George M. Betz, Clarion, was born November 4, 1845, in Clarion Township, south of Perkins Grove. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fauble) Betz (see preceding sketch).
Mr. Betz was reared here and has been engaged in farming and stock raising, which latter he follows mainly. On his farm of 311 acres he raises shorthorn and Jersey cattle, Clydesdale horses (of which two are imported), Jersey Reds and Poland-China hogs, and also a drove of 300 head of pure bred “Cots wool” sheep, which are renowned for their wool as well as their mutton. Mr. Betz is a firm believer that it pays to raise different kinds of stock on a farm, and his excellent success proves the soundness of his theory. He pays, however, the most attention to the raising of short-horns, having a heard of 100 head of thoroughbred cattle.
Mr. Betz was joined in matrimony July 13, 1871, in Mendota, Ill., to Ann M. Elby, who was born July 13, 1851, in Mendota Township, LaSalle Co., Ill., of which place her parents, Moses and Sarah (Haek) Eby, were pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Betz six children were born: Sarah I., Lizzie E., William A., George M., Eddie E., and an infant son. Mr. Betz is a firm supporter of the Republican party, and of every enterprise which will be a benefit to the community wherein he resides.
Source: History of Bureau County, Illinois, H. C. Bradsby, Editor. World Publishing Company Chicago 1885