Anton Berger
In a country where effort is unhampered by caste or class there are many notable examples of young men working their way from comparative obscurity to prominence in business circles. Such is the record of Anton Berger, now the president and general manager of the Julius J. Bantlin Company, manufacturers and jobbers of saddlery, hardware, etc., at No. 339 Main Street. In a humble capacity he became connected with the business and his advancement has been the expression of his capability and mystery of the tasks assigned him until now as president of the concern he is bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control. He was born in Tyrol, Austria, January 23, 1842, and in his native town learned the harness maker’s trade. He was twenty-six years of age when he left Austria and came to America, making his way direct to Cincinnati. He had no friends or relatives here and entered indeed upon an independent career. He worked at harness making for two years and on the 10th of March 1870, secured a position as porter with Julius J. Bantlin, a jobber in saddlery and hardware, then located at the corner of Third and Main Streets. He proved his trustworthiness and his skill and was promoted until he became salesman and afterward manager of the business. When the Julius J. Bantlin Company was organized in 1902 he was elected to the office of vice president and general manager and in March 1910, when the other stockholders bought out the interest of the Bantlin family he became president and general manager. The other officers of the company are: L. Rummell, first vice president; Otto H. Berger, second vice president; and J.R. Menninger, secretary and treasurer. The business is capitalized for sixty thousand dollars and about thirty-five people are employed. The output of the house is of excellent quality and the straightforward business methods of the company commend them to the continued support of the many patrons whom they have gained. In addition to his other interests Mr. Berger has since 1880 been president of the Calhoun Loan & Building Company.
In 1870 Mr. Berger was united in marriage to Miss. Mary Klinger, who had been his boyhood sweetheart in Tyron Austria. After coming to the New World he saved enough money to send for her and they were here married. To them have been born ten children, of whom six are living, namely: Annie, the wife of George W. Harsch, of Washington, D.C.; Regina, who married L.C. Graeter, of Cincinnati; Louisa, the wife of William Owen Stovall; Otto H.; Emma, who married Charles Mittendorf; and Clara. Fraternally Mr. Berger is connected with Excelsior Lodge of Masons. Mr. Berger has represented his ward on the board of education for ten years and remains a member. He has carved out for himself a creditable position in business circles in his adopted city, and he has not for a moment regretted his determinations to improve the opportunities of the New World in the attainment of success.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912