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JOHN S. KRATZ

JOHN S. KRATZ, a practical and progressive agriculturist, who was born in the township in which he now resides, New Britain, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. February 2, 1840, is a son of Abraham and Sarah (SWARTLEY) KRATZ, and grandson of Valentine KRATZ.

            Abraham KRATZ (father) was born near Naces Corner, New Britain township, Bucks county.  He selected for his life work the occupation of farming, with which he was thoroughly familiar, and to this he ever afterward devoted his entire attention.  He was a member of the Mennonite church, and, believing in the principles laid down in the Republican platform, he cast his vote for the candidates of that party.  Mr. KRATZ married, September 25, 1838, Sarah SWARTLEY, daughter of John SWARTLEY, and granddaughter of Philip SWARTLEY, and their children were as follows: John S., William, Mary Ann, Henry, Levi, Abraham, Jr., Oliver, and Jacob.  The deaths of Mr. and Mrs. KRATZ occurred respectively; May 9, 1889, and in July, 1902.

            John S. KRATZ  received a common school education and was reared to agricultural pursuits.  In 1888 he purchased the old Henry Miller homestead whereon he has since resided, and since attaining his twentieth year has devoted his attention exclusively to the produce commission business, which has proved most profitable.  He has always manifested an interest in the public welfare, and he is particularly interested in the advancement of the cause of education, serving as school director of his township for seventeen consecutive years.  In religion and politics he has followed in the footsteps of his father, holding membership in the Mennonite church and affiliating with the Republican party.  On November 18, 1869, Mr. KRATZ was married to Angeline GODSHALK, who was born September 13, 1843, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (REIFF), GODSHALK.  Ten children were the issue of this union, as follows: 1. Abraham, born December 24, 1870, died August 3, 1871. 2. Jennette, born April 6, 1872. 3. Harvey, born March 29, 1874, married Anne SWARTLEY, and they are the parents of three children; Edna, Viola, and Harrold; 4. William, born October 1, 1873; 5. Mary, born May 29, 11877, died in May, 1879: 6. Sarah Emma, born September 16, 1879, wife of Herbert LILLY, and mother of one child; Annetta LILLY: 7. Ella, born October 16, 1881, died in January, 1883; 8. Howard, born November 22, 1883,  9. Ida May, born September 28, 1885, died November 28, 1887;  10. John F., born April 9, 1888.

Text taken from page 689 to 690 of: 

Davis, William W. H., A.M., History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905] Volume III

Transcribed January 2007 by Joan Lollis as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project, www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/bucksindex.html

Published January 2007 on the Bucks County, Pa., USGenWeb pages at www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/

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