Nis A. Schmidt died a t his home four miles from Newell, Iowa, Dec. 16, 1918, a t the age of 49 years, 11 mos. and 23 days. Mr. Schmidt's illness began last February. He commenced doctoring in April with his family physician, Dr. W. C. Porath, and continued it all summer. Dr. Porath diagnosed his disease as blood poisoning caused from his teeth and advised him to have them all extracted. Mr. Schmidt went to Rochester, Minn., Dec. 1, where the Mayo Bros, confirmed the diagnosis of Dr. Porath. Mr. Schmidt came home Dec. 8. He had his teeth extracted the same week. But the insidious poison had penetrated his system too deeply to permit of his recovery. Death came to him a t the last very suddenly. Mrs. Schmidt left him sitting in his chair while she went out to do some chores and on returning she found that the silent messenger of death had closed his eyes in her absence and that his gentle spirit had returned to God who gave it. Nis Andresen Schmidt was born in Loit, North Schleswig, Germany Dec. 24, 1868 to Peder Jorgensen and Maria Skov Schmidt. He came to America in 1886, stopping first in Cedar Falls. He went back to North Schleswig twice on a visit, the first time in 1903 and the last time in 1906. When he returned the second time, in the spring of 1907, he was accompanied by Miss Petrea Jensen, who was born and grew to womanhood in the same town in North Schleswig in which Mr. Schmidt was born. They were married in the Danish Lutheran church of Newell, Iowa, of which they were both members, March 26, 1907. They have resided here about twenty years and occupy a high place in the esteem of the people of this community. Six children were born to them, Maria, Peter, Edith, Velma, Otillia and Rebekka, all of whom are living. Besides his devoted wife and 6 children named above Mr. Schidmdt leaves one sister to mourn his loss, Mrs. M. J. Thuesen of this city. Mr. Schmidt was a loving and devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor and friend, a good man in every walk of life. He will be sincerely mourned in this community where he was so well known and so highly esteemed. The funeral service was held in the Danish Lutheran church Dec. 19, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. Faber. The pall bearers were J. T. Fitchett, H. C. Madison. Lars Smith, H. J. Grau, Louis Thompson, Hans Skytt. It was a beautiful and impressive service. Th e beautiful floral tributes testified to the esteem in which Mr. Schmidt was held. The interment took place in Newell cemetery.

Source: The Newell Mirror, January 2, 1919