Valentine Schmitt, who is conducting a men’s and ladies’ tailoring establishment in Quincy, was born in Germany in 1864.  His father, Gerhart Schmitt, also a native of that country, was a blacksmith by trade and spent his entire life in Germany.  His wife, Marguerite Schmitt, also remained a resident of Germany up to the time of her death.  They were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living, three being residents of the United States.

Mr. Schmitt, of this review, came to America in 1891 and has since lived in Quincy.  He acquired his education in a private school of his native land, and for three years served in the German army.  In early manhood he learned the tailor’s trade becoming familiar with the art of cutting both ladies ‘ and men’s clothing.  After coming to Quincy, he opened a tailoring establishment here and is now located in the Wells building, where he is receiving a liberal patronage from the best people of the city.

In 1892 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schmitt and Miss Catherine Kohl, a daughter of Peter and Marguerite Kohl, the former a carpenter by occupation.  Mrs. Schmitt was born in Quincy in 1864 and by her marriage has become the mother of five children:  Leo, now deceased; Marguerite, Carl, Leo and Valentine, all at home.  The parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Schmitt belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Christian Catholic Union.  His political allegiance is given to the democratic party.  During the years of his residence in Quincy, he has built up a good business by reason of his excellent workmanship, and his trade has reached extensive and profitable proportions.

Source: Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, p. 874; by William H. Collins, Cicero F. Perry, joint author; John Tillson. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]. Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 1905.