Fritz, Ludwig 1857 - 1940

FRITZ, WATERMAN, GUS, JASTER, FISCHEL, MIRSON, NOGGLE, SHAW

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/26/2023 at 03:53:38

Clayton County Register, 24 Jan. 1940.

Ludwig Fritz was born in the province of Posen, Germany, on May 02, 1857. He was the last child in a family of five of the woodsman Ludwig Fritz and his wife Wilhelmine, nee Gus. He attended the school in the village where his parents owned a home until he was a little over eight years old. At that age he emigrated with his parents, brothers and sisters to the New World.

The family arrived at New York shortly before Christmas, 1865, and proceeded to Elkport, in which town they established their first American residence. The father, being incapacitated to do much for a living, it was Ludwig who at an early age started to be a wage earner in order to help maintain the parental household. For nine years he worked on a farm near Elkport, and a few other farms the following years.

At the age of 25 he was united in marriage with Augusta Waterman by Rev. Philip J. Dornseif at Elkport, Sept. 28, 1882. This union lasted over 57 years and was blessed with nine children. After a few years at home the young couple bought a farm in Elk township, 1n 1885, which they occupied for 15 years. In 1901 they acquired another farm near Littleport where they resided for 11 years. Growing older he purchased a smaller place in 1901 which he worked for about 15 years.

Advancing age and illness compelled him to retire about 14 years ago. Infirmities of age were noticeable especially during the past five years. His last three weeks he spent in the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Rudolph Jaster. Peacefully he died on Jan. 14, 1940, at 4 :30 o'clock in the morning.

Until about 14 years ago the departed enjoyed good health. He was an industrious worker, an ever faithful husband and father, an excellent citizen, a splendid neighbor and friend. It was honest, thrifty, hard-working, self-reliant, law-abiding and Godfearing pioneers like Grandfather Fritz who helped so much to make America a great nation.

He reached the age of 82 years, eight months and 12 days.

His parents, brothers and sisters all preceded him in death as also four children: Augusta in 1934; Henrietta, Mrs. Lou Fischel, in 1928; Hulda, Mrs. Otto Mirson, and Elmer who died when only one month old.

He is survived by his sorrowing widow, Mrs. August Fritz, his five children; Louis Fritz; Wilhelmina, Mrs. Rudolph Jaster; Henry Fritz; Goldamay, Mrs. James Noggle; Ida, Mrs. Earl Shaw; the sons and daughters-in-law, 32 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Leon Gehret of Elkport, Jan. 17. Pallbearers were six of his grandchildren: Laverne Jaster, Burdett Fritz, John Mirson, Louis Noggle, Lloyd Shaw and Marvin Jaster. Interment was made in the Union cemetery at Littleport.