Frank Litsch is one of the representative citizens and business men of Shasta County. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 7, 1835, of German parents. He was educated in his native country, and there learned the trade of baker. After the term of his apprenticeship had expired, in 1853, when eighteen years of age, he came to the United States of America. He spent one year as a baker and clerk in a store in Missouri, and the following year, hearing of the new El Dorado of the West, he came to California in pursuit of gold. After landing in San Francisco he came direct to Shasta County, where for three years he was engaged in mining at Lower Springs without any remarkable success, -- his largest find in one day being $40. He then came to Shasta, and for three years was bar-tender for his brother, Charles Litsch. In 1863 he started a store on his own account, on the ground adjoining his present location. He now owns and occupies both stores. Until 1869 he was in partnership with Fred Michaelson. They moved their stock to Lewiston, Trinity County, purchased the store of Isaac Shaw, and conducted it till 1872. At that time Mr. Litsch sold out and went to San Francisco, remaining in that city a year. In the fall of 1873 he returned to Shasta and started a general merchandise store, and has successfully conducted it since that time. He has been continuously in business longer than any other merchant in the town. He is interested in a valuable quartz mine which is now being developed.

In 1863 Mr. Litsch wedded a Miss Sheure, a native of the city of New Orleans. Their union has been blessed with four children, two of whom are living, both born in Shasta: Elizabeth and Emma. Their son, Joseph, lived to be twenty-three years of age, and died of heart disease. The other child died at the age of nine months.

Mr. Litsch is an I.O.O.F., has passed all the chairs of the order and is now Treasurer. He is a charter member of the A.O.U.W., and is now holding the office of Financier. Politically he is a Democrat. In 1886 he was elected one of the Supervisors of the county, which office he is now filling. He is a valuable and worthy member of society, ever ready to do what he can for the advancement of the best interests of the community in which he resides.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891