HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY                      269

At the time of his death, which was caused by the kick of a horse on the
23d of June, 1881, he had served in the army for ten or twelve years. His
wife was born at Grellenberg—Kreis Griminen, Stralsund, Germany, Sep-
tember 29, 1826, and passed away near Rushville, Sheridan county,
Nebraska, March 5, 1889. Her parents were Johan Christian Doss and
Catharina Maria Prenick. Both Mr. and Mrs. John Witt were members
of the German Lutheran church. Their family numbered eleven children.
of whom two are now living: John, who resides near Rushville, Sheridan
count, Nebraska, where he follows the occupation of farming and Fred-
erick C. of Brazil. The last named was educated in Germany and in May,
1874, engaged in the tailoring business to which he has devoted his entire
life. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and its
opportunities so strongly attracted him that he determined to come to the
new world and in 1882, when a young man of twenty—three years, crossed
the Atlantic, settling first at Philo, in Champaign county, Illinois, where
be worked at his trade. In 1883 be engaged with John Ross at Urbana,
Illinois, while be further pursued his education in the German College at
Springfield, Illinois, for two terms, having earned the money be his pre-
vious labor. After again putting aside his text-books be returned to
Champaign and clerked in a dry-goods store for six or eight months, he
then returned to Danville, Illinois, where he engaged in the dry-goods
business in the capacity of clerk until August 1, 1887. On that date he
arrived in Brazil, Indiana, and entered the employ of Samuel Siegel, with
whom he continued until the 10th of January, 1898. He then gave up his
position and engaged in the tailoring business on his own account, having
since conducted his shop with creditable and gratifying success. He is
an excellent workman himself and is therefore capable of directing the
labors of those who serve under him. He has secured a liberal patronage
and his business is now a profitable venture.
    On the 9th of April, 1885, Mr. Witt was united in marriage to Miss
Fredericka Fuchs, who was born in Danville, Illinois, July 9, 1864, a
daughter of George and Christina (Pries) Fuchs, both of whom were
natives of Germany. They were married, however, in Danville, Illinois,
and unto them were born two children, the younger being Mrs. Witt, who
by her marriage has become the mother of six children, of whom four
are yet living, namely: George J., Louise D., Agnes W., and Clara A.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Witt have a wide acquaintance in Brazil and this part
of the county and their circle of friends is a very extensive one.
    Mr. Witt is a valued member of Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F.
and A. M., and both be and his wife are connected with William Black
Chapter, No. So, 0. E. S. He also belongs to Brazil Lodge, No. 215,
I. 0. 0. F., and Iron City Encampment, No. 118, and is likewise a member
of the Canton No. 47 Uniformed Rank, he has served as state repre-
sentative since 1889 and both he and his wife are members of Mayflower
Lodge, No. 61, of the Order of Rebekah. He is likewise connected with
the Fraternal Eagles, with the Improved Order of Red Men and with the
Knights and Ladies of Security and the Haymakers. his political alle-
giance is given to the Democracy and be is one of its stalwart advocates,
unfaltering in his support of its principles. In 1908 be was the Democratic
nominee for recorder, but on account of the sympathy felt for his oppo-
nent, who was a cripple, was defeated. The recorder in office having
resigned Mr. Witt was appointed to fill the unexpired term until the one
elected qualified.