Jerome Manzer

Biography courteously provided by Joyce Riedinger, Delaware County Coordinator.

JEROME MANZER, one of the enterprising firm of Manzer Brothers, dealers in general merchandise in Franklin, N.Y., is recognized as one of the foremost business men of the place, holding an enviable position in the esteem of his townspeople as one who is ever ready to perform a generous act, and who has the welfare of the community closely at heart. Mr. Manzer's grandfather, Daniel Manzer, was a prosperous farmer of Greene County, where he died at an advanced age, in 1860, leaving six children. Four of his daughters married; but one Christina, remained in single blessedness, beloved by everyone; and all still reside in Greene County.

The only son of Daniel, David Manzer, was born in 1820, in Ashland, Greene County, where he adopted a farmer's life, and married Sarah Christian, of Ashland, who became the mother of seven sons. Two of these sons received the name Jerome, the first dying when an infant; the second is the subject of this sketch. The other children were; Daniel who died in infancy; George E., at present a merchant at Sidney Centre; Sanford, who died at the age of seven years; Frank E., the owner of a large farm and creamery at North Norwich; Bernard, the able partner of his brother Jerome in Franklin. David Manzer enlisted in his country's service in the Civil War, served for seven months as a private, and died while in the army, though he was never called upon to engage in active battle. He was a man of strong Christian faith, and an active member of the Methodist church. It was in camp at City Point in 1864 that his comrades discovered him one morning dead in his bed, he having been in perfect health on the previous evening when he attended a prayer-meeting. His death resulted from heart disease. He had lived an upright, godly life, doing the best in his power, faithful to his duty to the end. His widow, Mrs. Sarah Manzer, was married a second time, and had two children: Viola, wife of Alfred Sutton, in Otego; and Henry Christian, of Sidney, N.Y.

D. Jerome Manzer was born at Hancock, Delaware County, July 14, 1855, and grew up on the farm with his mother until his seventeenth year. After engaging temporarily in various employments, he formed a partnership with his brother Bernard, and in 1887 removed to Franklin, where they made themselves possessors of a provision establishment, which they operated successfully for two years. They have since then added from time to time groceries, boots, and shoes, hats and caps, gentlemen's furnishing goods, and, later, ready-made clothing, to their former stock. In 1890 this prosperous firm purchased the building which it now occupies, in the basement being the market, which they disposed of in 1892, Mr. Root being the purchaser.

The Manzer Brothers carry about seven thousand dollars worth of stock, and do a strictly cash business, this latter fact being the great secret of their success, enabling them to buy from the best manufacturers at the lowest prices. The firm is a reliable one, prompt and honest in all dealings, and is most popular among the residents of Franklin. Mr. Bernard Manzer is married, and has two daughters and two sons. Both brothers are Democrats, as was their father, firmly supporting that party's principles and platform. Mr. Manzer is a conscientious man, who has won for himself his present position by his good business ability and earnest endeavors to please his patrons, in which he seldom fails.

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