My Genealogy Hound

JOHN J. MITMAN. This well-to-do agriculturist of Hanover Township has accumulated his property by hard work, and now owns sixty-five acres of land, which he has embellished with first-class improvements and buildings of a substantial character. Mr. Mitman was born in Northampton County, this state, February 21, 1839, of which locality his parents, Isaac and Caroline (Stever) Mitman, were also natives.

John Mitman, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Bucks County, this state, and was an old resident of Northampton County. His father, who came from Germany, was the founder of the family in the United States. Isaac Mitman was a life-long resident of Northampton County, and reared a large family of children, of whom twelve survive. They are: John J., William, Louisa, Elizabeth, Frank, Isaac, Catherine, George, Carolina, Annie, Rebecca and Daniel. Although leading a very busy life, the elder Mr. Mitman yet found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in public positions, and as a prominent citizen held many offices of responsibility and trust.

John J., of this sketch, passed the first twenty-eight years of his life in his native county, and when a young man learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for a period of nine years. Since coming to Lehigh County, however, he has turned his attention to farm pursuits, and has also been engaged in buying and shipping stock on quite an extensive scale. He has likewise been engaged in the wholesale and retail milk business, having a paying route in Bethlehem.

For the first few years after coming here Mr. Mitman rented land in Hanover Township, and when ready to purchase a home of his own bought his present farm, which, as before stated, comprises sixty-five well improved acres. This has been the result of his own unaided efforts. His career has been marked by the strictest honor and integrity, and his example is well worthy of emulation.

When ready to establish a home of his own our subject was married to Miss Emma J. Ott, who was born in Bucks County, this state. Their union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Ella, the wife of Jacob Hankey; Fieta, now Mrs. George Winch; Pauline, the wife of Harry Lilly; Clara, who married Allen Stump; Minnie, the wife of Charles Johnson; and William, Ammon, Annie, John, Milton and Charles.

Politically Mr. Mitman gives his support to the principles of the Democratic party. He has never been active in his partisanship, and has never been an office-seeker, although at various times he has served in the minor township offices. For nine years he was Director in his school district, for six years was Auditor of Hanover Township, and held the position of Supervisor for three years. In his religious belief he is a Lutheran, and is an active worker in all religious and benevolent enterprises. He holds the office of Trustee in the congregation at Shoenersville, and has also been an Elder and Deacon. Socially he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the order at Hellertown, and a member of the Royal Arcanum at Bethlehem. Mr. Mitman has ever borne his part in the work of public advancement and improvement, and this volume would be incomplete without the record of his life.