Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 249-250; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
George B. Hetrick, proprietor of the Transfer Line at Canton, is
a man who has always met with success in worldly affairs, and one who
ranks high in commercial circles. Being an old settler in this
county he is well known, and that he is highly respected it needs but a
mention of name to prove. Fortune having smiled upon his efforts,
he is numbered among the wealthy citizens of the place, having a good
business and owning a fine residence, where he and his family enjoy all
the comforts that heart can desire and money purchase.
William Hetrick, the great-grandfather of our subject, was the
founder of the family in America, coming to this country when quite a
young man and settling in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by
occupation and continued to make his home in the Keystone State.
The next in the direct line of descent was Robert Hetrick, who was born
in Pennsylvania, lived in Virginia for some years, but returned to his
native State to die. He married a Miss Smith, and to them were
born three children, the youngest of whom was the father of our
subject. Upon him the name of Robert was bestowed. After
reaching manhood he married Catherine Bellman, daughter of George and
Mary Bellman, whose ancestors came from Germany many years ago.
She was born about a mile from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Robert Hetrick pursued the calling of a farmer, and for years
served his fell-citizens in the capacity of Constable, and was also
Sheriff of Cumberland County for some time. He was a well
educated man, much interested in the progress of civilization, and his
home was a great resort for ministers of the German Baptist, Methodist
Episcopal and other denominations. To himself and his good wife
ten children were born, of whom those now deceased are: Caroline,
Eliza Jane, Kate, Caroline 2d, Mary Ellen and Jennie. The living
are: John, now a stock-raiser and farmer in Linn County, Mo.;
Ann, wife of Augustus Stoner, a boot and shoe dealer in Harrisburg,
Pa.; the subject of our sketch, and Mary Ellen, wife of William Jacobi,
a machinist of Harrisburg.
The birth of George B. Hetrick occurred in Cumberland County,
Pa., near Harrisburg, January 29, 1827. He passed his youth in
his native State, starting for himself in the business world at the
early age of fourteen, and working for his uncle, George Bellman, at
stage- driving and teaming. In a short time he saved enough money
to purchase a team of his own, and drove a stage in Pittsburg, and
later in Northumberland. In 1852 he came West, and for several
years made his home in Rushville, this State, still earning his living
by teaming. In company with his brother he took contracts for
carrying the mail, one route being between Burlington, Iowa, and
Springfield, Ill., another from Rushville to Jacksonville, and the
contracts covering five routes.
Selling out his mail contracts to Mr. Hetrick returned to his
former occupation for a time, then began farming near Huntsville,
Schuyler County, where he resided two years. In the fall of 1860
he came to Canton, where he has continued to make his home.
Immediately after locating here he took a contract to carry the mail
between Elmwood and Livingston, but after faithfully discharging the
duties of a carrier two years, sold out and returned to his favorite
occupation, teaming. He was the first to haul goods from the
depot to the merchants and now has four teams and some very fine
wagons, his entire outfit being kept up in first-class style.
There is scarcely an hour in the day when at least three of his teams
are not in use.
In 1848 Mr. Hetrick was united in marriage with Miss Amanda
Pollinger, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., and a friend and
schoolmate of his early years. She is a daughter of George and
Matilda (Etter) Pollinger, natives of the Keystone State. She is
a woman of fine character and has been a devoted member of the
Presbyterian Church since her early girlhood. She has borne her
husband ten children, of whom the living are: Robert, a
commercial traveler who makes his home in Canton; Kate, wife of R. M.
Truax, of Morgan Park, Chicago; William, a resident of Canton; Anna and
Grace, who are with their parents; Jessie, wife of John Moore, of
Buckheart Township, this county. The deceased are: Ellen,
George, James and Dot. Mr. Hetrick and his family are regular
attends at the Presbyterian Church, and although none but his wife hold
membership, all aid in various phases of church work, and are classed
among the moral members of society.
