Surnames: Braatz, Scholz, Kurth, Moench, Riedel, Treischler, Bublitz, Beger

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) April 10, 1930

Braatz, Richard F. (17 May 1841 - 4 April 1930)

Richard F. Braatz, one of the oldest residents of the town of Grant, died at his old home in that town on Friday, April 4. He had nearly attained the age of 89 years, having been born May 17, 1841, in Prussia, Germany. In 1849 his parents with their children emigrated to America. They settled on land near the present city of Milwaukee. Here Richard grew to manhood. He enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War and served 3 years and 3 months, seeing active service at Fortress Monroe, Yorktown and around Richmond, but returned home with out injury, receiving an honorable discharge.

In 1866 he came to Clark County and bought 160 acres in the town of Grant, buying more land later until he owned 320 acres. He was a very industrious man, over-coming the difficulties which surrounded the pioneers of those early days in a heavily timbered county, when prices for the farm produce were very low. In later years his farm became well developed and prosperous, well equipped with stock and farm buildings.

Mr. Braatz was married in 1873 to Miss Amelia Scholz. To them were born six children: Clara at home, Alvina, Mrs. Wm. Kurth; Henry and Herman all living in the town of Grant; Carl on the home farm and Anna, Mrs. Leo Moench of Winnipeg, Canada.

The first wife died Feb. 7, 1890. On April 24, 1892, Mr. Braatz was married to Miss Christine Riedel of the town of Grant. She died Jan. 5, 1920. Since her death Mr. Braatz continued to live at the old home with his son Carl.

Besides the children mentioned, Mr. Braatz leaves 17 grandchildren.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the home and at Zion Lutheran Church of Grant, Rev. J. G. Buth officiating.

Those from away who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Treischler, and Mrs. August Bublitz of Milwaukee; Ella Braatz of Wausau; Mrs. Henry Kurth and son Jackson, Julius Scholz and Mr. Gustav Scholz of Adell, Wis.; Mrs. Herman Beger of Random Lake; Miss Helen Braatz, Hugo Braatz of Filmore, Wis.; and Ernest Braatz of Weyauwega.