Herman Schmidt

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Joy Unger Henning Submitter

Every once in awhile a portrait overlaps and it typed by two volunteers.  The time taken is much appreciated.  Nancy

HERMAN SCHMIDT, the efficient and well known Steward of the Northampton County Almshouse, which is located in Upper Nazareth Township, is a native of Prussia, Germany, where his birth occurred September 13, 1839. He is a son of William and Christiana (Roehle) Schmidt, both likewise natives of Germany. Until reaching the age of fifteen he continued to live in his native land, the years passing without marked event. In conformity to the laws of the land, he received a good education in his mother tongue. By reading of the benefits and advantages afforded in America, he early decided that he would try his fortunes in this fair land. In the mean time, to further this object, he acquired a fair knowledge of English, at least sufficient for general conversation. In 1854 he took passage at Bremen on a sailing-vessel, which, after a voyage of six weeks, cast anchor at Baltimore. On his arrival in the New World, young Schmidt came directly to Northampton County, and secured work on a farm in Lower Nazareth Township. In this capacity he continued to remain for a number of years, meriting the respect on his employers for his industry and fidelity to duty. In 1868 his worthy qualities received reward in his being appointed as farmer for the Northampton County Almshouse, to take charge of the farm work connected with the field appertaining thereto. The land now owned by this institution comprises three hundred and sixty-five acres, and the profits derived therefrom make the Almshouse self-sustaining.

In 1875 Mr. Schmidt was appointed to the responsible position of Steward, and has served as such since. In the truest sense he is a self-made man, owning entirely to his worthy characteristics his success in life. Frugal and industrious, he has constantly, by the aid of his faithful wife, laid aside each year some money which he has invested in land. He now owns two hundred and seventy-nine acres under good cultivation. The wife and helpmate of Mr. Schmidt was formerly Miss Mary Karch, daughter of George Karch, of Bushkill Township, this county. Nine children have blessed their union, namely: Mary E., Emma C. (wife of Charles Kleppinger), Charles W., Franklin H., Alice A., Arthur G., Nellie E., Florence I. and Victor R.

Mr. Schmidt uses the right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party, though he is not prominent as a politician, preferring to give his labors to his daily work and important duties. He is a member of the Dryland Lutheran Church in Lower Nazareth Township. He enjoys the respect of all who know him, and is entitled to great credit and admiration for the manner in which he has met every trust reposed in him.

Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Page 511.

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