SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Gustav William Zerler, Page 347

GUSTAV WILLIAM ZERLER, of the firm of Huson & Zerler, general merchants of Plymouth, was born in Ferdinandsdorf, Prussia, Germany, August 22, 1848, and is a son of William L. Zerler, the pioneer tailor of Plymouth.  He came to America with his parents in 1856, and the family made their home in Sheboygan for some three years, coming to Plymouth in 1859.

    Young Gustav attended the public schools in Sheboygan, and on coming to Plymouth resumed his school work in that place.  He began his business career as clerk in the general store of Smith & Elwell in 1865.  In 1873, he bought an interest in the business (see sketch of H. H. Huson, for record of business), and is yet connected with that house, one of the first general stores founded in Plymouth.

    On the 8th of September, 1880, Mr. Zerler was united in marriage with Miss Lillie M. Eastman.  Mrs. Zerler was born in Plymouth and is a daughter of Enos Eastman, of whom find sketch on another page of this volume.

    In his political beliefs, Mr. Zerler is a Democrat.  He is a Royal Arch Mason; a member of Acassia Lodge No. 167, A. F. & A. M.; of Harmony Chapter No. 10, R. A. M., of Sheboygan; and of Hiawatha Council No. 520, R. A.  He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church.

    Mr. Zerler's father was a resident of Plymouth until his death, October 31, 1893, and up to that time continued his business of merchant tailoring, which he began in July, 1855.