Click on windmill to return home

Click for interactive tree

Contact me at:

asmits@smitshistory.com

e Smits Family History f

Frank Fred Smits (1883-1953)

Frank Fred Smits was born on May 24, 1883 in De Pere, Wisconsin, the fourth child of Jacob Smits & Christina Baeten.  In October 1888 Frank's father purchased land which would become the Smits farm in Ashwaubenon and moved the family there.  When Frank was 10 years old, Christina, his mother, died from complications from childbirth leaving the family to be raised by Jacob and probably Frank's older sisters Dora & Hattie. 

In June 1900 Frank was working on his father's farm in Ashwaubenon and living there with his brothers & sisters.  In June 1905, the 22 year old Frank was living as a lodger on the farm of his aunt, Wilhelmina Broekman, the widow of Henry Baeten who had died in 1898.  Frank's brother, Martin (also called Teis), also lodged on the farm and worked with Frank in the brickyard.

Sometime between 1905 & 1910 Frank married Lena Roffers, the daughter of Herman Roffers & Hendrika Tiesen. 

Wedding Party of Frank Smits & Lena Roffers John Roffers, Frank Smits, Lena Roffers, Petronella Smits

In April 1910 Frank & Lena were living on South Eighth Street in De Pere where Frank was working as a laborer at a boiler makers.  Their first daughter, Loretta, was born on October 24, 1910.  Six more children to followed prior to 1920.

In January 1920 the family now consisting of Frank, Lena & seven children were living on Fifth Street in De Pere.  His occupation is listed on the census as possibly a blacksmith, although it is very difficult to read.

Frank & Lena's eighth child, Zita, was born in 1922.  Patricia followed in 1925.  Their next child, David, was both born and died in 1928.  In 1929, their four year old daughter Patricia, also passed away.  Their last child Frank A. was born on March 11, 1930.  In April 1930 the entire family was living on their farm in the Town of Lawrence.  Frank was now a farmer. 

Frank served as the alderman for the fourth ward of the city of De Pere from 1942-1946.  He also served as the chairman of the fourth ward elections board for many years.  In 1953 Frank was working as a custodian at Lincoln school in West De Pere and was living at 659 Main Avenue in De Pere.   

On March 26, 1953 Frank passed away at his home from a pulmonary edema with myocardial failure secondary to heart disease.  He was 69 years old.