MS-111
SCHMIDT FAMILY COLLECTION
INTRODUCTION
The Schmidt Family Collection was donated to the Flesh Public Library on 18 January, 1995. This collection contains two Hollinger boxes with 12 files, including a French flag and a family Bible. The collection covers the years 1895-1920. There are no known restrictions on the use of this collection.
HISTORY
Christian and Kathryn Mang Schmidt came to the United States from Mossinger, Germany in the 1880’s. The family first lived on E. Greene St., then later moved to 517 Ann St. about 1895. Christian worked as a brewer at Lange’s Brewery in Piqua. The family included parents Christian and Katheryn Mang Schmidt, sons Louis, William, Fred and Herman; and daughters Emma (Fleeger) and Lillian.
Herman was inducted into the Army in 1918. He was a mechanic with Company I, 334th Infantry, 84th Division. He served in France during W.W. I. Herman gave his life in the service of his country on October 14, 1918. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, also of Piqua Aerie No. 614, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Druids.
Herman’s sister, Emma L. Fleeger, was a resident of Piqua for many years. She died, at the age of 100, in the Dorothy Love Retirement Community of Sidney, in 2000. She had been a resident there since 1994. Mrs. Fleeger attended Piqua City Schools. She retired as a knitter from the former Atlas Underwear Company of Piqua following fifty years of service. Survivors include two daughters: Mrs. Lois Heighton of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Mrs. William (Ruth) Cameron of Piqua; twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
The collection was donated to the Flesh Public Library Archives by Mrs. William (Ruth) Cameron in 1995.
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Series I – Loose photographs and letters
Series II – Framed Pictures & Documents
Series III – Maps and Artifacts
Series IV – Family Bible
Box 2 – Schmidt Family Bible, c. 1900
CONTAINER LISTING
Box 1
Series I – loose photographs and letters
File 1 –
1. Katherine Mang Schmidt (grandmother)
2. Family of Christian Schmidt
3. Louis Schmidt, Herman Schmidt I, Herman Schmidt II, William Schmidt, Emma Fleeger, Katherine Schmidt, Lillian Schmidt
4. Herman Schmidt’s grave in France, 1918
5. Photos of gravesite in France (4)
6. Photos of cross over grave in France (3)
7. Photos of Herman Schmidt in uniform (4)
File 2 – letters
1. Letter from Herman Schmidt in France, to his mother, Emma Schmidt, at 517 Ann St., Piqua, Sept. 29, 1918.
2. Envelope – empty, addressed to Mrs. Katherine Schmidt & family, 517 Ann St., Piqua
File 3 – various letters, in German
3. Various letters, in German, 1800-1900’s
Series II – Framed Pictures & Documents
File 4 – Plaques (2) from U.S. Army to family of Herman Schmidt – 14 Oct., 1918
File 5 –Photograph of Herman Schmidt, c. 1918
File 6 - Army induction papers of Herman Schmidt – 1918
File 7- telegrams of Herman Schmidt’s death and forwarding of body from France to Piqua, 1918-1920
File 8 – Memorial articles for Herman Schmidt – 1918
File 9 - Real Estate tax receipt, Christian Schmidt – 1895
Series III – Maps and Artifacts
File 10 – Map of France, where William Schmidt was stationed in W.W.I, 1918
File 11 – pure linen - great-grandmother spun flax in Germany, c. 1900
File 12 – French flag on Herman Schmidt’s casket in France in W.W. I, 1918
Series IV – Family Bible
Box 2 – Schmidt Family Bible, c. 1900