Stephen, the second in a family of nine children, was born June 3, 1808, in Lower Macungie township. His limited education was received at the log school-house near his home known as Butz's school-house, under the guidance of a German teacher named Andres Ring, who, with his family, occupied the limited quarters as a dwelling. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to Henry Shafferr, and on attaining his twentieth year became a skillful shoemaker, which trade he followed for three years. He then changed his occupation to that of a farmer, and having inherited the homestead, moved thereon, and continued for twenty-nine years to cultivate the land. In 1877 he retireed from the farm, and having purchased the mill property one mile west of the village of Alburtis, conducted for four years the business of milling. In 1881 his sons, Allen and John, and his son-in-law, F. S. Lichtenwallner, became his successors in business, and in 1883 remodeled the mill and introduced the roller process.

Mr. Butz was, in February 1850, married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Henry Seidel, of Martin Creek Township, Berks Co., whose birth occurred Jan. 30, 1821. Their children are Henry, Allen, John, Mary (Mrs. F. S. Lichtenwalluer), and Amanda (Mrs. Charles L. Hottenstine). Mr. Butz has ever been a strong Republican in his political sentiments, but not active as a politician. He is a member of the German Reformed Church of Long Swamp Township, Berks Co., in which he has officiated both as elder and deacon. In 1852 he was chosen one of the building committee for the erection of a new church edifice. He manifests much interest in Sunday-school work, and has served for ten years as superintendent of what is known as Butz's Sunday-school.