Patterson Cemetery District, Stanislaus County, CA 

Obituaries for 1921

Submitted by Gale Stroud and Burta Herger 26 Aug 2007

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Bartch Fred 210505 p1, 19210505-p1b, 19210505-p1c
Pioneer of West Side Passes; Fred Bartch, Resident of This Section for Forty-five Years, Died Last Sunday One of the
pioneer settlers of this section passed away last Sunday afternoon at Turlock with the death of Fred Bartch, which as been
a continuous resident of what is now Patterson Colony, for nearly 45 years. Mr. Bartch had been in poor health for some
time and an operation had been performed at a Turlock hospital the previous day, from which he apparently rallied in
excellent shape, only to pass away almost without warning Sunday afternoon. Fred Bartch was 76 years of age, having
been born in Germany.  At the age of 7 he came to this country with his parents, settling in New York, and when the Civil
War raged, Bartch enlisted at the early age of 17, and fought through three years of campaigns until the close of
hostilities, although wounded three times in action. At the close of the war, he came to California with his parents,
settling in Ventura county, where he remained three or four years.  He then came north into this section and has remained
here ever since. Entirely without capital, he soon established a high reputation for integrity and ability, and J. D Patterson
original owner of what is now Patterson Colony, suggested that he buy land from him on shares.  Starting with 1000 acres
of virgin soil which he broke for the first time, Mr. Bartch extended operations until he was handling 3000 acres.
Through the ups and downs of grain farming, Mr. Bartch persisted, and finally Fortune smiled on him most bountifully,
and he acquired extensive land holdings of his own, having several thousand acres in various parts of this section, at the
time of his death, as well as other extensive interests. Throughout the nearly half century of his residence here Mr. Bartch
and his wife made their home at the present site of the Bartch place, the beautiful mansion now there being the third
home on that site.  With the opening of the colony and the coming of irrigation, Mr. Bartch purchased a 20 acre tract
surrounding his home site, and the building of the present home followed soon thereafter. In addition to his farming
operations, he was a successful grain buyer for one of the large warehouses at Port Costa. In 1913, with Mrs. Bartch, who
passed away about three years ago, he made a visit to his native land and relatives, any of whom he had never before
seen.  Upon his return, he stated that he had enjoyed the trip, but it only made him appreciate California many times
more.
Held in High Esteem; He was looked upon as one of the leading citizens of the West Side, and was a director of the Bank
of Newman and of the Modesto Branch of the Bank of Italy.  He belonged to the Modesto chapter of the G. A. R., and
was an ardent Mason, being one of the founders of the Patterson lodge about a year ago. He was held in high esteem by
all who knew him, being generous, not only to his own people, but to all his friends, and during the critical war days was
intensely loyal to the country of his adoption, aiding without stint in all patriotic movements, both with money and
support. He was one of a family of 8 children, 2 sisters and 2 brothers being deceased, while three brothers survive him,
as well as nephews and nieces, one of whom, Miss Lacy Bartch, had practically a daughter's position in the home, having
lived with them since the age of 2, when her own parents died. The passing of Mr. Bartch marks a milestone in the
closing of the pioneer era, as few of those who were here in the early seventies survive him.  With these days of rapid
development, it is difficult to realize that in the space of one man's careen, there had been such a transformation from
unplowed soil to the scenes of productiveness and modern development that may be viewed today from the Bartch home.
Funeral Largely Attended; Funeral service were held from the family residence yesterday afternoon under the auspices of
the Patterson Lodge of Masons.  Rev. Linn of Crows Landing delivered the funeral sermon, and from far and near, old
time friends gathered in a large assemblage to pay final tribute. Following the services at the house the remains wee
escorted to Del Puerto cemetery where the Masonic service was rendered with District Deputy George Stoddard of
Modesto presiding. Business was partially suspended during the services, on account of the many attending the services.
Especial tribute was paid by the Patterson Ranch company, successor to the early pioneer, J. D. Patterson, with whom
Mr. Bartch had been associated so long.