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Schmidt farm is now a Century Farm
A young couple, Joseph and Philomena Nuxoll Schmidt, had a dream. They were married on January 31, 1888in Greencreek, Illinois. One month later on February 29 they boarded a train for the Idaho Territory. Traveling with them were F.G. Nuxoll, B.J. Stubbers, and Joseph Rotke. After traveling by train, by paddle wheel boat, and a California wagon they arrived in Keuterville, Idaho on March 10. The Schmidt’s first home was a farm close to Denver, where their first four children were born. The reservation opened in 1895 and Mr and Mrs Schmidt moved to the reservation land on November 22, 1895 with their 4 oldest children. After living on the homestead and making improvements until 1902 he paid the court $16 and the land became his. Joseph and Philomena had 10 children. He passed away in 1916 of meningitis and Philomena married Anton Jansen May 9, 1918. The couple became known as Bestmom and Bestpop. In 1937 Philomena was awarded the champion grandmother of the United States. At that time she had 9 living children, 67 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, all of whom lived within a 10 mile radius. Philomena passed away in 1945. Andrew Schmidt was the youngest of Joseph and Philomena Schmidt’s children. When Philomena passed away she left the home place to Andrew. He and his wife, Frances Wassmuth, lived and farmed there. Andrew began a Grade A dairy in 1949. The dairy was turned over to his son, Ken and Pat Schmidt in 1966. Ken and Pat continue to farm the home place. Their son Kevin and his wife live in Andrew and Frances’ house on the home place. Mr Earl Bennett from the Idaho State Historical Society presented the Schmidt family the Century Farm award on May 26. Many family members and friends were present for the celebration. A young couple, Joseph and Philomena, had a dream of a new country and a new life. 116 years later their dream is still being realized in the person of the younger Schmidt generation in Greencreek, Idaho. |
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