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Frances Agnes "Fanny" Kinzie Singer, daughter of Caleb and Susannah, was born on May 29, 1861 in Wirtz, Franklin, Virginia. She was a striking woman with dark hair, resembling her mother, Susannah. Frances died on September 20, 1933. She was 72 years old. 

From a young age, she became a devoted member of the Church of the Brethren near Belleville, holding steadfast to her faith throughout her life. As a faithful wife, she embodied love and kindness, nurturing her family with patience and tenderness. Her warmth was not only felt at home but also extended to her many neighbors and friends, who held her in high regard. 

Her personal life was marked by integrity and grace, as she generously poured her energy into serving those she cherished. The profound sentiment she penned in the flyleaf of her Bible encapsulates her guiding principles: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, God helping me, I will do.” This mantra reflected her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Frances married James William "Will" Singer on August 29, 1881. Will was born on November 16, 1860. Together they had six children.

1. Lola Florence Singer

2. Grace Susannah Singer

3. Mary Elizabeth "Mame" Singer

4. Iva Emma Singer

5. Infant Singer¹

6. Bessie Frances Singer

Known for her culinary skills, Fanny was a wonderful cook who delighted family and friends alike. Her husband, Will, ran a blacksmith shop. With a penchant for smoking a pipe, he was a man of simple habits, often eschewing church services. 

Fanny's husband, Will, thought their niece Alice (Kinzie) Gooden was so skinny he should stuff her stockings to help her look a bit rounder. The couple was frugal, saving their hard-earned money in glass jars cleverly hidden inside a trash can beneath the forge. 

Living along the Republic River, they faced the challenges of seasonal flooding, especially in the spring. During these times of high water, they would bravely relocate their furniture to the second floor, waiting for the waters to recede. Tragically, their story took a somber turn when Will was killed by a lightning strike, taking two of his beloved horses with him. 

Frances "Fanny" died on September 20, 1933 in Hardy, Nuckolls,

Nebraska. She was buried in Rosemound Cemetery, Hardy, Nuckolls, Nebraska.

Her husband, Will, preceeded her in death, passing away on June 28, 1920.

¹Infant Singer is listed as being born on January 9, 1897 and died on January 9, 1897. Although a cause of death is not listed, it's possible the baby was stillborn. No given name is listed for the infant. 

Based on excerpts from the Christian Küntzi genealogy documents and the 1981 Kinzie Book of Anecdotes. Please contact us with any corrections or updates.

Frances Agnes "Fanny" was laid to rest at Rose Mound Cemetery

Big Bend Township, Republic County, Kansas, USA.

Lot 17

Click HERE for more information about Fanny's burial site.