James C. Beitel was born at Nazareth, June 15,1842. His wife is Emma C., a daughter of Solomon Koehler and his wife Mary Ann, nee Ebret,and was born August 16, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Beitel were married December 29, 1863.

Mr. Beitel was educated in the Moravian school at Nazareth, and at the same time learnt theclock-making business with his father. When President Lincoln issued his third call forvolunteers, Mr. Beitel came forward, October 7, 1862, and was mustered in as a private in Captain Owen Rice's Company A, 153rd RegimentPennsylvania Volunteers. He was detailed as a member of the regimental band. He saw service atChancellorsville and Gettysburg and was honorably discharged July 23, 1863.

He now found employment at his trade in Doylestown. On December 8, 1863, he opened his storeat 215 Front Street, where he continued for over forty-five years. After Robert J. Beitel, hisson, graduated from High School, Mr. Beitel admitted him in 1900 into the business, and thefirm title became J. C. Beitel and Son. New lines were constantly added to the stock so that forlarger and more commodious quarters the firm moved into their beautiful store in the NationalBank Building during 1909.

The public estimate of Mr. Beitel has been attested repeatedly. He held public office in town atvarious times. His record as Burgess and school director do him credit. He was a director of theNational Bank of Catasauqua for years; and a charter member of the Lehigh National Bank, whosehonored president he has been since its beginning. He is also president of the Electric LaundryCompany, at Fountain Hill, Pa. He is a veteran member of Porter Lodge, 284, F. and A. M., since874, and a comrade of Lieut. Geo. W. Fuller Post, 378, 0. A. R. His name is enrolled among thosewho held office in St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church to which the family belong and which theyliberally support. Their children are: Mrs. Mary Louise Bender; Laura E., a trained nurse inPhiladelphia; Gwennie, deceased, former wife of Rev. J. W. Lazarus; Annie K., wife of Dr. J. C.Lonacre; Robert J.; Otilla G.; and Mabel O., wife of Charles Edwards.