My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS J. FRETZ, whose sketch we herewith present, is one of those genial and agreeable men whom it is a pleasure to know, and who in all instances rank high in the estimation of the community in which they reside At the present time he occupies the position of assistant agent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and is stationed at Allentown.

David Fretz, the father of our subjeet, was born in Northampton County, this state, and departed this life in 1883. The lady who became the mother of our subject was prior to her marriage known as Miss Susan Beil, and, like her husband, was born and reared in Northampton County. Thomas, of this sketch, is a native of Lehigh County, his birth occurring August 5, 1865. He received a good education in the public schools, and began life on his own account in 1882, when he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company as telegraph operator, taking charge of the station at Fullerton.

Our subject continued to act as operator for the above company until 1887, when he was promoted to the position of way-bill clerk, with headquarters at Allentown. His efficiency in that department was recognized, and in 1890 he was appointed chief clerk of the freight department. Mr. Fretz was the incumbent of the last-named position until September 1, 1893, when he was promoted to his present position of assistant agent. His main duties, however, are in the freight branch, where he has charge of seventy-eight men, thus making the responsibilities of the office quite weighty.

The lady to whom our subject was wedded October 29, 1887, was Miss Mary J. Rueter, of Allentown, and the daughter of Henry and Catherine Rueter. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz are the parents of one child, a daughter, Bessie. They are members in good standing of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and are regarded as among the substantial citizens of the community.

Politically Mr. Fretz is a stanch Democrat, and in social affairs is a prominent member of Porter Lodge No. 284, F. & A. M., at Catasauqua. Our subject is popular wherever known, and throughout his entire career of busy usefulness is ever faithful to each duty of life.