JOHN MAURER, the genial proprietor of the Dewey Hotel, at Bradford, Ohio, is one of the town's prominent and substantial citizens. He was born in Germany, March 22, 1838, and is a son of Philip and Catherine Maurer.

Mr. Maurer was reared on a small farm and remained there until he was twenty-seven years of age. Finding it impossible to accumulate any considerable fortune in that place and condition, he decided to cross the Atlantic Ocean and find out if his industry could not advance him faster in America. He landed at the port of New York almost without capital, August 14, 1865, and from there went to Philadelphia for two months. He then found farm work near Piqua, Ohio, and when the season was over secured work in a livery stable. On March 16, 1867 he entered the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad, and in this connection found that his qualities of honesty and industry were recognized and for over thirty-one years he remained with that road, becoming a well paid and thoroughly trusted employee. He retired from railroad work on March 23 1898. In 1873 he established his home at Bradford and for twenty-six years was car inspector for the Pennsylvania system. Mr. Maurer at different times invested in property and besides owning his hotel, a first class house containing sixteen rooms, which he has been operating since February, 1899, he has six valuable town lots and a substantial ten-room house which brings him a good rental. Mr. Maurer is an entirely self-made man and through his own personal effort has accumulated enough to make him an independent capitalist.

Mr. Maurer was married (first) at Piqua, Ohio, to Catherine Bigler, who, at death, left three children George, Charles and Mrs. Catherine Weldy. His second wife, now deceased, was Catherine Hoover. His third marriage was to the estimable lady who assists in the management of the hotel, Mrs. Barbara Staub. As an indication of the confidence felt in him by his fellow citizens, Mr. Maurer has served three terms in the Town Council. He is a member of the Improved. Order of Red Men and of the Odd Fellows.