John Schmitt

     JOHN SCHMITT, tailor, was born in Reinprovince Preussen Bezirk Trier Kreisse Sarburg Courgermeistrei Nittel June 28, 1837. He has a good education. At the age of fourteen, he began learning his trade, and has followed it ever since, except the time he was in the army of the United States. In 1851, he left Prussia, traveled through France, Belgium, to England, then back to Holland, thence to France, where he worked two years. All this time, nine years, he was working at his trade in different cities to perfect himself in his business. From France he came to the United States in 1860, and was fifty-six days on the passage. He went to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and to Chicago: in the last city he stayed five years.  While there he enlisted, did general guard duty for five months, when he was discharged. In January, 1865, he left New York for Germany. After thirteen days, he arrived at Liverpool, thence to Hull, thence across the North Sea to Antwerp, thence to Bristol, thence to city of Luxemburg, thence to Trier City, where he remained four months. There he was married, march 28, 1865, to Miss Ellen Yager, of Gravenmacher, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg.

    He immediately returned to Chicago with his bride, and stayed there until 1868; then went to Logansport, remaining until 1870, when he came to Kentland, where he has been ever since, following his business. He is a No. 1 tailor, as well as citizen. He has had ten children, eight of whom are now living –Lizzie, Charlie, Lawrence, Anna, Ellen, Mattie, John and Josephine. Both parents are members of the Catholic Church. He is a member of McHolland Post G.A.R.; in politics, a Democrat.

Source: Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper and Newton, Indiana by F.A. Battey & Co., 1883. Page 741.