Henry Schmitz

HENRY SCHMITZ was born in Germany in 1830, and came to America in 1850, locating in Dana county, Wisconsin, where he farmed. There he met Margaret Wahl, a native of Germany, whose hand he sought and won in marriage. Miss Wahl left her German home and came to America in 1852.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz sought a home in the West, coming to Neosho county, Kansas, and locating at Osage Mission (now St. Paul), in October, 1870, where they resided two years. Mr. Schmitz bought property in town on which he built and operated a brewery. In 1873 he moved to Parsons, being largely influenced by the father-in-law of J. C. Appich, who had conducted a bakery at St. Paul, and also by the fact that the division headquarters of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway were located at Parsons.

Desiring a change of business, Mr. Schmitz disposed of his brewery property at St. Paul. For a time he rented a house in the southeastern part of Parsons, and was employed in various ways. He finally engaged in the dairy business, handling from 40 to 50 cows. He bought 10 acres of land situated between Johnson and Corning avenues, which he still owns, and continued in the dairy business several years, supplying his customers from the dairy wagon, and enjoying a fine patronage in the city. Mr. Schmitz has established himself in an elegant and commodious home, on Forrest avenue and Fourteenth street, and is now practically retired.

Ten children have been born to him and his wife, as follows: John; Gertrude; Anthony P.; Girard G.; Charles J.; Labourous and Louise, deceased; Katie; Henry; and Agnes. John was born in 1858, and is engaged in the jewelry business at Parsons. Gertrude (McInerny), a widow, residing in Parsons, was born in 1860. Anthony P. was born in 1862, and lives in Chicago, and is manager of a hat and fur store. Girard G. was born in 1864, and is a jeweler in Chicago. Charles J. was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, in 1866, but was practically reared and educated in Parsons. His first work was for George Walters at a lunch counter. In 1886 he became a brakeman on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, under Superintendent T. G. Golden, and worked thus until 1889, on the Cherokee Division. He then was promoted to be a freight conductor. He runs over the Cherokee and Neosho divisions mainly at the present time, but has changed runs over three divisions. He has been very fortunate, having been connected with but one slight accident; he is generally regarded as a successful and competent young railroad man. He is making his home with his parents. Fraternally, he is a member of Division No. 161, 0. R. C., of Parsons, also of Lodge No. 525, B. P. 0. E., of Parsons. Labourous and Louise died young. Katie, who was born in St. Paul, in 1872, is a clerk, and, for the past eight years has had a position in Joice's large department store. Henry, who was born in 1876, is at home, and is now running a switch engine at Muskogee. Agnes was born in 1879, and is at home.

Mr. Schmitz is a supporter of the Democratic party, and an admirer of the principles of Jefferson and Jackson, but has never allowed his party enthusiasm to interfere with his daily duties in the least. The family are members of the Catholic church.