Fitz, Rudolph H., ca. 1828-1868

Rudolph H. Fitz was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Minnesota from Washington, D.C., where he had been working for some years as a carpenter and shipbuilder. Fitz came to St. Paul in 1854 and started a construction business. He built the first bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Paul, the Wabasha Street Bridge. Fitz also served one term as a member of the Minnesota state legislature (1864), and served on the St. Paul City Council.

Fitz's wife, Elmina F. (Howard) Fitz (ca.1834-1877), was born in Indiana. Prior to marrying, she had taught at a girls' seminary in Kentucky. She was an active member of both the Jackson Street Methodist Church and the temperance movement.

...