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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 152 - 153 |
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SANFORD GASSER
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Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising town of Sherman than Sanford Gasser. He is an important factor in business circles here and his popularity is well deserved as in him are embraced the characteristics of unabating energy, unbending integrity and an industry that never flags. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the welfare of the community and Sherman has profited by his labors in her behalf. He is now engaged in the loan and insurance business and he has lumber interests in the state which bring to him a good financial return. Mr. Gasser is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in
Sandusky county, on the 1st of August, 1841, his parents being Benedict and
Caroline (Alberts) Gasser. Throughout his business career the father carried on
agricultural pursuits and he is now living a retired life in Steuben county,
Indiana, having reached an advanced age. His wife died in Angola, Steuben
county, when eighty years of age. In their family of nine children Sanford
Gasser was the eldest. He was only two years of age when his parents removed to
Steuben county, Indiana, settling in the midst of the beautiful lake region of
that section of the state, their home being on a farm about two and a half miles
from Angola and near Pigeon lake. There Sanford Gasser was reared, remaining in
that locality until twenty-two years of age, during which time he attended the
public schools, assisted in the farm work and enjoyed the pleasures of fishing
and other enjoyments such as the neighborhood afforded. He then came to Mecosta
county, Michigan, and for a few years during the winter seasons was engaged in
hunting and trapping, which he found very profitable, for owing to the unsettled
condition of that portion of the state much game still abounded there. He made
his headquarters at Big Rapids and from his traps and as the result of his skill
as a marksman he brought home rich prizes from the forests. In the summer
seasons he would employ men and make his way up the Muskegon river, poling his
canoe and carrying with him provisions for three or four months. Proceeding to
the government marshes with his hired assistants, he would there cut and stack
hay, which he disposed of to the lumbermen. This work he also found to be quite
lucrative and he was thus engaged for four or five years. During that time, as
his financial resources increased, he purchased considerable property at Big
Rapids, buying and selling much real estate. As his investments were judiciously
made he also realized a good financial return in this way. For about three years
he was engaged in conducting a billiard hall and restaurant in Big Rapids, but
at length he disposed of all his interests there and The spring of 1870 witnessed his arrival here. He purchased eighty acres of land which now comprises Glasser's plat, in the village of Sherman. In 1871 he took up his abode in this town, where he has since made his home. He has been engaged in buying and selling timber lands and in connection with this he has also engaged in the insurance and loan business, in which he has secured a good clientage. Mr. Gasser likewise possesses considerable inventive ingenuity and has patented a stretcher for men's trousers, which is a very simple but useful contrivance. Mr. Gasser was married in Big Rapids to Lucina Smith, a native of Newaygo, Michigan, who died in Branch county, this state. On the 30th of September, 1872 in Jonesville, Michigan, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gasser and Miss Minerva Wise, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 1, 1843, a daughter of Jacob A. and Lydia (Stout) Wise. Three children have been born unto the subject and his wife; Gertie, the wife of Harry Gouker; Dora, the wife of Niel Clark; and Wilbert W. In 1900 Mr. Gasser erected the finest residence in Sherman, it being one of the finest in the entire county. It is a beautiful structure, constructed in modern style of architecture and tastefully and elegantly furnished, and moreover its chief charm is the cordial and gracious hospitality so freely accorded to the many friends of the family. Exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, Mr. Gasser has long been one of its advocates and loyal adherents. When the county seat was located at Sherman he served as under sheriff for eight years, his superior officer being Messrs. Shackleton and Weaver, and since then he has acted almost continuously as deputy sheriff up to 1900. He is prominent in county politics and his opinions carry weight in the local councils of his party. He is also a staunch advocate of temperance and by example as well as precept has furthered this cause. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and whatever tends to aid his fellow men in the building of an honorable character receives his endorsement. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, these are his chief characteristics. Justice has ever been maintained by him in his relations with those whom he has employed and with those with whom he has had business transactions and while he has been watchful of his business and of all indications pointing to prosperity, his efforts resulting in the acquirement of a handsome competence, yet this has not been alone the goal for which he has striven, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests. |