Charles Oscar Schantz, son of John and Elizabeth (Meyer) Schantz, was born May 31, 1853, at Ballietsville. He was educated in the public schools and the military school of Allentown. After his books were laid aside, he commenced his business career as a clerk in a mercantile house, remaining there but a brief period. He next entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company as a messenger, where by faithful application to his duties he was promoted to the position of head clerk. He continued here for a period of nearly eight years. He then entered the employ of the Allentown National Bank, on Feb. 3. 1874, as individual ledger bookkeeper, later was made assistant teller, and subsequently chief clerk, which responsible position he filled with ability and to the satisfaction of all concerned, until 1903. In this year the Merchants National Bank was organized, the promoters of that institution selected Mr. Schantz to serve as cashier, on account of experience and fitness, as well as for his wide knowledge of the national banking business. He proved a very popular and efficient official, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of both the officials and patrons of the institution. His connection with banking interests in Allentown covered a period of over thirty-seven years. He was one of the pioneers in the building association movement in Allentown. He assisted in founding the Mutual Loan and Building Association, became its first secretary, retiring in November, 1910, on account of his failing health. He was a member of the city's Board of Charities, and was its secretary.

He was the receiver of the Keystone Mutual Benefit Association, and successfully filled other fiduciary positions. His services were in frequent demand as an expert accountant. He was one of the trustees of the Allentown College for Women; also a faithful and active trustee of the Y. M. C. A., and served on its finance committee. He was first an active member of the Free Methodist church. He was a delegate to General Conference, and audited the accounts of that body. After his removal to his new residence at Seventeenth and Walnut streets, he allied himself with Grace U. E. church at Fifteenth and Turner streets, and was active in promoting its welfare. For some time he was the Sunday school superintendent of the latter named church, and was a regular attendant of all services. On account of failing health, he made a lengthy tour of the South, spending several months in St. Augustine, Fla., hoping that the balmy air of that locality might prove of benefit, but the improvement was only temporary, and he returned home, where his long career of usefulness closed on July 26, 1911, and interment was made in Fairview cemetery. Charles O. Schantz married, in 1872, Miss Amanda Kline, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Dornblaser) Kline.