Godfrey Reitz' birth name is Johan Godfried Reitz. He was born in Washington Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, the son of Johan George Reitz 1791-1859 and Maria Margaret Reitz (nee Rebuck) 1794-after 30 June 1880.

Jeffersonian Democrat, Vol. 18, No. 28, Thursday, July 25, 1895, page 5:
The subject of this sketch, died suddenly at his home at Cool Spring, on Friday, July 19, about 6 o`clock in the evening, the immediate cause being neuralgia of the heart. It will be remembered by many that about fourteen years ago, Mr. Reitz was pronounced dead, and that preparations were begun for his funeral when to the surprise of all he showed signs of life, rallied, and was soon about as usual. Since then he has had remarkably good health for one of his age, and has done a great deal of hard work. On the day previous to his death he worked in the hay field, but in the evening complained that he did not feel so well as usual, but nothing serious was thought of it, for the next morning he got up as was his custom, kindled the kitchen fire, and went about his morning chores. After breakfast he did not feel well enough to go to his work and during the forenoon, Dr. Bleakney of Worthville was summoned. But he could not have thought the case at all dangerous, because he said nothing to the family that would indicate this. Mr. Reitz ate a hearty dinner, and was up and about the house at times during the afternoon. When the end came he was lying upon the bed fanning himself, and his wife was at the window watching some children playing around the yard. Her only warning of his nearness to death was a slight noise coming from the direction of the bed, and, turning, she saw, that the fan which he held had fallen upon his face. She hastened to his side and spoke to him, but received no reply, he seeming not to recognize her. She then began to realize his condition, and before any members of the family could be summoned he had breathed his last and departed this life. Godfrey Reitz was of German descent, and born in Northumberland county, Pa, April 1st 1820, being 74 yrs., 3 mo., 18 days old when he died. He has lived in Jefferson county in Beaver Township and in Oliver, since he was 12 years old. July 31st 1842, he married Catharine Thomas, who still survives him. To them were born 12 children, 8 girls and 4 boys. Ten of these are now living, and were present at the funeral. There are 84 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Deceased has two brothers and two sisters still living. Funeral services were conducted on Sabbath at 10 a.m. by Prof. Percy H. Gordon, and interment was at St. Paul Lutheran church south of Cool Spring. Mr. Reitz was an exemplary citizen and had the respect and friendship of all who knew him, which fact was fully manifested by the large concourse of people which followed his remains to their last resting place. "NEIGHBOR"