On 25 June 1831, Georg Philipp Ferdinand Schneider was baptised in the Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche Pirmasens, Pirmasens, Rheinkreis, Bavaria. He had been born on 25 June 1831 to Heinrich Philipp Schneicer and Elisabetha Schneider.

On 20 September 1851, a Ferdinand Schneider arrived in the port of Baltimore, Maryland on the ship Albert. He was listed as 23, male, a labourer, nationality Würtenberg, last residence Witteberg. He was traveling with Michel Schneider, aged 22, and Sebastian Schneider, aged 30. [National Archives microfilm 255.] (This is plausible but not convincing.)

On 10 March 1860, George Schneider married Anna Wolfel, in the same church (First United Evangelical Church, Baltimore City) as where Ferdinand and Anna’s son Louis Philipp Schneider’s death was recorded in 1869. [Maryland State Archives, Special Collections, MS SC 2887, Film No. M 1549-2, page 182, as transcribed by Pauline Leitner.]

On 30 October 1860, George Philip F. Schneider petitioned for naturalization at the United States District Court in Baltimore, Maryland. His country of birth was given as Bavaria. Witness: William Menz. [National Archives, Publication M1168, Indexes to Naturalization Petitions to the U.S. Circuit and District Courts for Maryland 1797-1951.]

The 1865-’66 Wood's Baltimore City Directory lists (page 371):
Schneider, Ferdinand, tinware, lamps, stoves, &c., 56 e Pratt

On 4 April 1866, Ferdinand Schneider purchased from George Presstman, subject to ground rent, a parcel of land at 282 Canton Avenue (sometimes known as Fleet Street), which became 1740 Canton or Fleet Street after street were renumbered in 1886:
This Lease made this fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six between George Presstman of the City of Baltimore in the State of Maryland of the first part and Ferdinand Schneider of the same place of the second part. Witnesseth that the said George Presstman in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars and in consideration of the rent hereinafter expressed to be paid doth pass unto the said Ferdinand Schneider his executors and administrators and assigns All that piece or parcel of ground situate and lying in the City of Baltimore aforesaid and described as follows: that is to say Beginning for the same on the north side of Canton Avenue (formerly called Fleet Street) at the distance of one hundred and fourteen feet from the north west corner or intersection of Canton Avenue and Argyle Alley and running thence east on the north side of Canton Avenue fifteen feet to the centre or middle an alley way constructed and left open for the use in common of the house erected on the lot of ground now being described and the house adjoining thereto on the east and running thence north parallel with Ann Street eighty feet thence, west parallel with Canton Avenue fifteen feet thence southerly by a straight line to the place of beginning. Being the same ground which by and of assignment dated the 2d day of October 1857 and recorded among the Land Records of Baltimore City in Liber E.D. No 130 folio 213 was assigned by Leonora Spear & others to the said George Presstman subject to the annual rent of one cent. See also deed dated 7th October AD 1857 and recorded among the Records aforesaid Liber E.D. 136 folio 214 from John Spear Trustee to said George Presstman. Together with all improvements thereon made lanes alleys ways waters privileges easements emoluments and advantages to the said ground belonging or in any wise appertaining To be held by the said Ferdinand Schneider his executors administrators and assigns for all the rest and residue save one year of the term for years yet to come and unexpired on said premises, he the said Ferdinand Schneider his executors administrators or assigns yielding and paying unto the said George Presstman his executors administrators assigns the rent or yearly sum of seventy five dollars and that in even and equal half yearly installments accounting from the twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty six over and above all deductions for taxes and assessments of every kind levied or assessed or to be levied assessed on said assessed premises or the rent issuing therefrom. Provided that if the said rent shall be in arrear in whole or in part at any time then it shall be lawful for the said Lessor his executors administrators or assigns to make distress therefor. And provided also that if said rent shall be in arrear in whole or in part for sixty days then it shall be lawfull for the said Lessor his executors administrators or assigns to re-enter upon the hereby demised premises and hold the same until all arrearages of rent thereon and all expenses incurred by reason of such non payment shall be fully paid And provided further that if said rent shall be in arrear for one year then the said Lessor his executors administrators or assigns may re enter upon the premises hereby demised and hold the same as if this lease had never been made. And the said Ferdinand Schneider for himself his heirs executors administrators and assigns to pay the aforesaid rent taxes and assessments when legally demandable And the said George Presstman for himself his heirs executors administrators and assigns doth hereby covenant with the said Ferdinand Schneider his executors administrators and assigns that on the payment by the said Lessee his executors administrators or assigns of said rent and performances of all covenants herein or his or their part to be paid and performed, he the said George Presstman his heirs executors administrators and assigns will warrant the property hereby leased from all claims thereon under the said lessor and from all claims and demands thereon for or in respect of any other or greater rent than that hereby reserved. Also that at any times claiming this demise the said George Presstman his executors administrators or assigns shall on payment to him or them of ten dollars as renewal fine execute and deliver or cause it to be executed and delivered to the said Ferdinand Schneider his executor administrators or assigns at his or their request a new Sub Lease of the above demised property reserving to the said lessor his executors administrators or assigns a reversion of one day therein which new Sub Lease shall be subject to the same rent and shall have similar covenants to those herein contained and especially shall have a covenant for perpetual renewment so that the estate and interest hereby notated shall be renewable and renewed from time to time for ever
Witness our hands and seals
Geo Presstman
Ferdinand Schneider
Test Saml G Spicer
State of Maryland City of Baltimore to wit.
I hereby certify that on this fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore personally appeared George Presstman and Ferdinand Schneider and did each acknowledge the aforegoing Sub Lease to be their respective act.
Saml G Spicer J.P.
Recd for record Apl 4 1866 at 3-2/4 ock PM same day recorded & Examined per Alford Mace Clk
[Baltimore City Superior Court, (Land Records), 1866-1866, AM 300, p. 334, MSA CE 168-308.]

On 4 April 1866, Ferdinand Schneider mortgaged property purchased the same day to John Hoos:
This mortgage made this fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six by Ferdinand Schneider of Baltimore City in the State of Maryland Where as the said Ferdinand Schneider is justly indebted unto John Hoos in the sum of six hundred dollars and has agreed to pay the same unto the said Hoos three years after the date hereof and for the purpose of more effectually securing the payment there of at maturity these presents are executed Now this mortgage witnesseth that in consideration of the premises and of one dollar the said Ferdinand Schneider doth grant and assign unto the said John Hoos his executors administrators and assigns All that piece or parcel of ground situate and lying in Baltimore City aforesaid and described as follows that is to say: Beginning for the same on the north side of Canton Avenue (formerly called Fleet street) at the distance of one hundred and fourteen feet from the north east corner or intersection of Canton Avenue and Argyle Alley and running thence east on the north side of Canton Avenue fifteen feet to the centre or middle of an alley way constructed and left open for the use in common of the house erected on the lot of ground new being described and the house adjoining thereto on the east and running thence north parallel with Ann Street eighty feet thence west parallel with Canton Avenue fifteen feet thence southerly by a straight line to the place of beginning. Being the same ground which by deed bearing even date herewith but perfected & recorded prior to these presents among the Land records of Baltimore City prior hereto was demised and SubLeased by George Presstman to the said Ferdinand Schneider subject to the annual rent of seventy five dollar Together with the improvements thereon and the rights and appurtenances thereto belonging. To have and to hold the said described property with the rights and appurtenances aforesaid unto the said John Hoos his executors administrators and assigns during all the residue of the term of years yet to come and unexpired therein with the right and benefit of renewal of said lessor forever, subject to the payment of the yearly rent aforesaid. Provided that if the said Ferdinand Schneider or any person on his behalf shall well and truly pay to the said John Hoos his executors administrators or assigns the aforesaid sum of six hundred dollars at the time of the maturity thereof and the interest thereon and shall perform the covenants herein contained on his or their part to be performed then this mortgage shall be void and of no effect. And the said Ferdinand Schneider hereby declares his assent to the passing of a Decree by the Superior Court of Baltimore City or by the Circuit Court of said City for a sale of the property hereby mortgaged to take place at any time after default shall have been made in payment of the Mortgage Debt aforesaid or any part thereof or of the interest thereon whether the time limited for the payment of the whole debt shall have expired or not, pursuant to the provisions of the Maryland Code of Public Local Laws Article 18 section 782 &c. relating to mortgages in the City of Baltimore and in the event of a sale under such Decree the proceeds thereof shall be applied to the payment of all claims of the said mortgage his representatives or assigns under this mortgage whether the same shall have matured or not. And it is agreed between the said parties that until default be made in the premises the said mortgager shall hold and possess the hereby mortgaged property and receive the rents and profits thereof upon paying in the meantime the ground rent and all taxes thereon and also the mortgage tax on the debt hereby secured, which ground rent taxes mortgage Debt and interest the said mortgager for himself his heirs executors and administrators and assigns hereby covenants to pay when legally demandable. And also during the continuance of this mortgage to keep the improvements on the said mortgaged premises insured against damage and loss by fire to the amount of at least six hundred dollars and to cause the Policy of such insurance to be so framed or endorsed as that in case of loss by fire the avails thereof shall inure to the benefit of said mortgagee to the extend of his or their lien or claim under this mortgage. Witness my hand and seal
Ferdinand Schneider
Witness P.T. Wilson
State of Maryland Baltimore City S.S.
I hereby certify that on this fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore aforesaid personally appeared Ferdinand Schneider and acknowledged the foregoing mortgage to be his act. And I further certify that at the same time before me also personally appeared John Hoos the mortgagee within named and he made oath in due form of law that the consideration set forth in the said Deed of Mortgage is true and bona fide as herein set forth. Witness my name the day and year aforesaid
PTWilson
Red for record Apr 4 1886 at 3-2/4 o'ck PM same day recorded examined per Alford Mace Clk
[Baltimore City Superior Court, (Land Records), 1866-1866, AM 300, p. 336, MSA CE 168-308.]

The 1867 Woods Baltimore City Directory lists (page 448):
Schneider, Ferdn’d, tinware, lamps, stoves, &c., 282 Central [sic] av

The 1868-’69 Wood's Baltimore City Directory lists (page 463):
Schneider, Ferdinand, tin ware, lamps, stoves, &c., 282 Canton av
Schneider, Henry, tobacconist, 212 Aliceanna

On 28 February 1870, George Philip Ferdinand Schneider applied for a United States passport in Baltimore County, Maryland. He provided his full name as George Philip Ferdinand Schneider, born in Germany on or about 25 June 1831. He was described as 39 years of age, 5 feet 7-1/2 inches tall, low forehead, blue eyes, full nose, proportionate mouth, round chin, black hair, complexion pale, face oval. Signed G. Ph. Ferdinand Schneider. [National Archives, Passport Applications 1795-1905, Volume 355.]

On 23 May 1870, Ferdinand Schneider arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on the ship Berlin, from Bremin, Germany. He was 39, male, “blacsmith”. His nationality was U.S., last residence in Baltimore. He was traveling in steerage class. [National Archives microfilm 255; he is listed on line 21 of the 796 passergers.]

1870 U.S. Census, Baltimore City, Maryland
2nd Ward, written page no. 85, enumerated on 24 June
Dwelling No. 470, Family No. 745
Schneider, Ferdinand, 39, tinner, $1500 real estate, $1000 personal estate, born in Bavaria
Schneider, Anna, 30, keeping house, born in Bavaria
Schneider, Frederick, 9, born in Maryland, in school
Schneider, Charles, 7, born in Maryland, in school
Schneider, Eliza, 5, born in Maryland
Fuchs, Margaret, 17, domestic servant, born in Maryland

The 1870 Wood’s Baltimore City Directory lists (page 525):
Schneider, Ferdinand, tinware, lamps, stoves, &c., 282 Canton av
Schneider, Henry, tobacconist, 212 s Broadwa [sic]

The 1871 Wood’s Baltimore City Directory lists (page 532):
Schneider, Henry, tobacconist, 212 s Broadway
Ferdinand is not listed.

The 1872 Wood’s Baltimore City Directory does not list Ferdinand Schneider.

On 19 February 1872, the Deutsche Correspondent published:
Büreau des Gebäude-Inspektors
Der Gebäude-Inspektorhat Erlaubnig-Gesuche um solgende Bau-Privilegien erhalten: [included]
F. Schneider, um unbedeckten Schuppen, 8 bei 16 Fusz, hinter Nr. 282, Canton-Avenue.
G. Trautwein, um bedeckten Schuppen, 12 bei 16 Fusz, hinter Nr. 41, Nord-Dallasstr.
—
Office of the Building Inspector
The Building Inspector received permission requests for the following construction privileges: [included]
F. Schneider, an uncovered shed, 8 by 16 feet, behind 282 Canton Avenue.
G. Trautwein, a covered shed, 12 by 16 feet, behind 41 North Dallas Street.
[Deutsche Correspondent, 19 February 1872, page 1.]

The 1873 Wood’s Baltimore City Directory lists (page 521):
Schneider, Ferdinand, stoves and tinware, 282 Canton av
Schneider, Henry, tobacconist, 212 s Broadway

The 1874 Wood’s Baltimore City Directory does not list Ferdinand Schneider.

Corcoran’s Baltimore City Business Directory For 1877–8, Containing a Complete Classified and Alphabetically Arranged List of all the Business Houses of the City (Phoenix Publishing Company, Baltimore), lists on page 159:
STOVE DEALERS
Schneider F. 282 Canton ave

1880 U.S. Census, Baltimore City, Maryland
2nd Ward, E.D. 21, written page 43, enumerated 12 June 1880
Dwelling No. 331, Family No. 462
282 Canton Avenue
Schneider, Ferdinand, 49, tinner, born in Bavaria
Schneider, Anna, 41, wife, keeping house, born in Bavaria
Schneider, Frederick, 19, son, plumber, born in Maryland
Schneider, Charles, 17, son, tinner app’r, born in Maryland
Schneider, Lizzie, 14, daughter, at home, born in Maryland
Schneider, Kate, 10, daughter, at school, born in Maryland
Schneider, Anna, 7, daughter, at school, born in Maryland
Schneider, Maria, 4, daughter, born in Maryland
Schneider, Mainie, 2, daughter, born in Maryland

On 6 August 1883, a classified ad in The Baltimore Sun stated in part:
Orphans’ Court Sale
Valuable Sub-Ground Rents and Improved Leasehold Property.
By virtue of an order of the Orphans’ Court of Baltimore County the undersigned, Executors, will sell at public auction, at the Exchange Salesrooms, Raine Building, corner Baltimore street and Post-office avenue, on Monday, August 20, 1883, at one (1) o'clock P.M., the following sub-ground rents and improved leasehold property:
$75.—A sub-ground rent of seventy-five dollars per annum, issuing out of a lot of ground on the north side of Canton avenue. See sub-lease from George Presstman to Ferdinand Schneider, dated fourth day of April, 1866, recorded Liber A. M. No. 300, folio 334, &c. Improvement 282 Canton avenue, between Broadway and Ann street.
George R. Presstman,
Thomas R. Presstman,
Executors of Mary A. Presstman, deceased.
Matthews & Kirkland, Auctioneers.
[The Baltimore Sun, 6 August 1883, page 3; 10 August 1883, page 3; 13 August, page 3.]

The 1887 Polk’s Baltimore City Directory lists on page 1046:
Schneider Ferd, sheetironwkr, 1740 Canton av

On 19 February 1891, The Baltimore Sun reported in a legal column:
The Concordia Loan and Saving Association was incorporated by Frederick Diegel, Ferdinand Schneider, Henry Moser, Frederick J. Schneider, Gustav A. Musch, Wm. F. Inglart, August Kunkel, John Frohnapfel, Henry B. Schulte and Charles Sommerworck. The capital stock is $500,000.
[The Baltimore Sun, 19 February 1891, page 3.]

1900 U.S. Census, Baltimore City, Maryland:
5th Ward, Enumeration District 63, Sheet 3
1740 Canton Avenue
Dwelling 51, Household 57
Schneider, Ferdinand, head, white, male, born June 1831, age 68, married 43 years, born in Germany, both parents born in Germany, immigrated in 1853, 47 years in U.S., occupation tinner, 0 months unemployed, can read and write, can speak English, owns free
Schneider, Frederick J, son, white, male, born August 1861, age 38, single, born in Maryland, born parents born in Germany, occupation tinner, 0 months unemployed, can read and write, can speak English
Schneider, Minnie, daughter, white, female, born July 1878, age 21, single, born in Maryland, both parents born in Germany, can read and write, speaks English
Dwelling 51, Household 58
Behr, John, head, white, male, born June 1872, age 27, married 6 years, born in Maryland, both parents born in Maryland, occupation furniture packer, 0 months unemployed, can read and write, can speak English
Behr, Annie, wife, white, female, born May 1873, age 27, married 6 years, mother of 2 children, 1 child living, born in Maryland, both parents born in Germany, can read and write, can speak English
Behr, Ferdinand, son, white, male, born September 1896, 3, single, born in Maryland, both parents born in Maryland, can speak English

On 30 June 1904, an article in Der Deutsche Correspondent stated:
Feierte seinen 73. Geburstag. — Hr. Ferdinand Schneider von Nr. 1740, Canton-Ave., feierte am Montag seinen 73. Geburtstag, indem er seinen Freunden zu Ehren einen Ausflug nach "Walnut-Grove" am Bear-Creek veranstaltete. Die Theilnehmer verliessen Baltimore in einem grossen Omnibus, und auf der Rückfahrt wurde am "River-View-Varf” angehalten. Unter den Theilnehmern befanden sich die H.H. Ferdinand Schneider, Julius Meister, Geo. Beidenstöfer, Chas. L. Man, Stadtrathsmitglied William B. Smith, Fred. J. Schneider, Jacob Kern, Ferdinand Behr, William F. Inglart, August Meyer, , Fred. Schneider and Elmer Schneider.
Celebrated his 73rd birthday. - Mr. Ferdinand Schneider of Nr. 1740 Canton Ave., celebrated on Monday his 73rd birthday by a trip to "Walnut Grove" held by his friends in honor at Bear Creek. The participators left Baltimore in a large bus, and on the way back stopped at the "River-View-Wharf.” Among the participants were the H.H. Ferdinand Schneider, Julius Meister, Geo. Beidenstöfer, Chas. L. Man, City Council member William B. Smith, Fred. J. Schneider, Jacob Kern, Ferdinand Behr, William F. Inglart August Meyer, Fred. Schneider and Elmer Schneider.
[Der Deutsche Correspondent, 30 June 1904, page 8.]

On 2 July 1905, an article in The Baltimore Sun entitled Many Go Abroad listed Ferdinand Schneider among those traveling.
[The Baltimore Sun, 2 July 1905, page 6.]

The 1905–06 Polk’s Baltimore City Business Directory lists on page 425, under Stoves, Ranges, Etc.:
Schneider Ferd, 1740 Canton av

Ferdinand Schneider died on 16 September 1911. His death certificate provides the following information: full name Ferdinand Schneider; place of death 1740 Canton Ave, 2nd ward; residence 1740 Canton Ave.; male, white, widower; born 25 June 1831; died aged 80 years 2 months 22 days; occupation “tin plate & sheet metal worker”; born in Germany; parents were Henry Phillip Schneider and Elizabeth Linn, both born in Germany; information provided by Fred. J. Schneider of 1740 Canton Ave.; died (primary cause) of pulmonary tuberculosis (secondary cause) exhaustion [difficult to read]; buried at Baltimore Cemetery on 20 September 1911. [Hall of Records, Annapolis, microfilm record of City of Baltimore Health Department Certificate of Death C17164.]

A death notice in The Sun stated:
Died. [Received Too Late for Classification] SCHNEIDER.-On September 16, 1911, after a lingering illness, FERDINAND, aged 80 years, beloved husband of the late Annie Schneider. Funeral from his late residence, No. 1740 Canton avenue, of which due notice will be given. [The Sun (Baltimore), Sunday Morning, 17 September 1911, page 1.]

A death notice in The Sun stated:
SCHNEIDER.-On September 16, 1911, FERDINAND, beloved husband of the late Annie Schneider. Funeral from his late residence, No. 1740 Canton avenue, on Wednesday, September 20, at 2 P.M. Interment (private) in Baltimore Cemetery. [The Sun (Baltimore), Monday Morning, 18 September 1911, page 6; Tuesday Morning, 19 September 1911, page 6; Wednesday Morning, 20 September 1911, page 6.]

A death notice in Der Deutsche correspondent stated:
Es starb am 16 September 1911 nach langer Krankheit Ferdinand Schneider, geliebeter Gatte der verstorbenen Annie Schneider. Die Beerdigung findet Mittwoch den 20 September, Nachmittags 2 Uhr, von seiner Wohnung, Nr. 1740, Canton-Avenue, aus statt. Beisetzung privatim auf der "Baltimore Cemtery [sic]“. (On 16 September 1911 after a long illness, Ferdinand Schneider, beloved husband of the deceased Annie Schneider. The funeral will take place Wednesday 20 September, in the afternoon at 2 o'clock, from his dwelling, No. 1740, Canton Avenue. Private funeral at the "Baltimore Cemtery". [Der Deutsche correspondent, 18, 19 and 20 September 1911.]

An obituary in The Sun stated:
FERDINAND SCHNEIDER. Mr. Ferdinand Schneider, 80 years old, died Saturday night at his home, 1740 Canton avenue, after an illness of two weeks from the infirmities of age. Born in Germany, he came to this city in 1853 and started in the tinware business in 1861. Five years later he established his business at the Canton avenue house and had been living there since that time. Mr. Schneider was a member of the Ancient Order United Workmen. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth K. Inglart, Mrs. Catherine Thomas, Mrs. Anna Behr and Mrs. Minnie Barnes; two sons, Messrs. Frederick J. and Charles J. Schneider, and by 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. [The Sun (Baltimore), Monday Morning, 18 September 1911, page 9.]

An obituary in The Sun stated:
FERDINAND SCHNEIDER. The funeral of Mr. Ferdinand Schneider, 80 years old, one of the oldest Germans in the eastern section of the city, who died at his home, 1740 Canton avenue, Saturday, after a long illness from the infirmities of age, took place yesterday afternoon from his home. Services were conducted by Rev. C. M. Eyster, pastor of Forest German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial was in Baltimore Cemetery. The pallbearers were Messrs. John Bensel, Rudolph Berger, Charles Rappold, Adam Volker, Adam Hoellriedgel, Robert Kammer, Frank Braatz and John Starklauf, members of the Wittelsbach Society, of which Mr. Schneider was a member. [The Sun (Baltimore), Thursday Morning, 21 September 1911, page 13.]

Ferdinand Schneider’s headstone reads:
Father
Ferdinand
Beloved Husband of
Anna Schneider
June 25, 1831
Sept. 16, 1911
[illeg.] life in death remembered