Frederick Iltis was born in 1842, in Elses, France. Came with his parents to America when only ten years of age, and settled in Du Page county, Illinois. Three years later came to Minnesota, locating in Yorkville, near Chaska (a couple of miles east-northeast). In 1862 Frederick enlisted in Company G, Sixth Minnesota, serving first against the Indians in the Sioux war; in 1864 went South, was promoted to sergeant of his company, and finally discharged at Fort Snelling, August 19, 1865. He then returned to Chaska and for two years was engaged in the hardware trade. For the past seven years he has held the office of county commissioner of Carver county. He was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Miller, of Benton, Carver county. Six of the nine children born to them are living. (History of the Minnesota Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Rev. Edward D. Neill, North Star Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 1882, Page 363)

Frederick Iltis Laid to Rest. Chaska and Carver county lost one of her honored sons in the death of Frederic Iltis, who quietly answered the last summons at his home in this city, Tuesday evening, Dec. 13, 1910, at ten o’clock. He had attained the age of 68 years, 4 months and 13 days. The late Frederic Iltis had always been strong and rugged until the latter part of last winter when he sustained a “slight stroke” of paralysis, and since that time a gradual decline has been noticeable. For a number of weeks he had been bedfast, when, on the evening of December 12th he sustained another stroke, and his death followed on the following evening. Deceased was born in Le Pierre, France, July 31, 1842. His childhood was spent in the province of Alsace, Germany. He emigrated to this country with his parents when a boy of about nine years of age. Of a loyal patriotic nature, he enlisted in the 6th Minnesota of Minnesota volunteer infantry, and served his country nobly in that great War of the Rebellion. In recognition of his ability and services, he was advanced from time to time until he reached the rank of first sergeant. He was honorably discharged in the summer of 1865, at Fort Snelling, and settled in Chaska, having become united in marriage to Miss Minnie Mueller on October 31, 1866. Since that time this city has been his home and here it was he lived his long and honorable career as a man and public servant. In public affairs he took a deep interest and was frequently honored by his people, and during his time served as postmaster of the city, was its Mayor, and for seventeen years held the position of County Commissioner from this district. Later he was further honored by being chosen by the people of this county as State Senator, serving one term. Deceased came to Chaska in the early days, settling on the old Iltis farm, naming the place Yorkville Prairie. This was in 1856. The father, Mr. Iltis, Sr., arrived here a year earlier. The senior editor of the Herald attended public school here with the three Iltis brothers, Mathias, Peter and Fred, all now deceased. This city at that time was a mere hamlet, the trading place for practically the entire county. We grew to manhood together. Fred was always a hard worker and a thorough American, loyal, patriotic and brave. When the great Civil war broke out he was working for Henry M. Rice, one of the founders of the city of St. Paul, and at the call to arms joined the Sixth Minnesota, of which the noted William Crooks was Colonel. The regiment was at once sent to the plains and helped the immortal Sibley to subdue the Indians, after which they went South, participating in the hardships and privations until its close. He was a good soldier and leaves a noble heritage to his family. His life, since he returned from the war is an open book, and is so well and favorably known to our people that it is unnecessary for us to go into detail. His life’s work is done. He has performed it like a true man and has gone to claim the reward of his Maker. He is survived by his faithful wife, five sons and two daughters, namely: Fred A. C. Iltis of Le Sueur Center, Robert Iltis of International Falls, Herman, of Iowa, Geo., of Pittsburgh, Pa., Oscar, Chaska, and Henry, a student of our State University, and Mrs. Conrad Bongard, of Norwood, and Mrs. Oliver P. Hecklin, this city, to whom the Herald extends the sincere sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement – the loss of a noble husband and father. The funeral was held last Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Moravian church, the services being conducted by Rev. Arthur Schwarze, who delivered an eloquent and touching sermon on the life of deceased. Wm. R. Baxter Post, and the Herman Sons had charge of the funeral and the Jordan Lodge of Herman Sons attended in a body, while the Young America and Shakopee lodges had delegations in the procession. The remains rest in peace in beautiful Mt. Pleasant cemetery. (The Weekly Valley Herald, Thursday, December 22, 1910, Page 1)