My Genealogy Hound

PHAON W. BITTNER. Prominent among the citizens of Heidelberg Township who have materially contributed to its prosperity is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of this county and is now the proprietor of a gristmill, foundry and machine shop located at Pleasant Corners. He is very successful in his business enterprises and employs in his shops two men, superintending the work himself.

Our subject was born April 9, 1857, to Stephen and Rebecca Bittner, natives of New Tripoli, this county, and farmers by occupation. Young Bittner was educated in the common schools of his native place and engaged in farming until reaching his twenty-third year. At that time he began to learn the trade of a machinist, starting a repair shop, which he still carries on quite extensively. In addition to this Mr. Bittner at first sold agricultural implements to some extent, and was quite successful, being well acquainted with all the farmers round about. In 1891 he erected his present mill and turns out chopped feed and middlings. The mill contains only one pair of burr-stones, but the facilities are sufficient for the amount of trade in the vicinity.

Mr. Bittner was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Snyder in 1881. The lady is the daughter of John and Sarah Snyder, natives of Heidelberg Township. The former is deceased, but the latter makes her home with our subject. To this young couple were born four children, three of whom are living. They bear the names of Clara M., Elmer V. and Albert J. The deceased child was Morris.

Socially Mr. Bittner is a member of Central Lodge No. 636, I. O. O. F., located at Pleasant Corners, and is now holding the office of Past Grand of his lodge. Lodge No. 391, P. O. S. of A., Saegersville, also claims him as one of its leading members. Politically Mr. Bittner is a stanch Republican. With his good wife he is a valued member of the Lutheran Church and is a man well known throughout the community for his square dealings and perseverance. A successful business man, he has won an enviable reputation in commercial circles and is accorded high esteem and confidence.