Lorenz Schmidt was born in Burghaslach, Bavaria, Germany. He fought in the Franco-Prussian war and in 1870 was involved in the siege of Paris. He emigrated to America in 1870 and took employment at the Frederick Lauer Brewery in Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1877 Schmidt and his friend James Heffner relocated to Pottsville, where they partnered with Henry Peter Lauer to purchase the debt-ridden Orchard Brewery owned by 70-year-old George Lauer. The new business was called Lauer & Co., Orchard Brewery. Over the next few years the other partners withdrew from the business, and by 1880 Schmidt was operating the brewery as a sole proprietor. A complete remodel in 1886 brought saw the plant through to Prohibition. Lorenz Schmidt died on the 21st of August, 1893. He was 48 years old.

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