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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of George B. HETRICK 

Transcribed in full by Max Latimer. 

[Surnames: BELLMAN, ETTER, HETRICK, JACOBI, MOORE, POLLINGER, SMITH, STONER, TRUAX] 

    
George B. Hetrick, proprietor of the Transfer Line at Canton, is a man who has always met with success in worldly affairs, and one who ranks high in commercial circles. Being an old settler in this county he is well known, and that he is highly respected it needs but a mention of his name to prove. Fortune having smiled upon his efforts, he is numbered among the wealthy citizens of the place, having a good business and owning a fine residence, where he and his family enjoy all the comforts that heart can desire and money purchase. 
    
William Hetrick, the great-grandfather of our subject, was the founder of the family in America, coming to this country when quite a young man and settling in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer by occupation and continued to make his home in the Keystone State. The next in the direct line of descent was Robert Hetrick, who was born in Pennsylvania, lived in Virginia for some years, but returned to his native state to die. He married a Miss Smith and to them were born three children, the youngest of whom was the father of our subject. Upon him the name of Robert was bestowed. After reaching manhood he married Catherine Bellman, daughter of George and Mary Bellman, whose ancestors came from Germany many years ago. She was born about a mile from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 
    
Robert Hetrick pursued the calling of a farmer, and for years served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Constable, and was also Sheriff of Cumberland County for some time. He was a well educated man, much interested in the progress of civilization, and his home was a great resort for ministers of the German Baptist, Methodist Episcopal and other denominations. To himself and his good wife ten children were born of whom those now deceased are: Caroline, Eliza Jane, Kate, Caroline 2d, Mary Ellen and Jennie. The living are: John, now a stock raiser and farmer in Linn Co, Mo.; Ann, wife of Agusta Stoner, a boot and shoe dealer in Harrisburg, Pa.; the subject of our sketch and Mary Ellen, wife of William Jacobi, a machinist of Harrisburg. 
    
The birth of George B. Hetrick occurred in Cumberland County, Pa., near Harrisburg, January 29, 1827. He passed his youth in his native State, starting for himself in the business world at the early age of fourteen, and working for his uncle, George Bellman, at stage-driving and teaming. In a short time he saved enough money to purchase a team of his own, and drove a stage in Pittsburg, and later in Northumberland. In 1852 he came West, and for several years made his home in Rushville, this State, still earning his living by teaming. In company with his brother he took contracts for carrying the mail, one route being between Burlington, Iowa, and Springfield, Ill., another from Rushville to Jacksonville, and the contracts covering five routes. 
    
Selling out his contracts Mr. Hetrick returned to his former occupation for a time, then began farming near Huntsville, Schuyler County, where he resided for two years. In the fall of 1860 he came to Canton, where he has continued to make his home. Immediately after locating here he took a contract to carry the mail between Elmwood and Livingston, but after faithfully discharging the duties of carrier for two years, sold out and returned to his favorite occupation, teaming. He was the first to haul goods from the depot to the merchants and now has four teams and some very fine wagons, his entire outfit being kept up in first-class style. In 1848 Mr. Hetrick was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Pollinger, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., and a friend and schoolmate of his early years. She is a daughter of George and Matilda (Etter) Polliger, natives of the Keystone State. She is a woman of fine character and has been a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church since her early childhood. She has borne her husband ten children, of whom the living are: Robert, a commercial traveler who makes his home in Canton, Kate, wife of R. M. Truax, of Morgan Park, Chicago; William, a resident of Canton; Anna and Grace, who are with their parents; Jessie, wife of John Moore, of Buckheart Township, this county. The deceased are: Ellen, George, James and Dot. Mr. Hetrick and his family are regular attendants at the Prebyterian Church, and although none but his wife hold membership, all aid in various phases of church work and are classed among the moral members of society.