The son of Immanuel Frederick Wittich, a German bookbinder, he had immigrated with his parents and other family members to Circleville in 1836. Because there was not enough bookbinding work, Gottlieb proceeded to Cincinnati to apprentice as a confectioner's helper under Joseph P. Mayer. He was engaged at a salary of $4.00 a month for the first year, and $6.00 a month the second year, including lodging, boarding, and laundry. Under the tuition and supervision of Mr. Mayer, G.F. learned the making of stick candy, platted, crimped and bar candy and rock candy. He also did gum-paste and pan work, baked a variety of cakes and pies, ornamental cakes, compounded cordials and made ice cream.

After the death of Immanuel Frederick in 1839, G.F. was urged to return to Circleville and he did so, commencing in the confectionary business in his brother's grocery store.

G.F. remained in the confectionary business until shortly before his death in 1907. At this time his son Edward became the proprietor and continued the business with his son Frederick joining him. Fred purchased the business from his father and in the ensuing years made changes to keep pace with the changing sweet tooth of the country. In 1947, Frederick died leaving his widow, Frances Louise, to continue a business that was over a century old at that time. Frances carried on the Wittich confectionary tradition of fine candies until 1979 when her health caused her to delegate responsibility to her son, Fred.

Now 170 years from its establishment, G.F.'s great-grandson, Fred Wittich, and his family are determined to continue the tradition of high quality and delicious confections.