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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOHN A. MAYER, D. D. S., is one of the prominent and well known citizens of Mauch Chunk, and takes a prominent part in public and business affairs. The best interests of the community find in him a friend, and his support is never withheld from any worthy enterprise calculated to promote the general welfare. He is now successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry, and is a Director in the Lindeman National Bank of Mauch Chunk.

The Doctor was born in the city of Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Supper) Mayer. His parents were also natives of Germany, but never left the Fatherland. Their son was reared and educated in his native country, and no events of special importance occurred during his childhood and youth. He remained in Wurtemberg until 1854, when, at the age of eighteen years, he bade adieu to his friends and early home and crossed the briny deep to the New World. Landing at New York City, he thence came direct to Philadelphia and entered the office of Dr. Githen, where he studied dentistry for a time. He afterward pursued his studies with Dr. Wardle, of the same city, obtaining an excellent knowledge of the profession.

The year 1860 witnessed the arrival of Dr. Mayer in Mauch Chunk. Here he opened an office and began the practice of dentistry, which he has successfully continued up to the present time, being now the oldest dentist in years of continuous practice in the place. He was soon well established in his profession, and has steadily worked his way upward. He keeps well abreast with everything connected with the science of dentistry, and his tastefully arranged office is supplied with all the appliances and equipments known to the profession.

In 1865 Dr. Mayer was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Rosenberger, daughter of Jacob Rosenberger, of Philadelphia, Pa. Seven children were born of their union, namely: George H; Jacob F., who is a practicing physician in Philadelphia; John A., Jr., who is taking a course in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, and Kate Elizabeth, Mary Louisa, Anna, and Charles Wesley, who are deceased. The family is one of prominence in the community, its representatives holding a high position in social circles, and their pleasant residence is the abode of hospitality.

In politics, Dr. Mayer takes quite an active interest and supports the men and measures of the Republican party. He owns good property in Mauch Chunk, and in connection with his other interests he is a stockholder and director in the Lindeman National Bank of Mauch Chunk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is Treasurer, and is also one of its directors and stewards. He holds membership in Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. & A. M., also with Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., and belongs to Chapman’s Post No. 61, G. A. R. His life has been well and worthily passed, and his example is one deserving of emulation. He came to America empty handed, but has never had occasion to regret his removal thither, for here he has found a pleasant home and many friends, and has beeome the possessor of a handsome property.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Carbon County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Carbon County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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