Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Page 714

John G. Mayer, the well-known merchant tailor of Sheboygan, is a native of this city, born August 20, 1863. His father, Hieronimus Mayer, was born in Baden, Germany,where he learned the tailor's trade, at which he also worked in Switzerland. In 1845 he came to the United States, worked at his trade in Rochester, N. Y., and Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1848 came to Sheboygan, where he at once established himself as a merchant tailor in the same location where his son, John G., now conducts the business.

Mr. Mayer, Sr., followed tailoring from the time he established business until his death, July 22, 1878. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margarette Schreiber, was born at Dosenheim, Germany. She still survives and makes her home in Sheboygan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mayer were born seven children, three of whom died in early life. The living are: William, who operates marble works at Findlay, Ohio; Lissette, who is the wife of Charles Gates, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Maggie, who married a Mr. Wolff, of Sheboygan; and John G., who completes the family.

Mr. Mayer whose name heads this record attended the public and parochial schools of his native city until fourteen years of age, when he commenced to learn the trade of tailor in his father's establishment. Ere{sic} he had completed his trade, his father was stricken by the hand of death, and the young boy was left to battle his own way in life. Not being able to get a job in a tailoring establishment, he worked during the summer at whatever he could find to do. In the fall, however, he secured a place and spent two years in perfecting himself in his chosen calling. He next spent a year in Cleveland, Ohio. Returning to his native city, he worked in the shop of E. Reis & Co. until 1888, when he commenced for himself at his father's old stand. Since that time he has done a prosperous business, being numbered among the good tailors of the city.

Mr. Mayer was married October 1, 1890, to Miss Frances, daughter of Henry Michaels. The bride is a native of Sheboygan, of which place her parents were early settlers. To the young couple have been born two children, Reuben H. and Edgar N. The husband is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Mayer was one of the originators of the Turn Society, but not being able to get away from business to attend its meetings, he ceased to affiliate with the same, though still a member. When our subject began, he had no capital, but by close attention to business and fair treatment of his customers, he has secured a liberal patronage, and worked up a paying business, which enables him to give employment to an average of about nine men.

Return to the Sheboygan Page

Return to Bios page