Schmidt, Andrew B. P. (1866-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 May 22 p. 3

Birth date: 1866 Aug 2

text of obituary:

ANDREW B. P. SCHMIDT

Andrew B. P. Schmidt was born August 2, 1866, in Heinrichsdorf, Wolynia, Russia. In the year 1874 his parents migrated to America and settled in Harvey county, Kansas, east of Newton. Since the parents were poor, he, being the oldest son, had to work out at the age of ten until of age. For this reason he acquired little schooling.

On February 11, 1892, he entered the bonds of holy wedlock with Eva Goertz. They rented a farm an lived in Kansas for seven years. In October 1898, they moved to Oklahoma and bought a farm, establishing a permanent home four miles northeast of Cordell in Washita county. Here they experienced the hardships of pioneering. Nevertheless the Lord blessed their efforts and granted the privilege of owning their home.

While still in Kansas they were awakened to the realization of their lost and undone condition through the ministry of the able Rev. J. A. Sprunger and the other brethren of the Ebenfeld church. In the year 1904 Bro. G. J. Kliewer came to Oklahoma in the interest of God's Kingdom. At this time he and his wife accepted the Saviour and upon confession of faith were baptized by Rev. A. Richert on the 4th of September 1904, and joined the Corn M. B. church. Upon the organization of the Bessie M. B. church they transferred their membership to this church.

On June 5, 1928, father was compelled to submit to a major operation, after which he slowly regained his physical strength. The Lord has graciously helped them through many trying experiences.

Father suffered much because of his eyes, and became totally blind. After two operations his eyesight was partially restored so he could take care of himself, but he was not able to read, which at times made him feel lonesome.

The hardest shock he endured was when mother passed away, on April 13, 1946. Since then he could not overcome the longing for a heavenly home.

In the year 1943 our oldest sister, Marie, and her husband moved on the farm to take care of the aged parents. But in the same year her husband lost his life in a truck accident. Since it became too hard for the sister to take care of the parents and the farm, our youngest sister and her husband took over. Faithfully they cared for both mother and father until the Lord called them home.

On Saturday morning, May 3, father complained about pain in his chest, and fainted. He was taken to the Florence hospital at Cordell, where he was given the best of care. His pain left him and he felt good. nevertheless, he said, this would be his last illness. He regretted very much where he had failed and admonished his children to seek after the thinks which are of eternal value. He also stated that according to the promise of Jesus: "In my Father's house are many mansions." He too was assured of a place in heaven. He prayed: "Lord Jesus, come and take me home."

He died Monday, May 5, at 8:15 a. m. at the age of 80 years, nine months, and three days.

He leaves to mourn his departure six sons and four daughters: Frank, whereabouts unknown; Emil of Lustre, Mont.; Rudolf of Bessie, Okla.; Marie, (Mrs. Nikkel, Corn, Okla.; Peter of Weatherford, Okla.; Adolf of Cordell, Okla.; Andrew of Corn, Okla.; Olga (Mrs. Daniel Fink), Reedley, Calif.; Selma, (Mrs. John H. Martin), Corn, Okla.; Anna, (Mrs. Pete Schmidt), Cordell, Okla.; 41 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, three brothers and many relatives and fiends.

We mourn but with hope of a reunion in the presence of the Lord.

— The bereaved family.