Biographical Sketch (1883):3075 "Daniel Bitler, farmer and stock dealer, Section 3, Township 21, P. O. Bitlertown was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1820, where he remained on a farm until about twelve years of age, when he removed with his parents to Franklin County, Ohio, and, after a residence there of about two years, removed to Allen County. His father, Daniel Bitler, was one of the founders of the town of St. Johns, in Allen County, in 1835. The subject of this sketch continued to reside here with his father, assisting him in the operation of his general store, until he was twenty years of age. In 1840, he began business for himself, conducting a general mercantile business, and at times, also engaged in farming and stock dealing. In 1834, he was elected to the office of County Treasurer of Auglaize County. He was also Postmaster at St. Johns, Ohio, in 1839, again in 1844 and 1856 and was Justice of the Peace three terms, nine years at St. Johns, Ohio, and removed to the county seat, Wapakoneta, where he resided for two years; returning then to St. Johns, he resumed his business operations. Three years later he sold out his business at St. Johns and engaged in general merchandising at Wapakoneta, dealing largely also in stock and grain, where he remained until he came to Kansas, in 1866. In April, of that year, he located in Lyon County, on Eagle Creek, in Center Township, where he purchased a farm of 174 acres, which he has improved by the erection of a commodious dwelling, barns, granaries and corn-cribs capable of holding about 15,000 bushels. He has since purchased about 300 acres on the Verdigris River, in Greenwood County, which he has given to his sons; about 340 acres near Eureka, Greenwood County, and 480 acres in Center Township, about four miles southwest of his original farm, and a farm of forty acres about one mile east of his home place, also 320 acres adjoining his home place, make it now 494 acres. His principal crop is corn; he raises many cattle and hogs, and deals largely in stock, buying and shipping cattle and hogs. He was elected a director of the Emporia National Bank in 1873, and re-elected annually ever since. He has held the office of Township Trustee ten or eleven years since he came to the State, and served as a Justice of the Peace one term here. He married Miss Sarah J. Van Tress, of Allen County, Ohio, May 10, 1840, by whom he had nine children, of whom Sylvester V., William S., Susanna, Hannah, and Martha are living. She died September 18, 1856, and he married June 14, 1857, Miss Elizabeth Waggoner, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he has had seven children, of whom Charles L., Clara J., Cora B., Daniel F., Maggie M. and Rhoda Kate are living."

Biographical Sketch (1912):987, (page not known). "Daniel Bitler . . . was a dry goods merchant in Ohio, . . . when, in 1867, the Bitler family removed to Kansas, locating on Government land in what is now Olpe township, Lyon county. Here Daniel engaged in farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, and was successful up to the time of his death. In addition to his agricultural interests he also became interested in the baking business in Emporia and Eureka. Mr. Bitler took an active interest in public affairs and kept thoroughly abreast of the times. He died April 29, 1898."

Biographical Sketch (1989):109, p. 8-9. "Daniel Bitler was born September 24, 1820 in Catawissa, Columbia Co., Penna. Daniel Bitler grew up in Catawissa and at the age of 12 his family moved to Franklin Co., Ohio. Two years later they moved to, then, Allen Co. where Daniel Sr. was one of the founders of St. Johns, Ohio, April 29, 1835. Daniel Sr. is buried in St. Johns Cemetery having died February 7, 1840 at the age of 56 years. His wife Elizabeth is also buried in St. Johns Cemetery, she having died July 29, 1851 at the age of 61.

Until 20 years of age Daniel Jr. lived with his parents, helping to operate a general store. In 1840 he operated the general mercantile business and was also engaged in farming and stock dealing. He married Sarah Van Tress, daughter of Sylvester (sic; should be Benjamin) Van Tress, in Allen County May 10, 1840. They had nine children: Sylvester Van Tress Bitler (b. February 11, 1841 d. 1919 m. (1) Mary Elizabeth m. (2) Annie E.) Mary Elizabeth Bitler (b. January 13, 1843 d. April 24, 1867 m. February 16, 1863 Edward Flinn) Sarah Jane Bitler (b. November 26, 1844 m. August 25, 1864 George Flomerfelt) William Sawyer Bitler (b. December 1, 1846 d. October 6, 1896 m (1) Arminda) Susannah Bitler (b. December 27, 1848 d. October 10, 1892 m. Freeman G. Soule) Hannah Bitler (b. December 9, 1850 d. July 11, 1930 m. Gideon D. Chaney) Justine Bitler (b. March 30, 1852 d. October 7, 1852) Mariah Bitler (b. December 29, 1853 d. January 24, 1942 m. William Carl Cannon) Martha Bitler (b. March 6, 1856 d. January 20, 1941 m. Hugh Stewart)

During this time Daniel served as postmaster of St. Johns three times and Justice of the Peace three terms. In 1854 he was elected treasurer of Auglaize County.

On September 18, 1856 Sarah Jane Bitler died and was buried in St. Johns Cemetery. Daniel then married Elizabeth Waggoner June 14, 1857 by whom he had seven more children: Charles Lester Bitler Sr. (b. June 22, 1858 d. November 4, 1934 m. May 5, 1891 Alice Sydney Kirch) Clara Jane Bitler (b. March 1, 1861 d. January 16, 1911 m. June 30, 1880 John Starr) Cora Belle Bitler (b. December 5, 1862 d. July 27, 1898 m. April 8, 1872 Anthony Heidrick) Daniel Franklin Bitler (b. October 10, 1865 d. July 18, 1941 m. February 1910 Ica Armita Winter) Maggie Moss Bitler (b. December 13, 1868 d. August 17, 1960 m. May 18, 1896 Peter Hines) son born and died October 16, 1871, and Rhoda Kate Bitler (b. August 18, 1873 d. January 16, 1957 m. July 18, 1893 Nemuel Brown).

The family went to Kansas in April, 1866, and settled in Center Township in Lyon County on the Eagle Creek. Daniel purchased 174 acres for farming, then 300 acres on the Verdigris River in Greenwood County, 340 acres near Eureka, 450 acres in Center Township, and 320 acres adjoining his farm. Much of this land was purchased from eastern soldiers who did not wish to go west to claim land given by the government. In 1873 Bitler was elected Director of the Emporia National Bank and was continually reelected. He was the Township Trustee for 10 or 11 years and also served one term as Justice of the Peace. The plat for Bitlertown, named for its first settler, was recorded June 8, 1884 but nearby Olpe became larger, was designated a third-class city in 1905, and is now the post office for the entire area. Deeds in the original Bitlertown plat still reference ‘Bitlertown.’

Daniel Bitler died April 29, 1898. For 17 years before his death the family had large reunions, and after his death the reunions were held on Elizabeth’s birthday for 25 years. They were large; at Elizabeth’s death March 30, 1923 she had more than 200 living descendants including seven great-great grandchildren.

Daniel’s will was written June 22, 1894, and proved May 4, 1898. In addition to his wife Elizabeth, the following were mentioned: Sylvester V., William S., Wm. Flynn (of dau. Elizabeth), Charles Floemerfelt (of dau. Sarah), Minnie Floemerfelt (of dau. Sarah), child of Susannah Soule, Hannah Chaney, Mariah Cannon, Martha Stewart, Charles L., Jane Starr, Cora Heidrick, Daniel F., Maggie Hines, Rhoda Kate Brown.

Biographical Sketch (1997):1553, As her authority, Specht cites Justice Neale Carman, Foreign Language Units of Kansas: Account of Settlement and Settlements in Kansas, v. 3, (Lawrence, Kans.: University Press of Kansas, 1974), 1217, 1218. "In 1877, Daniel Bitler, a Methodist, established the townsite that would later be a part of Olpe. Located on the northeast corner of Bitler's farm, the residents adopted the name Bitlertown in honor of its founder.1553, As her authority, Specht cites Lucinda Jones, "The Story of Olpe and Southern Lyon County, Kansas," Olpe Heritage, ed. Nadine Stuttle and Eulah Rigsby (Chanute, Kans.: Chanute Litho, n.d.), 11. Born in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, in 1820, Bitler moved from Ohio to Kansas in 1866 and bought a total of five hundred seventy-four acres of land in Center Township where Bitlertown was located.1553, As her authority, Specht cites Lucinda Jones, "The Story of Olpe and Southern Lyon County, Kansas," in Olpe Heritage, ed. Nadine Stuttle and Eulah Rigsby (Chanute, Kans.: Chanute Litho, n.d.), 8. He had amicable interactions with Catholics in both Ohio and Kansas, setting a standard for relations among religious groups and serving as an agent to attract Protestant settlers to the region."

1820 Birth:614 Birth place assumed to be Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania based on 1820 census of Daniel and Elizabeth's household in that county.

1838 Land Purchase:521 Henry Bitler and Daniel Bitler Sr., Allen County, purchased land from Thomas and Rachael Casper, Knox County, on March 27, 1838 for $240. Daniel Bitler Jr. was a witness to the transaction.

1839 Land Purchase:581 Daniel Bitler Jr., Allen County, purchased land from Henry and Margaret Bitler, Allen County, on March 2, 1839 for $550.

1839 Land Purchase:524 Henry Bitler, Allen County, purchased land from Daniel Sr. and Elizabeth Bitler, Allen County, on March 2, 1839 for $500. Daniel Bitler Jr. was a witness to the transaction.

1839 Land Purchase:582 William Bitler and Daniel Bitler Jr., Allen County, purchased land from Daniel Bitler Sr. and his wife Elizabeth, Allen County, on March 2, 1839 for $40.

1839 Land Purchase:526 Adam Focht, Allen County, purchased land from Daniel and Elizabeth Bitler and Daniel Bitler Jr., Allen County, on July 6, 1839 for $1,200.

1840 Marriage:462,286, p. 6. Marriage of Daniel Bitler and Sarah Jane Vantress on May 10, 1840 in Allen County, Ohio.

1840 U.S. Census:1015
Allen County, Ohio (Jamestown; only a few names, adjacent to Clay Township)
Daniel Bittlar
Males 20-30 •• 1 << Daniel Jr., age 20
Females 15-20 •• 1 << Sarah, age 16
Listings for Benjamin and Sylvester Van Tress nearby.

1841 Land Purchase:593 Daniel Bitler, Allen County, purchased land from Monroe and Catharine Hodges, Allen County, on May 6, 1841 for $65.

1841 Land Purchase:530 Adam Focht, Allen County, purchased land from Daniel and Sarah Jane Bitler, Allen County, on September 25, 1841 for $600.

1841 Land Purchase:533 Benjamin Vantress, Allen County, purchased land from Daniel and Sarah Jane Bitler, Allen County, on September 25, 1841 for $811.40.

1842 Land Purchase:515 Daniel Bitler, Allen County, purchased land from John Rogers, Allen County, on October 21, 1842 for $50.

1845 Land Purchase:572 Daniel Bitler purchased land from Henry and Margaret Bitler, Allen County, on September 22, 1845 for $50.

1846 Notice of Estate Sale:2757 A notice in The Lima Argus on 8 December describes an Administrator's Sale for the real estate of John Laudig, deceased, was held at the dwelling house of Daniel Bitler in St. John's, Allen County on 30 November 1846, by Adam Focht, Administrator.

1846 Land Purchase:577 Daniel Bitler, Allen County, purchased land from Willam A. and Sarah VanHorne, Warren County, on December 23, 1846 for $150.

1848 Land Purchase:375 Daniel Bitler listed in 1848 as land owner in Union Township.

1848 Land Purchase:108 Daniel Bitler [Jr.], Auglaize County, Ohio, purchased land from Lincoln and Justina [Bitler] Morehead, Franklin County, on May 27, 1848.

1849 Land Purchase:551 Leon Blume, Auglaize County, purchased land from Daniel and Sarah Bitler, Auglaize County, on Jan. 10, 1849 for $50.00.

1850 Land Purchase:556 Daniel Bitler, Auglaize County, purchased land from the estate of Sylvester VanTress at public auction on April 30, 1850.

1850 U.S. Census:561
Auglaize County, Ohio (Clay Township)
Enumerated 21 August 1850
Daniel Bitler •• 30, male, speculator, real estate value $800, born in Pennsylvania
Sarah J •• 26, female, born in Ohio
Sylvester •• 9, male, born in Ohio, attended school within the year
Mary E •• 7, female, born in Ohio, attended school within the year
Sarah •• 5, female, born in Ohio
William •• 3, male, born in Ohio
Susan •• 1, female, born in Ohio

1853 Justice of the Peace:27, p. 716. Daniel Bitler served as Justice of the Peace of Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio.

1857 Marriage:463 Marriage of Daniel Bitler and Elizabeth Wagner on 14 June 1857 in Auglaize County, Ohio.

1867 Relocation to Lyon County, Kansas:987, (page not known). "In 1867, the Bitler family removed to Kansas, locating on Government land in what is now Olpe township, Lyon county."

1880 U.S. Census:2120
Lyon County, Kansas (Center Township)
Enumerated 5 June 1880
Daniel Bittler •• white, male, age 60, father, married, farmer, born in Pennsylvania, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Elizabeth •• white, female, age 49, wife, married, house keeping, born in Ohio, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Jane •• white, female, age 19, daughter, single, at home, born in Ohio, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Frank •• white, male, age 15, son, single, at home, born in Ohio, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Maggy •• white, femlae, age 11, daughter, at home, born in Kansas, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Kate •• white, female, age 6, daughter, at home, born in Kansas, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennsylvania
Anthony Heidrick •• white, male, age 24, son in law, married, farm laborer, born in Texas, father born in Germany, mother born in Germany
Cora •• white, female, age 17, wife, married, at home, born in Ohio, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Ohio
Frank •• white, female, 9 months, born in August, son, at home, born in Kansas, father born in Texas, mother born in Ohio
Joseph Stunerberg •• white, male, age 21, laborer, single, farm laborer, unemployed four months during the year, born in Indiana, father born in Germany, mother born in Germany

1885 Kansas State Census: Daniel Bitler family, Center Township, Lyon County, Kansas, v. 154-155, p. 21; original not yet consulted.

1898 Death Record:1838 Daniel Bitler, age 77, male, white, married, heart disease, retired, born in U.S.A., died in Olpe, Lyle was attending physician, died April 29, 1898.

1898 Obituary:1840 The Founder of Bitlertown — An Old Resident — A good Neighbor and an Esteemed Citizen Gone. Daniel Bitler, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of this county died this morning at 4 o'clock, in the 78th year of his age. He was a director in the Emporia National Bank from 1873, but his principal business was as a farmer and stock dealer in this county near the town which he founded, the name of which subsequently being changed from Bitlertown to Olpe.

The deceased was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1820, where he remained on a farm until about 12 years of age when he removed with his parents to Franklin County, Ohio and after a residence there of about two years he removed to Allen County. His father, Daniel Bitler, was one of the founders of the town of St. Johns, Allen County, in 1835. The deceased remained there, assisting his father in the mercantile business, until he was 20 years of age, when he went into the mercantile business for himself and also engaged in farming and stock dealing.

In '54 he was elected treasurer of Auglaize county. He was postmaster at St. Johns in 1838, again in 1844, and 1856, and was Justice of the Peace three terms in Auglaize County, and more years in Allen county, where he removed. In 1868, he disposed of his business interests and removed to Kansas, locating on Eagle Creek in Lyon County, where he had purchased a farm of 174 acres. Later he purchased 300 acres on the Verdigris in Greenwood county, 340 acres near Eureka, 180 acres in Center Township, and 350 acres adjoining the home place on Eagle Creek. His principal crop was corn; he raised many hogs and cattle, and dealt largely in stock buying and shipping.

He was elected a director of the Emporia National Bank in 1873 and re-elected annually ever since. He held the office of township trustee for ten or eleven years since coming to this state and, also, served as Justice of the Peace one term.

He married Miss Sarah J. Van Tress, of Allen County, Ohio, in 1840. They had nine children. In 1858 she died and in 1857 he married Miss Elizabeth Wagoner, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he had seven children. He was quite wealthy and held the esteem of every one who knew him. His death will be generally regretted, as even in his advanced age he was enterprising, industrious and active in all good works. The funeral services will be announced later.

1925 Estate Settlement:1834 "Litigation in the Bitler case, involving more than $200,000, which has been in the courts since the filing of Daniel Bitler's will in 1898, and renewed when the Elizabeth estate was filed in 1921, has been brought to a final settlement in the probate court of Lyon County. The parties concerned voluntarily agreed to a compromise while attorneys were preparing their cases for an appeal from a district court decision to Supreme Court. At the suggestion of Probate Judge W. J. Coverdill each party to the agreement has bound himself to refrain from further litigation, and all suits pending will be dismissed. A notice of final settlement of the estate will be published soon Judge Coverdill said."