Harrison Bortz was born Nov. 15, 1844, in South Whitehall, now Whitehall township. In early youth be removed to Macungie, and varied the time between farm labor and attendance at the school of the neighborhood. At the age of fifteen he became a pupil of the classical school at Quakertown, and later of the Excelsior Normal School at Carversville, Pa. He then engaged for a period in teaching, and subsequently entered Muhlenberg College. He meanwhile joined a corps of engineers, and for a year practiced surveying after which in 1869, he entered the employ of the Lehigh Iron Company as outside superintendent.. From this position he was successively promoted until he became manager and secretary of the works, having proved by years of service his thorough knowledge of the ironinaster's craft, and his efficiency as an executive officer. Mr. Bortz was married Aug. 24, 1867, to Miss Emma H., daughter of George H. and Rebecca Sanders, of South Whitehall Township. Their children are Cassius U., Ida L., Oliver F., and Harrison O. G.

Mr. Bortz, while not in active politician, evinces a keen interest in the success of the Republican Party; has been five times a delegate to State Conventions, and was, in 1880, delegate to the National Convention. He has been for four years chairman of the County Executive Comnittee, and for twelve years school director in a district largely Democratic. He is a director of the Coopersburg Turnpike Company arid the Ernaus Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Bortz s a member of the Lutheran Church of Salisbury, in which he has been an officer. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, as member of Greenleaf Lodge, and is also a member of the Allen Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellow, and Greenleaf Lodge of Knights of Pythias.