CF 9, iText PDF creation, MySQL database: Apostrophe disappears in output PDF

I create PDF files using iText. I insert variable data from a MySQL database into form fields (in an existing PDF file). I have an entry in the database "O'Malley" and (only on the output PDF file) the apostrophy is dropped, resulting in "OMalley". The name displays correctly in the database and in online cfm pages. All other special characters that I have tried display correctly in the PDF files as well as online pages. Any assistance would be appreciated.