Excerpts from photographer Edward Frautschy’s obituary published in the Monticello Messenger, December 9, 1937.

Edward D. Frautschy (March 27, 1870 — December 3, 1937) was a native of Washington township, having been born in 1870, the son of John and Mary Isely Frautschy. 

Mr. Frautschy first became interested in his profession by outdoor camera work while on the farm where he was born, having had particularly good luck taking shots of cattle and objects about the farm. For several years, he was in Monticello where he maintained studios in his home and later the second floor of Peoples Supply Company store.

He also farmed just west of town on the farm now owned by Herman G. Karlen.

His fine work in Monticello brought people from all parts of the county and he eventually moved his studio to Monroe. He was a familiar figure at community gatherings in all parts of the county and took snap shots of countless community functions.

In recent years Mr. Frautschy gained professional recognition by election as president of the South-Central Photographers’ association, having been elevated to that office in 1933 after serving for a year as association treasurer.

Mr. Frautschy was widely known throughout this part of the state, people coming to his studio from miles around to pose for photographs. His passing from our midst occasioned sincere regret among his considerable number of friends and acquaintances. Always of a jovial disposition, Mr. Frautschy had established himself as one of the best liked men in the communities in which he lived. He was known for his unquestioned honesty and indelibility.