B. L. Schmidt Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Schmidt, Moeller, Martzhan, Kohrs, Sternburg, Struck, Koch, Kroeger. B. L. Schmidt, president of the Schmidt Brothers company of Davenport, is a man of considerable force of character who has risen to his present position through the exercise of his native ability, combined with hard work and strict economy. Mr. Schmidt was born in Davenport, October 22, 1869, a son of Carl F. and Sophia (Moeller) Schmidt, both natives of Germany. The father came to Davenport in 1847, and although a cabinet-maker by trade, he farmed in Blue Grass township for fourteen years after coming here. Later he removed to a suburb of Davenport, where until his death, in 1889, he raised grapes and made wine. He and his wife were married in Scott county, and they had eight children, five of whom grew to maturity: L. W.; Minnie, now Mrs. A. F. Martzhan; B. L.; Hulda, now Mrs. J. L. Kohrs, and F. L. B. L. Schmidt was educated in the public schools of this county, and after leaving school learned the trade of a machinist with William Sternburg in Davenport. After working at his trade for five years, he took a course in the Davenport Business College, and following this was made deputy county treasurer under Henry C. Struck. He then became associated with Voss Brothers in the manufacture of furniture fixtures, sash, door and blinds, making a specialty of wooden soled shoes with leather tops. This connection lasted five years, when Mr. Schmidt purchased the interests of Voss Brothers, and, taking his brother F. L. into partnership, the firm became Schmidt Brothers. This was in 1897 and until 1902 they were jobbers in the above mentioned lines, but in the latter year they sold their business and bought the patent on the Little Giant ice crusher and organized the Davenport Ice Chipping Machine Company, as well as the White Lily Manufacturing Company, B. L. Schmidt being pre! sident of both until 1909, when he sold the plant of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. After this they purchased the engine department of that company, to which they added the Ice Chipping Machine Company, and changed the name of the firm to Schmidt Brothers Company. In addition to this flourishing business, Mr. Schmidt is vice president of the Davenport Slaughter & Refining Company; a director of A. F. Koch Company; a director and vice president of the De Lux Textile Company; and a director of the Union Life Insurance company, of Chicago. He was one of the first directors of the Commercial Club and was one of the committee who raised the funds to build the club house. In 1896 Mr. Schmidt married Johanna Kroeger, who was an old resident here. They have two children: Amy Louise and George L. While never an office seeker, Mr. Schmidt was one of those who worked to secure the present form of government in Davenport. Whenever any measure is on foot for the betterment of his beloved city he is to be found in the front ranks, giving freely of both time and money. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He has always worked with untiring force, and seems to enjoy it. Capable and full of plans for the future, he is very popular, and his genial manner and kind heart win him friends everywhere. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES