Rev. John Frederick Schmidt and Mary Barbara Schanwecker

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Husband Rev. John Frederick Schmidt ¹

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           Born: 9 Jan 1746 - Frohse, near Aschersleben, Halberstadt, Germany 2
     Christened: 
           Died: 16 May 1812 3
         Buried: 

       Marriage: 

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Wife Mary Barbara Schanwecker ¹

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: 
         Buried: 

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Children

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1 M Christopher Schmidt ¹

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           Born:  - Germantown, near Philadelphia, PA
     Christened: 
           Died: 
         Buried: 

         Spouse: Mary Hass (      -      ) 3

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General Notes: Husband - Rev. John Frederick Schmidt

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He was born at Frohse near Aschersleben, in the principality of Halberstadt, Germany, son of a prosperous farmer. Recognizing that his son possessed an unusual talent, he gave him every opportunity to acquire education and culture. The lad first attended the "Orphan House" at Halle, then under the management of the celebrated educator, George A. Francke. Here he made rapid progress in his studies, continuing through the classics and sciences until he was prepared for admission to the University of Halle. In 1765 he entered the latter institution of learning, even then a noted one, and pursued a course of uninterrupted honor as a student. He became noted for his high standing in the Divinity class, excelling in Hebrew, Arabic and Syriac languages; in mathematics, astronomy and history, sacred and profane. While a student in the University, he was also employed as an instructor at the "Orphan House," teaching mathematics, Greek and Latin. Among his intimate friends was Mr., after Dr. Helmuth, who in the year 1768 received an appointment as missionary to America. When young Schmidt learned that he was to be separated from his friend, he was heartbroken. Through the influence of Dr. Francke, permission was obtained from the church authorities and from the young man's parents that he should accompany Mr. Helmuth to America. When all was ready, the two young men visited Mr. Schmidt's home to take leave of his parents and relatives. Here a scene of deep solemnity and sacrifice was witnessed, but a fervent prayer by Mr. Helmuth quieted the sobbing circle and at its close the aged father rose from his knees, took his son by the hand and said: "Go in the name of the Lord Jesus." He further testified his willingness and interest in the mission of the young men by accompanying them to Wernigerode and witnessing their ordination as ministers of God, a few days later. The final leave-takings were then said and the young men proceeded to Hamburg, where they were detained by unforseen circumstances, even after their baggage was on shipboard. The fact was, however, the means of saving their lives, as the ship on which they intended to sail was lost on the passage. They proceeded to London, England, whence they sailed for America, arriving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in April, 1769. On arrival they were warmly welcomed by Dr. Henry Melchoir Muhlenburg and for a time enjoyed the hospitality of his home. Shortly after arrival, Rev. Schmidt received a call from St. Michael's Lutheran Church, at Germantown, which he accepted, serving that congregation for seventeen years with faithfulness and great acceptability. During his pastorate in Germantown he married Mary Barbara Schanwecker, who became the mother of his eleven children, and preceded him to the grave.
These years also covered the Revolutionary War period, and being an ardent Whig, as were most of his congregation and brethren, he was forced to flee from the neighborhood when Philadelphia was occupied by the British troops. In 1785 he was elected assistant to his friend, Dr. Helmuth, at Zion Church, and the following year was the second minister, in which relation he continued until his death. Affliction sore beset him; he lost his wife and seven children in rapid succession, and was twice attacked by yellow fever during its ravages in 1793, having contracted the dread disease while working with untiring zeal among the sick and dying. He died after a protracted and painful illness, aged nearly sixty-seven years. His remains were taken to Zion Church, Fourth street and Appletree alley (later burned and rebuilt at Fourth and Arch streets), where a short sermon was delivered over his friend by Dr. Helmuth. His body was then taken to St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Germantown, where beside his predecessors he was laid to rest before the altar. He was one of the most learned divines of his day and enjoyed the friendship of many of the great men of his day, including General Washington, who, while in Germantown, had his headquarters opposite Dr. Schmidt's church. At the time of General Washington's death, Dr. Schmidt was second minister of Zion Church (Fourth street) and in his church held special services in honor of the memory of the "Father of his country." There is an old painting of Dr. Schmidt in a class room of the Lutheran Seminary at Mount Airy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and another in Zion Church, Fourth and Arch streets, Philadelphia. Philip F. Mayer, in a letter written in June, 1852, said of Dr. Schmidt: "He had a highly cultivated mind and was distinguished for his proficiency in mathematical science. In the department of astronomy, particularly, he was much at home and for many years he made all the astronomical calculations for the German Almanacs that were published in Philadelphia." [GPHWP, 1704]

1 John W. Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsylvania (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1915), Pg 1704.

2 John W. Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsylvania (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1915), Pg 1705.

3 John W. Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsylvania (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1915), Pg 1706.