Frederick W. "Fred" Schmal

1910

F.W. Schmal's new residence on Commercial avenue is nearing completion, and Fred informs us that he will move into it as soon as he disposes of his hotel property, which by the way would be a good investment for anyone who wishes to go into the hotel business.

Friends of Fred W. Schmal were surprised a day or two ago when he announced his marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Boston, of Chicago, on June 17 last. The ceremony was performed in Chicago. Announcement of their marriage was made by Mr. and Mrs. Schmal on their return from a vacation trip to the northwest. The groom is one of our most substantial citizens and business man being engaged in the hardware business. The bride, when a young lady lived at Crown Point, her maiden name being Elizabeth Bargfeldt. She is known to many of our people and is a most estimable lady. They will make their home in Lowell.

Graham Thompson, Thomas Thompson and Ray Hickson, three members of the Newton County gang that robbed the Fred Schmal hardware store here several weeks ago, were brought before Judge Smith in the Criminal Court Tuesday and each entered a plea of guilty in line with their confessions to Sheriff Joe Kyle and the Judge immediately passed sentence on them. Graham Thompson was given a sentence of 5 to 20 years for the reason that he had a gun when arrested. His brother, Thomas, and Hickson were sentenced 1 to 10 years. Wayne Hopper and Clarence Hickson, who it is said played minor parts in the robbery, were not brought into court at this time, and their cases will be disposed of later.

Fred Schmal, Reitred Businessman, Dies

Fred W. Schmal, 83, retired Lowell businessman, died February 27, 1958, at Shady Heights Nursing Home, Dyer, where he had recently been moved from his home on West Commercial Avenue.

For 14 years he was owner of the Schmal Hotel, now known as the Commercial Hotel, and later operated a hardware store in the building now occupied by the postoffice.

In earlier years he was active in local community affairs and enjoyed his family, friends and business associates, who regarded him with highest esteem.

Fred was born at Crown Point on September 10, 1874, and spent his entire life in the Crown Point-Lowell area. He had been a resident of Lowell for the past 66 years.

In 1902 he married Theresa Berg and they were the parents of four chidlren: Mrs. George (Maurine) Keithley, Mrs. Hugh (Viola) Hutton, Robert E. and Richard C. After Mrs. Schmal's death September 15, 1926, he later married Elizabeth Bargfeldt of Boston, who preceded him in death November 29, 1955.

Memorial services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Eskridge Funeral Home, with the Rev. Father Chester Zurawiec of St. Edward's church officiating, and interment was in the Lowell cemetery.