My Genealogy Hound

Bernard Fricke, dealer in watches, clocks and jewelry, of Washington, is a native of Washington, Mo., born December 9, 1856, and is the son of Charles A. and Charlotte (Rothemueller) Fricke. The father was born in Washington, Mo., in 1831, and was the son of Bernard Fricke, a native of Prussia, born in 1799. Bernard Fricke came to Washington, Mo., in 1832, and was a saddler by trade, but in his latter days was proprietor of the Washington House. He engaged in that business in 1852, and was proprietor of the same many years. He died in 1882. Charles A. clerked in St. Louis a few years, and afterward assisted his father in the Washington House. He died in 1876. His wife was born in Han over, Germany, and is now living. Of the six children born to their marriage four are now living: Bernard, Charles A., Julia (wife of J. J. Schappart) and Felix W. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Washington, and at the age of fourteen went to St. Louis and commenced learning the jewelers’ trade, and worked as an apprentice for four years. He afterward worked for two years in the city as a journeyman. He then worked in Kansas City six months, and in 1877 went to Lewiston, Ill., and here worked one year. The following year he began on his own resources, and in 1880 he came to the home of his birth and here engaged in business, which he has continued up to the present time. October 17, 1883, he married Miss Anne Motz, daughter of John Motz. Mrs. Fricke was born in Washington, Mo., June 11, 1860, and to her marriage to our subject was born one child, named Emma. Mr. Fricke is a skillful workman and keeps a first-class stock of jewelry. He is a Republican in politics.