Fred H. Schmidt is a member of the firm of Schmidt Bros., proprietors of the rolling mills of Elkader, who have succeeded in building up a large general and local trade. Our subject is an enterprising and progressive young business man, being numbered among the leading citizens of this triving town. He is a native of Clayton County, having been born in Read Township, in 1863; he has passed his entire life in this region, and is identified in every respect with its welfare.

The subject of this narrative is a son of Wolfgand and Paulina (Thoma) Schmidt. The father is a native of Germany, and many years ago left the Fatherland, coming to America and making a settlement in Clayton County in the early days of its history. He owned and improved a good farm in Read Township, and has long been numbered among the patriotic citizens of his adopted land. Fred H. received a good common-school education in the public schools near his home, and later attended those of Elkader. On commencing the active duties of life he went into partnership with his father and uncle, J.B. Schmidt. The firm name is now Schmidt Bros. & Co., including himself, brother Christian and cousin Robert.

In the roller mills in which our subject is interested may be found the latest improved machinery used in the trade. The mills are run by water power and turn out upwards of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour per day. Their reputation is constantly growing and is an enviable one, as they turn out the best quality of flour, which is uniformly good. They make a specialty of three brands, which are known as the "Acme," "Pansy Blossom" and "Extra Bakers." Farmers from all parts of this and adjoining counties bring their wheat to this mill to be ground, as universal satisfaction is guaranteed, and the proprietors, who are courteous and obliging, have their customers' interests at heart and meet their demands as far as possible.

The marriage of Mr. Schmidt occurred in 1884, when Miss Mary Meisner became his bride. She was a daughter of Edward Meisner, one of the early settlers of this county. Mrs. Schmidt, who was educated and grew to womanhood within the boundaries of Clayton County, was called from this life in September, 1891, leaving a little son, Erwin. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Schmidt also belongs, and was a lady who won the friendship and love of all who were thrown in contact with her.

Politically Mr. Schmidt is identified with the Democratic party, to which he gives his active support. He comes of sturdy German stock, and in his own life has manifested many of their characteristics of industry, perserverance and business sagacity. He has become well-to-do through the exercise of these qualities, and is rapidly laying by a snug little fortune, though he has not been engaged in business for many years. He is a man of intelligence and wide information, being particularly devoted to self improvement and study, and makes a point of keeping thoroughly posted on the affairs of the day. He numbers many warm friends in this locality, and not the least among these are his customers.

John B. Schmidt is one of the sturdy German Americans who have been such important factors in the upbuilding and general prosperity of Clayton County, and he has always been found in the front ranks of all movements which have had for their object the growth and prosperity of this region. His home is now in Elkader, where he is one of the most influential citizens. A native of Germany, his birth occurred in 1834, his father being Frederick Schmidt, who was also a native of the Fatherland. In 1847 he crossed the Atlantic to American, and the following year made a settlement in this county, where he became well known, and one of the sterling pioneers.

J.B. Schmidt was a lad of only thirteen years when he left the land of his birth and came with his parents to the United States. He received a limited school education, and obatined practical knowledge of the best methods of carrying on a farm while living under the parental roof. He started out in life for himself when still quite young, conducting a farm on his own account for some time. Having a desire to engage in commercial pursuits, he in company with his brother, Wolfgang, erected a brewery in Elkader, and succeeded in building up a large business. The firm was known as J.B. Schmidt & Bro., and their trade was continually increasing, when in 1884 they were compelled to close the business on account of the legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of liquors in the state. The old and respected father of our subject, passed away on his farm in 1875, when nearly seventy-five years of age. Mr. Schmidt from time to time has invested his money in land, and now devotes his time to looking after his various property interests. He has served in the City Council, and has been prominent inthe promotion of good schools and teachers, and in short in everything which relates to the good of the public. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, giving his support and influence to further the success of that party.

In the year 1859 Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage in this county to Miss Carrie Hartman, whose father was one of the early and honored settlers of Clayton County. Mrs. Schmidt passed her girlhood and grew to womanhood in this county, where she has passed her later years as well. To our subject and wife three sons and three daughters have been born, and the family circle is still unbroken by the hand of death. John, the eldest of the family, has a well equipped hardware store and a good trade in Elkader; Robert is engaged in the milling business; Henry is attending school; Paulina became the wife of Herman Koskoskie, a well-to-do farmer of Boardman Township; Minna is Mrs. William Kleinbell, her husband being a hardware merchant of this place; and Elizabeth completes the family.