Pike Township Family Stories
HERBERT A. SCHMITT FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, page 227
By Nell SchmittHerbert A. Schmitt (1914-1984) son of Louis J Schmitt (1885-1946) and Natalie J. Wagschal Schmitt (1894-1957) was born near Nichols at the farm homesteaded in 188 65 by his grandfather. Herbert owned and operated 80 acres of the original farm which is registered as a Century farm. On 13 September 1914, he was baptized in the Lutheran church at Lone Tree, Iowa. He married Nell Kelsey, daughter of Dan C. Kelsey (1878-1957) and Mary Nugent Kelsey (1889-1968).
They are the parents of three children: Norma Schmitt married Andrew Wehde. They have three children, Shawn Schmitt, Douglas Schmitt and Kathryn Schmitt and live in Iowa City. Genene Schmitt married Glenn Moss. Their three children are Dwight Moss, Christa Moss and Megan Moss, and they live in Canton, Michigan. Loren Schmitt married Treasure Wykoff. They have two children, Nicholas Schmitt and Virgil Schmitt, and they live in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Herb farmed near Nichols with his father for a number of years. In 1946 he moved to Nichols and operated a trucking and welding business. Nell taught school at Wild Rose school and in Nichols Community school. In 1958 the family moved to Iowa City where Nell taught until retirement in 1977. During this period Herbert farmed the home place and commuted daily from Iowa City. In 1981 they moved to the farm and built a new home.
While living in Nichols he was active in community affairs having been a volunteer fireman, fire chief, member of city council and served as mayor.
In 1970 he bought one-half interest in Pineola Stock farm of registered Hereford cattle. He and his sister, Mrs. W. A. Barkhurst, have continued to build the herd which is one of the oldest registered Hereford herds in the state, having been in operation since 1917. Herb also raises and sells registered Welsh ponies.
Herb died following surgery on 22 August 1983.
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Page created December 18, 2010 by Lynn McCleary