For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 408
L. A. AND WILLIAM M. SCHMIDT....Through his own exertions in comparatively a few years L. A. Schmidt has attained a position as one of the responsible citizens of Muscatine county. He began farming upon rented land and today with his brother William M. is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-two and one-half acres. He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, April 17, 1876, a son of Adam and Barbara ( Bower ) Schmidt, the father being a native of Germany and the mother of Rock Island county, Illinois. Adam Schmidt crossed the ocean to America in 1854, belonging to that sturdy class of men---fearless,strong and self-reliant--- that do not hesitate to go to the ends of the earth if necessary in pursuit of fortune. He established a home in Rock Island county, Illinois, where he is still living. His wife departed this life December 9, 1909. Of the family of nine children six are now living, namely : George, still a resident of Illinois ; L. A., our subject ; Elizabeth, now the wife of Hans Parchert, of Illinois ; William M., partner of L. A.; John, a resident of Illinois ; and Emma, at home.L. A. and William M. Schmidt grew up under the parental roof, continuing with their father until reaching manhood, when they operated rented land for six years. Having by ecomony and well applied industry acquired a moderate capital, they purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Island county, which they cultivated for five years, and then acquired their present farm on section 2 Goshen township, Muscatine county. In addition to cultivating the soil they make a specialty of raising and feeding stock. They have improved their property until it is now one of the attractive places of the township and as a result of their careful attention it yields a handsome revenue. Its owners are justly regarded as men of affairs, whose means and influence are always exerted in behalf of the best interests of the community.
On the 30th of August, 1899, L. A. Schmidt was married to Miss Laura Frenzel, who was born in Muscatine county, April 25, 1881. She is a daughter of Thomas and Martha ( Hucke ) Frenzel, whose record appears elsewhere in this work, and is one of a family of three children. The others were : Lena, now at home ; and Henry, who died in infancy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt has been brightened by the arrival of four children, namely : Wilma, born January 15, 1902 ; Myra I., October 24, 1905 ; Russell George, February 22, 1907 ; and Ivan Glenn, July 21, 1908.
Ever since arriving at voting age L. A. Schmidt has been a supporter of the republican party. He recognizes the advantages of education and has served most acceptably as a member of the school board. He and his wife are connected with the German Lutheran church and are liberal supporters of that organization. The success of Mr. Schmidt has been in an important degree due to the fact that as a young man he became thoroughly familiar with farm work and as he grew older he acquired the difficult art of farm management. He deserves to be classed among the representative citizens of Muscatine county.
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