Johann Wilhelm DIETZ  (15 January 1849 - 19 December 1933)

His birthplace is located about 10 miles north of Frankfurt. The 1,200 year
old town is one of Germany's most attractive spas, still basking in the 
grandeur of turn-of-the-century Europe. It has been a popular resort since 
Roman times and was the official residence of the counts of Hessen. Located
there are a gambling casino, opened in 1841, and a spa park filled with 
natural, hot, saline springs used to treat a variety of ailments. The 
gardens are filled with brooks, ponds, and arbors. He immigrated to the 
United States in 1872 and arrived at New York aboard the ship "Leipzig" 
on 6 April. The ship had sailed from the port of Bremen about three weeks 
prior. He gave his name as "Wilhelm Dietz" and listed his occupation as 
"laborer". He was then 23 years old, and apparently travelling alone. 
Eventually he settled in St. Paul, Minnesota where he became a naturalized 
citizen. In 1885 his family lived on Hudson Road. In 1900, they lived at 
885 Margaret St. The family moved to Watertown, South Dakota sometime 
between June, 1910 and May, 1911. In 1920, they lived at 408 5th St. S/E, 
and at the time of of his death, his residence was shown 324 S. Maple St. 
He was a craftsman who manufactured tents and awnings from canvas. He 
enjoyed duck hunting and his favorite dog was a water spaniel named 
"Sofie". He was called "The General", because of his stately appearance 
and demeanor.

Sources:
1900 Minnesota Federal Census for Ramsey County.
1920 South Dakota Federal Census for Codington County.
Photocopy of marriage license, Ramsey Co., MN.
Photocopy of death certificate, Codington Co., SD.