My Genealogy Hound

Nelson Fritts, a highly respected farmer of Cedar County, Mo., was born in Loudoun County, Va., January 22, 1834, his parents being John and Rebecca (Shamlin) Fritts, who were born in Virginia, in 1805 and 1806, respectively. John Fritts was of German descent, a farmer and shoemaker by occupation, and died in his native county about 1868. His wife is yet living at the very advanced age of ninety-three years. Nelson Fritts is the third of fourteen children, and at the age of twenty-three years he bade adieu to relatives and friends, and came West to seek his fortune, locating in Cooper County, Mo., where he resided until 1869. He then resided two years in Pettis County, since which time he has lived on his farm of 200 acres, in Cedar County. Miss Sarah J. Church became his wife in 1868. She was born in Tennessee, in 1847, and is a daughter of William C. and Mazey (Petty) Church. Her union with Mr. Fritts resulted in the birth of eight children, three of whom are deceased: Cora I., born December 3, 1868, and died July 29, 1887; Minnie, born October 7, 1871, and died October 1, 1887; and Eva J., born February 14, 1873, and died October 3, 1887. They were bright and promising children, and their untimely deaths were deeply mourned by their relatives and friends. Those living are: Thomas J., Robert W., Alma P., Arvel E. and Charles E. Mr. Fritts is an upright and industrious citizen, and has made a fine home for his family. He is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.