MERCER COUNTY PAGenWeb Project

 M. L. Zahniser  


M. L. ZAHNISER, cashier Sandy Lake Bank, was born October 8,1846, in Lake Township. His father, David Zahniser, was born in the same township, and married Elizabeth North, by whom he has eight children; William A., M. L., Mary, married Frank Fleming; Catharine, married R. D. Porter; Caroline, married John Hamilton; Ira, Melissa and Maria.

Our subject was educated in the common schools and was brought up at rural pursuits. In 1864 he was employed as a clerk by the firm of North & Zahniser, general merchants at North’s Mills. This he continued for two years, and then, in partnership with his father, started the first store at Jackson Centre, this being in 1866. They continued here for two years with good results, and then sold, and he, with his brother-in-law, Ballet, opened a hardware store at Sandy Lake. In 1873, when the bank was established, he was elected its first cashier, and filled that position until 1880, when he retired from the bank and became interested in the clothing business. In 1884 he resumed his old position in the bank, and has been of great service to it.

He was married in 1867 to Susan, daughter of John Bell, of Mansfield, Ohio, and has been blessed with four children; Harry, a bookkeeper in Mansfield; D. Lester, Mabel and Jay. Mr. Zahniser is a director of the bank; is a member of the K. and L. of H.; he and wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and he is a Republican and one of the enterprising men of Sandy Lake, one whose name is always found in every movement that goes to build up the place and retain its good name, as well as that of the county.

Source: (History of Mercer County, 1888, pages 1070)


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