From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
Perhaps there is no person in the village of Harlem at the beginning of the
20th Century who was any better known or any more active in public
affairs, and who stood in more high esteem with his neighbors and townsmen
than Mr. George Schrade.
He was born in Germany in 1864, and came to Harlem when he was eighteen years of ago in 1882. He obtained employment as clerk in the Waldheim Cemetery office. In 1888 he became superintendent which position he held until 1903. In 1897 he entered the banking business, associated with Mr. Albert Roos. After a few year, however, he disposed of his interest in that institution to Mr. Roos. In 1904 he became connected with the Montrose Cemetery Company, at North 40th Avenue, Brynmawr Avenue.
While Mr. Schrade was very active in business affairs, he gave considerable of his time to political matters, His honesty and popularity as a public servant won for him the highest offices in the gift of his fellow townsmen. His aim was always to push Harlem to the front, and no little credit is due him for his valuable services. He was a Republican since becoming a voter. He was the leader of the Republican party in local politics. In 1888 he was elected clerk of the village and served for five years. In 1895 he was elected town collector, which he held for one year. Also in 1895 he was elected village collector, which he held for three years. In 1896 he was President of the Board of Education. He was Harlem President of the Board of Trustees in 1897, 1898 and 1899. He was at one time elected President of the Proviso Republican Club as well as a member of its executive committee. He was President of the Harlem Republican Club from 1906 to 1905.
Mr. Schrade belonged to a number of societies, among them the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. He married in 1888 Miss Anna Mark of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, a young woman of culture and refinement. They had three children – Mabel, Anna and Adelheid. They lived in a very pretty home at 24 South Marengo Street.