Dr. John Frank Schrader

Dr. John Frank Schrader was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Schrader, who were farmers. He was born in Lukin Township on November 7, 1868, and educated in Lukin schools. After attending Normal School at Danville, Indiana, he then went to Valparaiso University where he studied pre-med and received a degree in pharmacy in 1892. That same year he entered Indiana University Medical School where he graduated in 1895.

Soon after graduation Dr Schrader returned to Lawrence County and located his office in Bridgeport, practicing by himself for a few years and then forming a partnership with Dr. M. D. Frazier, that continued until Dr. Fraser’s death in 1912.

Dr. Schrader married Jenny Cunningham of Lawrence County, and the couple had four children.

During World War I he volunteered for service on June 1, 1918, and was called to duty on August 4, serving until December 7, 1918. He received a Captain’s commission and served on the staff of General Hospital #28 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

He was an active member of the Methodist Church and was a surgeon for the B&O railroad.

The doctor was always active in civic affairs. He became a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge on February 19, 1901, and served as Master of his Lodge from 1903 to and including 1907. He was also a member of the Medina Temple, Mystic Shrine Valley of Chicago, Scottish Rite.

Schrader was mayor of Bridgeport from 1909 to 1911 and again from 1913 to 1915. In 1915 he was elected to the Board of Bridgeport Township High School and was elected president of the Board serving in this position until his health failed in 1940. Because of his progressive spirit, the capacity of the high school building was almost doubled, and the new gymnasium was added.

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