Faatz Four Generation History

A History of Friend Grant Faatz

 His Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather

By Gary Donald Faatz

THESIS    

The purpose of this document is to explore the history of four generations of an American family named Faatz. It begins with a German immigrant, Johann Christopher Faatz, 1771-1831, who started this American story and continues with his son, Johann Christian Jacob Faatz, 1798-1868, his son, Andrew Jackson Faatz, 1839-1907 and lastly his son, Friend Grant Faatz, 1867-1948. It appears that Christopher and Christian dropped Johann from their names based on census information. The driving force behind this effort was to gain a better understanding of my roots and my family’s place in history. Effort has been made to focus on facts as much as possible as opposed to the mythology of family lore. 

FOCUS

Originally it was the author's intent to focus primarily on Friend Grant Faatz mainly to find more information regarding his adventures between leaving home as a young man and his marriage to Sarah Jensen. The time period after that until his death was well documented by his eldest daughter, Sarah Faatz Jensen and other family members. For this the author is deeply grateful.  Sarah’s account has been used extensively in this narrative, hopefully with her permission and blessing.

During the research process the unexpected happened, significant published information regarding Andrew Jackson Faatz and his military service in the Civil War was found. What was discovered is to say the least, astounding and moved Andrew from a man not well known by the family of Friend Grant, to a man of incredible courage and devotion to a cause of great historical significance. It made his family and their story very American.

IMAGES

Photographs, drawings and other images are in the appendix in printer versions. In CD copies they are in a separate file.

FORE THOUGHT

The world is hard and cruel. We are here none knows why, and we go none knows whither. We must be very humble. We must see the beauty of quietness. We must go through life so inconspicuously that Fate does not notice us. And let us seek the love of simple, humble people. Their humility is better than all our knowledge. Let us be silent, content in our little corner, meek and gentle like them. That is the wisdom of life.

The Moon and Sixpence   W. Somerset Maugham


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