My Genealogy Hound

DAVID J. BEITZEL, an extensive dealer in coal, feed, flour, ice and salt at Mechanicsburg, and one of the representative business men of that city, was born in the borough of Mechanicsburg, June 7, 1860, son of Daniel Beitzel.

Daniel Beitzel was born in York county in 1828, and died Jan. 31, 1892. During his boyhood he received a thorough common school education, and was a man of more than ordinary ability, and taught school for six or eight years. During the Civil War, he participated as a member of Company E, 200th P. V. I. and was in a number of decisive battles. After an honorable service he was discharged, and returned home to Mechanicsburg. There he became a contractor and builder, and became one of the leaders in his line. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary A. Fink, of York county, and she was a daughter of Jacob B. Fink. Mr. Beitzel was also interested in the manufacture of brick, and in all his enterprises, met with success. Daniel Beitzel was a son of Daniel Beitzel, of whom nothing is known further than that he was born in York county. The children born to Daniel Beitzel and wife were: Jacob C., deceased; William H., a resident of Mechanicsburg; Ellen J., deceased; David J.; Nora E., who married Grant Tawney of Mechanicsburg; Bertha, at home with her mother; and Louis D. and George F., deceased.

David J. Beitzel was educated in the public schools of Mechanicsburg, attending until he was nineteen, after which he assisted his father until he was twenty-one. At that time he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Danner, of York county, Pa., daughter of Van B. Danner, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in the hospital in 1862. Her mother was Mrs. Susan (Hostler) Danner. After his marriage, Mr. Beitzel, with Mr. Samuel Shoop, engaged for five years in the coal, flour and feed business, after which he engaged in the same business alone, later adding ice among the commodities he handles, and so successful were his ventures, that he has since continued, becoming one of the most prosperous of the dealers in his line in the city. His house is a well known one, and its standing is above reproach.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beitzel: Harry E., Violet May, Nellie O., and Tolbert O. Mr. Beitzel’s office is on the corner of Walnut street, near the tracks of the Cumberland Valley railroad, and he is thus afforded best shipping facilities. While his stock is an immense one, his trade is confined principally to a retail business. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P., the Senior Order United American Mechanics, and the Improved Order of Redmen of America. Not only has Mr. Beitzel succeeded in a business way, but he is very popular socially, and possesses a pleasant genial manner which wins for him many friends.