Schmidt, John G. 1841-1919

SCHMIDT, SCHAFER, AASMAN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/11/2008 at 16:17:35

LeMars Sentinel
March 11, 1919

CIVILWAR VETERAN IS DEAD

J.G. Schmidt, Who Had Been Sick For Several Months, Passes Away at City Hospital-Was Early Settler in Marion Township

John G. Schmidt, for more than forty years a resident of Plymouth county,
died at the city hospital on Sunday morning at 4 o'clock after a long
illness caused from diabetes. For the past ten years he had been ailing but
was up and around though often a sufferer. Since last August he had been
practically bedridden. On Saturday he was taken to the city hospital on the
advice of the attending physician. During his long illness he was faithfully
attended and nursed by his son, Julius H. Schmidt.

John G. Schmidt was a native of Germany where he was born near Heidelberg,
on May 1, 1841, and where he received his early education and training. On
May 1, 1857, at the age of sixteen he landed in America to seek his fortune.
Shortly afterwards he found employment in Chicago where he mastered the
trade of cooper. While he was living in Chicago the Civil War broke out and
young Schmidt hastened to answer the call to arms and enlisted in Company D.
First Illinois light artillery. He was a member of what was known as the
"Old Board of Trade Battery," and saw much heavy fighting in the south, his
regiment being in General Thomas' division.

John G. Schmidt served three years in the army and returning to Chicago
re-engaged in civic pursuits.

In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Schafer, with whom he
lived happily until her death which occurred in LeMars on October 12, 1895.

In 1876 Mr. Schmidt attracted by the stories of opportunities to be found in
the west, with others, came to LeMars. He purchased a piece of land in
Marion township at that time. In February of 1877 with his family he moved
from Chicago to LeMars where for a time he followed his occupation of
cooper. The family then moved onto the farm in Marion township where Mr.
Schmidt farmed for many years until he retired from active work and came to
LeMars to spend his declining years, after the death of his wife.

To Mr. and Mrs. John G. Schmidt four children were born, John, who died of
typhoid fever in 1880, Nicholas, who farms the old home place, Julius H.
Schmidt, of this city, and Mrs. Bernard Aasmann, of Portland, Oregon.

Mr. Schmidt was a member of Mower Post, G.A.R.

The funeral will be held on Friday morning at St. Joseph's church.

Mrs. B. Aasman was notified of his death and telegraphed that she and her
son would come to the funeral.

Mr. Schmidt was a good citizen and neighbor and highly respected in the
community where he had lived for more than forty years.