Jacob Franz Theodor Schmidt (1839 - 1918)

Born 3 Jan 1839 in Ranzin, Greifswald, Pomerania, Prussia

Descendants

Died 19 Feb 1918 at age 79 in Round Prairie, Todd, Minnesota, USA

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Biography

Naturalization Papers 1877. Went by the Americanized name of Frank T. Smith at time of death. Death cert. has a "T" for middle initial. (Theo or Theodore) 1880 Census shows him widowed. Occupation Farmer. Changed name from Schmidt to Smith. It is interesting to note that Frank "Americanized" his name and some of his offspring may have left it as Schmidt. (see 1900 Burnhamville Twp. census)

He was from the Northern part of Prussia (Pomerania). A very small village of possibly 100 (+/- ) population by the name of Ranzin in the province of Griefswald. He came over to the United States when he was 27 years of age. His occupation was a shepherd. With him was his wife and baby son Wilhelm. They sailed from Hamburg, Germany to New York in July 1865 on the Sailing Ship Virginia.

It seems that Franz and family came from peasant stock (his father Johann was a gardener.) It is unknown how they could have gotten the money to immigrate as they did.

One possible reason for immigration was that at the time, there was compulsory military service in Prussia (1848-1871), as they were waring with Austria.

This area of Pommern/Pomerania was all protestant and saw immigration of Protestant Austrians and French Huguenots. From 1648 to 1815, this portion of Pommern/Pomerania was under Swedish rule.

It is interesting to note that in the 1895 MN State Census he had the following living on the farm with him: Frank Smith, M, 26y, Wisconsin (son) Ida Smith, F, 23Y, Prussia (daughter in law) Selma Smith, F, 4y, Minnesota (Grandaughter) Alvina Smith, F, 2y, Minnesota (Grandaughter) Eddie Smith, M, 10m, Minnesota (Grandson) Fred Smith, M, 24y, Minnesota (son)

Sources

• Birth and christening records obtained from Church in Ranzin, Germany. Currently in my possession.

1880 Fed. Census for Round Prairie Twp., todd, Minnesota, USA 1895 Minnesota State Census for Round Prairie Twp., Todd, Minnesota, USA