My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM ELMER RUTZ, farmer and dairyman of North Middleton township, Cumberland county, is one of the thrifty, progressive and respected citizens of his locality. He is a native of the county, having been born July 27, 1855, on the Cave Hill Farm, near Carlisle, and is of German descent, his father and grandfather both having been born in Germany.

John Rutz, his father, for many years a prominent and respected citizen of North Middleton township, was born Feb. 13, 1827, and in 1851 came to this country from Germany, arriving March 3d. Locating in Cumberland county, Pa., he took a position as miller with William M. Henderson, in Carlisle, for whom he continued to work twenty years, and on leaving the mill he took up farming, settling upon the Cave Hill farm, where he passed the remainder of his days. Mr. Rutz was an energetic and intelligent man, and he served several terms as school director in his district. He married Susan Swanger, who was born Feb. 27, 1830, near Henderson’s mill, and whose mother was a sister of Governor Ritner, of Pennsylvania. To this union were born six children, Clara, William E., Anna, Lizzie, Harry and Ida. The members of this family all adhere to the faith of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Rutz passed away Oct. 11, 1890, on the Cave Hill farm where he had made his home for so many years.

William E. Rutz received all his education in the district schools, and meantime was thoroughly trained in all the duties of the farm. He remained with his father until he reached manhood, since when he has been engaged in farming on his own account, and he has met with uniform success. Of late he has also carried on dairying to some extent, and he has found that branch quite profitable. Mr. Rutz has been honorable and upright in all his dealings, and has justly gained the esteem of his associates, whether in business or private life. He holds membership in the First Lutheran Church of Carlisle.

In the winter of 1882 Mr. Rutz married Miss Mary Ann Stone, daughter of John and Mary A. (Shearer) Stone, the former of whom was born Dec. 11, 1826, in York County, Pa., came to Cumberland county about 1860, and died July 11, 1869. He was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Stone was born Dec. 1, 1824, and died May 29, 1884. Besides Mary Ann, Mrs. Rutz, they had six children, namely: Catherine E., Peter, Anna, John, Harriet and Sarah Jane. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rutz: Grace May, born Oct. 27, 1883, who married David W. Diller; Mary Almeda, born Sept. 11, 1885; William Millard, born Nov. 21, 1888; Sallie Jane, Nov. 7, 1891; Edward Leroy, Dec. 25, 1894; and Bessie Florence, Jan. 27, 1898. In political belief Mr. Rutz is a loyal supporter of the principles promulgated by the Democratic party.