Herman Sturtz, general farmer, section 12, Montmorency Township, connected his fortunes with the development of Whiteside County, in December, 1855, when he became, by purchase, the proprietor of 30 acres of land, which formed the nucleus of further purchases, whereby he became the owner of 400 acres of land situated in Whiteside and Lee Counties. He has displayed his sense and judgment in the erection of exceptionally good buildings, ranking with the best in the county, his dwelling and barns having cost over $6,000. He keeps an average herd of 75 head of cattle, IS horses, and fattens about 100 hogs and from one to two car-loads of cattle annnally.
Mr. Sturtz was born Jan. 7, 1829, in Somerset Co., Pa., and is the oldest son and second child of John and Rebecca (Beal) Stnrtz. His parents were lifelong residents of the State of Pennsylvania. Their children were named Kate, Hiram, Herman, Margaret, Christine, Charles, Susan, Noah, Edward and Louisa.
Until he was 20 years of age, Mr. Sturtz was engaged in the acquisition of his education in the common schools and in farm labor. At that period he found hiniself with, the privilege of his own maintenance in his possession, and with an undisputed right to built his own fortune. He began the contest by farm work during the summer seasons and by teaching winters. He passed five years in this alternate method of operation and at the close of that time he came to Whiteside County, as stated.
In pplitical connection Mr. Sturtz is a Republican. He has officiated six years as Highway Commissioner, and in the spring of 1885 (current year), he was elected Supervisor of Montmorency. He is a member of the Sterling Lodge of Odd Fellows. As a leading agriculturist and a representative citizen of Whiteside County, we place the portrait of Mr. Sturlz in the galaxy of portraits of prominent and representative men of the county given in this album.
1885 Portrait and Biographical of Whiteside Co Pg 609
