My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL BUTZ, one of the enterprising manufacturers and prosperous business men of Easton, has been engaged in his present line of trade for the past twenty years. He occupies three floors in the Hay Building, opposite the opera house, at Nos. 339 and 341 Northampton Street. He is styled the “Bon Ton Shirt Maker” of Easton, and though he started his enterprise as an experiment, the measure of success he has attained has more than justified his most sanguine expectations. His trade, which is rapidly increasing is not confined to this locality, but he has numerous customers in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and all parts of Pennsylvania.

Our subject is a son of Michael Butz, who was one of the oldest inhabitants and honored citizens of Easton. In 1824 he was a member of a company known as the Easton Union Guards. This comprised some sixty or seventy men, under command of Captain Waggoner, and with the companies of Captain Weyant and Captain Sebring they attended the Philadelphia reception in honor of La Fayette. Resolutions of respect at the time of his death, November 15, 1889, were drawn up by the President and Directors of the Easton National Bank, of which he was a Director. In substance they are as follows:

“Resolved, That the Directors of the Easton National Bank have learned with deep regret of the death of Michael Butz, and desire to record their appreciation of his services during the term of his official duties, extending over a period of fifty years and up to his death.

“Resolved, That the loss of our esteemed associate and friend recalls to us as citizens the very many notable facts connected with the history of Ms extended life. He was born near Easton, and resided here nearly all his life. He was the oldest man in the community, having nearly attained his ninety-fourth year, and his memory and personal reminiscences covered almost the entire history of Easton from the hamlet to the city. From early life he was associated with its business and progress, while his unusual vigor of mind and body enabled him until an advanced age to continue actively in business affairs. ‘A good man and a just,’ he was honored in our midst for the qualities of character he possessed, and his commendable traits as a citizen, husband, father and friend.”

Samuel Butz, born in Easton, Pa., is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Shimer) Butz. He was educated in the public schools of Easton, and afterward attended Lafayette College. In 1874 he launched into the business of shirt manufacturing, in a small part of what is known as the Rinek Building, on South Third Street. This place he rented, and from that small beginning his trade has gradually extended to its present large proportions. He employs twenty hands, who operate machines run by electricity, and make all kinds of shirts, collars and cuffs required by the trade. A specialty is made of gentlemen’s fine dress shirts, and the stock which the proprietor carries is complete and in good taste. His manufactory is justly placed among the leading industries of Easton, and his constantly growing number of patrons attests the merits of his work. Mr. Butz is also interested in other local enterprises, and is thoroughly abreast of the times in every respect. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active part in everything pertaining to the welfare of his party.