Frederick Agerter
Among the former business men of Lima, who for years was prominently connected with the city's machine interests, was Frederick Agerter. He was born in Switzerland, March 3, 1833, and died in Lima, September 15, 1883.
Frederick Agerter had not reached his majority when he emigrated to America in search of better industrial condition than he found in his native land. In 1858 he settled at Sandusky, Ohio, and worked at various points until the outbreak of the Civil War. He enjoyed the honorable distinction of being the first man to enlist from Wyandot County, joining Company C, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. After the close of his first term of service, he re-enlisted, in Company D, 81st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He remained in the service for 15 months, when he resigned his commission as 1st lieutenant, on account of ill health. Upon his return from the war, he was elected county clerk of Wyandot County, and, by a succeeding election, served in that office for a period of six years.
In 1869 Mr. Agerter came to Lima, and with four partners immediately engaged in the machine business, the firm being known as Carnes, Agerter & Company. They had extensive machine shops and greatly prospered, Mr. Agerter remaining secretary and treasurer of the firm for 14 years, or until the time of his death. As a business man he was energetic and capable, and noted for his thoroughly honest and upright methods. He began life with good educational advantages but no capital, and through energy and perseverance he accumulated a fortune.
Mr. Agerter married Martha J. Brown, a daughter of James Brown, of Virginia, her father being a son of Captain Oliver Brown, of the Revolutionary War. They had these children: Rosa J. (Hill), of Lima; Sally L. (Mrs. E. E. Stoll), of Massachusetts; Martha W. (Mrs. H. M. Jenks), of England; Caroline J., who resides with her mother in the beautiful home at No. 890 West Market street, Lima, and Frederick Brown, who died at the age of 28 years and left one child, Harry M.
In politics Mr. Agerter was a Democrat. Fraternally he was identified with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He was a men of sterling character, one who commanded the respect of all who knew him. The family belongs to the Presbyterian Church.