Hertlein, George

LAUBENDER, WENKHEIMER, SCHELDAHL, BAUMGARTNER, KLEMM, DANIELS

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/10/2009 at 18:52:32

George Hertlein, who died in Waverly, July 24, 1907, was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 30, 1849. He attended school in his native country and there learned the baker's trade, which he afterward followed for several years. He served the regular term in the German army and afterward attended a theological seminary, where he prepared himself for the Lutheran ministry. Following the completion of his studies he came to America and entered upon his ministerial duties in Iowa City, remaining there for about seven years. At the end of that time he moved to Cullom, Illinois, where he had charge of a church for three years, after which he was obliged to resign on account of failing health. He turned his attention to the dry-goods business and retained this connection for about thirteen years thereafter, building up a large and representative patronage and becoming well-known as a prosperous and successful business man. From Cullom he went to Marquette, Wisconsin, and there again entered the ministry. At the end of one year he returned to Cullom, Illinois and came thence to Waverly, where he became connected as proofreader with the Wartburg Printing Company, continuing thus until his death. He was treasurer of the Iowa Lutheran synod and active in the advancement of the Lutheran religion, exemplifying in his honorable and upright life the doctrines and principles in which he believed.

In Iowa City, in November, 1878, Mr. Hertlein married Miss Mary Laubender, who was born in Ohio, September 27, 1857, a daughter of Michael and Mary (Wenkheimer) Laubender, natives of Germany. The father came to America when he was a young man and settled in Ohio, where he followed the stone mason's trade until his death, which occurred in 1866. His wife survived him many years, making her home in Ohio until she died at the age of seventy-eight years. Ten children were born to their union, of whom Mrs. Hertlein is the eighth in the order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Hertlein became the parents of ten children: Sophia, who was born September 15, 1879, and who is now the wife of Professor Scheldahl, of Waverly; Emma Pauline, who was born April 15, 1881, and who married John Baumgartner, a minister in Fort Collins, Colorado; Matilda S., who was born September 24, 1882, and resides in Milwaukee; Marie Martha, who was born March 12, 1884 and who married Rev. Klemm, of Stover, Missouri; Amelia L, whose birth occurred March 20, 1886, and who married Grover Daniels, a hardware merchant of Streator, Illinois; Anna, who was born December 17, 1887, and who died August 1, 1888, Wilhelm, who was born August 11, 1890, and died six days later; George, who was born November 15, 1891, and who is engaged in the shoe business in Waverly; Ruth, whose birth occurred September 18, 1893, and who is now a student in normal school at Cedar Falls; and Lawrence, born February 5, 1898. Mrs. Hertlein survives her husband and makes her home in Waverly, where she has an extensive circle of friends.

Mr. Hertlein gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and, although he was never active as an office seeker, he served with credit and ability for seven years as postmaster of Sharon Center, Iowa. Whether in official, personal or business relations he was a man who held always to high and pure ideals, never deviating from the course which he considered right and just. He was held in high honor and respect in Waverly and his death was widely and deeply regretted.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914