BORTZ      

MATHIAS S. BORTZ was at the time of his decease a well-to-do business man of South Whitehall Township, where his interests were centered.  He was very successful in his chosen life work, that of a miller, and was a fine representative of those who begin life without a cent and work their way to prosperity solely through their own efforts.  He was a native of this county, have been born in Macungie Township, December 17, 1848. 

            The parents of our subject, David and Polly Bortz, were old and respected residents of this county.  The former has passed away, but the mother is still living in this county and has passed her eightieth birthday.  Our subject spent the first seventeen years of his life on his father’s farm, and after acquiring a fair education learned the trade of a miller, which he followed during the remainder of his life.

            Our subject during the spring of 1878 rented what is now the Bortz Mill for three years, after which he purchased the plant and operated it on his own account until his decease.  He was married, October 17, 1877, to Miss Allabella C. Wenner, who was born in this county July 10, 1856, and was the daughter of Charles and Juty (Gaumer) Wenner, also natives of this county.  Her great-grandfather Wenner came from Germany to America and made his home in Lehigh County, where he spent the rest of his life.  Her father died December 27, 1877.  He reared a family of children, of whom six are living, namely:  Maria, the wife of Alfred Koch; Elmina, Mrs. Tilghman Stetler, Charles E.; Polly A., the widow of Henry Kuntz; Mrs. Bortz; and Melissa, the wife of William Richards.  Mr. Wenner was a member of the Lutheran Church, with which congregation the mother also worshiped.

            To our subject and his wife were born six children, viz.:  Alice P., Lizzie A., Herbert D., William C., Sadie E. S. and Annie M. S.  The Bortz Mill is well equipped for the purpose for which it is used, and does a good business in custom and merchant flour work.  It is run by water-power and gives constant employment to several men.  Mr. Bortz, the late proprietor, died April 4, 1893, well beloved by his fellow-townsmen.  He was a member of the Evangelical Church, in which he held an official position for many years.  He took a great interest in the growth and development of his section and was no unimportant factor in its progress.  He was a Republican in political belief, and devoted to the success of party principles.