BIO: Manuel W. Reitz, Jefferson County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jean Wall

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
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http://usgwarchives.net/pa/jefferson/beers/beers-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens. 
Chicago, Ill.: J. H. Beers, 1898, page 1099.
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MANUEL W. REITZ has for many years been connected with the business 
interests of Jefferson county, has been honored with official 
preferment, and is now living retired; but no matter what the relation 
that he has sustained to the public he has ever been known as a model 
citizen, true and faithful to all life's duties.
  Mr. Reitz is one of the native sons of Pennsylvania, his birth having 
occurred in Northumberland county, December 6, 1829. His parents, Jacob 
and Elizabeth (Wagner) Reitz, were also natives of Northumberland 
county, and there resided until 1842, when they removed to Beaver 
township, Jefferson county, where they spent their remaining days. The 
father followed agricultural pursuits, and was recognized as one of the 
leading agriculturists of the community. He and his wife reared a 
family of five sons and two daughters. The father passed away in 
January, 1877, and the wife was called to the home beyond in November, 
1887. Manuel Reitz, the second of the children living, received but 
limited educational privileges, for the schools of the community in 
which he lived afforded but meager opportunities. He and his younger 
brother, Edward, would go alternate days, and by close application were 
enabled to secure a good knowledge of the English language and of the 
common English branches of learning. Anxious to advance as rapidly as 
possible, they would study at home and review their lessons in their 
minds as they proceeded with their daily tasks. Manuel remained on the 
home farm until twenty-one yeas of age, after which he served a two-
years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and then followed that 
pursuit until 1859. In the spring of 1854 he, in company with his 
brother Edward, went to Illinois, where they carried on carpentering 
until 1857, returning then to Jefferson county. In the fall of 1860 he 
was appointed deputy sheriff, and after serving in that capacity for 
three years was elected to the office of sheriff in the autumn of 1863, 
discharging the duties of that position for three years. He was ever 
fearless and faithful, and proved an able officer. In 1867 he embarked 
in general merchandising in Stanton, Penn., and also established a 
lumber yard, his associates in business being his brothers, Edward, 
Aaron and Benjamin. Under the firm name of Edward Reitz & Brothers they 
continued a successful business until 1873, when Manuel Reitz sold his 
interest to his partners and erected a steam sawmill in Knox township, 
Jefferson county. He continued its operation until the fall of 1887, 
and his capable management, well directed energy and honorable dealing 
brought to him success; but failing health caused his retirement from 
that industry, and he has since devoted his energies to real estate, 
dealing in farm lands.
  Since 1870 Mr. Reitz has been a faithful member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and is now serving therein as trustee and steward. 
Since 1856, when he voted for John C. Fremont, he has been a stalwart 
advocate of Republican principles, never wavering in his allegiance to 
the party which stands for sound money, protection to home industries 
and loyalty to the old flag. Since 1863 he has resided with his brother 
Edward, and throughout the community he has many friends.