John H. Fritz

FRITZ, KURTZ, KILFOY, FOGARTY

Posted By: Cathy Labath (email)
Date: 12/30/2005 at 13:08:41

History of Jefferson County, Iowa. Charles J. Fulton. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1912.
p. 319-320

John H. Fritz has resided in Jefferson county throughout his entire life, his birth having occurred February 10, 1865, in Walnut township, upon the farm which was the old homestead of the family. While reared to agricultural life, he chose to turn his attention to commercial pursuits and, since 1887, has been closely identified with the mercantile, manufacturing and financial interests of Fairfield. His parents were Peter and Susan (Kurtz) Fritz; the former born in Bavaria, Germany, August 21, 1836. When sixteen years of age, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States on one of the old-time sailing vessels in company with his parents, who established the family home at Burlington, Iowa, but, after a year or two, removed to Jefferson county. Peter Fritz has since lived in Walnut township and for forty-eight years has remained upon the farm which is now his home. It was in this county that he wedded Susan Kurtz, who was born in Michigan and in her girlhood came with her parents to Iowa, remaining a resident of Jefferson county until her death, which occurred about thirty-three years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fritz have been born four children: John H.; Elizabeth, the wife of D.T .Kilfoy, of Fairfield; Joseph, living in Santiago, California; and Martin, whose home is in Walnut township.

In the usual manner of farm lads, John H. Fritz spent his boyhood days, residing in Walnut township until 1887, when at the age of twenty-two years he came to Fairfield. Here he became connected with the lumber trade in the employ of A.S. Jordan, with whom he remained until his industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to embark in the lumber business on his own account, about ten years ago as a member of the firm of Jordan & Company. This association was maintained for four years, since which time the business has been conducted by the present firm of Fritz & Parker. He also owned and conducted a hardware business and coal yard as a member of the firm of Fritz & Droz. In addition to his other commercial interests he is president of the Hawkeye Pump Company and a stockholder of the Iowa State Savings Bank and of the Iowa Malleable Iron Company. His business judgment is sound and his industry is an effective force for success, so that his cooperation has been sought by various corporations.

In January, 1893, Mr. Fritz was married to Miss Margaret Fogarty, who was born in Fairfield, in 1866, and is a daughter of Thomas Fogarty. They hold membership in St. Mary's Catholic church; Mr. Fritz also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He served for seven years as a member of the city council, supporting many projects and measures the value of which has been prove as the years have gone by. He is also identified with several interests of a more public character, being now a trustee of the Jefferson County Hospital and stockholder of the Chautauqua Association and of the Armory Company which built the Armory for Company M. His business interests, however, claim the greater part of his time and attention, and his excellent management has brought to the concerns with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all, and, at the same time, has not interfered with the spirit of progress which is a basic element in all advancement and prosperity.

[John H. Fritz was my first cousin three times removed]