Biography of George W. Burtzner, pages 773/774. History of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914. George W. Burtzner The biographies of successful men are instructive and guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The gentleman whose life history is herewith briefly set forth is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the spheres to which his talents and energies have been devoted. The subject, who is the present efficient and capable township trustee of Butler township, is known by his neighbors and friends as a citizen of high rank, a public-spirited man who has ever manifested a willingness to serve his fellow men. George W. Burtzner was born March 9, 1859, in Butler township, DeKalb county, Indiana, the son of John and Anna (Lung) Burtzner, the father a native of Germany, and the mother of Ohio. John Burtzner was one of the pioneers of DeKalb county and was a man highly respected by the early settlers. To this worthy couple were born three children: Mrs. Ellen E. Rinehold lives in Jackson township; Susanna, deceased, and the subject. John Butzner died on November 16, 1860, at the age of thirty-nine years, and his widow afterward married Peter Fair, of Allen county, Indiana, who is deceased. Her death occurred on February 16, 1885. The subject attended the common schools typical of that period, devoting himself to the “three Rs” during the short winter terms and being of great assistance to his mother on the home farm when not thus engaged. On September 4, 1881, the subject of this review was married to Rachel A. Lyon, daughter of John N. and Sarah A. (Reynolds) Lyon. To John and Sarah Lyon were born seven children, namely: John R., Isaac, Mary J. and Ellen are deceased; William lives in Mentone, Indiana; James is deceased; Rachel A. The subject and wife have been blessed with the birth of two children: Cliff L., who lives on a farm in Ohio, and Mrs. Mary I. Mowry, who is living at the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Burtzner have eight grandchildren, namely: Oscar E., Lyndes S., Alma, John W. and Letha Mary Burtzner and Treva D., Kenneth E., and Iris L. Mowry. In 1908 the voters of Butler township selected Mr. Burtzner for the position of township trustee, which office he is still filling in a most capable and satisfactory manner. His administration of the affairs of this responsible post has been a matter of just pride to him and when his present term ends in 1914 he will have the enviable right to point to this record as one of economy, efficiency and businesslike management. Mr. Burtzner gives a loyal and active support to the Democratic party. At this time the subject is engaged in general farming on one hundred acres of very valuable and fertile land. His place is a model of all that goes to make up a modern farm. His fraternal spirit finds companionship in Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 191, of Auburn. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com