BIO: KURTZ Family, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, historical editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 29

THE KURTZ FAMILY.  The origin of this family in America is authoritatively 
traced back to Rev. Nicholas Kurtz, who immigrated to America some time in the 
seventeenth century, and settled in Pennsylvania.  George Peter Kurtz was one of 
a family of twelve children born to Nicholas and Helena (Albright) Kurtz.  He 
was born in Berks County, October 4, 1749.  He was one of the early men who came 
to York County and one of York's pioneer merchants, and an active, enterprising 
and respected citizen.  Here he resided until his death.  His son, George Peter 
Kurtz, was born in York, October 17, 1799.  This representative of the Kurtz 
family was educated for the ministry, but subsequently he learned the 
carpenter's trade, and chose what seemed to him a more humble sphere in life.  
He was married, in 1825, to Miss Eliza E. Fisher, also a native of York County, 
and a daughter of Dr. John and Eliza E. Fisher.  The result of this union was 
two children, viz.: Catherine and Amelia.  Mr. Kurtz died in 1836; his widow 
died in 1882.  Another important personage of the family was Charles Kurtz, born 
August 30, 1791.  He was married to Julia Ann Eichelberger, a native of this 
county.  Two children were born to them:  William H. and Catherine, now residing 
in Minneapolis, Minn.  The former was born in York, in 1823, and here he has 
since resided.  His early education was acquired at York County Academy, but his 
extensive knowledge of business has been acquired through his own efforts and in 
actual practical life.  At fourteen years of age he was thrown upon his own 
resources, and for seven years he was employed as a clerk in a store.  In 1848 
he engaged in the malting business, and continued until 1872, when he became a 
member of the firm known as Baugher, Kurtz & Stewart, iron and brass founders, 
machinists, and manufacturers of turbine water-wheels.  There is a connection 
with this establishment the Codorus Tannery, which is one of the most extensive 
institutions of its kind in Pennsylvania.  A complete sketch of these 
enterprises may be found in another portion of this work.  The marriage of Mr. 
Kurtz with Miss Mary Baugher was solemnized August 17, 1856.  To this union have 
been born two children:  Charles and Julia.  Mrs. Kurtz died in 1861, and, five 
years later, Mr. Kurtz was married to Miss Julia A. Baugher, a sister of this 
former wife, and daughter of Frederick Baugher, who was one of the leading 
citizens of York.  Mr. Kurtz is enterprising in business, liberal in all affairs 
of true worth and merit, and ranks as one of York County's most valued citizens.  
Mr. Kurtz and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.