Schmidt, John H. 1839 - 1906

SCHMIDT, WEISE, MCDONALD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/2/2017 at 10:59:38

Elkader Register, Thur., 6 Sept. 1906. Elkport and Vicinity column.

John H. Schmidt was born in Saxony, Germany, May 1st, 1838. He came to America in 1846 with his parents, who located in Kendall county, Ill. In 18__ (Looks like 1856.) the subject of this sketch settled in this county. In 1864 he was married to Caroline Weise, who was born in Baden, Germany. To this union seven children were born, five of whom are still living, viz.; Frank, Edward, Henry and William, of Fon du Lac, Wis., and John, of Dubuque. Charles died just as he had reached manhood and Ella, the only daughter, who was married to Geo. McDonald, died in the spring of 19__ (Looks like 1903 or 1905.).

Mr. Schmidt followed farming until 1875, when he came to Elkport and started in the hardware and tinware business. Although unexperienced in the business, by close attention he succeeded well, and in December, 1904, sold out his stock of goods and property to Louis Benschneider, retiring and moving to Fon du Lac, Wis., where he and Mrs. Schmidt could spend their reclining years near their children, but Mr. Schmidt did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his labor, as he passed away on Saturday, Sept. 1st, 1906, aged 68 years and 4 months. His body was brought back here for burial.

The funeral took place Monday at 2 o'clock p.m., from Schnepf's undertaking parlors at East Elkport, Interment at Mount Harmony. There was a large concourse of friends who came to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased.