WILLIAM L. WERTS
William L. Werts, a representative of a well known
pioneer family of Lucas county, owns a fine farm of one
hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Cedar township,
besides valuable residence property in Russell, where he makes
his home. He is
connected with business affairs in the city as manager of the
cream, egg and poultry station, and has proved farsighted,
capable and reliable in carrying forward his interests. He was born in
Muskingum county, Ohio, February 4, 1860, and is a son of J.
H. and Sophia (Imes) Werts, the former born in Muskingum
county and the latter in Zanesville. In pioneer times the parents came down
the Ohio river as far as Cairo, Illinois, and journeyed thence
to Eddyville by rail. They
then came overland to Cedar township, this county, arriving in
this section of the state when it was an open prairie and
Russell had not yet been incorporated. The father was a
cabinet maker by trade and followed this occupation during all
of his active life. He
is now living retired in Russell, having survived his wife for
some years. In
this family were nine children, eight of whom are still
living, as follows: Mrs.
Eliza Evans, who resides in Washington township; William L.,
of this review; Mrs. Ada Drake, a resident of Cedar township;
A. J., who makes his home in Springfield, Illinois; Mrs.
Tillie Johnson, of Cedar township; George and Asa, twins, who
live upon the home farm; and Leila, who resides with her
father in Russell.
William L. Werts was still a child when he journeyed
from Muskingum county to Lucas county with his parents. He acquired his
education in the public schools of this locality and resided
upon the homestead until he was twenty-two years of age. He then entered the
employ of E. J. Hatcher, a general merchant in Russell, with
whom he remained for twenty-one years, eight months and
twenty-one days, becoming during that time one of the most
trusted and reliable men connected with the concern. After the death of
Mr. Hatcher, Mr. Werts continued for a year and a half in the
employ of Mr. Wiltsey, who became the owner of the store. Mr. Werts also
discharged his duties as administrator of the estate of Mr.
Hatcher with credit to himself and satisfaction to all
concerned. He
then turned his attention to farming, operating one hundred
and twenty acres of choice land on section 16, Cedar township. He still owns this
property although he has since returned to Russell, where he
is now manager of a cream, egg and poultry station. He owns also two
residence properties in the city and his affairs are capably
managed, bringing him substantial and gratifying success.
In April, 1885, Mr. Werts married Miss Cora E. Allen,
who was born in Cedar township, this county, and who grew to
womanhood here. Her
parents, Elijah and Mary J. (Kertz) Allen, were among the
early settlers in this part of Iowa and both died in Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Werts
have become the parents of four children, three of whom are
still living: Mrs.
Elva Hancock, who resides in Montana; Hazel, who is married
and lives in Russell; and Arthur H., who resides with his
parents. The
daughters attended common school of this locality and both had
two seasons of summer school at Des Moines. They afterward
engaged in teaching until their marriage.
Mr. Werts is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has been a member of the town council and of the board of education and is interested in public affairs, doing all in his power to promote general progress. He is respected and esteemed in business circles for his ability and integrity of character while his genuine personal worth has gained him the warm regard and confidence of many friends.