The Schmidt Families of Scott County, Iowa

LUDWIG W. SCHMIDT.

Prominent among Scott county's esteemed and substantial citizens is Ludwig W. Schmidt. He holds the splendid farm upon which he is now living in especial affection, for it was here that he was born, May 26, 1857. As his name indicates, Mr. Schmidt is of German origin, his father being Carl F. Schmidt, of Schleswig- Holstein, born April 30, 1828. His grandfather, Fritz Schmidt, was a German school teacher, who in the year 1848 came to America with his five sons of whom Carl was next to the eldest. With the idea of engaging in farming they settled in Blue Grass township on land which they purchased from the government, and proceeded to enjoy success in the land of their adoption. This property is still in the possession of the family, Richard Schmidt at the present time residing upon it. When twenty-six years of age Carl Schmidt left the parental above and took possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which his son Ludwig was born and which he afterward possessed. In 1855 he married Miss Sophie Moeller and Ludwig is the eldest of the five children born to them. His brothers are Benjamin L. and Franz L. Schmidt, and his sisters Mrs. August F. Martzhahn and Mrs. John Kohrs, all four of whom reside in Davenport. The father died in 1886, but his wife survives him and makes her home with one of her daughters in Davenport.

When Ludwig Schmidt was about nine years of age his father removed from his farm to the vicinity of Davenport, where in the public schools he with the other children received their education. Upon leaving school he entered upon a life of usefulness by assisting his father, who at that time was conducting a vineyard. After his marriage he took possession of his father's homestead and is still living amid the associations of his early boyhood.

When twenty-three years of age Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Emma Martzhahn, a daughter of Fritz Martzhahn, of Scott county. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children: Fritz C, aged twenty-seven, still at home; Louisa, aged twenty-five; Bruno L. and Ella, twins, twenty-three years of age; Sophie, the wife of George Wichmann, of Davenport; Alfreda, aged sixteen; Benno F., aged fourteen; and Minnie, aged twelve.

Mr. Schmidt is a public-spirited citizen who enjoys the confidence of his fellowmen. He has done efficient public service, having been president of the school board and is now treasurer of the school board of Blue Grass township. Besides his agricultural interests he is a director of the Davenport Slaughtering & Rendering Company; a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank and the Home Savings Bank of Davenport, and is connected with his brothers' business, the Schmidt Brothers Ice Shipping Company, of Davenport.

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

B. L. SCHMIDT.

B. L. Schmidt, president of the Schmidt Brothers Company of Davenport, is a man of considerable force of character who has risen to his present position through the exercise of his native ability, combined with hard work and strict economy. Mr. Schmidt was born in Davenport, October 22, 1869, a son of Carl F. and Sophia (Moeller) Schmidt, both natives of Germany. The father came to Davenport in 1847, and although a cabinet-maker by trade, he farmer in Blue Grass township for fourteen years after coming here. Later he removed to a suburb of Davenport, where until his death, in 1889, he raised grapes and made wine. He and his wife were married in Scott county, and they had eight children, five of whom grew to maturity: L. W.; Minnie, now Mrs. 'A. F. Martzahn; B. L.; Hulda, now Mrs. J. L. Kohrs; and F. L.

B. L. Schmidt was educated in the public schools of this county, and after leaving school learned the trade of a machinist with William Sternburg in Davenport. After working at his trade for five years, he took a course in the Davenport Business College, and following this was made deputy county treasurer under Henry C. Struck. He then became associated with Voss Brothers in the manufacture of furniture fixtures, sash, door and blinds, making a specialty of wooden sold shoes with leather tops. This connection lasted five years, when Mr. Schmidt purchased the interests of Voss Brothers, and, taking his brother F. L. into partnership, the firm became Schmidt Brothers. This was in 1897 and until 1902 they were jobbers in the above mentioned lines, but in the latter year they sold their business and bought the patent on the Little Giant ice crusher and organized the Davenport Ice Chipping Machine Company, as well as the White Lily Manufacturing Company, B. L. Schmidt being president of both until 1909, when he sold the plant of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. After this they purchased the engine department of that company, to which they added the Ice Chipping Machine Company, and changed the name of the firm to Schmidt Brothers Company. In addition to this flourishing business, Mr. Schmidt is vice president of the Davenport Slaughter & Refining Company; a director of A. F. Koch Company; a director and vice president of the De Lux Textile Company; and a director of the Union Life Insurance Company, of Chicago. He was one of the first directors of the Commercial Qub and was one of the committee who raised the funds to build the club house.

In 1896 Mr. Schmidt married Johanna C. Kroeger, who was born in Davenport, a daughter of P. A. Kroeger, who was an old resident here. They have two children: Amy Louise and George L.

While never an office seeker, Mr. Schmidt was one of those who worked to secure the present form of government in Davenport. Whenever any measure is on foot for the betterment of his beloved city he is to be found in the front ranks, giving freely of both time and money. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He has always worked with untiring force, and seems to enjoy it. Capable and full of plans for the future, he is very popular, and his genial manner and kind heart win him friends everywhere.

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

LUDWIG H. SCHMIDT.

Among the many men who witnessed the development of Scott county from the days when those who located here had to go to the forests and hew the trees from which to make rude shelters for themselves was Ludwig H. Schmidt, now deceased, who was formerly one of the successful agriculturists of Blue Grass township. He was born in Revensdorf, near Kiel, Germany, a son of John Frederick Christian Schmidt, a highly respected school teacher there. In 1847 he, with his family, came to Scott county and bought land in Blue Grass township, upon which he built a log cabin as his first dwelling place. He broke the land and prepared it for cultivation, becoming a prosperous farmer. Before his death he was in possession of one hundred and fifty acres of land.

Ludwig H. Schmidt, who was but nine years of age when his father came to this country, received but little education in the land of his birth and had but few opportunities for continuing his studies here, owing to the primitive condition of the country and the necessity for his working in the fields. He had practical preparation for life, however, and through his father obtained a good introduction into the world of letters. He assisted in the cultivation of the soil from the beginning, developing and making the improvements which adorned the place. Later, he assumed full charge of the homestead, which remained his place of residence throughout his life. A thorough and careful farmer, industrious and a good manager, he was very successful, both in general agriculture and in the growing of grapes for wine.

In 1865 Mr. Schmidt returned to Germany on a visit and there married Miss Dora Schuett, by whom he had nine children; Mrs. Ida Thorborg, Adolph, Mrs. 'Agnes Kistenmacher, Mrs. Helen Schroeder, Emil, Herman, Albert, Ferdinand and Richard.

Mr. Schmidt took an active interest in the public affairs of the country of his adoption and, being public-spirited, was identified with some of the more vital interests of Scott county. He was well known in agricultural circles in Blue

Grass township and was ever spoken of as a man of sound principles and high integrity. His death occurred in 1884. For several years Mrs. Schmidt lived upon the homestead but now resides in Davenport. She still owns two hundred acres of land, which her son Richard operates.

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

Juergen Schmidt, a retired farmer of Sheridan township, is the owner of eighty acres of fine farm land in Scott county, upon which he now resides. It is situated about a mile and a half south of Eldridge and constitutes a good farm, being well developed through the energy and business ability of the owner. The name indicates his German ancestry. He was born in Holstein, January 24, 1833, and is a son of Claus and Anna Schmidt. The father was a farmer in Germany and there died.

Juergen Schmidt remained in his native country until nineteen years of age, when in 1852 he came to the United States, landing at New York, after a voyage of seven weeks. He was accompanied by his mother, his two brothers, Hans and Agert, the latter now deceased, and two sisters, Anna and Kathrina, who have also passed away. The family started westward from New York, making their way by rail to Chicago, and thence by wagon and boat to Davenport. After reaching their destination Mr. Schmidt purchased a farm of eighty acres of partially improved land in Sheridan township in partnership with his two brothers, and lived thereon for two years. He then left that place but his brother Hans remained upon the property. It was at that time that Juergen Schmidt took up his above upon his present farm. He and his brother Agert purchased at that time one hundred and sixty acres, of which each took half. Upon his place Juergen Schmidt has since lived and he has made all of the improvements, adding a modern dwelling, good barns and other necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. His fields are well tilled in the production of the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions and everything about the place is indicative of the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owner.

Mr. Schmidt was married in September, 1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda Ronge. Their union was blessed with five children, four daughters and a son, namely: Emma, a resident of Davenport; August, of Pipestone, Minnesota; Alvina, also of Davenport; Dorothy, at home; and Elsie, also under the parental roof. The wife and mother departed this life April 8, 1901, at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years. She is buried at Pine Hill cemetery.

Mr. Schmidt has served as road supervisor for one year but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He belongs to the German Pioneer Society of Scott county, having made his home within the borders of the county for fifty-eight years, during which period he has witnessed notable changes as the wild land has been transformed into beautiful and attractive farms, while the work of advancement has been carried just as steadily forward in the cities. The success that he has won has come as a direct reward of his own labor and effort and indicates what may be accomplished when one is willing to work. He has gained the respect and friendship of many and especially of those who have long been associated with him and have had the opportunity to witness the honorable course that he has pursued during the long years of his residence here.

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

William Schmidt is a native son of Iowa and possesses the enterprising spirit which has been the potent force in the rapid upbuilding and development of the middle west. He is now engaged in farming in Sheridan township, Scott county, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of productive land, pleasantly situated about a half mile east of Eldridge.

His birth occurred in Butler township, this county, on the 9th of March, 1860, his parents being Detlef and Catherine Schmidt, both of whom were natives of Holstein, Germany. The father was a blacksmith there and came to America when a young man, making his way westward to Davenport. Soon afterward he secured employment as a farm hand in this county and, carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled to purchase land in Butler township, thereon he resided until his death, which occurred when he was forty-two years of age. His widow long survived him and died at the age of seventy-four. In their family were eight children: Anna, the wife of Adolph Paustian, of Pottawatamie county, Iowa; William, of this review; Sophia, the wife of Charles Holdorf, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Charles, who is living on the old homestead farm in Butler township; Adolph, of Pottawattamie county; John, of the same county; Nancy, a resident of Davenport; and David, whose home is in Butler township.

William Schmidt was a pupil in the district schools of Butler township in his boyhood days and afterward worked on the home farm up to the time of his marriage, when he removed to another farm in Butler township, which was owned by his mother. After occupying and cultivating it for ten years he removed to his present place of residence, first renting the land, while in 1900 he purchased the property from Qaus Meier, his father-in-law. He has since erected a fine residence and made other improvements which add much to the value and attractive appearance of his place, his farm being one of the well developed properties of the township. The place is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of a progressive owner.

It was on the 15th of March, 1884, that Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Miss Anna Meier, a daughter of Qaus and Catherine (Lehmkuhl) Meier, who were natives of Germany and early settlers of this county. Her father came to the United States when a young man and established his home in Scott county, Iowa, purchasing land in Lincoln township. He now lives retired in Davenport. His first wife died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving two children: Henry, now a resident of Aliens Grove township; and Anna, now Mrs. William Schmidt. For his second wife, Mr. Meier married Miss Gretge Paustian, a native of Holstein, Germany, and to them were born four children, namely: Albert, who is married and lives on the homestead; Louisa, the wife of Carl Brockmann, residing near Donahue, Scott county; Adeie, the wife of Julius Seemann, of Davenport; and Walter, who married Minnie Hinz and lives on a farm near Davenport. The mother of these children died February 9, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have two children: Olga, the wife of Ernest Boecken, of Walcott, Iowa; and Arthur, who lives on the home farm. He married Millie Wessel and they have one child, Leota.

Mr. Schmidt has spent his entire life in Scott county and has, therefore, been a witness of its growth and progress for fifty years. This half century has witnessed many notable changes for all of the evidences of pioneer life have been replaced by those of modern civilization. He has always advocated progress and improvement and in as far as possible has aided in the work of general advancement. He is regarded as an enterprising farmer and his success is well merited as it has been attained entirely through his own labors.

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

BEN HARVEY SCHMIDT, M. D.

With determined and commendable purpose to reach a worthy place in the medical profession in his native city. Dr. B. H. Schmidt entered upon active practice in Davenport in 1898, since which time his course has been marked by a steady progression that has won him an extensive clientele in the tri-cities. He was born in Davenport, June 15, 1875, and is the youngest of the six living children of Hugo and Zella (Koehler) Schmidt, who were natives of the province of Westphalia, in Germany. They came to America in their childhood days and were married in Davenport. In the material line the ancestry of the family is traced back to the beginning of the seventeenth century. The father figured for a number of years as one of the leading and distinguished bankers and merchants of this city. He was at different times connected as cashier with the Citizens and First National Banks, on which his personality left a deep and lasting beneficial impress. Later he became the owner and manager of an extensive cracker business and continued in that line until his death, which was occasioned by an accident. His children are all yet residents of this city.

Dr. Schmidt, whose name introduces this review, pursued his literary course in the public schools of Davenport, passing through the grammar grades to the high school. He early determined to become a physician and, with this end in view, when fifteen years of age entered the office of Dr. Hageboeck as a student. Subsequently he matriculated in Rush Medical College at Chicago and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1897, after which he went to pursue post-graduate work in Vienna and Berlin. In the latter part of the year 1898 he returned to America and opened an office in Davenport. From the beginning his success was assured because he had in him those qualities which overcame all difficulties and obstacles and pressed steadily forward to the goal. Added to a thorough preparatory training he had a natural adaptability and his energy and industry were moreover numbered among his chief characteristics. Under Mayor Waldo Becker he was made city physician in 1901 and served until 1903. This entailed membership in the board of health and constituted him adviser thereto. Smallpox becoming epidemic in Davenport during his term of office, his skill as a physician and as an official received rigorous test and the result redounded greatly to his credit. He has always devoted his attention to the general practice of medicine and surgery, having many patrons in the tri-cities,' while his professional service is constantly increasing in volume and importance. Progress is the keynote of his life and through close study and earnest purpose he has made continuous advance. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and in the application of remedial agencies and thus he has come to be recognized as one of the most reliable physicians of Davenport. Aside from an extensive private practice he is examining and consulting physician to the Germania Life, Pacific Mutual, Danish Brotherhood and Merchants of Burlington insurance companies and contract physician to the Mutual Manufacturers Accident Association.

In 1899 Dr. Schmidt was married to Miss Helen Reith, a native of this city and the daughter of Henry Reith, who came from Germany in the '60s. They now have one child, Kurt, who was born March 16, 1904.

Dr. Schmidt belongs to the Knights of Pythias society and Woodmen of America, in both of which he is examining physician. He is likewise connected with the Turner Society, the German Free School, the Ethical Society, the Shooting Association, the Arsenal Golf and the Schuetzen Clubs, all of which indicate the nature of his interests and his recreation. He likewise belongs to the County, State and National Medical Associations and is interested in every onward step made by the profession in the effort to secure for man a key to that complex mystery which we call life. His deep interest, his ambition and his natural inclination are bound up in his profession, to which he is an honor and in which he has achieved distinction.

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

Among Davenport's prominent citizens must be numbered Mrs. Maria Schmidt, who represents one of the oldest and best known German families in the city, and in fact throughout Scott county. She was born in Germany, December 30, 1847, her parents being Frederick and Elsie (Brandt) Weiss, the former of whom was the proprietor of a paint shop in that country. In 1850 Mr. Weiss brought his family to America, landing at New Orleans and making the rest of the journey to Davenport up the broad waters of the Mississippi.

As soon as possible he established himself in his old business, his location being upon Second street, and he continued thus actively engaged until January 21, 1879, when he passed away, his wife having preceded him in 1853. They were the parents of three children. Katherine is the widow of Theodore Petersen and makes her home in Davenport. Henry, the third in order of birth, met his death while hunting in Scott county. May 17, 1867.

Mrs. Schmidt received her education in the Davenport schools and grew to womanhood here. When about twenty-six years of age she went to California and it was while in the west that her marriage took place. The man to whom she gave her hand was Carl Theodore Marx Schmidt, their union being celebrated September 20, 1883, at Paradise Valley, Humboldt county, Nevada. Mr. Schmidt was a native of Germany, born in Mecklenburg, August 31, 1844, and he came to the United States after having served the usual time in the German army. After some experience as a sailor, he went to California in 1865 and for twenty years was employed in the gold and silver mines of California and Nevada.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt continued to reside in the far west for a number of years after their marriage, but in October, 1892, they located in Davenport and for about five years he had charge of the Davenport Outing Club. He subsequently had charge of various buildings in the city, among them being the Petersen. Mr. Schmidt was Lutheran in faith and fraternally was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died May 18, 1903, and was interred in Fairmont cemetery.

Mrs. Schmidt is the mother of two children. The elder, Carl F., was born in 1884 and is now a prominent plumber, his business being located at the corner of Twenty-Second and Brown streets. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Deher, and they have a daughter, Louise Marie. The younger son, Theodore George, was born February 5, 1888, and lives at home. The brothers are well known and popular members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Davenport Lodge, No. 7. Not only is Mrs. Schmidt a valuable member of society, but she has accomplished the even fine service of motherhood and has reared her sons to good citizenship.

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