BIO:  GEORGE WERTZ, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 533-534
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/zeamer/


      GEORGE WERTZ, one of the prosperous farmers and reliable residents of
  Hampden township, was born in Monroe township, Jan. 16, 1833. The family
  originally came from York county, and located in Monroe township during the
  early part of the last century.
  
      George Wertz, Sr., father of George, came to Cumberland county with his
  father when a boy, and after receiving a common school education, engaged in
  farming. He married Mary Low, daughter of Jacob Low, of York county, and five
  children were born to them: Elizabeth married Simon Neslinger, and had eight
  children, Hiram, Samuel, George, James, Mary, Elmira, Jane and Ermina.
  Solomon married (first) Mary Lininger, daughter of John Lininger, and had one
  child, Mary Ellen, wife of Edward Witters, of Hampden township; he married
  (second) Susan Reed, and they had one child, Dorothy, at home. George is our
  subject. Carolus married Catherine Trimmel. Mary Ann married John Shaeffer,
  and has four children, Gertrude, Martha, George and Mervin.
  
      George Wertz, Jr., attended the schools of his township until he was
  twenty-one years of age. After leaving school, he worked upon a farm, and
  later at the trade of a carpenter, following the latter line for about six
  years. When he was twenty-five he began farming for himself upon his present
  property, which consists of nearly two hundred acres, the greater portion of
  which is under cultivation, and very well improved. He carries on general
  farming and is very successful.
  
      On Dec. 4, 1856, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
  Custer, daughter of Israel and Maria (Adams) Custer of East Pennsboro
  township, and three children were born to them: Israel C. married Miss Olive
  Pearl Shettel, daughter of Jacob Shettel of Upper Allen township, and has
  five children, Nevin Milton, Alice Katherine, Ellen May, Olive Pearl and
  George Jacob, all at home attending school. George M., married Clara E.
  Bates, daughter of Daniel Bates, of Upper Allen township, and has two
  children, George Wilbur and Harold Daniel. Alice Lavina who died at the age
  of five years.
  
      Mr. and Mrs. Wertz are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in
  which they take an active part. Mr. Wertz has held the office of supervisor
  one term; that of audi-
  
      534  CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
  
  tor nine years, assessor four years, and been a school director fifteen
  years, and he has always voted the ticket and supported the principles of the
  Democrat party. His popularity in the township is great, and he is a very
  highly esteemed citizen, who has many warm, personal friends.