My Genealogy Hound

SOLOMON WERTZ, whose death took place at Mechanicsburg, June 2, 1901, was long one of the most highly respected men of this section, at that time living retired from business activity. He was born June 10, 1829, in York county, Pa., son of George and Mary (Low) Wertz, the family being a prominent one, of German extraction. The children born to George Wertz that grew to maturity were: Elizabeth; Solomon; George, of Cumberland county; Charles, now deceased; and Mary, wife of John Scheaffer.

Solomon Wertz was a self-made man; starting out in life a poor boy, by his industry and energy he accumulated a competency which his family enjoys. He lived many years in Silver Spring township engaged in farming, owning a very valuable farm near Mechanicsburg. He also owned a comfortable home in the city on East Main street, where his widow and daughter still reside. Few men deserved to be more sincerely esteemed than did Solomon Wertz, for he passed through life doing his duty to God and man. He was a kind husband and devoted father, a good friend and helpful to the poor, a supporter of the church, and upholder of the laws.

Mr. Wertz was twice married. His first wife, Mary Lininger, of Silver Spring township, died leaving one daughter, Mary Ellen, who married Edward Witters, of Hampden township, this county. In 1857 Mr. Wertz married Susan Reed, of Perry county, daughter of John and Mary Reed. This union was blessed with one daughter, Dorothy M., who married John Wolford, of Harrisburg. Besides Mrs. Wertz, John and Mary Reed had children: Jacob, William and George, deceased; John, of Cumberland; and Mary and Elizabeth, deceased. Mrs. Wertz has two half-sisters, Rachel and Sarah.

Mr. Wertz was a Republican in politics, and always took an interest in the success of his party. He was a prominent member of the German Baptist Brethren Church. Mrs. Wertz and daughter, Dorothy M., are well known and most highly esteemed in Mechanicsburg. They take a great deal of interest in church work, being valued members of the United Brethren Church in this city.