Pike Township Family Stories
WILLIAM R. SCHMITT
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, pages 322-323William R. Schmitt was born 17 March 1878 and died 1 July 1963. When he retired as postmaster of the Nichols Post Office, the following article was printed in the Muscatine Journal.
Another chapter is closing in the busy life of William R. Schmitt when he retires as postmaster of Nichols Monday. Mr. Schmitt served in the post for the past 15 years, and he will be succeeded by DeWayne C. Rosenfield [1984].
“Retired” is a term that seemingly will never be applied to the 73 year old life resident of Nichols. At a time when many men would be living on past accomplishments, he is starting a new enterprise. An insurance and real estate business will be opened by him.
Among his many records in public life and fraternal work are the following:
Membership in the constitution and by-laws committee of the National Association of Postmasters in Iowa; township clerk for 34 years; town councilman for 28 years; secretary of the Nichols Independent school district for 34 years.
Pike township district secretary for 18 years; membership in the county board of education for 12 years; member of the county board of conciliation for 12 years.
Secretary of the Nichols lodge No. 664 of the I.O.O.F. for 20 years; treasurer of Stainless lodge No. 445, A.F. & A.M. for 10 years, and clerk of camp No. 4195 of the Modern Woodmen of America for 16 years.
As a town councilman he saw the installation of electric power in Nichols. He was instrumental in the construction of the town building and served on the council which approved gravelling the streets of Nichols.
The drainage and water system was instituted in Nichols when Mr. Schmitt was on the council.
Nichols cemetery received a renovation during his period on the cemetery council when he proved himself instrumental in receiving federal WPA aid.
A past president of the Nichols Mutual Telephone company, Mr. Schmitt is currently a stockholder in the organization.
His business experience is varied. He has been in both the implement and grocery sales business. His early years were spent upon a farm.
He attended the public schools in Nichols, the Muscatine Normal school and Valparaiso (Indiana) University from which he was graduated in 1900. After leaving school he taught for five years and was active in school management. His education also includes graduating from the School of Auctioneering, Chicago.
He is a very active member of the Christian church, serving for a number of years as superintendent of the Sunday school.
He served as noble grand of the local Odd Fellow lodge and received the Grand Lodge degree at Burlington in 1914. He served as district grand master from October 1922 to October 1923, and as representative of his district to the grand lodge from January 1, 1920 to June 30, 1939. He received his 50 year pin from the I.O.O.F. last year.
He also is a member of the Rebekah lodge. He joined the lodge in Valparaiso, Indiana, and transferred to the Bridgeman lodge No. 14 on May 18, 1900, just eight days after it was instituted.
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Page created December 26, 2010 by Lynn McCleary