Henry C. Auer, a prosperous and popular merchant of Cadillac, is a native of New York, born in Moscow, September 15, 1860. His parents were John H. and --------- Auer, natives of Germany. The family, in 1864, moved to Almont, Lapeer county, Michigan, but remained there only about four years, when they moved to Reed City, Osceola county, then known as Todd's Slashings, and settled on a farm three miles from that place.
There were seven children in the Auer family, of whom the subject was the sixth. The father is now living a retired life in Reed City. The mother died when the subject was three and one-half years old. The early life of Henry C. Auer was spent beneath the parental roof until he was seventeen years old. He had attended the public schools and was studious and ambitious, so that when he laid aside his books to face the world and battle for a fortune, his mind was well stored with useful knowledge. Having secured a position as clerk in a general merchandise store at Nirvina, Lake county. Michigan, he immediately entered upon his duties and gave satisfaction both to the patrons of the establishment and his employers. Thirsting for more knowledge, he returned to Reed City, procured a place as clerk in a hotel and was given an opportunity to attend school during school hours. When school closed he was offered a place in the Brotherton Hotel at Flint, Michigan, as clerk, remained there until the management changed, when he again returned to Reed City. Then for two and a half years he was employed in the mercantile establishment of L. M. McClelland. In August, 1882, he came to Cadillac and entered the employ of W. R. Dennis & Company, dealers in clothing and gents' furnishings goods, remaining in their service for nearly six years.

In Cadillac, Wexford county, December 25, 1885, Henry C. Auer was united in marriage to Miss Capitola Havens, a native of Almont, Michigan, born in August, 1859. Her parents are natives of New York state. Her father is dead, while her mother yet lives. One child, Harold Clement, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Auer. He is a manly, intelligent youth, now in his seventh year. His experience in the clothing and gents' furnishing line was such as to make Henry C. Auer thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business.
Accordingly, in 1888, he entered into partnership with P. Medalie in that line of business, the firm name being H. C. Auer & Company. The new firm prospered from the beginning and for five years the partnership continued, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, Henry C. Auer purchasing the interest of his partner. Since that time he has been conducting the business alone and with most flattering success. He has a large trade, quite an extensive scope of country to draw from and with his well-known fair, honorable business principles, the number of his patrons is steadily increasing. He is too busy a man to interest himself greatly in politics, hence he has neither aspired to nor held a political position of any kind. He is interested in true Christianity, sincere religion and good morals and is a member of the First Congregational church at Cadillac. He belongs to three fraternal societies and makes it convenient to give each some attention. He belongs to Cadillac Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, to Cadillac Tent, K. O. T. M. and to the camp, Modern Woodmen of America. By zeal,
economy, close application to business and indomitable perseverance, from a most humble beginning he has placed himself among the leading and most successful merchants of northern Michigan.