Schmidt, Henry P. (1868-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Feb 28 p. 6

Birth date: 1868 Feb 22

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Grace Hill Mennonite Church for Henry P. Schmidt, Harvey County resident for more than 81 years who died at the home in Newton on Friday, Feb. 22, on his 89th birthday. Mr. Schmidt came to Kansas from Russia with his parents in 1874. He farmed in Pleasant Township, east of newton, for a number of years. Surviving are his wife, the former Maria E. Schmidt, seven daughters, three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one brother, Jacob B. Schmidt of rural newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 7 p. 8

text of obituary:

HENRY P. SCHMIDT

Henry P. Schmidt, son of Petr A. and Helena (Balzer) Schmidt, was born in Heinrichsdorf, South Russia on Feb. 22, 1868.

The big migration to America took place in his childhood. In 1874 his parents sold their posessions [sic] and moved to the village of Michalin in order to travel with the congregation from Michalin, in South Russia, to America, the promised land. Through the guidance and protection of the Heavenly Father they reached their destination at Peabody, in Marion County, Kansas,on Dec. 5,1874.

In 1875 the family moved to the farm in Harvey County and began a hard pioneer life. Children had to help along to maintain the home, and consequently education was limited.

In 1885 he was baptized upon confession of his faith by Elder Johann Schroeder and accepted as a member into the Gnadenburg, now the Grace Hill Mennonite Church, of which he remained a member until his death.

On Nov. 24, 1892, he was united in marriage with Maria E. Schmidt by Rev. G. N. Harms. To this union eleven children were born. One infant son, Arnold, preceded him in death.

The couple lived on their farm east of Newton, in Pleasant Township, until 1937 when they retired from farm life and moved to Newton, where they took up residence at 303 S.E. 4th St., their present home.

Father had been in failing health for some years, but only since August 1955 had he required special care. During this time he often said, "Now it will not be long before the Lord will call me home."

At7:45 A.M.on his birthday, Feb. 22, 1957 he departed this life to be with the Lord, reaching the age of 89 years to the day.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Maria E., who faithfully cared for him through his declining years; seven daughters, Adelia (Mrs. John Goertz), Olga (Mrs. P. G. Jantz), Miss Johanna Schmidt, Matilda (Mrs. Roy Hiebert), Alida (Mrs. Clarence Harms), Leah (Mrs. Sam Good), Verna (Mrs. Walter Unrau); three sons, Herbert A., Waldo O., Reinhold F.; 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jacob B. Schmidt of rural Newton. Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Apr 2 p. 223