Ernest SCHULDT

SCHULDT, STILLE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/16/2010 at 11:35:13

September 17, 1855 -- March 26, 1928

Mr. Ernest Schuldt was born September 17, 1855 at Eldana, Meckelnburg-Schwerin, Germany where he spent his childhood days. At the age of ten years he came to America with his parents Johann and Sophia Schuldt. They came to Colesburg, Iowa where lived an uncle, Charles Schuldt. Here they engaged in farming. At the age of thirteen years he was converted to God through the ministry of Father Merten, who was pastor of the German Methodist Church at Colesburg.

Ernest lived with his parents and relatives until he was 21 years of age, when he came to Garner, Iowa and worked as a farm hand for his uncle, Charles Schuldt, who owned the farm which is now known as the Ulrich farm. In June, 1876, he joined the German Methodist at Garner and maintained his loyalty to that institution. For four years he worked as a farm hand and on October 30, 1880 was united in marriage with Miss Minnie A. Stille who proved to be a real helpmate and who so faithfully and tenderly cared for him through this most trying and painful affliction.

Mr. And Mrs. Schuldt started their matrimonial life on a farm southwest of Garner which is now known as the Henry Katter farm from which they moved onto the Wellemyer farm. After several years as a tenant farmer they purchased a farm on which they lived for many years until they retired and moved to Klemme.

Mr. Schuldt's life as a pioneer recalls to our memory not only the making a seemingly wasteless prairie into a most beautiful and productive farmsteads, also reminds us of a heritage far more valuable than dollars and cents can represent. The spiritual fire which dominated the hearts of Mr. Schuldt and his comrades, many of whom have preceded him – we think of Henry Griewe, Ernest Lenz, John Gruetzmacher, Beir, Schlei, Gast and others, is what makes it possible for us to enjoy the spiritual blessings now. To them we owe our greatest and most sincere respects. He had the pleasure of helping our religious institution grow from a small room service in the old Concord Courthouse with only a few members to the rural schoolhouses and finally the modern edifice which is now the Liberty Township Church. He had the honor of holding nearly every office which the institution affords.

Besides his public spiritedness he maintained a deep spiritual character which manifested itself in all of his dealings. The atmosphere of kindliness and hospitality and untiring service which was so prevalent in the Schuldt home is what drew to it the host of friends whom the deceased cherished so highly.