The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 210 GEORGE F. HEYDUCK. George F. Heyduck ranks with the leading fruit growers in the vicinity of Yakima and his life is illustrative of the fact that opportunity is open to all in the new world. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has steadily advanced and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He is today conducting important fruit raising interests upon an excellent property of thirty-nine acres in the vicinity of Yakima. He was born in Centralia, Illinois, March 23, 1866, a son of John G. and Caroline (Cretzmeyer) Heyduck. The mother passed away in 1887, but the father long survived and died in Illinois, July 24, 1918, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout the greater part of his active life, but in his later years he enjoyed a well-earned rest. When his school days were over, George F. Heyduck started out in the business world. In 1892 he became a railroad employee and working his way steadily upward in that connection, became an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad in 1897. He occupied that position until October, 1913, when he came to the Yakima valley. He had previously visited this section of the state, in 1908, and had invested in twenty acres of land, one-half of which was planted to fruit. He now has thirty-nine acres, of which twenty-seven acres is in fruit, while twelve acres is plow land and pasture land. He directs his interests wisely and systematically and has won a place among the foremost fruit growers of this section of the state. His orchards when in blossom are a scene of rare beauty that is only equaled when the fruit turns to gold and red upon the trees. He is thoroughly familiar with the most modern scientific methods of caring for and spraying the trees and study has made him also familiar with the kinds of fruit that can best be raised in this locality. In addition to his horticultural interests he keeps a number of fine cows and is also successfully engaged in raising corn, having eight acres planted to that crop. On the 24th of February, 1892, Mr. Heyduck was married to Miss Cordelia Crawford, of Centralia, Illinois. They had been schoolmates in the district school in childhood days and the acquaintance then formed ripened into love, which was consummated in marriage. They are now rearing an adopted daughter, Pearl. Fraternally Mr. Heyduck is connected with the Masons as a member of the lodge and chapter. He took an active part in the work of railway orders while engaged in that line of business. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and to its principles he loyally adheres, while high principles guide him in every relation of life. He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and his course at all times commends him to the confidence and goodwill of his associates and acquaintances throughout the valley. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.