Schmidt, Jacob D. (1872-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Jul 29 p. 3

Birth date: 1872 Mar 24

text of obituary:

JACOB D. SCHMIDT

Jacob D. Schmidt was born on March 24, 1872, in Karlsberg, Russia. He was one of a family of fourteen children. He came over to America with his parents in 1885 at the age of thirteen years, settling near Pawnee Rock, Kans. He had to make his own way early in life, working in many different places, in the eastern part of the state, in the Dakotas, etc.

At the age of twenty-six years he was married to Josephine Siebert of Marion County, Kans. They shared life together for forty-six years. To this union nine children were born, six daughters and three sons, who are all living to-day and which we consider as a great blessing. He was engaged in farming the greater part of his life north of Pawnee Rock. Because of failing health he moved to Pawnee Rock in 1937 where he spent the last part of his life.

He was baptized in the old Mennonite stone church east of Dundee on April 14, 1891, at the age of seventeen years by Elder John Ratzlaff. He remained a true member of the Mennonite church, serving in the various offices and teaching a young men's Sunday School class for nine years. He was janitor of the church for a number of years, also served on the board of trustees. For many years he served as valuator of the Mennonite Hilfsplan.

In his own personal life he spent much of his time reading different kinds of literature. He suffered much and those of us who knew him best knew his will and courage to endure.

He leaves his wife; nine children, Mrs. Elmer Jantz of Larned, Dan of Pawnee Rock, Mrs. Emerson Haynes of Seattle, Wash., Garfield of Larned, Alfred of Arlington, Mrs. Arthur Thalheim of Great Bend, Mrs. Earl Ledford of Pawnee Rock, Ella and Maxine of Hutchinson. he also leaved thirteen grandchildren;l three brother Dan of Greensburg, Dave and Henry of Pawnee Rock and two sisters, Mrs. Peter G. Unruh of Pawnee Rock and Mrs. J. B. Schmidt of Larned. One granddaughter and two grandsons preceded him in death.

He passed away at the St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, Kans., early Wednesday morning, July 14, 1943, at the age of seventy-one years three months and twenty days.

His life's journey here has ended. He pleasantly and peacefully passed away in his sleep, the way he wished to depart. His last words were "I'm Going Home."