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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 916-917
FRANK WITZIG is one of the most prominent farmers of Mount Ida township, Grant county, and a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Germany, April 15, 1831, being the son of Martin and Anna (PATCHKONKSY) WITZIG, both natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1854. They reached Chicago, thence went to Milwaukee, Wis., where the latter place Mr. WITZIG bought a yoke of oxen, and proceeded to Mineral Point and Clifton. Remaining in Clifton township for a short time, he then removed to Liberty, where he entered 160 acres of land, which he cultivated most successfully. The good couple made this their home until Mr. WITZIG's death, which occurred July 31, 1862. His remains rest in the cemetery at Highland. His wife survived him until May 27, 1900, when she passed away at Fennimore in her ninety-second year. Of the children born to Martin and Anna WITZIG we have record of Adam; Josephine, now residing in Fennimore township; Peter, who died in Fennimore in 1871; John, who enlisted in an Illinois regiment in 1862, and died in a hospital the same year; Frank; Joseph, of Clifton township; Johanna, Mrs. BONSALL, died in Iowa county in 1888; Rosa, who became Mrs. John KREFAL, and resided in Chicago for some time, where she died; and Catherine, who married Abraham MINSKY, of Chicago.
Frank WITZIG attended the common schools at Liberty, is a man of natural ability, and he has always made the most of his opportunities. He enlisted in the 41st Wis. V.I., for one hundred days service, being stationed at Memphis, Tenn., on garrison duty, and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1865. Mr.. WITZIG re-enlisted in Clifton township, and cherishes highly a record of honorable mention signed by President Lincoln which he received during his last enlistment. In 1884 he came to Mount Ida township, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides.
In the year 1865, in Iowa county, Wis., Frank WITZIG married Catherine BONSALL, daughter of Andrew and Anna BONSALL, both natives of Germany, who came to America in 1858, locating in Highland township, where the former opened up a farm, on which he resided until his death. To Frank and Catherine (BONSALL) WITZIG have been born five children: Frank; Elizabeth, now Mrs. STEINFORTH of Fennimore township; Newman; Mary; George. The family are among the early prominent pioneer-citizens of the county, and Frank WITZIG has always been identified with its interests. They enjoy the respect of their neighbors and their friends are numbered by legions.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck