Biographical Sketch of F. M. Bretz, Bloomington Township, Buchanan County, MO >From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri. ********************************************************************** F. M. Bretz, blacksmith, DeKalb, was born in Marion County, Ohio, October 31, 1840, and when five years of age his parents moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. He was here educated in the common schools, his educational advantages being rather limited. When thirteen years of age he began to learn his present trade in DeKalb, where he has since followed it. He began life a poor boy and, was the main support of his parents for a number of years. Miss Cleora Smith became his wife, December 26, 1864. she was born in Buchanan County, April 24, 1848, and is a daughter of Joseph Smith, ex-sheriff of Buchanan County. They have had five children, four of whom are living: Charles L., born September 24, 1866; Artie M., born October 31, 1874; Anna A., born July 2, 1877; and Henry, born November 19, 1879. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Penny Harrell ====================================================================