DOD given as 11/19/1902. Also, further bio therein.

JOHN ELI LENTZ, deceased, was actively associated with the commercial development of Allentown for a number of years, and in community affairs took a deep interest that resulted in helpful co-operation in many measures that contributed to the substantial improvement of the city. He was born in Siegersville February 1, 1842, his parents being William and Sarah Balliet) Lentz.

John E. Lentz in his boyhood days was a student in the public schools, and when not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. In 1863, after having served a short apprenticeship in a carriage factory at Schnecksville, he came to Allentown and engaged in the carriage business on his own account on South Seventh Street. February 1, 1867, he associated with William S. Young at No. 603 Hamilton Street in the manufacture of boots and shoes, under the firm style of Young & Lentz. This association was continued until 1872, when Mr. Young retired and Mr. William H. Weinsheimer and John Seaboldt, Jr., became his partners at the southwest corner of Sixth and Hamilton streets, continuing the manufacture of shoes on a large scale under the firm name of J. E. Lentz & Co. On the dissolution of this connection in 1889 Mr. Lentz was alone in business until May 1, 1901, after which the Honest Shoe Manufacturing Company purchased the shoe department, while Mr. Lentz continued in the wholesale rubber trade (which he had previously established) until the time of his death, November 19, 1901. All of his enterprises proved profitable, bringing to him a very gratifying financial return. It was along legitimate business lines that he won his success, his enterprise, careful management and well directed activity serving as the foundation upon which he built his prosperity. Mr. Lentz was for many years a director in the Allentown National Bank of Allentown, the Allen Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and Fairview Cemetery Association, and a trustee of St. John's Reformed church and of the Allentown Hospital Association. He was the first treasurer of the latter association, and started its endowment fund by a liberal donation. He served as school director, and gave his political allegiance to the Republican Party.

Mr. Lentz was united in marriage February 1, 1870, to Miss Amanda Maria Schreiber, a daughter of Edward and Mary (Laubach) Schreiber. Mrs. Lentz died November 30, 1885. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lentz were Mary E. and William S. Lentz. The latter died September 22, 1903, unmarried. For a number of years he assisted his father, but latterly assumed general management of the business and afterwards took full charge of the affairs of his estate. The daughter is the wife of John Thomas Little, and has one child, Margaret. Mr. Little is a son of the Rev. James A. Little, D. D., and is a graduate of Lehigh University. After completing his education he became connected with the Thomas Iron Company as chemist, and subsequently with the American Cement Company at Egypt.

Mr. Lentz was married a second time, July 11, 1888, to Margaret E. Reninger, a daughter of Aaron G. and Eliza J. (Schreiber) Reninger. She survives and resides at the family homestead.