John Allen Schmidt

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171132234
• Residence: William St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-110543

Notes:

Passes After 55 Years As Ayr's Strongest Supporter

On Friday, John A. Schmidt was laid to rest in Ayr Cemetery, over-looking the village where had spent nearly 55 years of his life. It can be said he reposes in the community Which he truly called home, which he appreciated had done much for him, and he was happy to reciprocate. Possibly he was in a better position than most to help the community through support of causes and projects in the columns of the News, and he always recognized this advantage.

Among projects which benefited from his pen were the Ayr Community Centre building fund, the memorial plot fund, Victoria park pavilion, and many others. In recent years he worked enthusiastically to foster close relations between Ayr, Scotland, and our Ayr On two occasions he was host to W. H. (Billy) Dunlop, publisher of the Ayr, Scotland, Advertiser, whose equal enthusiasm in auld Ayr has resulted in an unbreakable tie. And who can forget the memorable visit to Ayr of the famous Beresford Girls' Choir only two years ago. which was arranged by the Rambler, as he often referred to himself?

Like any good newspaperman. his articles occasionally took a critical view of some situation, and frequently involves him in controversy. However, sticking to the truest journalism principles, he never permitted personalities to enter any of his newspaper battles. It was a matter of personal pride that during his tenure as owner of the News he had never once retracted a printed statement.
Although he sold the business to his sons some years ago, the word "retire" was not in his vocabulary. At that time he began writing a weekly column of short travelogues under the heading, The Rambling Reporter. The column was an immediate hit and rapidly developed a large readership. In later years when travelling became diffficult the Rambler branched into reminiscences and comments on topical subjects. His last column appeared on January 4.

Although his writing exhibited his Keen reasoning, and personal contact showed his ready wit and charm, a side of his personality which he unsuccessfully tried to hide was his sympathetic concern for someone who had suffered misfortune.

If it could be called a hobby, he was a keen student of the market, and developed this interest into the field of national economy and government.

He was born in Paisley on January 27. 1890, the son of James and Elizabeth Schmidt. Ms father was a skilled cooper, a trade which was rapidly giving way to more modern manufacturing methods He joined his lather in the trade at years of age and learned the meaning of hard work. The lesson was so firmly implanted that industriousness became the key to his working life, and was one of the ingredients lie admired most in the makeup of others.

Ile subsequently became a grocery clerk when the family moved to St. Marys. was pursuing this trade in Galt when the Ayr News came up fur sale, and was purchased in partnership with his brother Alfred in October, 1913. He came into sole ownership some two years later when his brother departed to serve in the armed forces.

He was married in 1920 to Jessie M. Rathe, who survives, along with three sons, John T. of Calgary, Robert A. and James of Ayr. A sister, Mrs.. Glen Slater (Kathleen) of St. Marys also survives, as well as 11 grandchildren.

Ayr News Jan 25 1968 pg 1

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SCHMIDT, John Allan, at Brantford General Hospital, Brantford, on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 1968, John Allan Schmidt, Ayr., Ont., in his 78th year, beloved husband of Jessie Rathe Schmidt, dear father of John T., Calgary, Alta., Robert A. and James W . both of Ayr. Private funeral service at Coutts and Son Funeral Home, Galt, on Friday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. Temporary entombment in Ayr Cemetery Chapel. Flowers gratefully declined.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record Jan 17 1968 pg 24

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John Schmidt, Ayr Publisher, Dead At 77

John Allan Schmidt, publisher and senior editor of the Ayr News for over fifty years, died Tuesday in hospital after an illness, at the age of 77.

In partnership with his broter the late Alfred Schmidt, he had purchased the Ayr News in October 1913. Although having retired from active work at the weekly newspaper several years ago, he continued his association with it by writing a weekly column under the heading Rambling Reporter.

Mr. Schmidt was noted as being a staunch supporter of his community and one of Ayr's best known citizens. His individualism was his trademark, and his style of writing was enjoyed by the publication's readers across the country.

He was born at Paisley, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Schmidt, resided in St. Marys for few years, then moved to Galt prior to purchasing the weekly newspaper at Ayr. In earlier years, he was noted for hos swimming ability, and won awards in many swimming competitions. He was married to the former Jessie M. Rathe, who survives him, at Brantford in 1920.

Also surviving are three sons, John T., farm editor of the Calgary Herald, presently on assignment in New Zealand, and Robert A. and James W., both of Ayr; and one sister, Mrs. Glen (Kathleen) Slater, St. Marys, he was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

Funeral services were held at Galt, Friday afternoon, and temporary entombment followed in Ayr cemetery chapel.

John married Jessie Mary Rathe 20 May 1920, Brantford, Brant Co., Ontario, Canada. Jessie (daughter of Louis Ignace Rathe and Elizabeth "Bessie" Anderson) was born 6 Oct 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jan 1978, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 15 Jan 1978, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. John Thomas Schmidt was born 1923, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 May 2005, Strathmore, Alberta; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Robert Alfred "Bummer" Schmidt was born 1924, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1968, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 4 Apr 1968, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. James William Schmidt was born 1 Aug 1927, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 May 2023, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30831
• Residence: 1887, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Three Children:
John Allen Schmidt, b 27 January 1890
Alfred Schmidt
Kathleen Schmidt

James married Elisabetha "Elisabeth" Elizabeth" Fink 28 Apr 1887, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elisabetha (daughter of Paul Fink and Maria Catharina Stein) was born 4 Nov 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 May 1935, Saint Marys, Blanshard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, Blanchard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elisabetha "Elisabeth" Elizabeth" Schmidt
• Name: Elizabeth Fink
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151984
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1887, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1901, Paisley, Elderslie Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151982
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mechanic
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1870, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Elected Office: 1882, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Councillor - Waterloo
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Paul married Maria Catharina Stein 16 Oct 1853, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Maria was born 9 Oct 1831, , Germany; died 2 Jun 1888, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharina Stein
• Name: Maria Catharina Fink
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151983
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran