| Biography |
BIOGRAPHY: Abraham Fretz (Deacon), born in Bedminster Twp., Bucks Co., Mar. 30, 1769, died Mar. 7, 1844. Married Magdalena Kratz (daughter of John Kratz, of Hilltown), Apr. 30, 1793. She was born Aug. 30, 1776, died Jan. 9, 1840. He lived and died on the Old Fretz homestead, in Bedminster Twp. The farm consisting of about 255 acres he inherited from his father. He was an honest, upright citizen, a conscientious Christian, and much esteemed by the community in which he lived. It is related that while he was working in the field one day, a man rode up, and seeing his fine cows, wanted to buy one, but he did not want to sell. The man however insisted and asked him to set a price. He then thought that if he should ask double what the cow was worth, the man would leave without buying. But contrary to his expectation, the man laid down the money and drove the cow off. After the man was gone, he talked the matter over with his wife, and they decided it was "usury." So he mounted a horse, rode after the man, and gave him back half of the money, saying, "I don't want to be damned for a cow." He and his wife were members of the Mennonite church at Deep Run, of which he was for many years a deacon. Children: Anna, Rebecca, Jacob, Christian, John, Isaac, Martin, Elizabeth, Barbara, Abraham.
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1769 - 1844 (74 years)
