Juergen Schmidt

As printed in 1910

JUERGEN SCHMIDT.

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 History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa : Illustrated (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.