My Genealogy Hound

JOHN S. FRITZ, of Douglass township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, a successful and enterprising agriculturist, whose extensive operations have yielded him goodly returns, is a descendant of a family who were among the early settlers of Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was born in the township in which he now resides, Douglass, November 24, 1846, a son of Joseph and Mary (Saucerman) Fritz and grandson of John Fritz.

John Fritz (grandfather) came with his parents to Berks county when a mere child. He was educated in the common schools adjacent to his home, and later served an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith, which he followed during the active years of his life. Several years prior to his death, he removed to Douglass township, Montgomery county. He was a Democrat in politics, the principles of which party he firmly believed in and upheld. He married a Miss Sands, of Berks county, and their children were: Daniel, Samuel, John, Sarah A., a child who died in infancy, and Joseph.

Joseph Fritz (father) was born in Douglass township, Montgomery county, in 1804. He was indebted to the common schools of his township for his education, and after laying aside his books he took up the trade of tinsmith, which line of work he continued at for a number of years, but later turned his attention to farming. He adhered to the principles laid down by Thomas Jefferson, and was active in his support of the candidates of that party, but never sought or held public office. He was a man of irreproachable character, genial and kindly in disposition, and won and retained the friendship of all people who came in contact with him. He married Miss Mary Saucerman, deceased, a daughter of John Saucerman, a farmer of Berks county. The issue of this marriage was as follows: Amelia, who died in early life; Levi, who died in childhood; Willoughby, Henry, Joseph, Mary A., and John S. After a life of usefulness and activity, Joseph Fritz (father) died. He and his family attended the Lutheran church.

The common schools of Douglass township, his birthplace, afforded John S. Fritz an opportunity of obtaining a practical education, which is so essential to success in life. He chose farming as an occupation, which he has continued ever since, and in addition to this conducts a feed mill in the same township. He also has a fine fruit orchard from which he realizes a goodly harvest, and the fruit being of a superior quality finds a ready market and good price. He manages both his farm and mill in a practical way, and well deserves the success which has attended his efforts. Like his forefathers, he is a stanch Democrat, and a regular attendant at the Lutheran church. The respect in which he is held in the community is evidenced by the fact of his having been chosen to fill the position of school director, the duties of which office he discharged creditably and efficiently.

Mr. Fritz married Naomi Shanley, a daughter of David Shanley, a farmer of Berks county. By this union the following named children were born, all of whom are unmarried: Joseph N., Edmund W., Ida C., Mary E., John H., Emma N., and James Fritz.