Fritz Charles Conwell was born May 18, 1888 in the family home at 738 N. Eastern Avenue, Connersville IN. His parents were William "Cheeky" Conwell and Lina Spengra Conwell. Fritz inherited his parents zest for life. His father was a world renowned circus tumbler; his mother was a young aristocratic student of tapestry painting, when they met in Moscow. "Cheeky" was traveling with the International Barnum and Bailey circus at the time of their marriage. His mother's love of art prevailed in Fritz's youth, as his father was away from home traveling a great deal. However, Fritz was a talented tumbler and ice skater himself, probably taught by his father. After venturing out on his own a while, Fritz came to settle back in Connersville in 1920. The home was enlarged for a studio. A prolific artist, he loved to paint on board, canvas, paper, whatever was handy. Many of his paintings were stacked in the basement and were ruined by mildew. Those who own and treasure a Conwell painting can catch something of his swift brush of color and his love of the Whitewater Valley. Those who recall his signs, knew we were always treated to a bit of fantasy with detailed pictures among the words. He painted beautiful advertisements on the sides of buildings in the town of Connersville and others. He was also schooled in interior design. Known as the most natural gifted artist of Fayette County, Frederick Conwell, better known as "Fritz" died on June 19, 1958 at his home. He is buried with his wife Lenora, and his mother, Lina, in Connersville City Cemetery. (information above from "Connersville, A Pictorial History" by Harry Smith and Fayette Co. History 1917. Obituary from National Road Traveler on 6-26-1958- Fritz Conwell Connersville- 70 years old, widely-known Connersville landscape artist and commercial painter, was found dead in his home June 19, Coroner John H. Miller said Mr. Conwell died from natural causes. He had been suffering from leukemia and heart disease in recent years. Mr. Conwell in his youth gained prominence as an ice skater and roller skater in eastern Indiana. He was a widower with no known relatives. Private funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday in Myers funeral home. Burial was in city cemetery. Mr. Cowell painted advertisements on the sides of buildings in downtown Connersville, one of which was for my gr-gr-uncle, J.L. Ashworth, "The Alligator Druggist." Some of these can be seen in the Connersville, A Pictorial History ook by Harry Smith. Article from 4-28-1923 News Examiner-Fritz Conwell escaped Injury late Friday afternoon while painting a sign at the GarretTire store, by jumping from a scaffold when a rope broke. The accident upset a bucket of paint, making It necessary to repaint a part of the sign.