WALTZ, George B. - 1890 Bio (1844-1918)

WALTZ, PALMER, FOWLER, GEORGE, HOUTZ

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/3/2007 at 11:25:49

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 485-486

George B. WALTZ, one of Fairfield's esteemed citizens, was born in Memphis, Tenn., December 5, 1844. His father, Job WALTZ, was a native of Pennsylvania, and after his marriage to Mary PALMER, located in Memphis, where he was engaged in hotel keeping until his death, in 1848. He was taken away in the prime of life, being only about thirty-nine years of age. Afterward his widow married Charles FOWLER, with whom she emigraged to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1850. She died in Columbus City, at the age of thirty-nine. By her first marriage she had two sons -- George B. of this sketch; and Henry C. who served nearly three years in Company A., of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and since the war has been steamboat engineer on the Mississippi River. By her second husband there is one living child.

George B. WALTZ, being the eldest of the family, early had to begin making his way in the world and with no capital save a determination to succeed and a young man's bright hope of the future, he started out in life for himself. Until the breaking out of the war he worked among the farmers in the vicinity of his home, but when the first company was raised in Muscatine County, filled with patriotic impulses and a fervent desire to aid in the suppression of the Rebellion, he volunteered his services, but as he was not quite up to the standard height, being then but a boy, he was rejected. As each successive company was raised he tried to enter its ranks but every attempt was unsucessful (sic) until August 26, 1862, when he donned the blue as a member of Company C., Eleventh Iowa Infantry. He served as snare drummer until receiving his discharge and his entire service was under the master generals, Grant and Sherman. After the capture of Vicksburg, his command was stationed at that place to do post duty. A veteran furlough was given and they were then transferred to the army of the Cumberland, assisting in the capture of Atlanta and then participating in the famous march to the sea. When Fort McAllister was being beseiged by Sherman, a part of his forces was cut off by a large swamp and to go around this required a march of some twenty miles. Across it, a dam was thrown up but the rebel guns were planted so as to sweep it. However, some fifteen miles would be saved and speedy assistance given to the besiegers (sic) if they could but bear up under the iron hail of the rebel guns. It was determined to make the test and Mr. WALTZ's company was the first to run that terrible gauntlet. Going on to Washington, the notes of his drum were there heard in the Grand Review, after which he received his discharge, after having faithfully served his country for three years.

Returning to Muscatine, Mr. WALTZ learned the plasterer's trade which he has since made his business. In that city, on the 28th of May, 1867, he married Charlotte I. GEORGE, who was born in Ohio, December 15, 1848, and when two years old was brought by her parents, Wesley and Sarah (HOUTZ) GEORGE, to Muscatine, Iowa. Her father died in Louisa County, Iowa, in June 1890, at the age of seventy-five years, his wife who is still living in that county, has reached the age of sixty-nine years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. WALTZ were born two children -- Harry W. who died at the age of two years; and S. Minnie.

The year 1868 witnessed the arrival of Mr. WALTZ in Fairfield, where he has since made his home. He has always taken an active part in political affairs and is a stalwart supporter of Republican principles. In the county convention of 1888, his name was considered in connection with the office of Recorder of Deeds; he failed of nomination but defeat did not sour him or cause him to aid the opposition. Again in 1890, he was brought forward for the same position and came out triumphant. As he had always been a prompt, honorable and conscientious man in his own business affairs, it need not be feared that he will neglect those of the people.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.