My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE WERTZ, one of the prosperous farmers and reliable residents of Hampden township, was born in Monroe tovnship, Jan. 16, 1833. The family originally came from York county, and located in Monroe township during the early part of the last century.

George Wertz, Sr., father of George, came to Cumberland county with his father when a boy, and after receiving a common school education, engaged in farming. He married Mary Low, daughter of Jacob Low, of York county, and five children were born to them: Elizabeth married Simon Neslinger, and had eight children, Hiram, Samuel, George, James, Mary, Elmira, Jane and Ermina. Solomon married (first) Mary Lininger, daughter of John Lininger, and had one child, Mary Ellen, wife of Edward Witters, of Hampden township; he married (second) Susan Reed, and they had one child, Dorothy, at home. George is our subject. Carolus married Catherine Trimmel. Mary Ann married John Shaeffer, and has four children, Gertrude, Martha, George and Mervin.

George Wertz, Jr., attended the schools of his township until he was twenty-one years of age. After leaving school, he worked upon a farm, and later at the trade of a carpenter, following the latter line for about six years. When he was twenty-five he began farming for himself upon his present property, which consists of nearly two hundred acres, the greater portion of which is under cultivation, and very well improved. He carries on general farming and is very successful.

On Dec. 4, 1856, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Custer, daughter of Israel and Maria (Adams) Custer of East Pennsboro township, and three children were born to them: Israel C. married Miss Olive Pearl Shettel, daughter of Jacob Shettel of Upper Allen township, and has five children, Nevin Milton, Alice Katherine, Ellen May, Olive Pearl and George Jacob, all at home attending school. George M., married Clara E. Bates, daughter of Daniel Bates, of Copper Allen township, and has two children, George Wilbur and Harold Daniel. Alice Lavina who died at the age of five years.

Mr. and Mrs. Wertz are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which they take an active part. Mr. Wertz has held the office of supervisor one term; that of auditor nine years, assessor four years, and been a school director fifteen years, and he has always voted the ticket and supported the principles of the Democrat party. His popularity in the township is great, and he is a very highly esteemed citizen, who has many warm, personal friends.