IowaJones/Biographies/Fl-Fz

H. Frerichs–

Henry Frerichs
Born 1833

HENRY FRERICHS, farmer, Wayne Twp., Sec. 15; P.O. Monticello; born in Germany in 1833; came to this country in 1857, and to Jones Co. in 1869. Was a soldier in the late civil war, a member of the 34th 111. V.I. Wife's maiden name was Borgn, a native of Germany, also; she was married once before, to Mr. Meinen; she and Mr. Frerichs were married in 1864; Mrs. F. had one child by the former marriage; name is Lizzie Meinen. Mr. and Mrs. Frerichs and the daughter are members of the Lutheran Church; he is a Republican. He owns eighty acres, and some timberland besides.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 623.

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Fred Frey
Born April 13, 1849

Fred Frey, one of the successful farmers of Greenfield township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 13, 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Anna (Stab) Frey, both of German nativity. In 1882 Mr. Frey's parents emigrated to the United States, and after landing in New York went to the vicinity of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they passed the remainder of their days and died. In that vicinity Mr. Frey's two brothers, and his four sisters still reside, being farming people.

Fred Frey was seventeen years of age when he came to this country and went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where be followed the trade of a cabinet-maker, which he had learned in the land of his birth. In 1872 he came to Jones county, Iowa, and in Greenfield township began his life as a farmer. In 1878 he purchased eighty-five acres and as success rewarded his efforts he added forty-two acres more and then in a few years bought eighty acres in Rome township. This two hundred and seven acres of some of the best land in the county represents his own endeavors aided by the thrift and economy of his wife. The land in Greenfield township is situated on sections 25 and 36, while that in Rome township lies on section 31. He follows general farming and maintains a high grade of work. He has built a very modern residence and erected outbuildings and made other improvements that show him to be a man who is not unaware of the best means of preserving the value of his possessions.

On the 5th of December, 1878, Mr. Frey married Miss Minnie Siever, a daughter of Louis and Frederika (Rekemeyer) Siever, both natives of Hanover, Germany, and both now deceased. Mrs. Frey's parents came to this country and settled in Cedar county, Iowa. On the home place their son, Henry, and daughter, Mary, now live. Another daughter, a widow, Mrs. Shrope, also lives in Cedar county, while the other daughter, Mrs. Caroline Kettering, lives near Lisbon, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Frey have four children: Carrie B., born January 23, 1880; John E., born April 19, 1882; Emma Edith, born February 1, 1893; and Almeda, born September 23, 1894. The eldest has taken up the profession of teaching, in which she has been successful, and John is at home interested with his father in the work on the farm, while the two younger children are attending the high school at Mechanicsville, from which they hope to graduate in 1911.

Mr. Frey gives devoted allegiance to the Lutheran faith; while Mrs. Frey, although her parents were members of the church of that denomination in Lisbon, has joined the Presbyterian congregation in Mechanicsville. Miss Carrie Frey is also a member of this latter church and takes part in all its work. Politically Mr. Frey is a republican, though he takes little interest in party affairs and has never sought public office.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 407.

Joseph F. Fritsch

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.

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