Biographical Sketch (1915):242, v. 2, p. 679. " James Bitler was born near Brandonville, in Schuylkill County, Pa., and his wife Mathilda (Focht) was also from that county. He came to Montour County and bought the farm on which he settled, following agricultural pursuits and also milling, having erected a water mill on his property. He was instantly killed in 1864, when seventy-two years old, while helping to raise some heavy timber. His wife died in 1883, aged seventy-nine years."

1827 Baptism of nephew Joshua:2147, p. 6. On 17 May 1827 James Bitler and Matilda Vogt, both single, sponsored the baptism of Joshua Bitler at St. Paul's or Old "White" Church at Ringtown, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Joshua was the son of James' brother Thomas Bitler and his wife Elizabeth.

1820 U.S. Census:1988 James enumerated in the household of his father John Bitler in Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania as a male, aged 10-16.

1830 U.S. Census:1995
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania (Union Township
Head of Family •• James Biddler (i.e. Bitler)
males 15-20 •• 1
males 20-30 •• 1 << James, age 26
females under 5 •• 1 << daughter Susanna, age 1
females 20-30 •• 1 << Matilda, age 20

1845 Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania Resident:105, p. 517. James Bitler, Thomas Bitler, Esq., and Mark Bitler listed among 'Subscribers' Names" as residing in Union Township, Schuylkill County, place of nativity listed as Berks Co.

1849 Death of Child:1446, p. 7. Old White Church, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania: Bitler, John E., son of James and Matilda, d. 4 November 1849, age 2 years, 2 months, 13 days.

1850 U.S. Census:1387
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania (Union Township)
Enumerated 12 August 1850
James Bitler •• 45, male, farmer, real property value $4,000, born in Pennsylvania
Matilda •• 39, female, born in Pennsylvania
Samuel •• 19, male, farmer, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
Joel •• 17, male, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
Daniel •• 14, male, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
Mary •• 9, female, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
James •• 7, male, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
Adam •• 5, male, born in Pennsylvania, in school within the year
Elmira •• 6/12 (i.e. 6 months), female, born in Pennsylvania
William Focht •• 24, male, born in Pennsylvania
Assume William Focht to be a relative (nephew or brother) of Matilda Focht Bitler.