My Genealogy Hound

HENRY BITZ. The fine property which Mr. Bitz owns, and the comforts which surround his family, are a creditable showing for one who began in early youth with ordinary influence and capital, and indicate the sturdy nature of the man to whose determination and unflagging industry they are due. For many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, he is now spending the twilight of his life in retirement from business cares, and is making his home in Ackermanville, Northampton County.

The parents of our subject, John and Catherine Bitz, were natives of Pennsylvania, and his ancestors were early settlers of the Lehigh Valley, having come hither from Germany. John Bitz was for many years a resident of Lower Mt. Bethel Township, but his death, in 1865, occurred in Plainfleld Township. Of his children the following named survive: Henry, who was born in Northampton County, Pa., April 12, 1826; and Samuel, a resident of Plainfleld Township. The former was reared in this county, receiving his education in the district schools, which he attended about three months each year. At the age of seventeen he abandoned his studies, and thenceforth gave his undivided attention to farm work, with which through early training he had become familiar.

After his marriage, Mr. Bitz settled upon a farm in what is now Washington Township, and there he continued to reside, engaged in farm work, until the spring of 1893, when he retired from agriculture and removed to Ackermanville. He still retains the ownership of two hundred and sixty acres of well improved laud, from the rental of which he receives a good income. He is a Director of the First National Bank of Pen Argyl, and has other moneyed interests in this vicinity. Devoted to the welfare of his town and county, he has served as School Director of Washington Township, as a member of the Election Board, and as Supervisor of Roads.

On the 1st of May, 1847, occurred the marriage of Henry Bitz and Miss Rebecca A. Ackerman. This lady was born in Northampton County, September 10, 1829, and is a daughter of Isaac and Sallie (Hahn) Ackerman, also natives of Northampton County. Her paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were among the early settlers of Ackermanville, and this village was named in honor of them. Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bitz twelve children were born, of whom eight are now living, as follows: Sarah, wife of Josiah Price; Isaac; Matilda, who married Samuel Russell; Emma, Mrs. Owen Dreisbach; Ellen, who is the wife of Jacob E. Haney; Amanda; Edna, wife of Joseph Albert; and Martha, Mrs. John Yeisley.

The record of the life of Mr. Bitz shows that he has ever been kind, generous and whole-souled in word and deed, and his neighbors have found that they can call upon him for sympathy and help in time of need. He is a consistent Christian, holding membership in the Lutheran Church. His wife is identified with the Reformed Church, in which she is an active worker. They are honored by all who know them and are numbered among the well known people of this county.