Henry G. Wemmer
Henry G. Wemmer, one of the business men of Lima, who has contributed much to the importance of this city as a commercial center, was one of the organizers of The Deisel-Wemmer Company, which is known all over the United States in the cigar manufacturing line. Mr. Wemmer was born in Germany in 1865.
Mr. Wemmer was reared and educated in his native land, coming to the United States in 1884. His uncle was established in a cigar manufacturing business in Delaware, and Henry G., remained for a time with him, thence going to Marion, Ohio, and finally to Lima. In 1891 he became associated with Henry Deisel, a personal friend and a practical cigarmaker, and the firm of Deisel & Wemmer was thereby formed. The partnership continued until 1902 when the immense growth of the business make incorporation advisable. The present officers of The Deisel-Wemmer Company are: Henry Deisel, president; William J. Wemmer, vice-president; Henry G. Wemmer, general manager; and Robert J. Plate, secretary and treasurer.
From a small beginning, in 1891, this business has become one of the largest in its line in this section, and probably is the largest house in the world manufacturing and selling direct to the retail trade. Our subject looks after the jobbing trade, and handles the 14 traveling salesmen who are constantly employed. The goods manufactured include several excellent brands of cigars, but the specialities are the " General Stark" and "San Felice." The latter s composed of a special blend of leaf and a particularly good wrapper, sells at five cents, and has a universal popularity.
In addition to his interest in this great and still growing business, Mr. Wemmer is a director and stockholder in The Lima Trust Company, and is interested in other successful business enterprises. Mr. Wemmer was married in 1894 to Rica Sauter, and they have had three children Esther and Pauline, who are living, and Edna, who died at the age of eight years.
Mr. Wemmer is a member of the Lima Club and of the Elks. He is a liberal, broadminded citizen, whose abounding energy has been notable not only in his personal business association, but in his interest in everything pertaining to the advancement of the city.