Schmidt, Christian T., 1839-1915

SCHMIDT, BOSCH, GOSCH

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/14/2016 at 22:00:31

From the Rock Valley Bee, April 2, 1915:
(a portion of the obit is damaged and a few chunks of text are missing)

ANOTHER PIONEER GONE

C. T. Schmidt, a pioneer resident of this vicinity, passed away at his farm northwest of Rock Valley at eight o'clock Monday morning [March 29], after an illness of about three months. His death was due to ulcerations of the stomach with other complications. He was taken sick in the fore part of January. At times he seemed to improve, and again he became worse and gradually continued to fail until the end came quietly, and he passed on to the great beyond without a struggle. He submitted to an operation on March 17th, in hopes that he might obtain some relief, but the doctors saw then that there was not much chance for him and so advised his family.

The deceased was a man who was very highly respected by all. He was always a useful man in the community where he lived, and had many friends. He was interested in the welfare of his neighborhood, and he held many public offices unsolicited by him. For thirty years he served as justice of the peace, and he was a peace maker in every sense of the word. He gave his time freely as a member of the school board for a number of years to promote educational advancement. He was a well educated man himself, and came from an educated family. His father was educated as a theologian and served as a schoolmaster under the Danish kingdom the greater part of his life.

The subject of this sketch was born near the city of Haderslaben, North Scleswig[sic], Germany, January 22, 1839, and was at the time of his death seventy-six years, two months and seven days old. At the age of fifteen, with two older brothers he came to this country and landed at Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, where he lived until 1885, when with his family he moved to Sioux county and settled on his farm in Sioux township where he spent the last thirty years of his life.

He was united in marriage in Jackson county to Miss Anna C. [B?]osch, January 22, 1862, who still survives her husband. Three years ago they held a family reunion when all their children and other relatives were present to help them celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. To this union were born eight children, five boys and [three] girls. One boy died [words missing] are living and [words missing] the funeral [of their?] father. The children are H[missing], John A., and Herman [of Sioux?] township, [Mrs.?] T. W. [Wittrock] Christ D., and Miss Ann[a?] [missing] of Canistota, S.D., and [Mrs.] Adolph Serck of near Hudson. Besides his wife and children [and grand?] children he leaves to mourn two brothers, Iver and Asmus of Milwaukee and Racine, Wis., respectively.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon commencing at one o'clock at the late home of the deceased conducted by Rev. E. T. Gillman of the Lutheran church. The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends and neighbors. Rev. Gillman spoke in both the German and English language. Among those from a distance who were present were Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Wittrock and children, Mrs. Feuerhelm and children, Christ D. Schmidt and Henry Kruwiede of Canistota, S.D., and Iver Schmidt of Milwaukee. Interment was made in the Sioux Township cemetery, near which the deceased had spent so many years [missing]. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of many friends.

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From the Alton Democrat, April 3, 1915: Rock Valley news:

Christian T. Schmidt, a pioneer and substantial citizen of Sioux township died of cancer of the stomach, at his home March 29, surrounded by his family.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hadersleben, north Schleswig, Germany January 22, 1839 and was seventy-six years, three months and three days old at the time of his passing. He came to America with two elder brothers when but fifteen years of age and located at Sabula, Jsckson county, Ia., where he grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Anna C. Gosch Jan. 22, 1962 and eight children came to bless their home, seven of whom survive him.

In 1884 he moved with his family to Sioux county and located on a farm in Sioux township seven miles from Rock Valley, and passed through many privations incident to pioneer days. He was prominent in the political affairs of the township and was a member of the school board for a number of years and for thirteen years he served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace and was faithful in the discharge of the duties which the office imposed. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church and wielded an influence for good in the community. He was a good citizen, a man of irreproachable character, and a good neighbor, a wise counselor and friend. He will be missed in the community.

He leaves an aged companion, seven children, Henry, John and Herman Schmidt of Rock Valley, Mrs. A. Serck of Hudson, S.D., and C. T. Schmidt, Jr., Mrs. Frank Feuerhelm and Mrs. Withrock of Canistota, SD. All were present to pay the last tribute of respect to a departed father He also leaves two brothers, Asmus Schmidt of Racine, Wis., and Iver Schmidt of Milwaukee.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon by Rev. E. Gillman at the family residence in the presence of a large company of neighbors and sympathizing friends. He was laid to rest in the Sioux township cemetery. Peace to his ashes. The bereaved have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.

[A news note in the April 10 edition of the Alton Democrat notes Mrs. Schmidt's brother as H. Bosch of Preston.]