Schmitt family

Introduced to nobility as Ritter von Schmitt by Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria and Otto, King of Bavaria, the family has been prominent in business, law and politics.

The first known ancestor was Johannes Kaspar I. Schmitt (d. 1721–72) who was from Bamberg in Bavaria, Germany.

His descendants Josef (1838–1908) and Gottfried (1827–1908) were later elevated to nobility.

Josef v. Schmitt's son Josef II was a prominent businessman and privy councilor, co-chairing SKF and others.

His cousin, Gottfried II (1865–1919) was a German politician, and member of the Reichsgerichtsrat.