Among the names of well known men who are connected with big business enterprises is that of William Shults of Canajoharie, who for a period of years has been in the employ of the Beech-Nut Packing Company of that place. He was born December 10, 1857, in Ephratah, New York, his parents being John H. and Jane (Getman) Shults. John H. Shults was born in Ephratah and died in Canajoharie. He was well known throughout his home section, having followed the business of a blacksmith for many years. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Philip and Nancy (Mellon) Shults. Jane (Getman) Shults, mother of William Shults, was born in Ephratah, the daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Van Antwerp) Getman. Benjamin Getman was born in Ephratah and died in that place. His occupation was farming. Margaret (Van Antwerp) Getman was born in Stone Arabia and died there. The Getman family had a remarkable war record, Benjamin Getman being one of twelve brothers who served in the War of 1812. They were the sons of Ensign George and Polly (Gray) Getman. Ensign George Getman saw service also in the war of the Revolution and was cited for bravery.
William Shults was educated in the public and Canajoharie high school, then went to work with his father in the blacksmith shop until he became of age. He then followed his trade for a number of years. Subsequently he became associated with the Beech-Nut Packing Company, where he is at present in the shipping department.
On December 25, 1883, in Canajoharie, New York, William Shults was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Lynch, daughter of Terence and Mary (Smith) Lynch. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 19, 1859, and is now living in Canajoharie, aged sixty-five years. Terence Lynch was born in Ireland and died in Canajoharie, November 9, 1905. His wife was also born in Ireland and died in September, 1896.
Two children, a daughter and a son, were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Shults: Mary Irene was born in Canajoharie on June 12, 1892, was educated in the public and high school of her home town and graduated from the high school in the class of 1909. Following her graduation she became associated with the Beech-Nut Packing Company in the accounting department and held the position for eight years. On November 17, 1917, at Canajoharie, she was united in marriage to George H. Hambrecht, Jr., son of George H., Sr., and Mary (Tiergarten) Hambrecht of Canajoharie. George H. Hambrecht, Jr., was educated in the Canajoharie high school, then was associated with his father in the cabinetmaking business until he was married, when he became associated with the Beech-Nut Company in the shipping department and still holds that position. Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hambrecht, Jr., have one child, Mary Katherine, born September 24, 1918, at Canajoharie; Philip Chester Shults was born in Canajoharie, September 24, 1894, graduated from the Canajoharie high school in the class of 1911, and later entered the Clarkson College of Technology, from which he graduated in April 1917 with the degree of E. E. He served for two years on board the United States steamer Sacramento as chief electrician during the World war. This steamer acted as escort for merchantmen from Gibraltar to England, Upon receiving his honorable discharge from service he went back to college, where he did research work for the period of two months, when he had trouble with his upper left arm due to injury received in service, and was unable to do anything whatever for two years. He then went to New York city and became associated with Bogert & Pohl, consulting engineers, with whom he is still associated as engineer. On May 22, 1922, he was married to Miss Ruth Ester Smalley of Carmel, New York, the ceremony taking place at Montclair, New Jersey, where she was teaching music in a private school. She is a graduate of Crane's School of Music of Potsdam, New York.
William Shults was a member of the Royal Arcanum while the lodge was in existence in Canajoharie. He takes an interest in politics and identified himself with the democratic party. He is fond of reading, which is his chief diversion.