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Joseph F. Fritsch
Born ca. 1889
Joseph F. Fritsch, the leading photographer of Anamosa, is a native of Zauchtel, Austria, his parents being Fred and Anna (Simper) Fritsch, who were likewise born in that locality. The father was reared in his native country and there learned the machinist's trade. In 1893 with his family he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Garner, Iowa, where he followed his trade until 1897 and he has since been successfully engaged in business as a photographer.
Joseph F. Fritsch obtained his education in the public schools at Garner and after putting aside his text-books devoted himself to the mastery of the art of photography, which profession he had determined to make his life work. He studied under such prominent photographers as Jacob Schaeffer, of Chicago, C. G. Stearns of Minneapolis and W. B. Wright of Mason City, Iowa. In 1906 he opened his first studio at Mason City, where he remained for three years, then he came to Anamosa and purchased the studio of D. E. Cook, which he has conducted since the 15th of April, 1909.
In 1907, at the convention of the Photographer's Association of Iowa. he won first honors among about fifty competitors and was presented with a beautiful bronze vase eighteen inches high. This trophy is on exhibition in his studio at Anamosa and he prizes it very highly. He recognizes the value of light and shade and of contrast, employs the latest improved processes and in his business has gained a measure of success that is most gratifying. Mr. Fritsch exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Photographer's Association of Iowa and of the Photographer's Association of America.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 215.

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