Biography of Charles Andrew RAITZ, Son of John Adam (Adam) RAITZ
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In reply to:
RAITZ Family in Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Katherine Goodman 12/15/02
Charles Andrew RAITZ (1845-1920)
History of Buffalo and Pepin Counties
By Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Published by HC Cooper, Jr & Co in 1918
Charles Andrew RAITZ, a veteran of the American Civil War, and later a farmer in Buffalo Co (Wisconsin), who is now living retired in Fountain City (Wisconsin), was born in Baden, Germany, June 7, 1845, son of John Adam and Elizabeth (SAUTER) RAITZ.He was an infant in his second year when he accompanied his parents to this country, and was about six years old when they arrived in Buffalo Co (Wisconsin) from Illinois, in 1851.His youth was spent after that on his parents' farm near Fountain City, and his education was mostly picked up as he found opportunity, as he had but little chance to attend school.
On Dec. 25, 1863, at the height of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company H, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, at Fountain City, and being mustered in as a private at Madison, Wisconsin.His first experience at the front was at Culpepper, Virginia, the regiment being assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Army Corps.
After serving for a year and a half Mr RAITZ was mustered out at Jeffersonville, Indiana and returned home to Fountain City.During his career as a soldier he took part in some hard fought battles, including those of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Hatch's Run, North Ann River, Spotsylvania and Laurel Hill.
On his return home he resumed farming for a while, and then spent 2 years in learning the trade of blacksmith under John CLARK, subsequently working as a journeyman for different people.He then opened a shop of his own in Waumandee township (Wisconsin), operating it for a year, after which for 5 years he conducted a shop in Independence (Wisconsin).
He then gave up his trade and took up farming on his parents' old homestead of 160 acres.There he remained for 23 years, when on account of his health, he sold the place and came to Fountain City.Here he became janitor of the high school, held that position for 9 years, and then retired from active work.
For one term he served as alderman at Fountain City.He is a member of the GAR Post (at his death he was the Commander).He and his family are members of the Reform Church.Mr RAITZ was marred in Waumandee township (Wisconsin), March 20, 1872, to Amelia H LINSE, who was born in Columbia Co, Wisconsin, May 16, 1855, daughter of Henry and Mary LINSE, her parents being natives of Saxony, Germany, who settled on a farm in Anchorage, Buffalo Co, Wisconsin.She was the 11th born in a family of 12 children.Mr and Mrs RAITZ are the parents of 4 children: Henry, now in South Dakota; Edward, in Canada; Della, who is in St Paul, Minnesota; and Maybelle, a graduate of Fountain City High School in the class of 1918.