gritscha

Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.

     ANTON GRITSCH. There is no doubt but that the United States owes much of her prosperity and worth to the efforts and industry of those German people who have found homes within her borders since the early days of Colonial times. No more industrious and capable citizens are beneath the stars and stripes to-day than this class of people. On every hand, we find evidence of their thrift, their ability, their knowledge, their good substantial qualities and real worth. Not least among this class of people is the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph and it is with pleasure that we can grant space for the epitome of his career.
     The estate of Anton Gritsch which consists of four hundred and forty acres, lies three miles north from Waterville, and is one of the most valuable and fertile farms in Douglas county. The whole estate is brought under tribute to produce crops, while an excellent orchard, good fences, large barns and a becoming residence and other improvements are in evidence. In addition to general farming, Mr. Gritsch devotes considerable attention to raising stock.
     Anton Gritsch was born in Tyrol, Austria, on October 16, 1858. His parents Gabriel and Elizabeth (Schmide) Gritsch, are both natives of the same place. There also our subject received his education and at the age of twenty years joined the Austrian army where he served for two years and nine months. In 1882, he came to the United States and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he operated for a stove foundry and also did farm work, adjacent to the city. Thence, he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the benefit of his health and for four years he wrought as a stonemason. In 1886, he came west and worked on the Northern Pacific railroad tunnel on their line through the Cascade mountains. The next year found him in Douglas county, where he took a pre-emption, the nucleus of his present fine estate. Here for nearly sixteen years, Mr. Gritsch has been laboring faithfully, earnestly, with wisdom and ability, all of which have been rewarded by increasing his holdings. of property.
     On June 2, 1883, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. Gritsch married Miss Johannah, daughter of Joseph and Cresences (Wolf) Schuler, both natives of Tyrol, Austria. Mrs. Gritsch was born in Tyrol, Austria, on February 5, 1865, and has three brothers, Vincent, Frank and Joseph. To our subject and his wife the following children have been born, John J., born in Minneapolis, on May 6, 1885; Frank M., born in Douglas county, November 16, 1887; Marie, born in Ellensburg on January 20, 1889, and died March 6, 1892; Rudolph H., born on the farm, July 11, 1892; Elizabeth M., born on the farm on November 1, 1896; Joseph A., born June 14, 1899 and Stephen, born November 3, 1901, both born on the farm.
     Mr. Gritsch and his wife were brought up as adherents of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Gritsch is a good substantial citizen and deserves as he receives, the esteem and respect of the entire community.

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