1930 Tribune yearbook
courtesy Chris Treadway

Paul Anton Josef Schmitt (March 11, 1893 – May 14, 1983) was an artist and teacher, noted for his watercolors and illustrations.

Schmitt was born in 1893 in Philadelphia. The family moved to San Francisco in 1898, and remained there until the 1906 earthquake destroyed the family home. They then moved to Fruitvale (1705 - 36th Avenue in 1910).

He learned woodworking and carving skills from his father. He studied under Perham Wilhelm Nahl at the California College of the Arts and Crafts.

On June 9, 1914, Schmitt married Rose Elizabeth Cecelia Bold (Schmitt) (March 9, 1892 – April 27, 1964) at St. Elizabeth Church. They had 13 children. Mary (Mari) Schmitt Matto, Paul Schmitt Jr., Herman Schmitt, Maurice Schmitt, Raymond Schmitt, Henry (Hank) Schmitt, Rita Schmitt-Stenger, Francis Schmitt, (His female twin who died at birth), Joseph Schmitt (died at age 5 of Pertusis), Theresa Antionette Schmitt-Schexnayder, Margaret Schmitt-Robideaux, Joseph Schmitt.

Schmitt is said to have painted some murals at St. Elizabeth Church.

Links and References

  1. Paul Anton Josef Schmitt on FindAGrave.com