Re: Fretz - New York to Ontario 1800
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In reply to:
Re: Fretz - New York to Ontario 1800
5/22/00
I am also researching a Fretz family from NY.My line is through Johan Ernst Frederick Fretz (Fritz, Fres, Fretts). He lived in the town of New Dorlach(now known as Seward, Schoharie County).I believe he arrived in NY around 1754. He is frequently listed with Sebastian Frantz as one of the first to settle in this town.Ernst and Jacob Fretz were both naturalized in 1761 on the same day, so I believe there is a connection between them, perhaps brothers. Also, Ernst's son Jacob was sponsored by a Jacob Fretz at his baptism in Schoharie.Ernst was married to Catharina Chrysler (sister to Adam Chrysler) and was investigated by the Commission to Investigate Conspiracies during the Revolution.He paid a fine and was released.However, he was also supposed to have served in the NY militia.One of their children was born just days before the raid known as the Burning of the Valleys so it would have been difficult to relocate to Canada at that time.This family stayed in NY.One son Johannes, moved slightly west to Herkimer County.His son, John Van Rensselaer Fretts had many children who moved in and out of Herkimer County including my great great grandfather, Levi Albert Fretts.
I haven't been able to find any information earlier than 1760 on this family.
L Brandis