The community is reeling after the shocking murder of Edward Arthur Schmidt, a respected 85-year-old attorney, who was found dead in his basement law office at 506 High Avenue East on January 13, 1972. Authorities report that Schmidt suffered severe head injuries and multiple stab wounds to the chest in what is believed to be an attempted robbery.
Despite the violent nature of the attack, investigators found $166.41 in cash on Schmidt’s desk and approximately $21,000 stored in a safe just a room away, raising questions about the motives behind the crime. Known for his introverted and frugal lifestyle, Schmidt had practiced law in Oskaloosa for most of his life, accumulating significant wealth through savvy investments in stocks, real estate, and even oil rights across 33 Oklahoma counties. His estate is valued at an estimated $1.5 million.
The aftermath of Schmidt’s death has sparked legal complications regarding his estate. Schmidt’s closest known relatives are a nephew and niece, but the only will that has surfaced dates back to 1917, leaving a bequest of $10,000 to Drake University College of Law, where he graduated.
Glenn Upton, described as Schmidt’s only close friend, claims that he witnessed a new will drafted in 1962, which reportedly intended to leave the majority of Schmidt’s estate to Drake University for scholarship purposes. However, without the new will being found, Schmidt is considered to have died intestate—without a legally binding will.
In response, Drake University has filed a court challenge to validate the missing 1962 will, positioning itself as the primary beneficiary of Schmidt’s estate. The Mahaska County District Court appointed Oskaloosa attorney Joe P. Crookham as the estate’s administrator. After three years of legal deliberations, Crookham submitted the final report detailing the distribution of Schmidt’s estate.
According to the report, the heirs will receive the following amounts:
- Wilmer Breeden (nephew, San Diego, CA): $117,387
- Mabel Smith Denham (niece, Oklahoma City, OK): $201,440
- Eva Schmidt Greiner (niece, Keota, IA): $201,440
- Peter C. Neu (grandnephew, Boston, MA): $42,027
- Nancy Louise Neu Deets (grandniece, Florissant, MO): $42,027
- Drake University (settlement from its claim): $250,000
- Glenn Upton (compromised claim for services): $37,500
Upton has documented his 28 years of service to Schmidt, claiming that these records support his financial claims against the estate. Legal and administrative costs have already consumed about $644,000, which included federal and state taxes and attorney fees.
