The only representatives of this old German family that came to the United States, so far as known, settled in Montgomery county, New York, where the usual experience of the German with agricultural proclivities was repeated, their thrift and industry bringing a sure reward, and while they never lose their love for the "Fatherland," they become the best of citizens.
(I) Edward Nietsch, born in Germany, was a carpenter by trade. He was a Lutheran in religion and brought up his family in that faith. He married Rosalie Schwinzel; children: Amelia, Charles, see forward, Antoinette, John, Anthony and Edward. With the exception of Charles and John, the family all remained in Germany. The latter came to the United States, settled on a farm in town of Florida, Montgomery county, New York, later removed to Amsterdam, where he died in the spring of 1906. He married Augusta Naroski, of German birth, who survives him with children: Edward, Augusta and Flora. Edward married Bessie Pettifer, Canadian, and had two daughters, Dorothy and Mary.
(II) Charles, eldest son of Edward and Rosalie (Schwinzel) Nietsch, was born in Germany, November 2, 1848. He was educated in the public schools, and served his term of enlistment in the German civil and military service. His term of service in the German army of four years and six months covered the period of the Franco-Prussian war, 1870-71. He was engaged in four of the battles of that war, but escaped without injury. He was a private of the Seventh Company, First Regiment, from which he received an honorable discharge. In 1874 he embarked for the United States, bringing with him his brother John, of previous mention. He landed in New York City, came northward to the valley of the Mohawk, settled in Charleston, where he has ever since been engaged in farming. He has succeeded in his business and is a prosperous farmer and a highly respected citizen. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and of the German Veteran Association, of Amsterdam. He is a Republican in politics. He married, October 11, 1875, at Amsterdam, Christina Mau, born in Germany, September 13, 1850, in Wallendo, eldest daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Breismeister) Mau. Christina Mau came to the United States in 1814 and resided in Amsterdam until her marriage. The other children of her parents are: Carl, Caroline, Louis, Marie, Louise, John and Frederika. Children of Charles and Christina (Mau) Nietsch:
- Charles John, see forward.
- Lily A., died in infancy.
- Lena M., born September 8, 1880; married Earl Putman, October 25, 1902, a farmer of Charleston; children:
- Charles, born November 27, 1904;
- Floyd, April 29, 1906.
- Frederick, died in infancy.
- Lesa E. M., born April 25, 1885; married Fred Frank, January 26, 1905; children:
- Mary, born January 2, 1907;
- Christina, September 12, 1908.
- Frank, born May 14, 1887; resides at home on the farm; he is unmarried.
(III) Charles John, eldest son of Charles and Christina (Mau) Nietsch, and the first of American birth in the family, was born on the farm in town of Florida, Montgomery county, New York, September 3, 1876, the year that marked the beginning of the second century of American independence. He received a good common school education, and was reared on the home farm, where he remained untll he reached his majority. In 1905 he married and moved to a well-improved farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres near the village of Glen, which he is successfully operating. He is one of the capable, rising young farmers of the town, and possesses the attributes that make for success. He is a member of the Christian church, and of the Republican party. He married, October 18, 1905, in Glen, Deborah Glen Edwards, born in Glen, September 7, 1883. She was educated for a teacher in the State Normal school at Albany, and taught for several years before her marriage. She is a member of the Episcopal church. Children:
- Florence, born August 30, 1907, and
- Grace, born May 29, 1909.
She is a daughter of Jacob S. G. and Mary (Van Deveer) Edwards, and granddaughter of John V. S. and Mary Mitchell (Hosford) Edwards, both deceased. Her maternal grandparents are John and Elizabeth (Putman) Van Deveer, natives of Glen, both deceased, buried in Auriesville cemetery. Her father, Jacob S. G. Edwards, was born in 1846; married Mary Van Deveer, born in Glen, June 1, 1843, died April 1, 1909. Children:
- Deborah G., married Charles John Nietsch.
- Florence M., born October 18, 1887; married, January 26, 1908, Rev. Anson Guy Moore; resides in Glen; children: Robert Glen and Chester A. Moore.
- An infant.