Biography of
Edward G. Schmitt D.D.S.

p. 1110

     EDWARD G. SCHMITT, D.D.S.  A prominent and· popular resident of New Baden, Edward George Schmitt, D. D. S., is a fine representative of the dental profession, which is, mayhap, one of the most important branches of surgery, its application being required at some period of life by almost every member of the human family. Intelligent study, patient investigation, and careful experiment have within recent years elevated dentistry to a distinct and separate science, in the valuable and important discoveries made, America taking a foremost place. A son of Henry Schmitt, Dr. Schmitt was born November 23, 1880, in Belleville, Illinois.

     Born at Kaiserslautern, Germany, in 1830, Henry Schmitt was there bred and
educated. Coming to America in 1849, he located in Belleville, Illinois, where he entered the employ of an uncle, a hotel keeper, whom he afterwards bought out, becoming himself proprietor of the hotel. He was a man of unquestioned business ability and judgment, nergetic and enterprising, and became actively identified with the upbuilding and growth of Belleville, and the establishment of valuable industries. He was one of the original founders of the Belleville Stove and Range Works, and a valuable member of the Belleville Building and Loan Association. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but was never an office seeker. He was very popular with the traveling public, successfully managing his hotel until his death, February 26, 1886.

     Henry Schmitt was twice married. He married first a Miss Kramer, who died in early womanhood, leaving two children, Mrs. Lizzie Metz; and John, deceased. He married for his second wife, in 1862, Clara Voegle, who still resides in Belleville. She was born in Switzerland, P. 1112 and at the age of twelve years came to America with her parents, crossing the ocean on a sailing vessel, and being ninety days on the water. One of her brothers was born on the ocean, but he died while on the way from Saint Louis to Belleville, during the time of the plague. Of the seven children born of the marriage of Henry and Clara (Voegle) Schmitt all are living, as follows: Henry; Sigmond; Lena, wife of J. W. Miller; Walter; Freda; Edward George; and Ida, wife of W. H. Pfingsten.