TRITZ, Mathias J.

TRITZ, SIREN, KEMPTER, GNIGLER

Posted By: Annette Lucas (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 23:51:57

SOURCE: History of Black Hawk County Iowa, And Its People. Vol. I. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1915

Mathias J. Tritz, proprietor of one of the best equipped photographic studios in Waterloo and holding high rank as a representative of the photographic art, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 27th of March, 1861, a son of John A. and Mary (Siren) Tritz. The father was a native of Prussia, and the mother's birth occurred in Germany. They were married, however, in the new world and throughout much of his life the father followed the occupation of farming. He was also quite prominent in political circles and his opinions carried weight in the councils of the democratic party. At an early day in the development of Iowa he came to this state, settling in Jackson county, where he was engaged in general farming and was also active in public office, his worth and ability leading to his selection for various important positions. At one time he served as a member of the legislature and did active work as a member of the law-making body of the commonwealth. He died in 1878 in Jackson county when his son Mathias was a youth of seventeen years. His widow survives and yet resides on the old homestead.

Mathias Tritz was the third in order of birth in a family of thirteen children and pursued his education in the public schools of Jackson county and spent his youthful days upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He remained at home until he attained his majority, but for about three years prior to that time had taught school. He then began learning photography at Bellevue, Iowa, where he remained for a brief period. He afterward followed the business at Mount Carroll, Illinois, for three years and in other places, and then returned to Iowa in 1890, since which time he has made his home in Waterloo. He has one of the best equipped studios of this city and has made for himself a creditable name and place in the profession. He has kept in touch with the advancement made in connection with photography, is acquainted with all the modern processes that have resulted through scientific investigation and now devotes his entire time to the business. He is enjoying a liberal patronage, which results from the excellent work which he does.

In 1886 Mr. Tritz was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kempter, who was born in Galena, Illinois, a daughter of Gotfried and Mary (Gnigler) Kempter, the latter a native of Austria. The father was born in Germany and came to Iowa from Illinois about 1869, settling in Jackson county. He was a cabinet-maker and undertaker by trade and in Jackson county engaged in the furniture business, continuing active in trade circles there up to the time of his death, which occurred about 1892. His widow is now a resident of Bellevue, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Tritz have been born three children : Delia M. and Reta F., both under the parental roof ; and Arthur, who died in infancy. The parents hold membership in the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Tritz gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Court of Honor and the Highland Nobles. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the beginning of his residence in Waterloo has been uniform and rapid.