Maria Schmidt

As printed in 1910

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 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.