John Houtz and Mary A. Stroh

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Husband John Houtz ¹

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           Born: 21 Aug 1858 - Freeburg, Washington Twp, Snyder Co, PA 1
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         Father: Emanuel Houtz (1818-1895) 1
         Mother: Susan Moyer (1820-Aft 1898) 1

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       Marriage: 8 Jun 1882 - Northumberland Co, PA 2

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Wife Mary A. Stroh ²

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           Born:  - Selinsgrove, Snyder Co, PA
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         Father: Andrew J. Stroh (      -      ) 2
         Mother: 

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Children

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1 M William W. Houtz ²

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           Born: 8 Dec 1883 2
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General Notes: Husband - John Houtz

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He was born in Freeburg, Washington township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania, and began his education in its public schools. As a boy he followed various pursuits in order to assist his parents. He worked at off-bearing brick, receiving twenty cents per thousand, and in this way carried brick used in the construction of the Lutheran Reformed Church edifice and in the house in which he later resided. When in his teens he attended the Freeburg Academy for a short time, but his own educational advantages were not equal to those of other members of the family. At the age of nineteen he began working at the cigarmaker's trade for his father, serving a two-years' apprenticeship. In 1878 he embarked in business on his own account as his father's successor, and from a meagre beginning he built up an extensive business, the largest of the kind in Snyder county. From an annual output of two hundred thousand the sales grew to nearly one million cigars. The growth of the business was steady and substantial, good goods, just prices and honorable dealings securing an excellent trade. He possessed business sagacity and mechanical skill in his calling, and these, combined with close attention to his business, have brought him success. From fifteen to twenty hands were employed in the factory. In addition to this enterprise Mr. Houtz owned some fine farming lands, conducted a livery stable in Freeburg, and had several valuable residential properties in the town.
He was a stanch advocate of Republican principles, served as election judge, township auditor, and a member of the board of auditors. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Freeburg, and he and his wife were members of the Reformed Church, in which he served as deacon.

1 Editor, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clinton, Union and Snyder. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 1093.

2 Editor, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clinton, Union and Snyder. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 1094.