Gill Fredericks
Among the prosperous young farmers of Crawford county is Gill Fredericks, of Hanover township. He was born in the immediate locality in which he now lives, June 30, 1887, a son of Fred and Christina (Steffen) Fredericks.
The parents were both born in Germany and came to America, settling on a farm in Crawford county, which his father cultivated until 1909. He is now living retired at Denison and is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres on sections 26 and 28, Hanover township, and also of a beautiful residence at Denison. There were six children in the family, namely: Charley, Lena, Frederick, Henry, Gill and Mary, all of whom are living in Crawford county. Mary, the last named, makes her home in Denison.
Gill Fredericks was reared under highly favorable conditions on the home farm and received his education in the district schools. He began farming for himself at twenty years of age upon a portion of the homestead and after two years removed to another part of his father's land, which he has cultivated with a judgment and skill that give bright promise as to his business ability. He is now recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the county.
On the 23d of February, 1910, Mr. Fredericks was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Henning, who was born in this county, October 5, 1886, a daughter of Christ and Mary Henning. The father was born in Germany and the mother in this country. They were actively identified with the agricultural interests of Crawford county until 1907, when they disposed of the farm and removed to Denison, where they are now living retired. In their family are ten children: Henry, John, Anna, Christ, Justus, Amanda, Hans, Verna, Nada and Walter, all of whom are living in Crawford county, except Henry whose home is in Nebraska.
One child, Walter, has come to brighten the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks, his natal day being December 26, 1910.
Mr. Fredericks and his estimable wife are members of the German Lutheran church and are counted among its active supporters. They were both reared in this county and have many friends who have known them since their childhood. From his earliest recollection, Mr. Fredericks has been identified with agricultural interests and by honorable business methods he has acquired an enviable reputation as a gentleman who by an upright life merits the high regard in which he is held.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.