Obituary of George BRITZ, Racine Co., WI
Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives April 8, 2003 by Gary Rebholz
<grebsearch@aol.com>

<http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm>


[approx. March 16, 1908], paper unknown


Racine Correspondent [German language] March 14, 1908, researched and
translated by Gene Rothgery


DIED
On Sunday evening in Milwaukee after a short illness, Herr George Britz,           
one of the most prominent German citizens of Racine at the advanced age
of 88 and one-half years.  His death awakens again the remembrance of that
distant time when the city of Racine grew out of the wilderness, on that
time when the first Germans had to struggle to establish their existence
with so many difficulties of which their descendants have no idea, a time
from which there are now few living.  Herr Britz was born on September 16,
1819 in Rausenheim, Burgermeisteri Kaiseresch, Kreis Cochem, district of
Coblenz.  After learning the wheelwright trade, he emigrated in 1841 to
America and settled first in Cleveland, where on January 7, 1846 he married
Maria Rothgery who left this temporal life on December 16, 1890.  In
Cleveland he went to work with the wagon maker John Criswod.  In 1846 these
two packed their belongings together and traveled with their families to
Racine, arriving in June.  The trip was made by sailing ship over the lake
to here.  Criswid [sic] founded the wagon making shop here on 6th St near
Grand Avenue and Herr Britz stood true to his side for 22 years, when he
then established his own independent workshop on Water Street.  He 
endeavored for eight years and then passed the rest of his days in Milwaukee
in the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.  With Herr Britz is a man
found in eternal slumber, who stood in great esteem by his fellow citizens.
One admired for his restless industry, his sincerity, his patience in
difficult blows of fate.  He remained his entire life true to his handicraft,
to his party, to his church, to his convictions, and to his German heritage.
He was one of the co-founders of St Mary's parish and was the administrator
for many years.  He was a pillar of the church which stood in good financial
condition.  He was also the first president of the St Joseph Society.  Of
his five children two are still living; Joseph in St Francis and Adolph here.
Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. The
burial will take place on Wednesday from the same St Mary's church from which
Pastor Weber, who knew the deceased as well, as well as the author, from
childhood and dedicated to him words of remembrance.