Founder of the Fort Wayne's first Jewish congregation.

age 61

Fort Wayne Gazette, Allen County, Indiana
Wed., Aug. 6, 1873

HON. FRED. NIRDLINGER
A Brief Sketch of a Busy Life

Yesterday afternoon a heavy black crepe was suspended from the door of No. 1 Keystone block, conveying to all men the sad news that Hon. Fred. Nirdlinger had passed away.
The death of any citizen known for his good qualities of heart and head is sure to fill the community with sadness, but when these qualities are coupled to the fact of a long and honorable residence in the city, the sadness is apt to be universally shared.
Just such a feeling the death of him we speak of has caused.
Fred. Nirdlinger was born at Hechingen, Germany, and came to this country when he was sixteen years of age, and with the exception of a few years residence in Pennsylvania, has spent the better part of his days in this city, where he accumulated his property.
The early part of his life, and indeed the greater part of it, has been spent amid the cares of a mercantile life, in which he was highly successful, accumulating a fortune of nearly one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Immediately after his coming, he became known for his sterling character as a citizen and as a man. In 1853 he was elected Councilman and in 1865 was chosen to fill the same position, which by re-election, he held for four years. In this capacity he distinguished himself by the warmest espousal of the city's interest and was widely known as the father of our system of sewers, fighting the first ordinance through against the strongest opposition. He has for a long time been a director in the First National Bank of this city, and was the last charter member of the Summit Encampment I.O.O.F.
A strong religious feeling was a prominent characteristic of Mr. Nirdlinger's life. He was the founder of the Aucduch Synagogue, and continued till his death [to be]one of its strongest and most liberal supporters. His last few years have been spent away from business, and in the quiet enjoyment of home, where he was an object of affection to his large family and numerous friends.
For many months his cheering presence has been missed from our streets. "Uncle Fred," as he was familiarly known, occupied too prominent a place to be soon forgotten. Himself, his dog, and his pipe were familiar objects to our citizens. He had a kind word and a warm hand for his friends, and a kindly smile and cheering word for the young who eagerly sought his advice.
His unusually strong constitution has sustained him in a wonderful manner through a long and severe general debility, enabling him to receive his friends at his house, but a few days ago his illness seriously increased, and the relapse confined him to his bed, from which he never arose. He passed away at four o'clock yesterday, surrounded by his afflicted family.
That his business life had been highly successful, was shown by the amount he leaves his family. His wealth does not altogether lie in this city. Indeed, but a small part of his real estate is represented on the city tax lists. The store, No. 1 Keystone block, his fine residence on West Main street, and perhaps a dozen frame houses in the West End, comprises the whole amount, but he leaves large tracts of land in Minnesota, which, with rare judgment, he purchased many years ago.
His funeral will take place tomorrow, Thursday, morning. He will be buried in the Hebrew cemetery on Broadway. It is expected that members of the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies, of which he was a member, will take part in the ceremonies. His age was sixty-three years.
Contributor: Karin King (47469179) •