My Genealogy Hound

JOHN D. GERLACH. Even in the west, where many prominent positions are occupied by young men, there are few so well situated, or who have displayed so much energy and judgment in business affairs as the gentleman whose personal history is briefly outlined in these columns. As Cashier of the First National Bank of Chester, he is prominently connected with one of the solid financial institutions of the county; as a citizen, he has ever been progressive and liberal spirited, contributing his quota to the advancement of every material interest of the community. Now in the prime of life, having bravely faced adversity and poverty, and having by shrewd business management risen above their immediate influence, he has before him every prospect of the full fruition of the hopes cherished by himself and his many friends.

A native of Randolph County, our subject was born four miles west of Sparta April 24, 1858. His father, Daniel Gerlach, was born in Germany, and now resides at the old homestead near Sparta. The mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Baum, and was born in Belleville, Ill., being a daughter of John Baum. In the parental family there were seven children, the eldest of whom, John D., spent the years of boyhood and youth at the home place, aiding in the work of blacksmithing, and spending his leisure hours at the district schools. Later he entered the Sparta High School, from which he was graduated in 1875. He then became a student in Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial College at St. Louis, Mo., where was laid the foundation of his extensive business knowledge.

When his father was elected Sheriff of Randolph County, our subject became his deputy, and served in that capacity for four years, and in 1880 was elected upon the Republican ticket as Sheriff of the county, serving in that position for two years. In 1883 he was chosen a Committee Clerk in the State Senate, and was elected Assistant Secretary of the Senate in 1885. Later he became Assistant Secretary of the Railroad Committee of the State Board of Equalization, and in August of 1886 was tendered the position of Secretary of the committee, an honor richly merited.

Embarking in the insurance business in October, 1885, Mr. Gerlach was thus engaged until December, 1889, when he organized the Bank of Chester. On the 1st of January, 1890, he formed his present connection with the First National Bank, of which he and the President, M. C. Crissey, are the heads. In addition to his work as Cashier, he is Vice-President and General Manager of the Chester Light, Water and Ice Company, of which he was the organizer. Socially he is a member of Chester Lodge No. 72, A. F. & A. M., Harmon G. Reynolds Chapter No. 84, R. A. M., Randolph Council No. 44, and Hercules Lodge No. 218, K. P.

The first marriage of Mr. Gerlach, occurring in 1880, united him with Miss Catherine Dauer, the daughter of John Dauer, of Randolph County. After her death, Mr. Gerlach was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Mary P. Neville, of Chester, Ill., the daughter of Capt. Harvey Neville. Their marriage took place January 9, 1884, and they have established a cozy home in Chester, into which they hospitably welcome and pleasantly entertain their hosts of personal friends.