Carol B. record said France. 1900 Census for John B says Germany. John also indicated France on one of his but Paul specifically listed France on his 1875 census and says his parents were born in France.

It is possible, indeed likely, that Paul and family were from Alsace, France. In 1817 this region was part of France which would explain his saying he was French. His son indicated her was from Germany decades later and by that time Alsace had moved into German control.

His surname in Alsace/France/Germany may have been Schmidt, the german equivalent.