BIO: Isaac KURTZ, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, page 184. __________________________________________________________________ ISAAC KURTZ, McConnellstown, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in Germany Valley, Huntingdon county, October 28, 1823. His father, Jacob Kurtz, of Germ descent, was born in Chester county, Pa., 1783, the ancestor of this well known family having emigrated to America before the stormy days of the Revolution. Jacob Kurtz spent the greater part of his life in Huntingdon county, where he was engaged in farming and other pursuits. He married Nancy Hess, born in Lancaster county, and of German descent. They had eleven children, all of who died except a son, Isaac, and a daughter, Fannie, widow of James Lee, of Woodbury, Pa. Jacob Kurtz was a staunch old line Whig. He died in Walker township, as did also his wife. They were members of the Mennonite church. Isaac Kurtz received his education in the public schools, taking advantage of the opportunities of the short winter term, and at other times working on the farm. His life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He was of the Republican party. At Martinsburg, Blair county, April 22, 1847, he married Isabella Gahagen. Their children were: David, born February 4, 1848, resides in Germany Valley; Mary E., born September 19, 1849, widow of Samuel Leibensperger; Nancy J., born April 15, 1852, is the wife of Lewis Hood, of Penn township; Wilson W., born September 29, 1854, resides in Huntingdon; Margaret A., born January 22, 1860, married David Fink, of Walker township, is deceased. On June 22, 1874, Mrs. Isabella Kurtz, died. Two years later, December 14, 1876, Mr. Kurtz married again; his second wife was Hannah, daughter of Christian and Christina (Menser) Burger. To this marriage there was no issue. The Kurtz family belong to the Reformed church; they are well and favorably known, and much respected.