| Birdie L. Fowler | |
| Born | 5 April 1872 |
| Centerville, Iowa | |
| Died | 24 July 1900 |
| Centerville, Iowa | |
| Buried | Oakland Cemetery |
| Father | Allen Fowler |
| Mother | Dora Lane |
Obituary
Mrs. Birdie Fritz.
One of the saddest deaths which has occurred in this city recently was that of Mrs. Bird Fritz yesterday afternoon. She passed away in the prime of life when, if ever, existence is cherished and there is much to live for. Tuberculosis which caused her death fastened its hold upon her a year ago and for many months she has lived the life of an invalid at her cozy cottage home on North Eighteenth Street. During all this time much of which was spent in suffering she has shown a Christian-like spirit of patience and a gentle disposition has always predominated in her daily life. A consistent member of the M. E. church, a favorite with a large circle of friends, her loss will be deeply felt in the community. Mrs. Fritz was the daughter of Mrs. Dora Fowler, of this city. She was born here April 5, 1872. Her girlhood days were spent here but she finished school at Blakesburg, having made her home in the latter city for a year with her grandmother while attending school. She was married to G. W. Fritz in Ottumwa, June 12, 1891 and removed with her husband to Tacoma, Wash., where Mr. Fritz engaged in the lumber business. His failing health compelled their return to Iowa and they settled at Blakesburg where Mr. Fritz died two years ago. Mrs. Fritz and her two children then came to this city to live. At various times Mrs. Fritz has held the position of saleswoman in the store of her uncle, C. W. Lane, where she was popular with the people with whom she came in contact.
Mrs. Fritz' nearest relatives here are her mother and her only sister, Mrs. O. M. Cole. She leaves two little children, Hazel, a daughter, 7 years old and Clell, a son, aged 5.
One beautiful feature of her invalidism was her surroundings which were made it as pleasant as possible. Friends were very thoughtful in sending flowers, of which there was always a profusion in her home which Mrs. Fritz was very grateful for their cheering presence.
The funeral will be held from the home on North Eighth street tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 o'clock conducted by Rev. E. C. Brooks, of the First M. E. church. Interment will be made in Oakland cemetery. The casket will be open tomorrow forernoon, only, in order that friends may call to view the remains.
"Mrs. Birdie Fritz." Centerville Daily Citizen. Page 1, Column 2–3. (Centerville, Iowa: 25 July 1900), Centerville Historical Society
(http://centerville.advantage-preservation.com/content/centerville-daily-citizen-1900-07-25-page-3 : accessed 15 Dec 2013).
Died: Mrs. Bird Fritz, daughter of Mrs. Dora Fowler, of this city passed away Tuesday afternoon at her home on north eighteenth street. The deceased was born April 5 1872, her childhood days were spent in school at Blakesburg. Was married to G.W. Fritz of Ottumwa in 1891. Mr. Fritz died two years ago. Funeral services will be held at the home today, conducted by Rev. E.C. Brooks. The family and relatives have the sympathy of all our people.
Ad Express Daily Iowegian. Page 6, Column 3. (Centerville, Iowa: 10 March 1994), Centerville Historical Society
Centerville Journal. (Centerville, Iowa: 16 July 16)
References
Census
1880 United States Federal Census, Appanoose County, Iowa, population schedule, Centerville, folio 565-A, page no. 33, dwelling 279, family 297, Birdie Fowler in the household of John W. Lane; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDKG-HJC : 14 January 2014); citing FHL microfilm number 1254326; citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 326.
1885 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Iowa, The Second Ward in Centerville City in Center Township, page 16 (penned, front), page 135 (stamped, back), dwelling 98, family 96, Bird Fowler in the household of J W Lane; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/HHQN-NN2 : 14 January 2014); citing FHL microfilm number 1021319, roll number not provided.