Frederick H. Brethauer, examiner of records for the city of New Haven, was born on the 18th of June, 1858, his parents being Henry and Anna F. Brethauer. The father, a native of Germany, was born in Hesse-Kassel and on the 10th of September, 1857, in Trinity church of New Haven, was married, his wife being born November 14, 1834. They began their domestic life in New Haven, the father having previously learned the tailor’s trade, and for many years he continued active in business as a journeyman tailor. He afterward became proprietor of a grocery store, which he successfully managed and developed, continuing active in the business up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1878. In politics he was a democrat and took an active interest in political and civic matters, being naturalized as soon as the law permitted. His wife was born in Bavaria and in early girlhood came to the United States, making her way direct to New Haven, where on the 10th of September, 1857, she was married by Rev. Harry Croswell of Trinity church to Henry Brethauer. She, too, has departed this life and of their family of six children Frederick H. is the oldest and only one now living.

  In the public schools of New Haven the son pursued his early education and also attended business college. He started out to earn his own living at the age of fourteen years and after his graduation from a commercial school he was employed as a teacher in a business college for six months. He afterward obtained a position with the Security Insurance Company of New Haven as assistant bookkeeper and there remained for two years. Later he became a clerk in the office of the town clerk and there remained until September, 1874, since which time he has been continuously in public office. He was first elected town clerk in 1889 and he occupied that position until 1905. Through the succeeding three years he was engaged in searching titles and in the latter year was made examiner of records. He is prompt, systematic and efficient in the discharge of his duties as indicated in the fact that he has remained in his present position for nine years.

  In 1880 Mr. Brethauer was married in New Haven to Miss Anna Frericks, who was born in the same house in which her husband’s birth occurred, at No. 292 George street, near Broad street, and near the spot where the first emigrants landed on coming to New Haven. She was a daughter of William Frericks, a representative of an old Germany family. His widow is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two years and is enjoying good health for one of her years, age having made few inroads upon her physical and mental condition. Mr. and Mrs. Brethauer have become the parents of two children. G. Henry, born in New Haven, is the assistant cashier of the Merchants Bank. He married Anna Weibel, a daughter of Joseph Weibel, a prominent brewer of New Haven. G. Henry Brethauer and his wife were married in June, 1916. The daughter Gertrude is the widow of Richard H. Tyner, son of the late Judge Tyner, and resides at No. 38 Dwight street in New Haven. She has one child, Richard H. Tyner, Jr.

  In politics Mr. Brethauer is a democrat and has always taken an active and helpful part in bringing about democratic successes. He has attained high rank in Masonry in both the York and Scottish rites and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Elks and the Odd Fellows and he was at one time a member of the Governor’s Foot Guard, in which he served as a private. He had also been a drummer in the City Guard before entering the Governor’s Foot Guard and his father was also at one time a member of the City Guard. His religious connection is with Trinity Lutheran church. His friends, and they are many, speak of him in terms of warm regard, for he has ever displayed sterling qualities of manhood and citizenship and, whether in office or out of it, he is loyal to the best interests of the community.