Frantz X. Markt From History of Grant County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 967.

TOWN OF MUSCODA

FRANTZ X. MARKT, farmer and stock-raiser, Secs. 31 and 36; P. O. Muscoda; was born in Wurtemberg March 11, 1819; he is a son of Joseph and Cresinsia (Blessing) Markt; his father's occupation was that of cooper and brewer, and for six years was brewer for King Willhelm First. Mr. Markt lived with his parents until he was 14 years old, when he was apprenticed to learn the trade of clock-maker; after he had learned the trade, he commenced business for himself, and traveled through Austria, Italy and Switzerland, selling his goods; the first clock he sold, he made himself, it was in twelve pieces, and he traveled some 200 miles before he made the sale, and finally sold it near the Austrian line for $1.20; his clocks were called the Schwaslwald clocks; that was his first start in the business; he made his own goods and peddled them himself, conveying them upon his back and selling them for $1.26 each; he came to America in 1840, locating first in Jersey, remaining a short time he went to Pennsylvania; not finding employment at his trade, he engaged to work on the Baltimore & Ohio Canal, which was then being built; he afterward moved to Center Co., Penn., where he was employed for four years as a hostler. In 1845, he was married to Miss Katie Fletcher, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvnia, and participated in the Revolutionary war; in the fall of 1846, they came to this State, and located at Mineral Point, where, during the winter, he engaged in watch and clock repairing; during the year 1847, he located on the land upon which he now lives; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and also been a member of the Town Board; they have had ten children, seven of whom are living, and five married, the two youngest; Charles and Amanda, live at home. Mr. Markt has been a very persevering, energetic, industrious man, and accumulated an estate through his own personal efforts.

 


This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.