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.
History of Mercer
County, 1888, page 1070.
