At the end of September, 1881, Frederick, described as a well-known brewer who had been in business many years, owned in addition to the brewery property at the corner of Springfield Avenue and Magnolia Street, Newark, four houses adjoining and other real estate. His business was not doing well, however, having “been running behind for some time past.” In that month his business failed, and he “placed his affairs in the hands of his creditors for a compromise.” When his creditors met his liabilities were stated to be $38,000, nominal assets, $21,000, and actual assets, $19,000. His real estate, all heavily mortgaged and considered to have no equity, was not included in the assessment. The principal creditors reportedly accepted an offer to pay 50 cents on the dollar, in notes to come due at four, six, nine, twelve, and eighteen months, and as a result his business was expected to be continued as it had been previously. Less than a month later he made an assignment to a certain James F. Bond.

Frederick's daughter Anna presumably had this bankruptcy in mind when she wrote in 1948 that “they say we were rich one time but others in ... fathers friends did him well to make him poor.”

Most of the children left home between 1880 and 1900. Because Anna had been left motherless by Lizetta's death Lina, who had married and was living in Newark, took her in some time after June, 1880, and raised her. Ernest married, lost his family through tragedy, and disappeared from the knowledge of his father and siblings in a train wreck about 1890. Charles left home by 1895, and Margaret, Matilda, Laura and Oscar also left before 1900.

Frederick married (second), about 1890, Magdalena — (Lena). She was born October –, 1863, in Germany, the daughter of — — and — (—) —. She came to America in 1868, at about age five, presumably in the company of her parents.

Children:

1. Elsa E— Traudt (Elsie), born December –, 1893 in —, New Jersey.

In 1896 and 1899 the Traudts were living at 117 Newton, in Newark. Frederick was still a brewer in the former year.

In 1900 the family lived in a rented house at 499 Warren Street, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey. Frederick's occupation was given as park inspector, and that of his wife as grocer.

By 1905 Frederick had become a deputy collector of taxes for the city, a job he seems to have retained until his death. The Traudts were living in a house at 204 South Orange Avenue in that year. From at least 1912-1914 they had a house at 129 Ridgewood Avenue.

Frederick died February 17, 1916, aged 85. At that time he resided in a house at 366 South 19th Street, Newark. His funeral was held February 21, 1916. He was buried in the Traudt family section of the Woodland Cemetery (first incorporated as West Newark Cemetery in 1855), where most of his children were later buried as well.

The Traudt family plot and obelisk, Woodland Cemetery, Newark, N.J.  Photo courtesy of Mary Lish.

His daughter Anna, in a letter of June 29, 1948, described it as “large with a high shaft in the middle with Traudt on.” The graves were apparently raised, and the cemetary later wanted to flatten them, “but Aunt Laura wouldn't allow it.” After Maggie died, sometime prior to Anna's letter, the cemetery leveled them anyway, leaving only the footstones. Since the 1960s the cemetery has suffered from vandalism and neglect, but the Traudt obelisk still stands, and near it Frederick's grave marker, with the following inscription: Photo courtesy of Mary Lish. Magdalena, listed as Frederick's widow, was still living in the 19th Street house later in 1916. Their daughter Elsa lived with her as a boarder and was working as a stenographer at #808, 31 Clinton. From at least 1930 through 1932 Magdalena Traudt was living with her stepson Charles and his wife in their home at 2 Hawthorne Place, East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. She was said to have removed to Bloomfield, Essex County, New Jersey in 1934. From at least 1935 through 1949 Magdalina resided at 250 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, Essex County, New Jersey. Magdalena’s will was dated December 11, 1952. * * * * * From 8/6/2012 revision. 1st web edition posted 4/2/2004. This page last updated 4/2/2014. Published by Fleabonnet Press.