John J. Kurtz

     John J. Kurtz was born on 14 October 1870 at Whetstone Township, Crawford County, Ohio.¹ He was the son of John George Kurz and Katherine Geibler.¹ John J. Kurtz married, at age 31, Sarah Matilda Scherer, age 33, daughter of Samuel Scherer and Elizabeth Haller, on Wednesday, 25 December 1901.¹
     John was fortunate being able submit a brief record of his family to 1912 for inclusion in the "editor, John E. Hopley" published in p. 703. The following account can be found on (an unknown value):

     JOHN J. KURTZ, one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock dealers of Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., owning thoroughbred stock and registered sheep, belongs to one of the old and substantial families of this section. He was born in Whetstone township, Oct. 14, 1870, and is a son of John George and Catherine (Gaibler) Kurtz. The parents of Mr. Kurtz were born in Germany and for a few years after coming to the United States, John George Kurtz lived in Pennsylvania and then came on to Crawford county, O., being then 11 years of age. He followed farming all his active life and was a highly respected man. John George Kurtz was married (first) to Catherine Sherer and they had two children, Jacob and Samuel, the latter being deceased. He married (second) Catherine Gaibler who was brought to Crawford county by her parents and still survives, making her home with a daughter, Mrs. S. F. Sherer. They had the following children: Isaac; Benjamin; Mary, wife of Simon F. Sherer; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. C. H. Senn; Laura, who is the wife of C. A. Koppe; and John J. The parents of the above family were members of the German Methodist church. John J. Kurtz attended the public schools. He has spent his entire life on the home farm, having an interest as an heir to the 200-acre tract, and is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Whetstone township. He is one of the leaders in the stock industry and makes a specialty of American Delaine sheep. In addition to farming the homestead he also manages 80 acres belonging to his wife. On Dec. 25, 1901, Mr. Kurtz was married to Miss Matilda Sherer, the only daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Haller) Sherer, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Sherer was a prominent man in Whetstone township and served for many years in public office. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz have one son, Harold, who was born June 7, 1903. They attend the German Methodist church. Nominally Mr. Kurtz is a Democrat but is somewhat independent in his political tendencies.¹