Jacob A. Schowalter, a Kansas Mennonite farmer, spent little on his own comforts but gave generously to charitable causes. Few could guess by his simple way of life that he was a man of significant means.

Seven decades after his death, Schowalter’s prosperity continues to benefit the Anabaptist ministries he cherished. The Schowalter Foundation, established in 1954, has multiplied his $1 million estate to generate $27 million in charitable donations over 70 years.

“Today we celebrate the far-reaching and extensive financial blessings that have multiplied over the last 70 years,” said Diane Yoder, Schowalter Foundation president, in an Oct. 14 release. “It’s inspiring to think about the huge impact stemming from one man’s desire to leave a legacy.”

The foundation has supported over 100 organizations in the past 10 years. Grants have funded mission work, disaster recovery, Bible training, Anabaptist publications, colleges and schools. Projects have ranged from a new web­site for Anabaptist Disabilities Network to supporting African farmers and pastors.

Born in Germany in 1879, Schowalter came with his family to Halstead in 1883. In 1917 he bought 320 acres of land seven miles southwest of Newton, where he lived until his death in 1953. He never married.

Schowalter lived generously even during the Great Depression, rescuing several family farms from bankruptcy.

From 1934 to 1939 he served in the Kansas Legislature as a Democrat.

In addition to farming, he was a blacksmith and an inventor, obtaining patents for a portable hoist and an adjustable mount for a cultivator shovel.

Mennonite mission agencies are among the beneficiaries of Schowalter’s legacy. Bruce Yoder, co-executive coordinator of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, called the Schowalter Foundation an indispensable ally.

“Funding for agricultural development, entrepreneurial training and seed funds for pastors’ income-generation initiatives has changed lives for our African communities of believers,” he said.

Karen Horsman, director of development for Mennonite Mission Network, said the foundation has made MMN “a stronger, more effective blessing to many around the world.”