Evans Fritz: A funeral pioneer in Hannibal

Evans Fritz was first funeral home owner in the long lineage of the current Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in Hannibal. This picture is shared by Delmus Anderson of Odgen, Utah, the great grandson of Mr. Fritz. He has been researching his family for several years, and found the Smith Funeral Home lineage story, published July 4, 2015, in the Hannibal Courier-Post.

Del and I traded information regarding the family, each benefitting from the other's research. In addition, he sent me copies of precious family photos and documents that help tell the stories behind this proud business family.

I'll share more as time allows, and link the stories together into a collection that won't be forgotten.

History of Marion Co., E.F. Perkins, 1884, offers the following introduction to Mr. Fritz:

A son of John G. and Mary J. (Daily) Fritz, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of German descent and his mother of Irish extraction. Mr. Fritz was born January 20, 1846, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 16 years of age. He then went to Wilmington, Delaware, and learned milling. In 1866 he came to Hannibal, Missouri, and worked for Thomas Hall, in an undertaking establishment, and remained there until 1869, then worked for Thomas Brice to 1875 then went into business for himself with Mr. Holman. He is now with A.D. Whaley. He has been a member of the city council several times, and is the present coroner of Marion County. Was elected to last office in 1880 and re-elected in 1882. He is an Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias. Was married in 1869 to Katie (Mildred Katherine) Curts of Hannibal, Missouri. They have three children.

Click here to read the related story published on July 4, 2015.