My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH D. BETZ is Superintendent of the Unger Blackboard Factory, one of the prominent industries of Slatington, with which he first became identified in 1883. He has full control of the concern, which is one of the largest in Pennsylvania, and which employs many men during the busy season. The goods manufactured by the company are shipped to all parts of the country. Our subject is a thorough workman, and has the details of the business at his fingers’ ends. In him his employers place the utmost confidence, both as to his faithfulness and ability, for he has shown himself to be eminently worthy of the trust.

A native of the Keystone State, Joseph D. Betz was born in Schuylkill County on the 10th of April, 1845. His parents were Isaac and Rebecca (Hawk) Betz, also natives of Schuylkill County. The early years of our subject were passed mainly in Columbia County, this state, where he received only limited school privileges, and when quite young commenced learning the blacksmith’s trade, at which he worked for six years. Although he had not yet attained his majority he was an expert workman, possessing a thorough knowledge of the various branches of the blacksmith’s business, and from 1867 until the present time has been continuously engaged in the same occupation. Endowed with much mechanical ability, this talent has been of great use to him in his enterprises.

In politics Mr. Betz affiliates with the Republican party, and is a patriotic citizen, holding his own interests secondary to those of the general good. He belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and is a member of the Knights of Malta. With his wife, who was before her marriage Miss Elizabeth Chester, he is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city. This worthy couple are the parents of four daughters and a son, their names being as follows: Addie, Ella, Bertha, Clara and Joseph, Jr. Temperate in all his habits, Mr. Betz is a man of fine physique and good health. He numbers many friends in the best circles of the town, and being honorable and upright in his business relations, well merits the high regard of all.