Schmidt, Jacob J. (1858-1930)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1930 Jan 22 p. 6

Birth date: 1858 Sep 4

text of obituary:

Jacob J. Schmidt

Jacob J. Schmidt was born in Michalin, Russian Poland, Sept. 4th, 1858. He was baptized in Russia in 1874 and came to America in the fall of that year. He was married to Mary Kliewer, May 12th, 1889 in the Gnadenberg church near Elbing, Kansas; they being the first couple to be married by Rev. G. N. Harms. To this union four daughters were born, Selma, Ruth (Mrs. Arthur Schmidt), Minnie and Lillian (Miss [sic Mrs.] Roy Dreier), all of whom with their mother survive; also one grandson and two granddaughters; one grandson preceding him in infancy. One half-brother, John P. Schroeder is living in California.

The family lived on a farm near the Gnadenberg church until 1918 (with the exception of one school year, 1912-1913, which they spent in Newton) then they moved back to Newton and made it their permanent home. He was a member of the Bethel College Mennonite church.

He seemingly never was in very good health, yet he worked hard until 1921 when he had the misfortune, on the way home from a Christmas program, to break his leg, which took a long time to heal. Then again he was able to do some work.

About four years ago he became afflicted with sinus trouble, from which suffered very much, having little relief in between. Then he went through a severe illness in the winter of 1928 and never fully regained his usual strength after that. Although he had been failing for some time., death came very suddenly on Saturday morning, Jan. 18, 1930 at about 11:15 while he was sitting in a chair.

He reached the age of 71 years, 4 months and 14 days. — Contributed.