Fortsch, Will

ADRIAN, FAGENBAUM, MACUMBER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/9/2009 at 19:59:51

Will Fortsch, who retired from active life in October, 1912, after many years of close connection with agricultural interests of Bremer county, was born in Fayette county, this state, June 9, 1858. He is a son of John and Mary Fortsch, natives of Germany, whose marriage occurred while they were on the ocean on the journey to America. After their arrival in this country the father worked for one year on the Erie canal and later engaged in railroading until he moved to Chicago, Illinois. From that city he started in 1849, for Pike's Peak with a party of gold seekers, but, becoming separated from his friends, found himself at Independence, Iowa, which was then only a village. He moved from there to Fayette county and purchased a tract of government land, which he improved and operated for many years. He and his wife passed away upon this property, the father dying at the age of eighty-one and the mother at the age of fifty.

Will Fortsch spent his boyhood upon his father's farm in Fayette county and acquired his education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-six he left home and bought eighty acres of land in Bremer county. This was an improved farm but had become badly run down, and with characteristic energy Mr. Fortsch applied himself to the work of developing his holdings, erecting a house and substantial barns and outbuildings. He lived upon this property until he removed to Sumner, where he has since resided.

Mr. Fortsch married Miss Addie M. Adrian, who was born in Wisconsin, and they have four children: W.F., operating his father's farm; Maud, wife of John Fagenbaum, of Dayton township; Clara B., the wife of Ray Macumber, also of Dayton township; and Hazel, at home.

Mr. Fortsch is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has served on the grand and petit juries and was road supervisor for four years, proving a capable and progressive official. While on the farm he served as a director in the local creamery company. Throughout his active life he worked diligently and steadfastly for the attainment of prosperity and he well deserves the retirement which he is now enjoying, for it rewards many years of earnest, persistent and well directed labor.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914