Rudolph A. Goerz, secretary and treasurer of the Newton Milling & Elevator Company, is a native son of Kansas, and was born in Halstead, Harvey county, Oct. 17, 1876, son of Rev. David and Helen (Riesen) Goerz (see sketch of Rev. David Goerz). Rudolph A. Goerz secured his early educational discipline in the public schools of Harvey county and was graduated at the Halstead Seminary with the class of 1892. He then completed a course in the Wichita Commercial College, and later was employed as assistant to the district court reporter at Wichita. In 1896 he entered the employ of the Newton Milling & Elevator Company, of which his father is vice-president, as stenographer. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude for the milling business and his promotion was rapid. He was elected secretary and treasurer of the company in 1900, and has since served in that capacity. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he has served one term as a member of the Newton city council, being elected in 1909. He is vice-president of the board of trustees of Bethel College, of which his father was the founder, and is a member of the board of managers of Bethel Hospital.

Mr. Goerz was married, Dec. 30, 1900, to Miss Martha Krehbiel, daughter of the late Rev. Christian Krehbiel, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1873, first locating in Summerfield, Ill., and, in 1875, removing to Halstead, Harvey county, Kansas. He was for many years immigration agent for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, and was an important factor in the colonization of central Kansas. He was ordained a minister of the Mennonite church and was a man of great influence in Harvey county. As is usual with clergymen of his faith, he had, in addition to his ministry, other interests. He was a successful farmer and accumulated a comfortable fortune. He died in March, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Goerz are the parents of a son, Harold, born March 3, 1902. Mrs. Goerz is a woman of culture and refinement and is influential in the activities of the Mennonite church, of which she and her husband are members. The family is prominent socially and their home affords generous hospitality to their many friends.