Michael Butz was four years old when his parents removed to Easton. There he was a student in the old academy. with Mr. Miles as his teacher. He completed his education at Doyletown under the Rev. Mr. Dubois, in whose family lie lived during the time.

When sixteen years of age, Michael Butz engaged in work in his father's mill, meantime receiving instructions from his brother. In 1818 with his brother Jacob, he engaged in a mercantile business in Easton. In 1827 he purchased the old homestead with its mill, operating the latter in connection with his store. While generally successful in business, Mr. Butz also experienced some serious losses. With his brother, in 1837, he embarked in a woolen manufacturing business, in which they remained for six years, when they abandoned the enterprise, having lost considerable means The venture was, however, highly advantageous to the town, for it marked the beginning of what developed into an industry of great importance. Mr. Butz retired from his mercantile business in 1856, continuing his milling business until 1870, and during these periods he had in his employ at one time or another, several young men who afterwards came to prominence in commercial life.

Mr. Bntz was throughout his life active in all pertaining to community affairs. In his early manhood he was a member of the famous Easton Union Guards, which was from 1816 (the year of its organization) to 1829, the pride of the city, its membership being made up of its foremost young citizens, and he was a corporal when he marched with it in Philadelphia to join in the wonderfully enthusiastic greeting to Lafayette, who visited that city in 1824. For some fifty years he was a director in the bank, which became the National Bank of Easton, and he was a member of the town council for many years. He was a man of unusually wise judgment, keen foresight, public spirit and enterprise, and it is to be said of him that during his active career he was an efficient leader in promoting the best interests of the community. In his personal life he was considerate and sympathetic. His aid was freely extended to assist in the establishment of a worthy neighbor. and he afforded liberally of his means to benevolent and charitable objects. He connected himself with the Reformed church at the early age of fifteen stars and he was throughout his life one of its most exemplary members, serving it usefully in various official stations. In 1845; he built the home in which he reared his family, and which is now occupied by some of his children. He died November 5, 1889.

October 22. 1822, Mr. Butz married Elizabeth Shimer, a daughter Jacob Shimer.