ZARTMAN FAMILY HISTORY

In it are four figures: 1. That of a youth in blue uniform. 2. That of a dolphin. 3. That of a raised sword. 4. That of a crown. 5. It has the colors of red, blue and gold.

ZARTMANN as a name is significant. The German word ZART means primarily tender; not weak, but in the sense of kind, considerate, compassionate, forgiving; and ZART secondarily means gentle. The original ZARTMANN may have been tender in the sense of kindly, merciful, and let us hope he was also truly a gentleman in character and demeanor. The name is German or perhaps Austrian in origin, and so ends with a double n, or with a line over the n as ZARTMAN.

When our ancestor in 1728 in Philadelphia took the oath of allegiance toKing George the Second he signed his name in German as Alexander Zartmann. When he purchased 179 acres of land in Lancaster COunty, Pennsylvania, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn gave him a deed in which they wrote his name eight times in English as Zartman.

In the coat of arms is a dolphin, a mammal of the sea that is active, strong and swift. The ancients believed the dolphin had superior intelligence and was a benefactor of man. The dolphin is seen on very ancient coins and medals, and it is conspicuous on the coat of arms of the Princes of France. The dolpin in our coat of arms is Peron's and of satiny, silvery white; it is the symbol of the German medical profession; in connection with the name Zartman, meaning tender man or gentleman, probably the family name was derived from the deed, both of kindliness or mercy, or from the manly bearing of the individual.

The human figure, be it male or female, with the uplifted sword and armor indicates that the Zartmanns were warriors as well as "first aid" men. The crown at the base of the youth denotes that they were a brance of noble, royal blood, probably knighted for their deeds of mercy. The raised sword does not signify aggression, but defense, the readiness and willingness like Joan of Arc to use it, if necessary.

The profusion of gold in the coat of arms also indicates the idea of knighthood, as does the red color. The blue which is so prominent betokens mildness of manner, and kindliness of spirit.

In a recent letter Josef Zartmann, of Neckarsulm, Germany, write of the traits of the Zartmanns as he knows them. I quote: "The Zartmanns were always hale and a strong people. Through their prudence and popularity they everywehre soon endeared themselves. They quickly accommodated themselves to circumstances, and through their mental versatility they were able tohelp themselves in all life sitautions. Those who took up trades and arts achieved great skill. The Zartmanns were always especially inclined toward labors of an artistic bent. many works testify to the highest artistic skill. In public life the Zartmanns always took an honored part. As representatives of the people they always made great sacrifices and were ever ready to devote themselves to the welfare of their fellowmen." He writes further -- "I have noted that throughout hundreds of years the character, nature, and even outward expression of the Zartmans have clearly maintained themselves."