Furter bio.
Rev. James Jefferson Reitz, M.D,, was born near Lynnport, Lehigh County, Dec. 13, 1859, son of Benjamin and Leah (Phillips) Reitz. He was reared on his father's farm, where he worked hard and laid the foundation of a busy and useful career. He had to go to school every day, unless sick, which was very rare. Even on days when the weather and roads were almost too disagreeable to permit a child to go a mile to school, his father would haul him to school in the morning and fetch him in the evening. His first school term was only three months during the year, at Weaver's schoolhouse. Later, in 1876, young Reitz attended a summer school at "Kistler's Tannery." In the fall of that year he was licensed to teach, but was too young, only sixteen years old. During the summer of 1877 he attended summer school at Lynnville, and again received a certificate to teach, and the following winter he taught at Rabert's Corner, Lynn Township, receiving a salary of $25 per month for teaching a mixed school with 63 scholars. The following spring he journeyed to the Edinborough State Normal School, in Erie County, Pa. The following winter he again taught at Rabert's schoolhouse. During the summer of 1879 he attended Bauch's School, and the next winter taught school at Lynnport. In the spring of 1880 he entered the preparatory school at Muhlenberg College, then successfully passed the examination for admission to Muhlenberg College, from which he graduated in 1884. At graduation he was Class Poet, and wrote two poems.

In the fall of 1884 he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and graduated in 1887, and in the same year Muhlenberg College conferred upon him the degree of A. M. During the summer of 1885 he was granted a leave of absence from the Seminary, and was principal and instructor in the New Tripoli Academy, during both the spring and fall terms. In 1886 the subject of this sketch attended the Hebrew summer school at the Episcopal Seminary, Philadelphia, which was conducted by the very learned Hebrew scholar, Dr. W. R. Harper. After that, for two months, he preached in the Trinity Lutheran church, Philadelphia, and later that summer was engaged to preach for Rev. H. S. Fegley in the New Tripoli church. In June 1887, he was Ordained a Lutheran minister in Philadelphia, and in the fall of that year he became pastor of the Cherryville charge, composed of St. Paul's, Indianland, Emmanuel's, Petersville, Ashfield and Parryville. The first two are in Northampton county, and these he served for a quarter century, the latter two are in Carbon county, where he preached only one year, when conference detached them and added them to another charge. The reverend then turned his attention more to the physical ailments of people, and studied medicine in connection with his pastorate, and therefore by his great desire for learning, the way was easily paved to become a regular physician, which profession gives him much pleasure and a comfortable livelihood. On May 14, 1903, he graduated from Hahnetnann Medical College, Philadelphia, with the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Homeopathy. Ever since that time he has given the greater part of his attention to medicine, and his delight is to study chronic cases, and in their treatment he has had marked success. He stoutly maintains that it is a noble and necessary work to make people happy in enjoying life by removing bodily and mental diseases. Although a firm believer in the doctrines of the Christian church, he thinks he has done his duty by laboring in the profession of the ministry for a quarter century and that now he can do more good by trying to make people happy while here on earth as well as for the hereafter.

In 1903, he moved to Walnutport, where he had purchased a home, with twenty-five acres of land, half of which he later laid out in building lots. At that home he still resides, and has improved and beautified it so that it has become one of the most desirable homes in that part of Walnutport. He bored an artesian well, and has his own waterworks, affording him a continuous flow of fresh spring water at the side of his house and barn, as well as for modern conveniences in his home. After preaching for those many years, he desired to retire, and accordingly asked his congregations to relieve him as their pastor, but the church council would not accept his resignation until he persisted. Therefore, he resigned his churches in 1912. During his pastorate he preached over 1,200 sermons, baptized over 700 children and officiated at several hundred funerals.

Doctor Reitz was united in marriage March 12, 1889, to Ada Jane Follweiler, daughter of Charles and Catharine (Heinly) Follweiler of Tamaqua, Pa. His wife is an active helpmate and devoted companion to his busy life. They have one son, Charles Benjamin.

Reverend Reitz wrote a history of Emmanuel's church, Petersville, one of the oldest churches in Pennsylvania, having been started in 17231 which history was published in the "Pennsylvania German," June and July numbers. 1912. He has a large library of choice books, wherein he delights to spend many an hour. He is a lover of the home, and surrounding his residence are several hundred choice fruit frees, which receive the best scientific attention. In his manners, Doctor Reitz is plain and congenial, and by his resolute will to do that which he believes right he has won a wide and enviable reputation.