JOHN B. MARTZ, farmer, P. O. New Riegel, was born in Belgium, August 31, 1826, son of Henry and Margaret Martz, also natives of Belgium, where they were married and remained until 1846, at which time they embarked for America, coming direct to Big Spring Township, this county, and here resided the residue of their days. Our subject resided here with his father until February 10, 1852, in which year he went to California, working in the gold mountains for two years; after that time he returned to Big Spring Township, Seneca County, and was united in marriage, January 31, 1856, with Elizabeth Martz born in Belgium, July 22, 1834, daughter of Michael and Kate Martz (both deceased). To our subject and wife were born nine children, five now living: Margaret, wife of Jacob Fetzer; Susan, wife of John Wagner; Nicholas, Catharine and Mary; and four deceased; Henry, John, Elizabeth and Michael. Mr. Martz owns eighty acres of fine land where he and his family reside. The family are members of the Catholic Church of St. Boniface.


Trancribed by Bonnie Walsh.
WARNER, BEERS & CO., 1886
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, Part IV, p.725
BIG SPRING TOWNSHIP