Schmidt, Julien Blasius 1901 - 1924

SCHMIDT, BENTE, BEERS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/22/2017 at 08:54:29

Elkader Register, Thur., 17 April 1924.

Last Saturday afternoon, April 12th, the people of Elkader were stunned when the word was passed around that Julien B. Schmidt had been instantly killed by coming in contact with a wire on the roof of the power house of the People's Electric Service Company. Our town has been remarkably free from tragedies and it was hard to realize that the popular young man, so capable at his work, could have been taken so quickly.

Shortly after dinner Saturday Henry M. Wolf and Julien Schmidt went to the roof of the power house to plan changes in the lines in order to transfer the current to the new distribution system which had been constructed so that the poles and wires could be removed from Front street. They had completed their discussion of the work and Mr. Wolf had turned to come down from the roof when he heard a sound and turning back saw Julien with one hand on a metal rack which supported the wires and the other in contact with a wire carrying 2800 volts. Mr. Wolf immediately grasped Julien by his wool sweater and pulled him away, calling for help. Dr. Hommell and others reached them in a few moments and every effort was made to resuscitate him until it became evident that death had occurred instantly and that further efforts were useless. Exactly how he came in contact with the wire is unknown.

Julien Blasius Schmidt was the youngest son of the late Robert F. and Ella Schmidt and was born in Elkader May 12th, 1901. This has always been his home and he was educated in the public schools here, graduating from the high school in June 1920. That fall he went to Lincoln, Nebr., with his brother Herald and entered the College of Engineering of the University of Nebraska. The following spring he returned home and took up the electrical work with the Elkader Electric Light and Power Company, remaining in the same work when the plant was taken over by the Peoples' Electric Service Company.

As a boy, Julien had shown an aptitude for things mechanical and electrical and as soon as he was able he worked around the Elkader mill and power plant, in which his father owned a third interest. When a school boy he constructed a wireless telegraph set, one of the first in this section, which was dismantled at the request of the government during the war; and he had one of the first radio telephone receiving sets in Elkader,

Julien was one of our town's best young men, capable, industrious, with good habits. Always pleasant and accommodating. He made a friend of practically everyone who knew him. Since the death of his father in 1918 he has been the especial companion of his mother.

He took an active interest in all church and community affairs. He was a member of the Evangelical Friedens Church of Elkader and was confirmed on the 16th of April, 1916. He was a faithful member of the church choir, and was always ready and willing to do his share in all church and community activities. He was a member of the Elkader Lodge No. 72, A.F. & A.M.; he also belonged to the Elkader Fire Department and the Elkader Band.

Julien is survived by his mother; a brother, Dr. A. H. Schmidt of Lincoln, Neb.; a sister Mrs. Florence Bente of Elkader; his aged grandmother, Mrs. Marie Beers, of Elkader; and many other relatives, to whom our entire community extends its deepest sympathy.

The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon. a brief service was held at the home at 1:30 after which Elkader Lodge No. 72 A.F. & A.M. escorted the cortege to the Evangelical church, which was filled to overflowing by the many sympathizing friends. Rev. C. H. Franke preached an impressive sermon and the Masonic services were given at the grave. Interment was beside his father on the family lot in the East Side cemetery.

At such a time, when a richly endowed and prospering life ends suddenly we can only rely on the promises of the all-wise Father who "doeth all things well" and without whose knowledge not even a sparrow can fall to earth. Only faith in His infinite mercies can sustain.

(There followed a large list of Masons from nearby towns who attended the services.)