My Genealogy Hound

GOTTLIEB SCHMIERER, wholesale dealer in liquors, Joplin, Mo., was born in Marbough, Wurtemburg, Germany, Nov. 27, 1827. His parents, Jacob and Christina (Steirle) Schmierer, were also natives of Wurtemburg. Subject was reared in Stuttgardt, and educated in the schools of that city. When about fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of confectioner and followed that business for a time. In the fall of 1846 he went to Holland, and shortly after sailed under the Holland government against the island of Sumatra. Participated in a battle on that island in which he was wounded. He then returned to Australia and thence to Holland. Immigrated to America in 1848, leaving Antwerp in December of that year, and after a voyage of sixteen days arrived at New Orleans. Remained there about seven months, then engaged in steam-boating on the Mississippi for two years. Subsequently he engaged at his trade in Cincinnati, Zanesville, and Mansfield, Ohio. Went to Galena, Ill., in the fall of 1854 and engaged for eight years in mining. He then went to California and commenced business in San Francisco. Continued there about six months, then went to Virginia City, Nev., and engaged in the brewery business and mining. One year later he went to Idaho by way of Humboldt. On the road, at the Green River Mountains, his party was attacked by Indians, two hundred strong, and only he and his partner escaped. At the time they had over eight thousand dollars in gold dust encircling their bodies, but in their flight these were riddled with bullets and all was lost. Afterward they returned to the mutilated forms of their comrades, and they then went to the Goose Creek Mountains and engaged in prospecting, but were again disturbed by the Indians. Went to Idaho City, and soon after to Centerville, same territory, and engaged in mining for about four months. From there they proceeded to the British provinces, and to Vancouver’s Island. Returned to San Francisco, and in 1866 to the states. Located first at Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged in business, afterwards in Centralia, Ill., and in summer of 1876 came to Joplin. Mr. Schmierer was married in Zanesville, Ohio, May 12, 1851, to Miss Catharine Durand, daughter of Charles Durand, of that city. Mrs. S. was born in France, July 22, 1822. From this union there were four children: Catharine, born Feb. 24, 1852, in Manchester, Ohio, died in October, 1861, at Galena, Ill.; John G., born May 20, 1853; Mary, born May 24, 1855, now wife of August Yeast, of Ohio; and Charles, born Aug. 24, 1858, now of Galena, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Catholic Church.