William Hummell was a native of Heidelberg, Germany. He was a designer and builder of more than local reputation, and, among buildings of note, designed and erected the Architectural school at Heidelberg. His wife was born in Munheim, Germany, and the two families came to America in 1848. William and Barbara were married in Cleveland, and the result of their union was two sons and three daughters, viz: Mrs. Hoertz, Henry, George, Mrs. Katie Borone and Mrs. Lizzie Ellenbash, all residing in Cleveland, with the exception of Mrs. Hoertz---George, who is unmarried, still living with his mother. During the Civil war Mr. Hummel was connected with bridge constructing branch of the army, contracted disease while in the service, and died from its effects at the age of forty-nine years. His widow is well known and highly respected in Cleveland, and is in quite comfortable circumstances.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hoertz has been blessed with one son and one daughter, who are the especial care of their loving and indulgent parents, and who fully reciprocate in their exemplary lives. The elder child, William C., is a graduate of the city high school and of the Grand Rapids business college, and also a graduate in civil engineering, which he intends to follow as his life profession. The heart of the mother overflows with gratitude that her only son abstains from the use of liquors and narcotics, as well as the evil influence of dissolute companions. The younger child, Miss Elsie B., is a student in the city high school, has already attained an enviable standing with her classmates as a musician, and her parents contemplate for her a trip abroad, for instruction under some of the famous musicians of Europe.

Mr. Hoertz stands very high in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the thirty-second degree. He has made a Mason in Grand Rapids, holds membership in Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M.; Grand Rapids chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; Tyre council, No. 10, R. & S. M., and De Molai commandery, No. 5, K. T., and also belongs to Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic order, Nobles of the Mystic shrine. He and wife are members of Peninsula chapter, No. 33, O. E. S., and Mrs. Hoertz is also associated with a number of the fraternal insurance societies.

Previous to 1896 Mr. Hoertz was democratic in his political views, but allied himself with the party of sound money and protection at the last presidential election. While not fully in sympathy with the national administration on some of the history making features of the present day, he is nevertheless a republican, but leaves the affairs of state to those competent to deal with them and disposed to their manipulation, The family are Unitarians in their religious proclivities and none more highly esteemed in the city of Grand Rapids.