Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 259
PETER SCHMITT, a prominent farmer of Bloomington Township, residing on section 16, was born in Hesse, Germany, in 1845, and was the fifth child born to Peter and Elizabeth (Spilger) Schmitt, who were also natives of Hesse. Throughout his entire life his father followed the occupation of farming. In 1857 Peter Schmitt, Sr., bade good-by to his native land, and accompanied by his family, boarded a sailing-vessel, and after forty-six days spent on the water, landed in America. Going to Rock Island County, Ill., he there purchased a farm, upon which he still continues to reside. Mrs. Elizabeth Schmitt departed this life in 1879. The other members of their family who are still living are: George, who is married, and resides in Pike Township; Adam, who is married, and resides in Rock Island County, Ill.,; Michael, also married, is a resident of Illinois; and Katie, now Mrs. Dernier, is living in Chicago.

Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon a farm, and received his education in the schools of his native land and the district schools of Illinois. While residing in Rock Island County, that State, he was united in marriage with Catherine Schlemmer, their union being celebrated in 1869. The lady is a native of Baden, and a daughter of Adam and Anna Maria (Scherman) Schlemmer, who were also born in Baden, Germany. Her father was a miller by trade, and with his family emigrated to this country in 1851, where he engaged in farming until his removal in 1855 to Muscatine County, Iowa. His death occurred on the 28th of April, 1888, when nearly eighty-six years of age. Mrs. Schlemmer survived her husband but a short time, her death occurring Aug. 12, 1888, at the age of seventy-nine years. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, of Muscatine, and of their family three are living: George, who is married and lives in Nebraska; Effie, now Mrs. Schnesler, of Bloomington Township; and Mary, now Mrs. Frymark, who is also a resident of Bloomington Township.

After Their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Schmitt located in Rock Island County, Ill., but after a short residence there removed to Chicago, where they resided for two years, being there during the great fire of 1871, in which their property was all destroyed. In 1877 they removed to Muscatine County, Iowa, where Mr. Schmitt purchased an improved farm of eighty acres, to which he has since added by subsequent purchase until he now owns 120 acres of fine arable land, which is under a high state of cultivation, and which is stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. In his political sentiments, he is a supporter of the Democratic party.

By the union of this worthy couple eight children have been born-Katie, Adam, Emma, John, Willie, Louisa, Ida and Clara, Who are all at home attending school. The parents are both members of the Germany Presbyterian Church of Muscatine, and since coming to this county have won many friends who hold them in high esteem.

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