A H Mertz

MERTZ

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/12/2009 at 12:25:41

A H Mertz, For a long period A H Mertz as a factor in business circles in Ogden and the years of his activity, accompanied with careful management and unremitting diligence, brought to him the prosperity which now enables him to live a retired life. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania October 11, 1837, a son of Abraham Mertz who always lived in Berks county. He was a shoemaker by trade and also followed the occupation of farming. He reached an advanced age, passing away in April 1882.
Mr Mertz, of this review continued to make his home in the Keystone state until thirty years of age, when he left the parental roof an journeyed westward, taking up his abode in Jones county, Iowa. He had acquired a good common school education and received ample training at farm work, early becoming familiar with all the tasks that devolve upon the agriculturist. For three years he was connected with farming interests in Jones county, and then came to Boone county in 1870. Here he began farming in Amaqua township and upon the land which he purchased he continued the work of cultivation and improvement until the fall of 1874, when he removed to Ogden and established a meat market, carrying on business along that line for eight years. O the expiration of that period he sold out and went to Glidden, Iowa where he conducted a meat market for four years, but when that period had elapsed he once more came to Ogden and again began business in the same line in this place. Later he purchased and conducted a meat market in Fraser, this county, and was identified with commercial pursuits there for five years and two months. He then returned to Ogden and has since lived retired in this place, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
Mr Mertz was married in 1860, the lady of his choice being Miss Susanna High, also a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania. She died December 24, 1881. In the family were five children: Orlando, now deceased, Catherine, the wife of Henry Worseck, who is engaged in the hardware business in Ogden, Irwin who is living in Indian Territory, Mary M , whose home is in Des Moines, Iowa and Ezra F.
As Mr Mertz prospered in his business undertakings he made judicious investments in land, and in addition to his property in Ogden he now owns land in both Minnesota and Dakota. He has never been an office seeker and has always refused to serve in positions of public trust, save when he was once a member of the city board. He usually votes with the Republican party, but does not consider himself bound by party ties and supports the man whom he regards as the best candidate for the office without regard to political affiliation. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ogden and to the Methodist Episcopal church of this place. Thirty-two years have passed since he came to Boone county and during that period he has witnessed its improvement and progress, taking an active interest I all measures tending to advance the general good. His business affairs have been carefully, systematically and faithfully conducted, and today he enjoys in a high measure the confidence and regard of his fellow men.

1902 Boone County History Book