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William Kleinschmidt was born in Prussia, Germany, December 8, 1839,
and is one of the eight children born to Charles and Charlotte (Huseman) 

Kleinschmidt, only four of whom are living, viz.: Anna, William, Louis 

and Minnie.  Charles Kleinschmidt, also a native of Prussia,brought his 

family to the United States in 1856, and until the following March 

resided in St. Louis, Mo., when they removed to Jefferson County, 

settling in Plattin Township, where the father died in 1866. William 

Kleinschmidt was reared a farmer, and educated in the common schools 

of his native country.  When young he learned the shoemaker's trade, 

but has never followed it.  October 28, 1860, he married Miss Jane 

Zollman, daughter of Phillip and Phillipine (Volker) Zollman, the latter 

a native of Nassan, Germany, who came with her parents to the United 

States in March, 1849, living in St. Louis until December of that year, 

and then removed to Jefferson County, Mo., settling where Mr. Kleinschmidt 

now resides.  To Mr. and Mrs. Kleinschmidt nine children have been born, 

viz.: Minnie, Christ., Phillipine, William, Emma, Lydia, Frank, Ida and 

Malinda.  Minnie married William Halter, of Plattin Township, and has two 

children, Arthur and Adolph. Christ. married Minnie Fink, and Phillipine 

became the wife of Herman Schmidt, and has two children, Albert and Henry 

A.  Mr. Kleinschmidt owns 300 acres of land in Jefferson County, and a half 

interest in a tract of 160.  He devotes his attention to farming and stock 

raising, paying especial attention to graded stock.  He has served as school
director for many years, and has been local preacher in the Methodist
Episcopal Church for the past twenty four years, of which Mrs. Kleinschmidt 

is also a member.