John Pfetsch

John Pfetsch

• John Pfetsch was born on 20 November 1848 in Württemberg.
• He married Mary Wiedenmann, daughter of Frederick Wiedenmann and Barbara Erech, on 11 December 1877.
• He was interred at Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York.
• John Pfetsch died on 15 December 1896 at age 48 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York.
• Mary Wiedenmann became a widow at his death.
• The following appeared on 16 December 1896 in The Buffalo Courier: (Niagara Falls, Dec. 15) The people of this city were greatly surprised by the announcement this morning of the death of John Pfetsch, long a prominent business man and Democrat of this city. Mr. Pfetsch had been in ill health all the fall but was around as usual and attended to business. Saturday night he went to Buffalo for treatment and last evening word was received that he was feeling first rate. This morning a message was received, stating that he was worse and this was followed soon after by the announcement of his death at 8:30 o'clock. Mr. Pfesch was a man of genial and generous disposition and had many friends. [:C:R]      Mr. Pfetsch was born in Wittenberg, Germany, on November 20, 1848, and was the son of Jacob and Mary Pfetsch. The latter died about six weeks ago, but the former is still living. The deceased was one of eight children. Two sisters and one brother are still in Germany. Jacob F. Pfetsch who lives in Saratoga, Cal., Charles Pfetsch of Detroit, Michael Pfetsch of this city, and Mrs. Frank Klegler of New York City are the surviving members in this country. John Pfetsch received a good education in the schools and stood high with his classmates. He won the penmanship prize on one occasion with 108 contestants. He determined to immigrate to the United States and arrived in New York, June 22, 1866. He worked at the butcher's trade for several years and came to Niagara Falls in October, 1872, and opened a butcher shop on Falls Street, where he had ever since conducted a large business.
       Mr. Pfetsch soon became prominent in Public-affairs, allying his political fortunes with the Democratic party. He was a village trustee in 1888 and 1889, and was elected president of the village in 1890. When the city was formed, he was appointed on the board of excise commissioneers and was chairman of this board when the Raines law went into effect. He also served on the Democratic County Committee and for years contributed his time and means for the benefit of the Democratic party. Mr. Pfetsch became a volunteer fireman soon after coming to Niagara Falls and ever since had taken an active interest in fire matters. He was chosen chief of the fire department in 1886, and served three years. He took an active interest in getting the convention of the State Firemen's Association here in 1892. Mr. Pfetsch was a member of the German church at the north end of the city and a supporter of the Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the A. O. U. W. and B. P. O. He was married December 11, 1877, to Miss Mary Weidermann [sic], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Weidermann of this city. His wife and five children survive him.
• The following appeared on 23 December 1896 in The Evening News: Yesterday the will of the late John Pfetsch of Niagara Falls was filed at the Surrogate's office at Lockport. By its terms the widow, Mrs. Mary Pfetsch, is made the sole owner of the real and personal property of the testator and the executrix. The total value of the estate is estimated at about $40,000.

• Last Edited: 11 Nov 2014