WI BIO - Adams Co - WITT, Fritz

Commemorative & Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk & Adams Counties, 
Wisconsin. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, pp 539-540

Fritz WITT, a prominent miller of Adams County, residing in Easton [Adams 
County, Wisconsin], was born 18 January 1844 in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 
Germany, son of Christian and Dorette (MULLER) WITT, natives of Germany. The 
father [Christian WITT] was a miller, and conducted the business until his 
death, about 1863. The mother [Dorette (MULLER) WITT] died about 1852, and 
both rest at Mecklenburg. Of a family of six children, our subject was the 
second in order of birth.

Mr. WITT attended school until fifteen years of age, then learned the miller 
trade and worked at it in Germany until he was nineteen years of age, when in 
the spring 1866 he came to America and located at Lewiston, Columbia County, 
Wisconsin. He worked with different farmers until he had acquired a fair 
knowledge of the English language, and then went to Portage [Columbia County] 
and worked in the mill at that place for about two years, and went from 
thence to Delton [Sauk County] and worked in the two mills of that town. He 
next moved to Arkdale, Adams County, in 1873, remaining until 1880. He 
purchased the mill property in White Creek [Adams County] in 1882, and has 
operated it continuously since. The power is good; they grind wheat and all 
kinds of grain. Mr. WITT and sons own the mill at Easton [Adams County], 
where they grind buckwheat and feed. Their business is extensive; they are 
well known as men whose thorough knowledge of milling entitle them to the 
best patronage. 

On 04 April 1868 Mr. [Fritz] WITT was married to Cathrina PAULSON, of Frorop, 
Holstein [Germany]. Six children have been born to bless the home of Fritz 
and Cathrina WITT: (1) Christian, residing at Wildrose, Waushara County, 
Wisconsin; (2) Frank, in charge of the mill at Easton, Adams County, 
Wisconsin; (3) Charles, residing in Plainfield, Waushara County; (4) Ernest, 
twin of Irwin, residing at home; (5) Irwin, residing at home; and (6) Harry
, also at home. 

Mr. WITT is a member of the Lutheran Church. In political sentiment he is a 
Democrat, but takes no active part in political movements, and has not 
aspired to public office. He pursues the even tenor of his way, attending to 
business, and making friends wherever known. He is one of the sons of the 
German Empire whose business ability and thrift are noticeable in whatever he 
undertakes. In his adopted land he has acquired a place among the foremost 
of his fellow men, through the [p 540] exercise of those dominant traits of 
character which are ever bound to meet with gratifying results. He is 
progressive and practical and in every way suited to his calling, has made it 
his lifelong study, and is competent to pursue that line.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly