My Genealogy Hound

William Schwartze, a farmer and stock-raiser of Washington Township, Osage County, is a son of Godfred Schwartze and Gertrude (Kramer), both natives of Prussia, who immigrated to this country in 1836, locating in Osage County, Mo., where the subject of this sketch was born July 23, 1841. Godfred Schwartze was born December 6, 1806. He was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Osage County, where he endured the hardships of a new country, and lived until his death, which occurred in 1844. His wife was born in 1807, and is still living in Osage County at the advanced age of eighty-two years. William Schwartze is the youngest of a family of six, but two of whom are living, the other a daughter, now a widow, who also resides in Osage County. He received his education in the common schools of Osage County and spent his early life on the farm, starting out for himself when but sixteen years of age. April 25, 1865, he married Anna Holterman, who was born in Osage County, December 31, 1846, and is a daughter of Ferdinand and Elizabeth Holterman, early settlers of Osage County, the former of whom died December 11, 1882; the latter is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Schwartze, nine children have been born, viz.: Ferdinand, born January 7, 1866, died January 28, 1866; Gertrude, born March 9, 1867; Elisabeth, born July 8, 1869, died July 22, 1870; Bernard, born July 4, 1871; Henry, born December 1, 1873; Mary, born February 10, 1876; Johanna, born August 20, 1878; Frank, born December 29, 1880, and William, born July 25, 1883, died November 1, 1887. Just before his marriage, Mr. Schwartze purchased the farm upon which he soon afterward located, and where he has ever since lived. It contains 240 acres, about 100 acres of which are under cultivation, and well improved with good buildings. He also owns another farm of 120 acres, which he uses for pasture. The Big Maries Creek runs between these two farms, making it one of the most desirable pieces of property in the township. September 24, 1886, Mr. Schwartze was appointed county judge of the Second District of Osage County in place of John Radmacher (deceased). He is one of the enterprising farmers of the community, and is highly respected by all who know him. The family are members of the Catholic Church.