The Durrenberger Family of Primisweiler, Allgau Region, Württemberg, Germany

Obituary of Jacob Schmitt
Belle Plaine Herald, September 12, 1927

WELL KNOWN CITIZEN GONE - JACOB SCHMITT DIED UNEXPECTEDLY TUESDAY MORNING IN HIS YOUNGER YEARS - WAS ACTIVE IN BUSINESS AND OFFICIAL AFFAIRS.

Jacob Schmitt died unexpectedly at the home of his son Peter in Jordan at 9:30 o'clock, Tuesday morning. Old-time resident of Belle Plaine and former official of the borough, his sudden taking brought surprise and expressions of deep regret from his numerous friends in the community. He had gone to Jordan last Saturday for a stay at the home of his son Peter where he had spent much of his time during his later years. When his granddaughter went to his room to bring him breakfast she noticed that he looked strangely and did not speak to her. She summoned a doctor and shortly after he died. Death was due to a stroke of apoplexy.

The remains were brought to Belle Paine Wednesday afternoon and taken to the home of his son Joseph, from where the funeral will be held Thursday morning with services at Sts. Peter and Paul's church at 9:30 o'clock. Burial will be in the parish cemetery beside the grave of his wife who preceede him seventeen years.

Jacob Schmitt was in his 77th year, being born December 6th, 1850, at Dearbach, Prussia, Germany. He was 16 years old when he came to this country with his parents. The family located briefly in Chicago and then came on to Minnesota and made their home in Belle Plaine. While he visited about among his children the last few years, it was Belle Plaine that he considered his home. Here he was married in 1871 to Maggie Becker, and here he reared his family and engaged in the various business enterprises that he pursued. He ran a black-smith shop for a great many years, engaged in the vehicle and implement business, and later the real estate business occupied the greater part of his time. He was our borough treasurer for about twenty years, a position of trust that was his as long as he wished it. He served on our school board and in various civic organizations that existed in his day.

He is survived by eleven children and 39 grandchildren, the children being Chris L and Mrs. Frank Monzel of St. Paul, Peter J. of Jordan, Mrs. Fred Gericke of Lake Mills, Wisc., Mrs. Harry Topping, Mrs. Robert Mullen, Elizabeth, Angela, William and John of St. Paul, and Joseph E. of Belle Plaine.