The Mayers Family
The history of every county is made up of a multiplicity of lives, all more or less prominent for the part they have played in the drama of its development. But here and there we find individuals or families who impart to the scene an especial brilliancy by the earnestness and zeal which they have displayed in its early founding. Such, indeed, is the Mayers family, of Millersburgh.
No man in his day was more prominently identified with the business interests of Holmes County during its early days of prosperity, or was of a more progressive spirit, than Lewis Mayers. He was born on the River Rhine, in the kingodm of Bavaria, Germany, in October, 1811. His early life was spent in his native country, and, his parents being poor, his advantages were indeed limited. But he had hear of the "land of the free," where the poorest might live in abundance, and in 1836 he emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans, where he remained a short time, working at whatever employment he could find. From there he went to Illinois, where he worked at farm labor, and in 1837 came to Millersburgh, where he began his business career in a grocery store, and later on, in 1844, embarked in the dry goods business, which gradually grew until it became the largest and most prominent business establishment in the town. Mr. Mayers was a man of sound business judgment, great energy, strict integrity, and no man in the place had greater influence than he. In 1875 he was succeeded in the business by his sons, Samuel E. and Horace D. In 1874 the Mayers Exchange Bank was organized, although for years previous to this Mr. Mayers had done a private banking business, and today, although the original founder has passed to the great beyond, the bank still exists as part of the estate, and is recognized, as it has always been, as one of the soundest business institutions in the town. Mr. Mayers was sole proprietor until his death, his son, Charles, being cashier.
Mr. Mayers was married, in 1838, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Anson Wheaton, whose ancestors for several generations were natives of Massachusetts. The Wheatons were a prominent family, and were among the pioneers of Holmes County. They have been patriots from an early day, the great-grandfather, grandfather and father of Mrs. Mayers having been soldiers in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, and of the Rebellion, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Mayers had born to them a family of eleven children, viz: Rachel (wife of Robert Cameron), Anson M., H.L. (a minister of the Presbyterian Church), Samuel E., Horace C., W.J., Mrs. Mary L. Loos, Mrs. Lucy E. McClerken, Charles R., A.W. and Bessie. The father died August 1, 1883, and in his death Millersburgh lost one of its most energetic, enterprising citizens. Commencing life's journey at the foot of the ladder, Mr. Mayers, unaided, and by his own perseverence and ability, worked his way up, until he stood at the top, in point of wealth, influence and prominence in the county. Mrs. Mayers still resides at the homestead, her son, A.W., and daughter Bessie constituting her family. Of the sons, who are prominent business men of Millersburgh, something more should be said.
ANSON M., the eldest son, was born in 1844, and was married in 1886 to Miss Louisa, daughter of Samuel Lamberson, of Coshocton County, and they have one child, Julia M. He is one of the most extensively engaged men in the town, being interested in various enterprises.
SAMUEL E. was born December 30, 1847, and was married in 1878 to Miss Lula M., a daughter of Thomas Magee, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They have had four children, three of whom are living: Mildred M., Irene H. and Lawrence H.
HORACE C. was born in 1851, and was married in 1875 to Miss H. E., daughter of Henry Wolgamot, and they have three children: Karl Lewis, Mary Louisa and Horace C. Jr.
W.J. was born in 1855, and was married in 1878, to Geneva L. Mulvane, daughter of Jenkin Mulvane, and they have two children: Kenneth (deceased) and Margery.
CHARLES R. was born in 1860, and was married in 1883 to Libbie L., daughter of A. A. Taylor. They have one daughter, Urania B. Charles R. is cashier of the Mayers Exchange Bank, and is one of the prominent young men of Millersburgh.
S.E., H.C. and W.J. Mayers compose the present firm of Mayers Brothers, dry goods merchants of Millersburgh. These brothers have shown by their remarkable business successes that they have inherited all the push, enterprise and tact of their deceased parent, and under their most efficient management, the business which formerly was large, has grown to what may well be called colossal proportions, considering the size of the town and the population of the county. Where some years ago stood the old business house, now towers a handsome and commodious brick, elaborately finished inside, both for beauty and convenience. Their sales undoubtedly exceed $100,000 per year, which of itself is an evidence that their stock in trade is kept fresh and fully abreast of the requirements of fashion. The business is conducted in a most systematic manner, and with its various departments of general dry goods, carpets, cloaks, millinery, and one of the best groceries in the city, all fitted out with cash-railways and attended by numerous clerks, gives to their store an air decidedly metropolitan and quite in advance of those usually seen in our small cities.
This family of children were all born in Millersburgh, and all stand high in both business and social circles. They are members of the Disciples Church; in politics the sons have affiliated with the Democratic party, as did their father.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889