Schmidt, Henry H. (1874-1939)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1939 Feb 28 p. 15

Birth date: 1874 Dec 7

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Mar 1 p. 5

text of obituary:

Elder Henry H. Schmidt

Elder Henry H. Schmidt was born December 7, 1874, in Liverpool, England, at the time when our fathers left Russia because of religious freedom. He arrived here as ayoung child, and lived in Pennsylvania with his parents; later they moved to Kansas. he received very little education.

On December 4, 1892, he was baptized by Elder Johann Ratzlaff and joined the Canton church (now Emmanuel). September 1, 1895 he was united in marriage to Helena Unruh and shared joy and sorrow for a little more than 43 years. God was gracious and gave them two children. One son Frank and one daughter, Adina, who passed away to be with her Lord and Savior August 18, 1938.

In 1902 her moved with his wife and children to Marion Co., one mile west of the Friedenstal church, where he lived to his end. In 1904 he joined the Friedenstal church and was a member until death.

He has served the Friedenstal church in many ways. First as Sunday School teacher for 11 years; then an Sunday School Superintendent for many years; then on December 4, 1910, he was elected to be Evangelist and was ordained on march 31, 1913, by Elder William Ewert. He served as evangelist a little more than three years, then was ordained as minister may 31, 1916, by Elder William Ewert and served about four and one-half years; then he was elected as Elder on October 24, 1920, and ordained by Elder William Ewert and served for about 18 years as Elder. he has served as a minster of the Gospel for about 26 years. He hardly ever missed a sermon.