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EDWARD GEORGE 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, energetic 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,
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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 &eorge; and Ida, wife of W. H. Pfingsten.
Acquiring his rudimentary education in his native city, Edward G. Schmitt was graduated from the Belleville High School with the class of 1899. Turning his attention then to the study of dentistry, he received the degree of D. D, S, at the Marion Sims Dental School, in Saint Louis, Missouri, in 1902, being there graduated with honors. To further equip himself for his profession, Dr. Schmitt subsequently took special work two summers at the infirmary connected with that institution. Beginning the practice of dentistry in Belleville, he remained there three years, during which time he was for two years chief deputy coroner of Saint Clair county, under Dr, E. M. Irvin. Locating at New Baden in 1906, Dr. Schmitt opened a dental office, and has since met with eminent success in his professional career, having built up an extensive and remunerative practice.
The Doctor is an active and useful member of the Republican County Executive Committee, and takes a warm interest in local affairs. He is now serving as police magistrate of New Baden, and is president of the New Baden School Board. In the latter capacity he has made a good record, having been largely instrumental in securing the erection of a fine new school building, in the regrading of the schools, and in the introduction of a high school course of two years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Encampment of the I. 0. 0. F.
Dr. Schmitt married, September 12, 1905, Dorothy G. Kraft, a daughter of George W. Kraft, a foreman in the nail factory at Belleville.