My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK C. SCHMIDT. Prominent among the business men of Niles who through the exercise of sound judgment and energy have attained to a position of influence in the community, may be mentioned the name of Mr. Schmidt, who is a well-known wholesale and retail dealer in meats at this place. He is a native of Germany and was born on the 5th of April, 1858. He was a child of three years when his parents, Frederick A. and Anna C. (Kenniffhoff) Schmidt, emigrated to America, and after landing in New York City proceeded thence to Michigan and settled in Niles. Here Mr. Schmidt, Sr., opened a meat-market in 1869 and remained in business for many years. The mother and wife passed from earth in 1890.

The subject of this biographical notice was reared to manhood in Niles, where he was the recipient of good educational advantages in the common schools. After taking a course of study in book-keeping, he entered his father’s establishment and became book-keeper for the meat market. Upon reaching his majority he opened a meat market on Main Street and has remained there since, meanwhile building up an extensive and profitable trade and handling both fresh and salt meats. The wholesale and retail business amounts to about $40,000 per annum, and the success which has rewarded the enterprise proves better than mere words could do the sagacity and good judgment of the proprietor.

A very important event in the life of Mr. Schmidt was his marriage, which took place December 13, 1881, and united him with Miss Carrie B. Ives, an accomplished young lady, residing in Niles, and the daughter of E. B. Ives, a prominent citizen of the place. The union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Harry B., Carl B., Norma and a baby. The family residence is a commodious and conveniently arranged house and is situated on Third Street. Here Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt welcome their hosts of friends with that cordial hospitality for which they are well known, and here Mr. Schmidt finds relaxation from the cares of business.

While not an office-seeker, Mr. Schmidt takes an intelligent interest in public affairs and advocates with warmth and fidelity the principles of the Democratic party. In his social affiliations he is actively associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is also a member of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., Niles Chapter and Commandery, and the Knights Templar. In every respect he is a worthy representative of the German-American citizenship which has contributed so effectively to the progress of the United States.