JOSEPH UTZ. We are pleased to mention, among the enterprising farmers and prominent workers in every good cause, the name which we have given at the head of this paragraph. The excellent farm and pleasant home of Mr. Utz is an object of interest to every one who passes along the highway near its location, and those who know the man best most truly respect and esteem him.
Daniel Utz, the father of our subject, was born near Little York, Pa., and his mother, Magdalena Mumard, was a native of York County, Pa., and died in her native State in Cumberland County, while her husband's last days were spent in Montgomery County, Ohio. Five of their children grew to years of maturity, and the one of whom we write was next to the eldest, being born in York County, Pa., August 19, 1828. His early education and training were received in his native home upon his father's farm, and when quite a young man he accompanied that parent to Maryland, and lived there for some four years.
In Carroll County, Md., the young man found his bride in the person of Miss Elizabeth Sharer, daughter of William and Margaret (Rimbey) Sharer, both natives of that State. Mr. Sharer died in Maryland and his widow afterward came to Illinois and made her home in Morgan County until her death. Their daughter Elizabeth was the youngest in a family of three and was born in Carroll County, Md., December 23, 1879.
Soon after their marriage which was celebrated January 9, 1851, the young couple came to Montgomery County, Ohio, and thence to Darke County, the same State, and in the fall of 1865 journeyed still farther West, and coming to the Empire State, made their home for one year in Morgan County, after which they came to this county and settled in North Otter Township, which became their permanent home. To them were born ten children, namely: Ellen, who rew to a beautiful young womanhood, and died at the age of twenty-three; Mary, who is now the wife of William Hockvietner; George W.; Ann C. the wife of James M. Nead; Hattie, who married Charles Crump; Nora, who is Mrs. William McGinnis; Talitha the wife of Melvin Reafsnyder; Tabitha, who married Albin Driver; Franceanna and Edward E.
Agricultural pursuits have always claimed his entire attention and efforts of Mr. Utz, and in this work he has been successful and prosperous. Upon his farm of seventy-two acres of rich and fertile soil he has erected a pleasant and commodious new home and has outbuildings, which accommodate well the work of the farm. He has been an incumbent of the office of School Director, and in that has been thoroughly satisfactory. Both he and his capable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and in this connection he has filled the offices of Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee. He ever takes a great interest in religious affairs, and his well-known reputation for reliability and thoroughness as well as his devotion to the cause of Christianity have made him a power in church circles.