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HERTEL, GEORGE, for the past twenty-six years a miner in the vicinity of Springfield, was born in that city, June 25, 1850, a son of Matthies and Mary E. (Lee) Hertel, the father born in Prussia, February 27, 1809, and the mother in Kentucky, in 1826. Matthies Hertel was a shoemaker by trade and emigrated to the United States in 1847, locating first in St. Louis, Mo. In 1858 he moved to Springfield, and later moved to Buffalo, Ill., where he died. His wife's parents were natives of Kentucky and came to Springfield, where both died.
George Hertel received his education in Springfield and spent his childhood in that city. After leaving school he learned the trade of shoemaker with his father, and followed same about fifteen years. In 1884 he moved to Missouri and worked about a year on a railroad, then returned to Springfield, where he has lived since. Two of his brothers enlisted from Sangamon County in 1862, in Company E, One Hundred Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, under colonel Shoup, and served three years, being mustered out in 1865. Both were farmers and are now deceased, one passing away in Springfield, the other in Arkansas.
In political views Mr. Hertel has always been a strong Republican and has been active in local affairs. He served from 1874 until 1877 as Constable of Buffalo, Ill. He does not feel bound by party lines in local affairs, but votes for the men and measures he believes will best serve the public good. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the M.W.A. and the U.M.W. of A. Several years ago he turned his attention toward mining and has been successful in this line, winning the confidence and respect of all who have had dealings with him. He has a large grown-up family and is well known in Springfield.
Mr. Hertel was married in Springfield, July 17, 1881, to Elizabeth Teal, who was born in Dawson, Ill., May 17, 1864, daughter of Samuel and Hanna (Matheney) Teal, natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1814 and the latter in 1808. They were early settlers of Dawson, where they lived on a farm, and died there. Four sons and three daughters were born to Mr. Hertel and his wife, all of whom survive, namely: George, born at Buffalo, August 2, 1882, lives at home with his parents; Archie, born at Buffalo, October 25, 1883, lives at home, married Alice collins and they have one child; Charles, born at Riverton, April 19, 1885, lives at home; Etta, born in Springfield, March 12, 1887, married Felix Ameche, of Kenosha, Wis., now serving as Deputy Sheriff, and they have two children; Sarah, born in Barclay, November 19, 1889, lives with her parents; William, born at Barclay, April 9, 1892, at home; Gladys, born in Springfield, May 16, 1895, at home.