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve as a chaplain in World War II, and was commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade.[6][7] He was initially assigned to chaplain to a group of African American sailors managing a naval ammunition depot in Virginia. He was deployed in the Summer of 1944 to the Pacific War with the cruiser USS Louisville (CA-28), and served with the first phase of the Philippines campaign. He returned to Wisconsin on shore leave in the Spring of 1945, but returned to the Louisville during the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign. After V.J. Day, Schadeberg was appointed chaplain to Admiral George D. Murray in the Mariana Islands group. He was awarded a commendation in the Fall of 1945 and returned to the United States in December.[8][9]

After the war, he began preaching at historic Plymouth Congregational Church in Burlington, Wisconsin, and became chaplain of the local American Legion post. He was formally installed as pastor of Plymouth Church in the Fall of 1946[10] and also continued reserve duties as chaplain for the Burlington Civil Air Patrol.[9][11] In addition to his normal pastoral duties, he was outspoken about political issues of the day. He spoke against racial prejudice that he had encountered through his service in Virginia,[12] and framed the Cold War competition as a moral crusade. He frequently gave speeches about "Americanism" and other patriotic ideas which later framed his political philosophy.[13]

In 1952, he was formally recalled to active duty in the Navy due to the Korean War.[14] After re-training, he was assigned as senior chaplain at United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge, in Maryland, where he was promoted to lieutenant commander. His family joined him there shortly after his arrival. He remained in Maryland until the conclusion of his active duty service in September 1953.[15] He remained in the Navy Reserve until 1966, rising to the rank of captain.

In 1957, he was appointed chairman of the local committee to direct community efforts to integrate the staff and personnel of the planned R.I. Bong Air Force Base into Burlington society. The base, however, was never completed.[16] Schadeberg remained active in the American Legion and continued blending patriotic messages with his pastoral duties. Later in 1957, he was elected moderator of the Milwaukee Association of Congregational Ministers,[17] and the next year became president of the Burlington chapter of Rotary International.[18]

Political career

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Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (1932–1963)

In the Fall of 1959, Schadeberg announced he would run for Congress, seeking the Republican Party nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Gerald T. Flynn in Wisconsin's 1st congressional district. Republicans were widely expected to win the seat; Flynn was in his first term and had won a very narrow victory in the 1958 Democratic wave election after Republicans had held the 1st congressional district almost continuously since the founding of the party.[19]

Schadeberg first faced a contested Republican primary against attorneys Richard Harvey Jr. and Edward Zahn Jr. Zahn was also a former assistant to James P. Mitchell in the Eisenhower administration.[20] Zahn and Harvey both criticized Schadeberg for lacking understanding of law and congressional process, but Schadeberg described that as an asset and suggested government didn't need more professional politicians. Schadeberg prevailed with 47% of the vote, assisted by a large volunteer campaign organization.[21][22] In the general election, Schadeberg asserted his belief in small government and attacked the welfare state as "creeping socialism".[23] Schadeberg won the election with 53% of the vote, unseating Flynn.[22]

In the 87th Congress, Schadeberg quickly aligned himself with the conservative faction of Republicans and Dixiecrats.[24] Throughout the term he frequently wrote or spoke in Wisconsin with fiery attacks on socialism, encouraging voters to elect more conservatives.[25] He was assigned to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.[26] By 1961, the House Un-American Activities Committee had become a political lightning rod due after the Hollywood blacklist, the downfall of Joe McCarthy, and a recent police riot at a committee hearing held at San Francisco City Hall. There were calls to abolish the committee in 1961, which Schadeberg rejected, impugning the patriotism of those who would call for the committee's discontinuation.[27] In the 1962 election, Schadeberg faced a rematch with Gerald Flynn, who accused Schadeberg of blocking civil rights legislation with his conservative allies.[28] Schadeberg prevailed again by a similar margin.[29]

During the 88th Congress, Schadeberg voted against the Clean Air Act.[30] And, although he publicly expressed disagreements with parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, he ultimately voted in favor.[31]

 
Wisconsin's 1st congressional district 1964–1971

In 1963, the 76th Wisconsin Legislature passed a congressional redistricting act. The new map made only one change to Schadeberg's congressional district, but it was significant for his election chances—Green County was entirely removed from the district. At the time, Green County was described as a bank of reliable Republican votes.[32][33] Later that year, Schadeberg was urged by the Wisconsin Young Republicans to run for United States Senate in 1964 against incumbent Democrat William Proxmire, but he ultimately chose to run for re-election instead.[34] In the 1964 general election, he faced Racine state senator Lynn E. Stalbaum. Stalbaum, running as a moderate, attacked Schadeberg for blanket opposition to most of the agenda of presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and often attempted to link him to the Republican presidential nominee that year, Arizona U.S. senator Barry Goldwater.[35][36] The 1964 election was a landslide against Goldwater and Republican incumbents; Stalbaum defeated Schadeberg with 51.5% of the vote, roughly 5,500 votes ahead of Schadeberg.[37]

After leaving office, Schadeberg immediately organized a lobbying and congressional affairs office, called Research and Public Affairs Services, Inc.[38] He continued to make strident anti-communist speeches in the district, but attempted to moderate his public image.[39][40] He did not initially commit to running again, but actively warned other Republicans away from entering the primary.[41] Schadeberg officially entered the race in March 1966, and faced no opposition in the primary.[42][43] Schadeberg received early support from Republican House minority leader Gerald Ford, and began attacking congressional Democrats for increased spending, "rubber stamping" Johnson's agenda, and mishandling of the Vietnam War.[44] White backlash against the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which Stalbaum voted for, was also a significant motivating issue in the campaign, despite the fact that Schadeberg also indicated he would have voted for the law. The 1966 rematch was another very close election, with Schadeberg prevailing with 51% of the vote.[43]

Stalbaum returned for another rematch in 1968 resulting in a similarly close election; Schadeberg won his fourth term.[45] Following the death of Martin Luther King Jr., Schadeberg infamously blamed urban rioting on foreign communist infiltration.[46]

In 1970, however, Republicans early identified Schadeberg as facing a difficult re-election. Yale-educated economics professor Les Aspin emerged as his general election opponent, after narrowly defeating environmentalist Doug La Follette and former congressman Gerald Flynn in the Democratic primary. This was Aspin's second run for elected office after serving as a campaign manager and legislative staffer to U.S. Senator William Proxmire, as an aide to the Council of Economic Advisers under Kennedy, and as an appointee in the Department of Defense under Johnson. Aspin was a vigorous campaigner and a fiscal conservative, and demonstrated a mastery of foreign policy and military issues.[47] But Aspin focused his message on the economy and inflation challenges, attacking the Nixon administration for mismanaging the economy.[48] Aspin, who was 25 years younger than Schadeberg, also emphasized a message of new leadership and new ideas.[49] Schadeberg doubled down on law and order rhetoric and traditional values, but avoided engaging on other issues.[50] Aspin won the election with nearly 61% of the vote—a lopsided victory in the normally competitive district.[51]

Retirement and death

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After leaving Congress, Schadeberg worked as a pastor for five years in Greenville, Michigan, before retiring to a farm in Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. He died of natural causes at his home, there, on December 11, 1985.[52]

Personal life and family

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Henry Schadeberg was the youngest of nine children born to George Schadeberg and his wife Rosa Clara (née Brockhoff). George Schadeberg was a masonry contractor and served seven years on the Manitowoc school board and 17 years on the county board of supervisors. He also served on the county board of appeals and served as an undersheriff and justice of the peace.[53] All four of Henry's grandparents were German American immigrants.

Henry Schadeberg married Ruth Eleanor Hamilton, of Waukesha, on June 18, 1938. Ruth was also a Carroll College graduate and, during college, was president of the national society of phrateres. She subsequently worked as a teacher and was active in the American Association of University Women.[54] They had four children and were married for 47 years before Henry's death in 1985.[46]

Electoral history

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U.S. House (1960–1970)

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Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
1960[22] Primary Sep. 13 Henry C. Schadeberg Republican 17,218 47.05% Edward J. Zahn Jr. Rep. 12,046 32.91% 36,598 5,172
Richard G. Harvey Jr. Rep. 7,334 20.04%
General Nov. 8 Henry C. Schadeberg Republican 97,662 52.70% Gerald T. Flynn (inc) Dem. 87,646 47.30% 185,312 10,016
1962[29] General Nov. 6 Henry C. Schadeberg (inc) Republican 71,657 53.29% Gerald T. Flynn Dem. 62,800 46.71% 134,460 8,857
1964[37] General Nov. 3 Lynn E. Stalbaum Democratic 90,450 51.52% Henry C. Schadeberg (inc) Rep. 85,117 48.48% 175,567 5,333
1966[43] General Nov. 8 Henry C. Schadeberg Republican 65,041 51.04% Lynn E. Stalbaum (inc) Dem. 62,398 48.96% 127,439 2,643
1968[45] General Nov. 5 Henry C. Schadeberg (inc) Republican 89,200 50.89% Lynn E. Stalbaum Dem. 86,067 49.11% 175,267 3,133
1970[51] Primary Sep. 8 Henry C. Schadeberg (inc) Republican 16,615 86.28% Emil F. Hess Jr. Rep. 2,641 13.72% 19,256 13,974
General Nov. 3 Les Aspin Democratic 87,428 60.93% Henry C. Schadeberg (inc) Rep. 56,067 39.07% 143,495 31,361

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Complete Plans for First Rally of C. E. Groups". Herald-Times-Reporter. June 19, 1933. p. 4. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b "Schadeberg, Henry C. 1913". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  3. ^ "Ruth Hamilton to Become Bride of Rev. Schadeberg". Waukesha Freeman. February 9, 1938. p. 5. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Evansville Pastor Goes to Oconto". The Capital Times. September 1, 1942. p. 7. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Ministerial Group Elects Schadeberg". Wisconsin State Journal. February 25, 1943. p. 9. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Goes to Washington". Wisconsin State Journal. August 3, 1943. p. 7. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Evansville Pastor is Navy Chaplain". The Capital Times. September 5, 1943. p. 6. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Lt. Henry C. Schaedberg, USNR". Waukesha County Freeman. August 28, 1945. p. 2. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ a b "Rev. Schadeberg Relates Experiences as Navy Chaplain". Burlington Free Press. July 4, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Pastor to be Installed at Youth Church". Racine Journal Times. October 30, 1946. p. 15. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Legion Chaplain Gives Address at Memorial Service". Racine Journal Times. May 16, 1947. p. 14. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Race Prejudice Hit by Speaker". Waukesha County Freeman. March 7, 1946. p. 9. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Pastor Hits at U.S. Attitude in Crisis". Two Rivers Reporter. June 1, 1951. p. 9. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Rev. Schadeberg Receives Orders to Active Duty". Burlington Free Press. January 15, 1952. p. 1. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "The Chaplain Sends a Memo". Racine Journal Times. February 6, 1953. p. 19. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Jet Base Committee Will Meet on Thursday". Racine Journal Times. March 4, 1957. p. 17. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Burlington Pastor Elected to Post". Racine Journal Times. October 1, 1957. p. 18. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Rotary Installs New President". Racine Journal Times. July 8, 1958. p. 15. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Pastor Will Seek Flynn's Post in '60". Kenosha News. October 1, 1959. p. 12. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Zahn Will Seek 1st District Post". Oshkosh Northwestern. January 11, 1960. p. 5. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Rev. Schadeberg Gets 'Fresh' Election Help". Wisconsin State Journal. September 18, 1960. p. 22. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ a b c Toepel, M. G.; Theobald, H. Rupert, eds. (1962). "Wisconsin Elections". The Wisconsin Blue Book 1962 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library. pp. 789, 865. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  23. ^ O'Brien, James E. (September 18, 1960). "Schadeberg: The Man, The Candidate, His Political Philosophy". Racine Journal Times. p. 9. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Schadeberg Voted 100% With Conservative Coalition". Racine Journal Times. October 31, 1961. p. 10. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Elect Conservatives to Halt Socialism, Schadeberg Says". Racine Journal Times. March 12, 1962. p. 4. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Toepel, M. G.; Theobald, H. Rupert, eds. (1962). "Biographies". The Wisconsin Blue Book 1962 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library. p. 13. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  27. ^ Roberts, Llewellyn (February 18, 1961). "Schadeberg Hailed on Probe Unit's Defense". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved June 28, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Flynn Hits Schadeberg". Kenosha News. March 30, 1962. p. 9. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ a b Theobald, H. Rupert, ed. (1964). "Elections in Wisconsin". The Wisconsin Blue Book 1964 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 713, 761. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  30. ^ "Two From State Vote Against 'Clean Air' Bill". Oshkosh Northwestern. July 25, 1963. p. 4. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Our Congressman Voted for It". Racine Journal Times. February 13, 1964. p. 10. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Gov. Nelson Vetoes Second GOP Reapportionment Plan". Manitowoc Herald-Times. July 17, 1962. p. 1. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Says Reapportionment Against Schadeberg". Kenosha News. October 23, 1963. p. 27. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Schadeberg Urged to Enter Senate Contest". Oshkosh Northwestern. December 10, 1963. p. 2. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Schadeberg says record 'positive'". Kenosha News. October 29, 1964. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Stalbaum classes himself 'moderately liberal'". Kenosha News. October 29, 1964. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ a b Theobald, H. Rupert, ed. (1966). "Elections in Wisconsin". The Wisconsin Blue Book 1966 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 734, 752. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  38. ^ "Schadeberg Opening Research Office". Janesville Daily Gazette. April 14, 1965. p. 8. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Red threat gains, Schadeberg warns". Kenosha News. May 1, 1965. p. 7. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ Kaste, Ivan (October 19, 1965). "Schadeberg Believes Liberals Should be Heard, Respected". Waukesha County Freeman. p. 12. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Schadeberg's Boast: 'Borg Can't Beat Me'". Janesville Daily Gazette. December 16, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Schadeberg to Seek Return to Congressional Seat". Racine Journal Times. March 23, 1966. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ a b c Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V., eds. (1968). "Elections in Wisconsin". The Wisconsin Blue Book 1968 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 706, 721. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  44. ^ Buggs, Steve (April 23, 1966). "Ford, Schadeberg Blast Dems in Speeches Here". Janesville Daily Gazette. p. 1. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ a b Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V., eds. (1970). "Elections in Wisconsin". The State of Wisconsin Blue Book 1970 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 797, 812. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  46. ^ a b "Former Congressman Dies". Lake Geneva Regional News. December 19, 1985. p. 4. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Congressional race highlights scene". Kenosha News. October 21, 1970. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ Smoller, Jeff (October 26, 1970). "Schadeberg, Aspin Battle on Economy, Law and Order in 'Swing' 1st District". The Capital Times. p. 36. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ Devlin, Sean (October 23, 1970). "Sargent Shriver Speaks for Aspin". Racine Journal Times. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Candidates--What They're Doing, Saying". Racine Journal Times. October 31, 1970. p. 5. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ a b Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V., eds. (1971). "Elections in Wisconsin". The State of Wisconsin Blue Book 1971 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. pp. 296, 312. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  52. ^ "Ex-Wis. congressman dies in Rockbridge". The Roanoke Times. December 12, 1985. p. 79. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "G. Schadeberg Dies; Served School Board". Manitowoc Herald-Times. December 10, 1964. p. 23. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "Ruth Hamilton, Waukesha Teacher, Weds Rev. Henry Schadeberg, Youthful Minister". Waukesha County Freeman. July 18, 1938. p. 5. Retrieved June 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Wisconsin's 1st congressional district
January 3, 1961 – January 3, 1965 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Lynn Stalbaum
 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Wisconsin's 1st congressional district
January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1971 		Succeeded by
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