William A. Mertens Biography


	This biography appears on pages 348-349 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				WILLIAM A. MERTENS. 

	William A. Mertens, who holds title to five hundred and sixty 
acres of excellent land in Grant county, was born in Germany, on the 
9th of June, 1861. His parents, Joseph and Annie (Peal) Mertens, were 
also natives of Germany and both were born in 1835. They were married 
and remained there until 1871, when they crossed the Atlantic to the 
new world, making their way to McHenry county, Illinois, where the 
father followed the mason's trade and also operated a small farm which 
he owned. He passed away there in 1909, but is survived by his widow. 
He was a republican in politics and in religious faith a Lutheran. To 
him and his wife were born nine children, of whom five are still 
living, namely: Bertha, the wife of Louis Haight, a farmer residing in 
Illinois; William A.; and Julius, Albert and Herman, all of whom are 
farming in Illinois. 

	William A. Mertens received his education in the common schools 
and during his boyhood and youth also assisted in the work of the home 
farm. He followed agricultural pursuits in the Prairie state until 
1886, when he removed to Grant county, South Dakota, and purchased a 
relinquishment, on which he proved up. Subsequently he sold that place 
and purchased a quarter section of land near Milbank, for which he paid 
thirteen hundred dollars. Later he bought an additional eighty acre 
tract which cost him one thousand dollars and subsequently he added 
still further to his holdings. At length he disposed of three eighty 
acre tracts for five thousand dollars, after which he purchased four 
hundred and eighty acres for ten thousand five hundred and sixty 
dollars. He placed a mortgage of six thousand and sixty dollars upon 
the farm which, however, he paid in six years. He erected a beautiful 
residence upon his new homestead and has made many other improvements 
upon his farm, which is one of the most valuable of the county. He owns 
in all five hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, which is worth 
about one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre, and he carries on 
general farming and stock-raising. However he specializes to some 
extend in breeding Percheron horses and has a fine thoroughbred 
stallion for breeding purposes. 

	In March, 1893, Mr. Mertens was united in marriage to Miss Eliza 
Fritz. who was born in Illinois, but her parents, Joseph and Dora 
(Geister) Fritz, were both natives of Germany. In 1871 they emigrated 
to the United 'States and settled in Illinois, where the father 
followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Mertens have four 
children: Louis and Harry, at home; and Royal and Milton, who are in 
school. 

	Mr. Mertens is a republican and is now serving as township 
supervisor and as a member of the school board. He belongs to the 
German Lutheran church and at all times conforms his conduct to high 
standards of morality. He devotes practically his entire time to the 
work of the farm and the competence which he has gained is the merited 
reward of his well directed industry.