(1866-1960), cheesemaker and cheese factory proprietor. (William O. Wert, W. O. Wert, known as “W. O.”) Born in the 6th Concession of Osnabruck Township, Stormont County, or at Wales, Ont.– locations just far enough apart to make it uncertain whether they are meant as the same place. Parents: William Wert (1835-1923) and his first wife Barbara Ann Warner (1838-1869). As a young man, he made cheese in GC at Laggan (1884 and 1885), Greenfield, Dominionville and St. Elmo. For some six years he was employed by D. M. Macpherson the Cheese King. In 1920 Wert was living at Avonmore, Stormont County, and was the proprietor of a “string” of cheese factories in Osnabruck, Roxborough and Cornwall townships which operated under the name of the Circle Combination. At this time, he was described as having been in the cheese business about 30 years, and as being known as the Cheese King in the area of his factories. At this time, too, he was a representative of the Montreal exporting firm of Hodgson Bros. and Rowson. By 1937 he was a “prominent Avonmore cheese buyer” but seems to have ceased to operate the Circle Combination. If an elderly man’s recollections of him were correct, Wert was also, at some unspecified stage in his life, an undertaker. Methodist; later, United Church. He was married to Agnes Bush (1865-1929). (four children) He died in Ottawa, and is buried at Paul’s Hill Cemetery, Avonmore.

Stiles 263 (QF-1) (with striking portrait) * article on him, Standard Freeholder 26 July 1937 (portrait) * Worrall 44 * private information * gravestone * Rutley: index