BIO: Frank W. KURTZ, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Dave Wilson Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************************** __________________________________________________________ McElroy, James Thomas Jr., McElroy's Family Memories, Huntingdon, PA: (Author), 1930, page 125. __________________________________________________________ FRANK W. KURTZ Huntingdon, Pa. Tonsorial Artist: Frank W. Kurtz was born in Huntingdon, Pa., May 23, 1896. A son of W.W. Kurtz, who is now retired. He was for years in the employ of the P.R.R. and Huntingdon and Broad Top R.R. in the Maintenance of Way Department. He married Laura Woolheater. The parents of both were Civil War veterans. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz reside on Warm Springs Avenue. Frank W. Kurtz began his school career at the Huntingdon public schools, and at the age of twelve years began to learn the barber trade in the employ of Thomas Quinn on Mifflin street. He afterwards was in the employ of W.H. Trough, and also Cloyd Chaney. On February 19, 1929, he opened to the public a first-class and well equipped barber shop, with three chairs, for the accommodation of the public with all the requirements needed. Ladies' and children's wants are attended to. He employs capable and obliging help, who are thoroughly experienced in this kind of work, and as a result he has been enabled to build up a fast increasing business. In 1928 he was appointed Mercantile Appraiser. This office he filled with credit to himself as well as to the public. He was inspector on the election board. At present is Judge of Election in the Third Ward. He is a World War veteran. Enlisted at Huntingdon, Pa., May 27, 1917; left for Augusta, Ga., on Sept. 10, 1917; was there for nine months; left for Hoboken, N.J.; embarked on transport (Aquitania); landed at Liverpool, England; was seven days on water; thence to Folkstone; to Dover; crossed channel to Calais, France; next to rest camp; left for Sunningham, France, where British and allied troops were centralized; from there to Chateau Thierry front, in action; to Fismes; to Meuse-Argonne; at this point he was wounded in action; right ankle was broken and left shoulder injured; he was sent to Base 56-A Hospital at Alleray, France; was there for over two months, after which he rejoined his company near St. Mihiel; after being wounded, his company continued to attack the enemy at Metz and Thiacourt, at which time the armistice was signed. The company left for St. Nasaire for U.S.A. on (Pocohontas), landing at Philadelphia. They were the first Pennsylvania troops to land at Philadelphia, Pa.; went to Camp Dix for discharge. He had a service of over two years. On October 16, 1929, he was elected Commander of the Frank P. Hommon American Legion Post of Huntingdon, Pa., succeeding Frank Leister. Mr. Kurtz served as District Commander for two years. He was on the State Executive Board. As Commander he will use his utmost endeavor to have erected in the courthouse yard a fitting memorial to all service men of the county. This proposition should be welcomed by one and all. He is also a member of the 40 and 8, an organization of earnest and aggressive ex-service men. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Huntingdon, Pa., Blue Cross Lodge No. 295. He has two brothers: Stewart, Huntingdon, Pa., married to Ada Geissinger; Arthur, of McVeytown, Pa., married to Melvina Rupert. Preston was killed at Argonne Forest, France, dying at the age of forty-two years. Two sisters: Gertrude, married to George Rupert, Huntingdon, Pa.; Alice, married to Charles Davis, Huntingdon, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz belong to the Abbey Reformed Church, of Huntingdon, Pa. He was married to Eva McCarl, of Mapleton Depot, Pa., a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer McCarl; they have one son, Max, eight years, born August 10, 1921; Elaine, six years, born December 24, 1923; Loyce, born September 11, 1928. Mr. Kurtz is a representative business man and always interested in the public's welfare.