John Fitz, better known as Uncle Johny Fitz, died Tuesday afternoon. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Dunkard church south of Astoria, conducted by Rev. Soloman Bucklem of Canton. The funeral will leave his late residence at 2 o’clock.
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Died at his home in this place, on Tuesday May 15, 1900, very suddenly, John Fitz, better known as Grandpa Fitz. He was born in Pennsylvania, York Co., March 5, 1817, and died at the age of 83 years, 2 months and 10 days. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary A. Dubes. To this union were born nine children, three of which have preceded him to the spirit world. There are living forty-five grandchildren, and fifty-seven great-grandchildren. He moved by team and wagon from York Co. Pa., to Fulton Co. Ill. in the Spring of 1850. Bought and located on the one-forth section known as the old Fitz farm three miles northeast of Astoria, and where Leeseburgh is at present located. He united with the German Baptist Brethren church in Pa. in 1845, was elected to the ministry at the time of the organization of the Brethren church in South Fulton and from which the present membership, consisting of some 300 members, have sprung. He remained in charge of this congregation until the year 1875; May 26, of this year, having disposed of the old farm, he with his wife again started with team and wagon for Guthrie Co., Iowa. There he purchased land and was again on the frontier. On the 29th of August 1881, his wife died after which he came to Ill., and on May 18, 1884 was married to Mary C. Rinker, widow of Andrew Rinker. His entire life has been devoted to good work in the cause Christ, and to better the condition of his fellow men. He had the characteristics which made him many friends which he retained by his kind treatment and honorable dealing. The funeral occurred on Thursday, May 17, at the German Baptist church, two and three-forth miles south of town. Rev. Soloman Bucklen of Canton, conducted the ceremonies. The funeral was largely attended by the citizens who paid this last tribute to his memory and worth as a citizen. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near the church.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus