Felix Mayer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to the United States when a young man and found work at his trade, that of a painter, at Cincinnati, Ohio. From there he went to Economy, Pa., and there married Dorothy Ryder, who had also been born in Germany and had been brought to America by his parents when she was five years old. In 1871, Felix Mayer with his family moved to what is now called Mink Shoal, Elk District, and was one of the earliest settlers. The country at that time was wild and uncleared, but he possessed the industry, energy and thrift that enabled him to clear his land and develop it into one of the most productive farms of this section. He died May 30, 1892, at the age of sixty-four years. His widow survives and lives with her son Frank. Eleven children were born to Felix Mayer and wife and Frank is the eldest of the nine survivors, the others being: Minnie, wife of W. Broadhag, of Charleston; William, a farmer in Elk District; Anna and Clara, both at home; Ida, widow of J. Williams; and Lottie, wife of Edward Lory, of Charleston.

After his school days were over, Frank Mayer assisted his father and soon became manager of the farm, and after the father's death he bought the interests of the other heirs and now owns the entire estate. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is one of the most prosperous agriculturists of this district. He is a charter member of the Lutheran church at Charleston. In politics he is a Democrat but has never been willing to accept office.