George Berz (politician)

George Berz (March 17, 1844 – February 28, 1920) was a German-American businessman and Republican politician in Chicago.

George Berz
Coroner of Cook County
In office
1896–1900
Preceded byJames McHale
Succeeded byJohn E. Traeger
Personal details
BornMarch 17, 1844
German Confederation
DiedFebruary 28, 1920
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Political partyRepublican
Military service
AllegianceUnited States of America
Branch/serviceUnion Army
Years of service1861–1862
Rank Sergeant
Unit1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Biography

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Berz was born in Germany in 1844 and immigrated with his family to Louisville, Kentucky when he was a child. He enlisted in the Union Army in the American Civil War and was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Following his discharge, he went to Chicago and thereafter operated a hotel on the West Side. A Republican, Berz was appointed Postmaster of the West Division post office by President Benjamin Harrison, an office he held until his appointment as Deputy Sheriff of Cook County. He was elected Coroner of Cook County in 1896 and held office until 1900.[1] He died in 1920 in Chicago.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Wood, David Ward (1895). History of the Republican Party and Biographies of Its Supporters: Illinois volume. Lincoln Engraving & Publishing Company. p. 200.
  2. ^ "Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1871-1998," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MW-2LRT : 8 March 2018), George Berz, 27 Feb 1920; citing Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States, source reference 9494, record number , Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm 1,309,233.