John Schmal

The Silent Sickle of Time Takes An Old Settler

One by one the early settlers are being called upon to cross the River Jordan, the last being Mr. John Schmal, of St. John Township, who departed this life about 4 o'clock Monday afternoon after only twenty-four hours of sickness. The disease was congestion of the brain, and he was unconscious nearly all the time after he was stricken down with the malady.

The deceased was among the first settlers of the county, arriving here with his family; father, mother, two brothers and four sisters, near where he died, June 16th, 1838. Now but three of them are left, Mrs. Angeline Hack and Mr. Adam Schmal, of this place, and Mr. Jos. Schmal, of Brunswick. The father and mother died many years ago, and following them were Mrs. Line, Mrs. Ludwig, Mrs. Rhlen, and lastly John, the oldest son.

The funeral took place at St. John, on Thursday of this week, where a large congregation assembled to pay their last sad respects to the dead. The deceased was 75 years old the 26th day of September.