Edward H. Hertzer

Edward H. Hertzer

EDWARD H. HERTZER, farmer, section 34, Goodwell Township, is a Prussian in nationality, being born in the province of Saxony, Feb. 26, 1836. His parents, John Godfrey and Caroline (Hall) Hertzer, were both natives of Saxony.

When he was 15 years of age Mr. Hertzer came to the United States, landing at the port of New York and residing five months on Long Island. He proceeded at the end of that time to Pennsylvania, and two years later returned to the Empire State, locating in Erie County, about one mile east of the city of BUffalo. Eight months afterward he came to Livingston Co., Mich., where he resided until 1872, in which year he setttled on section 34, Big Prairie, (now Goodwell) Township. He entered a claim under the Homestead Act, of 120 acres of land, all in a state of nature, and within six years placed 75 acres in first-class agricultural condition, with good buildings and other creditable improvements. He is a cooper by trade and naturally apt in the use of tools. He is a Protestant in religious belief and practically neutral in political proclivities.

Mr. Hertzer was married in Livingston Co., Mich., in August, 1863, to Barbara Thumser. She was born in Gemany, March 22, 1836, and was the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine Thumser, both Germans by nativity. Of six children born of this marriage five are living. Following are the names of all: Hannah, Edward, John, Charlie, Emma, Louie. The mother died April 25, 1874, leaving her six children, the oldest of whol was 14 years old and the youngest eight months. The eldest daughter has been deceased, inflicting another irreparable loss.

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