Mertz, William K. MAGA © 2000-2014
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY ILLINOIS - 1915

Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.

Page 930

MERTZ, WILLIAM K. - Upon the stable bankers of any community largely rests the sound prosperity that attends the people, for as they, as financial guardians, conduct their institutions, so does the credit of their section appear to the outside world. Cass County is very fortunate in its financial magnates, for they are notably men of the highest probity, conservative in their methods, and wise in their management of the affairs placed in their experienced hands. One of these men deserving of more than special mention is William K. Mertz, cashier of the State Bank of Chandlerville. He was born at Beardstown, Ill., December 18, 1853, a son of John Henry and Louisa Elizabeth (Hardt) Mertz.

William K. Mertz was educated in the common schools of beardstown, and entered upon his business career as a clerk in a private bank owned by Barr Chandler & Co., of Chandlerville, in April, 1872. He remained with this concern and its successors until 1881, and then became a member of the banking firm of Petefish, Skiles and Mertz. In 1892, Mr. Mertz became its manager and the firm became Conover, Skiles & Mertz, thus continuing until 1903, when it was chartered as the State Bank of Chandlerville, with Mr. Mertz as cashier, which position he still retains. The State Bank of Chandlerville is in an excellent condition, its capital stock being $50,000, with a surplus and accrued earnings of $60,000, and deposits of $250,000. Mr. Mertz is a member of the board of trustees of Chandlerville, and has served as such for a number of years. The Elks and Knights of Pythias hold his membership. For some years he has belonged to the Congregational Church of Chandlerville, in which his influence and support are useful factors.

On June 24, 1880, Mr. Mertz was married at Beardstown, Ill., to Catherine A. Norton, and they have one son, William N., who was born April 27, 1881. No man stands higher in public esteem than Mr. Mertz, and his success in life is well merited for he has won it through close attention to business, honorable dealing and public-spirited actions.


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