BIO: John L. BERGANTZ, Huntingdon County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, 
Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. 
Runk & Co., 1897, pages 94-95.
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  JOHN L. BERGANTZ, Henderson township, Huntingdon county, Pa., was 
born in the borough of Huntingdon December 6, 1852.  He is a son of 
Louis and Christina R. (Shultz) Bergantz.  Louis Bergantz was born near 
Strasburg, Province of Alsace, France, August 15, 1818.  At ten years 
of age he came to this country, and for some time lived in 
Philadelphia.  While in his teens he worked on the canal, and 
afterwards drove, first a packet boat, and then a stage.  During this 
engagement he applied himself to learning the trade of a blacksmith, in 
Lewistown, Pa.  In the same town, Louis Bergantz was married, April 22, 
1849, to Christina R. Shultz, born in Juniata county, near Licking 
Creek, January 13, 1819.  The removed to Huntingdon in 1849, where Mr. 
Bergantz pursued his calling as a blacksmith for twelve years.  In 1861 
he purchased a farm in Henderson township, and there continued work at 
his trade while cultivating the farm.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Bergantz are:  George W., born April 24, 1850; Joseph L.; Martha 
Elizabeth, born December 18, 1855, now the widow of John D. McElwain, 
residing in Henderson township; Mary Ann, widow of Matthew E. McCall, 
born March 19, 1858, resides in Henderson township; Samuel Louis, born 
April 5, 1861, died in childhood; Miss Sarah Ellen, born July 25, 1864.  
Mr. Bergantz died July 9, 1890; his wife still resides in Henderson 
township.
  Mr. J. L. Bergantz was educated in the common schools of the town of 
Huntingdon.  After leaving school, he varied his occupations by doing 
farm work during the summer months, while teaching school during the 
winter.  In 1882 he removed to Union Church, to take charge of the 
post-office, to which he had been appointed May 22, 1878, and in 
connection with which he conducted a general store.  Mr. Bergantz was 
postmaster until April 2, 1886, when the office was transferred to Mrs. 
Bergantz, he having been appointed justice of the peace in the spring 
of 1885, and the law not allowing him to hold both offices.  He is 
still magistrate, as well as school teacher and farmer.  Mr. Bergantz 
has also served the community as county auditor, township clerk, and 
clerk of elections.  He is a Democrat.
  Joseph L. Bergantz was married at Man's Choice, Bedford county, Pa., 
October 25, 1879, to Lettie M., daughter of Andrew and Temperance 
(Hutchinson) Decker, now residents of Huntingdon.  Their children are:  
Louis A.; J. Oscar; E. Lloyd; Allan C.; Mattie E.; Louisa E.; Nettie 
F.; and Mary Margaret.  Mr. Bergantz attends the Lutheran church, with 
which he united in 1875, and during his connection with this religious 
body he has served as both deacon and elder.