Theodor Schrecker (1854‑1921)
Summary
Theodor Schrecker was a Czech-born accountant and iron‑mongery broker who spent most of his life in Vienna, Austria. Born on 20 December 1854 in Golčův Jeníkov (then part of the Austrian Empire), he moved to Vienna in 1874, where he worked as a bookkeeper and later as an iron broker until his death on 7 September 1921. He was married to Berta Neurath and had seven children, many of whom lived into the mid‑20th century. He died in Vienna and was buried at the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery).
Early Life
- Birth: 20 December 1854, Golčův Jeníkov, Havlíčkův Brod District, Vysočina Region (then the Austrian Empire).
- Parents: Salomon Schrecker (1821‑1857) and Barbara Lawetzky (1823‑1891).
- Siblings: Albert (1850‑1926), Ignaz Victor (1852‑1912), Ludwig (1856‑1873).
The Schrecker family was part of the Jewish community in Bohemia. The mid‑19th century saw significant migration from rural Bohemia to urban centers such as Vienna, driven by industrialization and the promise of professional opportunities.
Migration to Vienna
- 1874: Relocated to Pragerstraße 7, Vienna III.
- 1875: Began working as a Buchhalter (accountant) at Darwingasse 8, Vienna II.
- 1875‑1878: Continued residence and professional activity in the same address.
Vienna at this time was rapidly expanding as the capital of the Austro‑Hungarian Empire, attracting professionals and merchants from across the empire.
Professional Career
| Year | Occupation | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 1875 | Buchhalter (accountant) | Darwingasse 8, Vienna II |
| 1878 | Buchhalter (accountant) | Unter Viaductgasse 21, Vienna III |
| 1881 | Buchhalter (accountant) | Löwengasse 29, Vienna III |
| 1882 | Iron and Ironmongery Broker | Pragerstraße 12, Vienna III |
Schrecker’s work as an accountant involved bookkeeping and financial management for businesses. In 1882 he transitioned to the iron trade, reflecting Vienna’s growing industrial economy and demand for metal goods.
Personal Life
- Marriage: 25 February 1883, Tempelgasse Synagogue, Vienna.
- Spouse: Berta Neurath (1861‑1931).
Children
| Name | Birth–Death |
|---|---|
| Elsa Schrecker | 1884‑1959 |
| Martha Schrecker | 1885‑1968 |
| Clara Schrecker | 1887‑1918 |
| Paul Schrecker | 1889‑1963 |
| Robert Schrecker | 1893‑1957 |
| Franz Schrecker | 1897‑? |
| Karl Schrecker | 1899‑? |
The family lived at Pragerstraße 12 (1882–1886), Obere Weißgerberstraße 5 (1893), and later at Marinelligasse 7 (1915).
Later Years
- 1915: Residence at Marinelligasse 7, Vienna.
- Death: 7 September 1921, Vienna, Austria.
- Burial: Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery), Vienna; plot I. TOR 52A‑14‑46, 11 Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234. Interment on 9 September 1921.
Historical Context
The Austro‑Hungarian Empire (1854‑1918)
During Schrecker’s lifetime, the Austrian Empire became the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary in 1867. Vienna emerged as a cosmopolitan capital, fostering economic growth and cultural diversity. The Jewish community played an active role in commerce, finance, and the arts.
Industrialization
The late 19th century saw rapid industrial development in Vienna, especially in metalworking and manufacturing. Schrecker’s shift to iron brokerage in 1882 coincided with increased demand for industrial materials.
World War I (1914‑1918)
The war strained the empire’s economy and society. By 1915, Schrecker was living in Marinelligasse 7; the war likely impacted his professional activities and personal life.
Post‑War Austria
After 1918, the empire dissolved, forming the Republic of Austria. Schrecker died in 1921 during this transitional period.
Legacy
Theodor Schrecker’s life reflects the experiences of many Jewish professionals in the Austro‑Hungarian Empire: migration from rural regions to Vienna, engagement in commerce and finance, and participation in the city’s industrial expansion. His family continued to reside in Vienna into the mid‑20th century, indicating a lasting connection to the city’s social fabric.