FREDERICK A. DIETRICH, physician and surgeon at Freeport, a portrait of whom is presented on the opposite page, occupies a good position in the profession in Northern Illinois, being a gentleman who has studied closely, followed a thorough course of reading, and been graduated from several of the best colleges in the East and Northwest. He came to this country in 1863, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. His excellent personal qualities have constituted him one of the most valued members of the community, and his business ability is commensurate with the other elements of a well-balanced make-up.

Dr. Dietrich, a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, was born Oct. 20, 1837. His early education was acquired in the schools of his native Province, and when nineteen years of age he entered upon the study of medicine under the instruction of his uncle, Dr. Grumme, an eminent physician and surgeon of Gottingen. When nineteen years of age he bade adieu to his early friends and old associations, and set his face toward the New World, embarking on a sailing-vessel from Bremen. After his arrival in New Work City, where he only remained a short time, he proceeded to Buffalo, and during the following eighteen months read medicine, in the meantime making his home with his cousin. When ready to enter upon his first course of lectures he went to Chicago and attended Rush Medical College. After a second course he came to Eleroy, in this county, and commenced the practice of his profession in the spring of 1863. Two years later he returned to Rush Medical College, where he was graduated, and in 1867 went to Boston, Mass., and took a course in the Gynecological Institute, and three years later took a course in the University of New York, from which he was graduated in 1873. In order to still further perfect his knowledge in his chosen calling he finished with a term at Hahnemann College, Chicago, from which he also received a diploma.

Dr. Deitrich took up his residence in Freeport in the spring of 1867, and commenced the practice which has now assumed such fine proportions. He was united in marriage with Miss Flora E. Brokhausen Nov. 12, 1881. Mrs. D. is a native of this State, and her wedding took place at the home of her father in Silver Creek Township. One child blessed this union – Vera. They occupy a pleasant home on Stephenson street, and number their friends by the score in this county. Dr. Deitrich, socially, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., and M. W. of A. He was appointed Secretary of the United States Board of Pension Examiners, in 1884, which position he still holds.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)