Friedrich Wilhelm Schmidt (Smith)

Source: Alan Smith, Versailles IN 1977

The five Schmidt brothers were born in a small hamlet I the parish of Spenge at a place called Höyel, near Bruchmuhlen, Groß Aschen in Northwestern Germany.

When their father died, it was the custom that the eldest son would inherit the homestead. Since there were five sons, the future seemed rather dim for the remaining four sons. At that time there was a famine throughout Europe and migrating to America offered the opportunity to start a new life. Before leaving, each received from their oldest brother, Heinrich, a payment in “Thalers” for their share of the Schmidt estate. This payment paid for their traveling expenses.

Frederick W. and Bernard W. were married in Germany. These brothers, wives and Bernard’s children migrated through Hereford-Minden and departed from the port city of Bremen on August 19, 1854. They crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel and arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana October 28, 1854.

All four brothers resided in the Cincinnati area for a short time. Since the city was over-crowded and disease ridden, they were anxious to settle elsewhere. Having heard that many families from the Hanover province in Germany were living in the Olean, Indiana area, and wanting to be in a predominately German locality, Johan H. moved to Olean. Bernard W. and Herman C. went to Cross Plains, Dewberry sector, while Frederich W. moved to Versailles, Indiana. Frederick W was naturalized August 16, 1856 in Ripley County, Indiana.

Later, Johan H. decided to go into politics, so he and Frederick W. traded properties. After that, Frederick W. operated a combination saloon and shoe shop in Olean. All four brothers Americanized their names to SMITH.