Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Bortz, Captain Martin S.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


CAPTAIN MARTIN S. BORTZ, a prominent citizen and a 
prosperous agriculturalist of Cumberland Valley, Pa., who 
bravely earned his title by his service in the Civil War, 
was born in this township, November 1, 1839.  he is the son 
of George and Mary M. (Beegle) Bortz.
  George Bortz, the father of Captain Bortz, was born in 
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in 1812.  He was named for his 
uncle, his father's brother George who was a soldier in the 
War of 1812.  When a young man he located in Cumberland 
Valley township, where he has since resided, and is now one 
of its most venerable citizens.  After coming to Bedford 
County, George Bortz married mary Magdalena Beegle, who was 
born in this county in 1818.  For a full half-century this 
aged couple have trod life's pathway hand in hand, sharing 
together the joys and the inevitable sorrows that beset 
their way.  Of their children six are still living, as 
follows: Martin S., the subject of this sketch; Henrietta, 
wife of John Cessna, of Bedford, Pa.; Daniel, of Cumberland, 
Md.; Calvin, a resident of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; Rebecca, 
wife of William Shaffer, of Cumberland, Md.; and Mary, wife 
of Dr. C. P. Calhoun, of Altoona, Pa.
  Martin S. Bortz was reared and educated in Cumberland 
Valley, and with the exception of the time spent in the army 
has made this his home.  From his boyhood he has been 
familiar with agricultural labors, and when a young man he 
engaged in farming on his own account.  During the Civil 
War, however, giving up the ploughshare for the rifle and 
sword, he enlisted in August, 1862, in Company F, One 
Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
which became a part of the Sixth Corps, Third Division, 
Second Brigade.  He was mustered into service as Second 
Sergeant of the company, and was subsequently promoted 
through the grades of Orderly Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, 
and First Lieutenant to the rank of Captain, a capacity in 
which he served one year.  He saw much service in the field, 
and participated in many engagements, among those of more 
importance being the following battles: Brandy Station; 
Locust Grove; the Wilderness; Spottsylvania; Cold Harbor; 
Monocacy; Fisher's Hill; Cedar Creek, where he received a 
flesh wound in the hip; siege of Petersburg; and at Sailor's 
Creek.  After returning from the war, Captain Bortz took 
possession of his present farm in Cumberland Valley, and in 
the management of its one hundred and seventy-five acres he 
has met with much success.  He carries on general farming, 
and in addition makes somewhat of a specialty the raising of 
choice stock.  He has a very attractive home, located but 
one-half mile from the village of Centreville.
  He is actively identified with two fraternal 
organizations, being a member of the Cumerland Valley Lodge, 
I.O.O.F, of that place, and of P.O.S. of A.  he is likewise 
a member of the William Watson Post, No. 132, G.A.R., of 
Bedford, Pa.  In politics the Captain is a stanch 
Republican.  He has served one year as County Auditor of 
Bedford County, and has been a candidate for the position of 
County Sheriff.
  Captain Bortz married in November, 1866, Sarah Growden, of 
Cumberland Valley township, a daughter of the late Rev. John 
Growden.  They have five children, namely: William G., 
Frederick, Frank C., Walter G., and Lettie


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa