My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK WILLIAM KUHRTZ is the leading blacksmith of township 6, range 7, Randolph County, and is a man of talent, of wide experience, and stands high in the financial circles of the county. He is a native of Germany born on the 1st of June, 1847, and is the eldest son of Joachen Erdmann and Anna Dorothy (Schultz) Kuhrtz. In the fall of 1872 the family emigrated from their native country to the United States, and at once located in Ellis Grove. The parents lived with their children after coming here, and spent their declining days in peace and happiness, the father dying in April, 1881, and the mother June 15, 1888.

Attending the model schools of the Fatherland, young Frederick after attaining his fifteenth year began to serve an apprenticeship to the blacksmith’s trade. At the end of three years he became a soldier in the German-French War, and served faithfully for a period of twelve months. The following year he worked at his trade, and on coming to America worked among the farmers for some time. He was then engaged by a blacksmith at Ellis Grove, with whom he remained eighteen months. Embarking in the business for himself, he has since found it to be a profitable trade. He has recently erected one of the most handsome residences in the county, which cost about $2,000, and is presided over graciously by his estimable wife.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Lizzie C. Deppe, a daughter of Conrad Deppe, was solemnized June 20, 1875. Three children were born to this union, all of whom are deceased. The loving wife and mother passed away September 7, 1879. Mr. Kuhrtz was a second time married in April, 1880, taking as his wife Lizzie Rury, a native of Perry County, Ill., who bore her husband two children. The mother and both children have passed from this life, the former dying September 19, 1882. Our subject was again married June 7, 1888, his wife being Lizzie Von Behren, whose parents lived in Franklin County, Mo. Three children have come to bless this marriage: Otilla, Lillie and Mary. Mr. Kuhrtz was reared in the Lutheran Church in Germany, but is now associated with the German Methodist Church, as is also his wife. The Republican candidates at all times receive his support. He and his wife are worthy people, whose pleasant social and moral qualities have won them many friends during their residence here, and have made them an influence for good in social and religious matters.