OBIT: George WERTZ, 1931, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.
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GEORGE WERTZ

Wayside Caterer Foully Murdered
George Wertz Shot to Death by Robbers - Youthful Suspect Arrested

  GRANTSVILLE, MD. - Sept. 14 - George Wertz, 74 year-old bachelor, who 
conducted a wayside lunch room one mile this side of the Pennsylvania line, near 
Keyser's Ridge, was found murdered and robbed early Saturday morning by Joseph 
Seibert, a neighbor, who was going after his cows.  Wertz was shot in the head 
with a 38-caliber pistol, and robbed, some time after 9 o'clock Friday night, 
and was known to have had $40 in his place.  The money, a pistol and several 
other articles were missing when the body was discovered.
  Herman Bittinger, aged 18, of Jennings, and several other young men were seen 
there, Friday, and Bittinger is held in the Garrett County jail pending further 
investigation.
  Sheriff W. F. Haenftling arrested Bittinger, who had been released from jail 
only about three weeks ago.
  An inquest was held Saturday at the lunch room, with Coroner W. A. Gonder in 
charge.  The jury found that Wertz was murdered by a person, or persons, 
unknown.  States Attorney W. W. Dawson is assisting Sheriff Haenfting in the 
investigation.
  The body was brought to Grantsville by Undertaker William Winterberg and 
prepared for burial.
  Wertz is survived by two half-brothers and two sisters, living near 
Meyersdale.  The burial took place Monday afternoon in Union Cemetery, 
Meyersdale.

Meyersdale Republican, September 17, 1931