Critz, Frank

CRITZ, SCHLAGEL, DUNKLE, FETTWEIS

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 9/29/2020 at 13:09:36

Frank Critz, Treasurer of Washington County, and one of its most prominent and best-known citizens, was born in Alsace, France, April 12, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Magdalene (Schlagel) Critz, were also natives of that country. The family emigrated to America in the fall of 1847, and first located in Lee County, Iowa, where they remained two years, and then came to Washington County and located in English River Township, the father entering 160 acres of wild prairie land, on which he built a log cabin and commenced to improve a farm. He was only permitted to enjoy his home in this new world about five years, dying in 1854. His wife preceded him to the future world the previous year. They were both members of the Roman Catholic Church from childhood. They were and industrious couple, honest and upright in all their dealings, and highly respected by all who knew them.

When the family came to America Frank was but a lad of 8 years, and was but ten years old when he came to Washington County. Here he grew to man’s estate, received his education in the pioneer log school-house, and has since continued to live. Until sixteen years of age he remained upon his father’s farm assisting in the work. At that time he entered the store of Nathan Littler, at Richmond, as a clerk, and there remained two years, giving entire satisfaction to his employer. He then went to Iowa City, and for the next two and a half years was a clerk in the employ of P.P. Freeman and N. Kuhne. Returning to Richmond, in company with Michael Smith he engaged in the general mercantile business, under the firm name of Smith & Critz. This was in early 1861. The war for the Union was now in progress, and men were needed to fight the battles of their country, to help put down the Rebellion. Though born upon a foreign soil it was that country that gave to the American colonies in the hour of their trial a LaFayette, and like that immortal General, he too, offered his services at a time when men were needed to save what LaFayette helped to create.

In response to the call of President Lincoln, in August, 1862, Mr. Critz enlisted as a private in Co. K, 30th Iowa Vol. Inf., and at the organization of the company was elected First Sergeant. With the regiment he was mustered into the service at Keokuk, Sept. 23, 1862. In all the battles and campaigns of the regiment, Mr. Critz participated. After its muster in at Keokuk, it was sent to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, and from there to Helena, Ark., where it went into camp. The first expedition in which it participated was to Oakland, Miss., under Gen. Hovey, where it remained but a short time, and then returned to Helena. It next formed part of the expedition under Sherman up the Yazoo River. In the engagement at Arkansas Post, Company K had two men killed and seven wounded. Young’s Point was the next objective point, and there it took part in the battle of Jackson, Miss., after which it formed a part of the force under Grant in the siege of Vicksburg. In the memorable charge on the rebel works May 22, Col. Abbott and several other officers were killed. After the surrender of the rebels at Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the regiment was in the command under Sherman sent in pursuit of Johnston, and participated in the second battle of Jackson. On this occasion Sergt. Critz was promoted First Lieutenant for meritorious conduct. In August, 1863, he obtained leave of absence and came home for a short visit, rejoining his company and regiment at Corinth. As a part of the Army of the Tennessee, it was in the fight at Cherokee Station, where Col. Torrence, its second commanding officer, was killed. The next engagement in which the 30th took part was Lookout Mountain, where it was part of Osterhaus’ Division. The night after the battle the 30th lay upon the peak. Two days later, under Gen. Hooker, it was in the battle of Ringgold. It was next marched back to Paint Rock, Ala., on the railroad leading to Chattanooga, where it went into camp for the winter.

In April, 1864, Lieut. Critz was detailed as aide to Gen. C.R. Wood, who had command of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, of the 15th Army Corps, and was with that General until the close of the war. They first started upon the Atlanta campaign, marched through Snake Creek Gap, and fought the battles of Resaca, Dallas, and Kennesaw Mountain. In the last engagement, Lieut. Critz was shot through the hand, and then received leave of absence for forty days and returned home. On the expiration of his furlough he rejoined his command one week before it made the flank movement on Jonesboro. After the surrender of Atlanta they went into camp until the withdrawal of Hood, when they followed to Gaylesville, and from thence went on Sherman’s famous march to the sea. Gen. Wood was now in command of the 1st Division, Lieut. Critz still being upon his staff. The 1st Division fought the battle near Macon, and did effective service at all times upon the march. After reaching Savannah it was sent through the Carolinas, and was the first to cross the river and enter into Columbia. It took part in the battle of Bentonville, N.C., the last battle of the war, and was at Raleigh when Johnston surrendered. From here it marched to Washington, and was in the grand review. Lieut. Critz, after nearly three years’ hard service, was mustered out with the regiment at Washington D.C., June 5, 1865, and received his discharge at Davenport, Iowa a few days afterward.

Returning to Richmond on the 5th of July, he again embarked in the mercantile business, forming a partnership with N. Littler, with whom he first clerked. Mr. Littler subsequently retired, while Mr. Critz still holds interest in the establishment. In the mercantile business he has been quite successful; having at all times a good trade, and carrying a good stock of goods. Politically, Mr. Critz is a Republican, and by that party was elected County Treasurer in the fall of 1885, which office he now fills with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his constituents.

Mr. Critz has been twice married; first in May, 1861, when he wedded Miss Mary Dunkle, a daughter of Caspar Dunkle, one of the pioneers of Iowa City. By this union there are three living children: Albert, a traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house in Muscatine; Charles H., who manages the store in Richmond, and Nettie, who is living at home. Mrs. Critz died in 1872. She was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church; a sincere Christian woman. Mr. Critz’ second wife was Miss Helen Fettweis, born in Iowa City, and a daughter of Anthony Fettweis, to whom he was married in 1874. They have three children – Estella, Leo, and Irma.

Lieut. Critz is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, his wife also being a member of that body. He is a man well known and universally esteemed, with strong social qualities that make for him many friends. Commencing life in poverty, by industry, thrift and economy he has accumulated enough wealth to render him and his family comfortable during the remainder of his days.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Frank Critz, pages 488-489.