The Schemmel Families of Dubuque County, Iowa

Joseph Schemmel, for many years one of the foremost men in the western portion of Dubuque county, was a native of Munster, Province of Westphalia, Germany. He came to America in 1842 and for six years, in partnership with his three brothers, Henry, Anton and Christopher, operated a woolen mill at Hamilton, Ohio. In 1848 he came to Dubuque county, and with his brothers engaged in flour and woolen goods manufacturing. Here he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elisabeth Vente, a native of Oldenburg, Germany. To them were born ten children, three daughters and seven sons. Subsequently the flour mill burned, but the woolen mill continued to be operated many years and was a notable institution in the western part of the county. Joseph Schemmel was well known for his activity, his upright life, and the prominence he attained in local affairs. He conducted the postoffice at New Vienna for a number of years, served as a member of the board of supervisors, also as township assessor and as a justice of the peace. He died in 1898, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife in 1907, aged seventy-one years. Both are buried at New Vienna.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

William Schemmel, son of Joseph Schemmel, whose biography immediately precedes this, was born at New Vienna, New Wine Township, Dubuque county, on January 16, 1858. He was here brought up to manhood, educated in the public schools, worked in his father's mills and at various other occupations, and for the most part has always resided in the county of his nativity. For a number of years past he has lived in Dyersville, where he is at present engaged in business. On May 5, 1891, Mr. Schemmel married Miss Margaret Fromm, daughter of the old settler, Dr. L. Fromm, and to this marriage have been born five children, as follows: George, manager of a coal mine at Red Lodge, Montana; Alvina, a graduate of St. Francis Academy for Teachers; Alfred, a graduate of the Brothers of Mary College, of Dyersville, and Atala and Martha, the last two named being students at St. Francis Academy. In addition to his business premises and residence in Dyersville, Mr. Schemmel is the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. He is a Democrat and one of the enterprising men of Dyersville.

Dr. Lawrence Fromm (father of Mrs. Wm. Schemmel), a prominent physician and surgeon of Dubuque county, was born in Prussia, Germany, in the year 1826. He came to America in 1856, settling at Jamestown, Wisconsin, where he practiced for twelve years. Here he married a practical nurse, Miss Margaret Gaebel, also a native of Prussia, Germany. To this union were born fourteen children, seven daughters and seven sons. They then journeyed to Dyersville, Iowa, where they resided up to the time of their deaths. Dr. Fromm was known far and wide, for not only his practice but also his honesty and intelligence. His wife preceded him to the grave on July 26, 1894, at the age of sixty-one, he dying on October 20, 1903, at the age of seventy-six years. Both are buried at Dyersville, Iowa.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Theodore Schemmel, of Dyersville, was born at New Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa, June 16, 1852, and is a son of Henry and Mary Schemmel. The father came from Germany to America, locating first in Ohio and later coming to New Vienna, this county, with his brother. He here farmer 200 acres of land and also engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. He died at the age of forty-five years, followed by his wife in the fall of 1907, and both are buried in St. Boniface cemetery. Theodore Schemmel attended the parochial school at Dyersville and later took a college course at Dayton, Ohio. In 1868 he returned to the old homestead and assisted his mother in the management of the farm until 1871. He then bought a farm of 120 acres near Worthington, Dodge township, and about five years later purchased another 150-acre tract. He engaged in farming and stock raising and improved his property, which as time passed on increased in value. In 1900 Mr. Schemmel came to Dyersville and lived retired. He is a Democrat in politics and has served as Alderman of Dyersville and Road Supervisor of Dodge township. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters; in religious views he is a Catholic and holds membership in the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. To his marriage with

Miss Elizabeth Hopley, solemnized in Dyersville, October 3, 1871, seven children were born, as follows: Three who died in infancy; Lewis, farming near Worthington; Elizabeth, wife of Joe Rupeley; Frank, twin brother of Anthon who died in infancy, farming; and Mary, living with her father. Mrs. Schemmel died February 7, 1908, aged fifty-eight years, and is buried at Dyersville. Mr. Schemmel served fifteen years as a director and treasurer of the Board of Education at Worthington, and has always assisted from his means in the support of all laudable enterprises.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.