|
a.
|
Note: Frank Ritter was born in Detroit, MI, the first child of August and Mary Ritter born in the US; they immigrated the year he was born. He was likely named for his maternal grandfather, Franz Koss, father of Maryanna (Koss) Ritter. Little is known as yet of his childhood, although we do know that, at the time of the 1900 census, Frank, almost 12 years old, was living with his parents and siblings at 815 Canfield, Detroit and was a student.
He first enlisted in the US Army at age 18 on 13 July 1907 at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, six months after the death of his mother. He served for 3 years in Battery B, 2nd Field Artillery (Mountain). During this enlistment period, he served in Cuba with the Army of Cuban Pacification from 20 Sept. 1907 to 24 Feb. 1909. He appears in the 1910 Federal census on 21 April 1910 at Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver, Clark Co., WA: a 21 year old soldier born in Michigan of parents born in Germany. He was honorably discharged July, 1910 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington State. He was described in discharge papers as being a laborer, 5'6 1/4" in height, with brown hair and eyes and a fair complexion. His horsemanship was rated "good," and his marksmanship is noted as "1st gunner." It was noted that he was "Sincere, honest and faithful. Entitled to travel pay. No absence without leave."
He re-enlisted 5 June 1911, again at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, for another 3 year hitch. Army re-enlistment records of the Fifth Infantry indicate his re-enlistment at Plattsburg, NY Barracks 8 June 1911. Between 1909 and 1911, while a civilian, he'd become a telegraph operator, the occupation shown on his military papers. He was honorably discharged 25 May 1913 at Camp Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA (northeast of Harrisburg, near Gettysburg). Again his character was described as "excellent, honest and faithful." He was a private in Company M, of the 5th Infantry Regiment. He did not serve the full 3 years; he was discharged "by reason of purchase, G.O. 23, W.D. 1913, per par 4, S.O. #80 Hq E. Dept., 20 May 1913."
He again re enlisted 26 May 1917, at Detroit, into the 51st Infantry as a Private, first class. On 13 July 1917 he was promoted to Corporal of Company F at Chickamauga Park, GA and again promoted, to Sergeant of the same Company, on 25 May 1918 at Camp Forrest, GA. During this period of enlistment he acted as a prisoner-of-war escort, going to France 30 August 1918 and returning to the US 15 Oct. 1919. He was discharged "by reason of Circular 106 W.D. 1918" at Camp Dix, New Jersey 21 Oct. 1919. His daughter, Marion, speculates that he may have been an interpreter; he spoke German and was sent to France to pick up German prisoners to bring them to the U.S.
He appears in the 1920 census as a 31 year old man, living at 1539 Field St., Detroit in the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Frank J. Potrikus. His occupation is shown as "shipping clerk - wholesale." He married Constance Ewald in 1921. According to their marriage license issued in Wayne Co., MI, he was a foreman (employer unknown). They were married at St. Josephat Church, Detroit where Constance's sister, Lillian, had been married the prior year and their wedding is recorded in church archives. Rev. Joseph Lewpka, pastor, performed the ceremony. Witnesses were Hedwigis Ewald (likely daughter of August, Jr., cousin to Constance) and Leander Mudloff, Frank's step-brother.
Frank Ritter worked at Berry Brothers Paint Co., Detroit, MI. This firm was founded in 1858 and, in 1893, called itself Berry Brothers Limited, Varnish Manufacturers, Detroit (from a price list for "Hard Oil Finishes" found at the Minnesota Historical Society library in a book of prices from the St. Paul White Lead and Oil Co - see Wm. Trauernicht).
I remember my grandfather as being a great teaser and that he loved Juicy Fruit chewing gum which he often gave to his grandchildren. This writer recalls his straight razor for shaving and watching him strop it on a large leather strap in the bathroom at 8166 Wisner, Detroit.
He died in 1957 of a cerebral hemorrhage, the result of arteriosclerosis, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, East Grand Blvd., Detroit. I was staying with my grandparents when he became ill on a Saturday night (during the Lawrence Welk Show) and I was sent upstairs to bed, very frightened. I recall being awakened in the morning by the sound of people downstairs; he died during the night and was buried from the J.P. Miller Funeral Home on Van Dyke and Holy Name Church. He is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, in section F, grave 496, along with his wife, brother-in-law Alphonse Ewald and father-in-law Jacob Ewald.
|
