Carl Schelm
For thirty-six years a resident of Crawford county, Carl Schelm now deceased, will be remembered as one of its successful and highly respected citizens, who won recognition through undaunted perseverance and acknowledged business ability that would have gained for him prominence in almost any community.
His death, which occurred April 15, 1907, was the occasion of general regret, as he had made a host of friends and was widely known as an upright and useful citizen who was ever ready to extend a hand of helpfulness to those less fortunate than himself and to assist in promoting the happiness of those with whom he was associated.
He was born in Germany and came to America in 1867, first taking up his residence in Jackson county, Iowa. In 1871 he came to Crawford county and began working on a farm. Later he bought land in Hanover township and as the years passed became the owner of two hundred acres in that township and also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Brown county, Nebraska. He was a man of good practical judgment in business and as he was thoroughly familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the farmer, his labors met with deserved recompense.
In 1874 Mr. Schelm was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Sutrow, and by this union four children were born, namely: Minnie, now the wife of Herman Baak, of Crawford county; Dretta, the wife of Fred Hermsmayer, of Brown county, Nebraska; and William and Albert, both of whom are living in Nebraska. The mother of these children died in 1885, and Mr. Schelm was married one year later to Mrs. Frieda (Fehmerling) Kayser, who was born in Germany, January 23, 1860. By her first marriage she became the mother of two children: Carl and Elizabeth, both of whom are deceased.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schelm: Gustav, whose natal day was October 27, 1888, died at the age of one year; George W., the younger child, was born November 6, 1890, and is now living at home with his mother. He is a promising young man and is a graduate of the Denison high school, being now in attendance at the normal school.
Mr. Schelm of this review gave his support to the republican party and served in various township offices. He was a thorough farmer, paying close attention to his work, so that it was productive of highly satisfactory returns. As a citizen he was devoted to his county and state, and as the head of a family, his first thought was always for those he loved. His remains were interred in Hanover cemetery and a suitable monument marks the grave as a testimonial from his wife and son. Mrs. Schelm and her son still own the farms in Iowa and Nebraska and also a handsome residence in Denison, which is the family home. They visited Germany and remained for six months amidst scenes with which she was familiar in her earlier years. She is now permanently located at Denison and has many friends and acquaintances in this city.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.