David Dry Fritch, physician, churchman, miller and gentleman farmer, whose mill products have carried his name and fame throughout the world for more than half a century, passed away at his home in Macungie on September 10, 1931, after an illness of a year.

Dr. Fritch was born in Longswamp Township, Berks Co., February 4, 1848, a son of the late Nathan and Mary (Dry) Fritch. He was reared on the old Fritch homestead near Mertztown. Upon the completion of his preliminary education in the township school and at Reading and Collegeville, he entered the medical department of the University of Peinsv1vania, graduating in 1876, one of the first medical classes at that institution.

Soon alter receiving his medical degree, Dr. Fritch engaged in the practice of his profession in Longswamp with his brother-in-law, Dr. Peter Wertz. He continued in his work for two years before he decided he would find more enjoyment in a business career. Hence, in 1878, he and his brother, Nathan, started in the milling business in Macungie and it is noteworthy that three preceding and two succeeding generations have engaged in the same work.

Dr. Fritch had the honor of manufacturing the first rye flour by the roller process. The standard brands of the mill at present are known throughout the world because of their wide use.

Besides directing the flourishing merchant flourmill, Dr. Fritch found time to engage in extensive farming operations since 1899. He purchased a farm of 158 acres, situated partly within the western borders of the borough of Macungie. This land had been run down and was unprofitable, but by applying modern methods and intelligent management he soon realized an increase in production of wheat, clover and potatoes. In 1907 his crop of potatoes from forty-one acres amounted to 15,000 bushels. Naturally, his remarkable success gave him a national reputation, and numerous letters were written to him for advice in matters of agriculture. Secretary Wilson, of the Department of Agriculture in 1908, said: "Mr. Fritch, of Macungie, Pa., is the most competent person in the country to give advice on potato farming.

In January, 1931, at the Pennsylvania Farm show in Harrisburg, the degree of "Master Farmer" was conferred upon him "in absenitia". Because of illness he was unable to attend in person. He was one of thirteen men chosen during the year for outstanding contributions to agricultural development in Pennsylvania. The honor came to him particularly for his experiments in wheat and potato production. He was the first Lehigh Countian to receive the designation "Master Farmer."

He served as chief burgess of Macungie for four terms, and in town council for two terms. He also assisted in the establishment of the Macungie silk mill, acting as its president for many years.

Upon locating in Macungie in 1878, Dr. Fritch became a member of Grace Lutheran congregation, and served in various capacities in the church, and as a result of his activity there he was made a director of the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, and of Muhlenberg College. He was also a director of the Allentown National Bank.

In 1878, Dr. Fritch was married to Sarah Weiler, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Verger) Weiler, of Longswamp Township. She survives, together with one daughter, Marie, at home. Two children preceded him in death, a son and a daughter. Among the survivors are two granddaughters. Sara, wife of Dr. Ralph Henry of Allentown, and Marv, wile of Robert Aten, Macungie; and one sister, Mrs. Mary Wertz, Macungie. There is also a great-granddaughter, Joanne Barbara Henry.