Biographical Sketch of William Henry MORT (1910): Frederick Co., MD Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by John Morris . Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/md/mdfiles.htm ********************************************************* Source: "History of Frederick County, Maryland, Vol. II," Thomas John Chase Williams, L. R. Titsworth & Co., 1910, pp. 1512-3 "WILLIAM HENRY MORT, who is among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of Woodsboro District, owns 177 acres of fine land, situated five miles north of the town of Woodsboro. Here he has resided since a boy of four or five years. He was born on the Walter farm in Emmittsburg District, Frederick County, January 16, 1850. He is a son of William and Catharine (Oler) Mort. "George Mort, the grandfather of William H. Mort, was a day laborer. He was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Fox, a sister of Balser Fox, of the neighborhood of Creagerstown. After her death, Mr. Mort was married again. By the first marriage, he had one child, William, and by the second he was the father of several children. "William Mort, son of George Mort, was an infant when his mother died and he was taken by an aunt. He lived among strangers until he went to his trade. He was given a common school education and when about fourteen years old went to learn the trade of a stone mason. This occupation he followed for many years, until he bought a farm, now owned by his son. Even afterwards he engaged at his trade occasionally. When he finished his trade he did not have money enough to buy tools. For a time he worked for William Ogle, a contractor at Union Bridge. Mr. Mort also did some contracting for himself, erecting many lime kilns. After his marriage, he made his home at various places until 1854, when he purchased the place on which he lived until he retired to Thurmont. At that place he died in 1887, and is buried at Rocky Cemetery. He used his influence to advance the interests of the Republican party. He held membership in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mort was married near Bridgeport, Frederick County, to Catharine Oler, who was born and raised near that place. Her parents were Frederick and Peggy (Lynn) Oler. She died at her sister's, Mrs. Powell, near Creagerstown, in 1889. She was a Lutheran in religion. By this marriage were born four children; Frances Anna, the wife of Simon Lohr, of Thurmont; Frederick, who died at Loy's Station, Frederick County, married Mary Pusey; William Henry; and George, died aged two years. "William Henry Mort, son of William and Catharine (Oler) Mort, received his education at Grove's Academy near his home. At the age of twenty he quit school. He worked for his father on the farm until he was thirty-six years old. After his marriage in 1886, he worked away from the home farm for three years. He then bought the homestead, and here he has since been engaged in rural pursuits. His home was built in the early forties by John Miller. The barn was put up by his father in 1870. Mr. Mort is a farmer who thoroughly understands his vocation and he received large returns from his labors. He is highly thought of in the community in which he resides. "In 1886, Mr. Mort was married to Seraphine Elizabeth Ceas, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca Ann (McKissick) Ceas. She is a native of Hauver's District, Frederick County. Mr. and Mrs. Mort are affiliated with the Luth- eran Church at Rocky Ridge, in which he has served in the capacity of a deacon several times. They have no issue."