Schmidt, John A.

John A. Schmidt, born in Kansas on October 4, 1877, is a loyal American citizen of foreign parentage who has been a resident of Fresno County since 1907. His parents, Andrew and Anna Schmidt, were native Germans born on Russian territory who immigrated to the United States in 1873 and successfully reared thirteen children as farmers in Kansas. John completed grammar school and high school in his native state, later spending two years at college before teaching school for a period of time. He eventually moved west and acquired a fine ranch of forty acres located two miles north of Reedley. He devotes this model land to grapes, apricots, and alfalfa, utilizing scientific methods and the latest improvements to ensure high-quality products.

Beyond his agricultural success, Mr. Schmidt has maintained a deep interest in civic affairs and has long been a public-spirited member of his community. His fellow citizens honored him with the office of deputy assessor of the Alta district, a position he has held to general satisfaction for six years. Additionally, his past teaching experience uniquely qualified him to serve as the clerk of the school board in the Fink district since 1915. He was married in 1903 to Miss Anna Funk, and together they share a family of ten living children named Arthur L., Ernest A., Samuel H., Ruby E., Alice E., Grace P., Harold W., Stella R., John W., and Waldo W. Both he and his wife attend the Mennonite Church and are highly valued by many friends for their kind-hearted and neighborly disposition.