Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Page 861

CASTEN SCHMIDT. The farm of this gentleman, which is finely located on section 5, Waco Township, comprises 100 acres of land, and is conspicuous for the beautiful cottonwood grove, a fine orchard of apple trees and substantial frame buildings. At all points around the premises are displayed the true German thrift and enterprise of the proprietor, whose childhood home is on the other side of the Atlantic, and whose countrymen have always assisted so greatly in the development of the great West.

            Our subject was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, on the 7th of February, 1834, and is the son of John and Angal (Esterman) Schmidt, who were also of German birth and parentage, and are now deceased. They spent their entire lives on their native soil, where most of their children married and settled. Their eldest son, William, is one of the most wealthy and prosperous farmers of his native Province, being the owner of 400 acres of land with all necessary appurtenances. He is the father of five children, who are motherless, his wife having died some years ago. Of the second son, John, nothing is known except that he died in Germany, in 1886; Henry is married, and continues on his native soil; Helena was married, and became the mother of two children, one of whom came to this country; she and her husband are both now deceased. Catherine is married, and when last heard from was living in Illinois; Margaretta, when last heard from, was still unmarried, and living in the old country; Christian is the youngest, and a bricklayer by occupation, is married and is now a resident of Missouri; Casten, of our sketch, was next to the youngest of the family.

            Mr. Schmidt crossed the Atlantic in 1867, and was married, Oct. 8, 1883, to Miss Crlolena Hulka, who was born in Germany, Sept. 12, 1858. The three children of this union are: Lena, who was born Sept. 9, 1884; Louis, who was born July 17, 1885, and died at the age of one year and two months, and an infant unnamed, born Jan. 4, 1888. Mr. Schmidt, upon coming to America, took up his residence first in Missouri, where he employed himself at day labor, and in 1871 made his way to this county, where he has labored industriously in the cultivation and improvement of his farm. He commenced life with comparatively little means, and his surroundings indicate in a forcible manner to what good use he has put his time, and how wise he has been in his investments. He is a man whose word can be relied upon, and whose promise is considered as good as his bond. He has contributed in no small degree to the building up of Waco Township, of which his property is one of the chief ornaments.

[ Home ]