Thomas Butz was born Nov. 3, 1798, in Long Swamp township, Berks Co., and at the early age of five years became a resident of White hail township. Here, during youth, he became familiar with the routine of a farmer's life, and continued thus employed until 1853, when active labor was abandoned, and two years later Allentown became his home. After a residence of seven years in the latter city, Mr. Butz returned to the scenes of his early life, and for the succeeding seven years his residence was in Whitehall Township. Allentown again became his home in 1869, where he continued to reside until his death, on the 24th of March 1880, in his eighty-second year. His wife still survives, and resides in Allentown. Mr. Butz possessed strong force of character, great aptitude for business, and a matured judgment, which rendered his counsel invaluable. These qualities contributed greatly to his successful career. He was in politics a Republican, having formerly been identified with the Whig party, though not in an official capacity. lie was formerly a member of the German Reformed Church of Egypt, and later, of the Whitehall Reformed Church. He contributed liberally to the erection of the latter, and served as treasurer of its building fund. Mr. Butz married Maria Elizabeth Beil, of Northampton County, and had children; John Peter (deceased), Thomas F., Eliza Ann (Mrs. Daniel Troxell), and Elenora L. S.