M. B. MERCER (deceased), a well-known resident and successful merchant of Florence, Penn., was a son of William Mercer, who was born near Canonsburg, Penn., in 1797. William Mercer was educated in the subscription schools of the day, and in 1815 entered the store of Robert Bowland, Esq., of Burgettstown, Penn., as a clerk, being a most trusted employe. On March 28, 1821 he was married to Eliza Bowland, who was born September 27, 1801, in Canonsburg, daughter of his employer. In 1824 Mr. Mercer entered business in Florence, Penn., which he successfully conducted until his retirement from active life in 1848. He then removed to the edge of the town and erected a very pleasant brick residence on a nice tract of land, there living a retired life. On March 28, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Mercer celebrated their golden wedding. He died at the advanced age of eighty years, his venerable widow, although a sufferer for twenty years, survived him until March 12, 1877, when she too passed away. In politics he was a Whig, and later a Republican, taking an interest in the success of his party. In 1829 he was appointed postmaster of Florence, which office he filled for many years. For over sixty years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1816. In 1853 he was chosen ruling elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church, and held that office until his death, being a strong pillar in the church. Both he and his wife were buried in Florence cemetery. Seven children were born to this union, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Hon. Lecky Harper, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, proprietor and publisher of The Banner; Robert B. a farmer of Hanover township; Martha, wife of Dr. J. W. McCabe, died in 1857; William B. a druggist of Mansfield, Ohio; Harriet, married to Seaton Walker, a woolen manufacturer of Allegheny county, Penn.; M. B. our subject, and Gaylord. Of these children Elizabeth is the only on yet living. M. B. was born February 23, 1839, at Florence, Penn., and being an apt scholar and close student at the common schools, completed his education at the higher institutions of learning. When a young man he entered the drug store of his brother, William B., at Mansfield, Ohio, remaining there for some time, and then entered Bocking's drug store at Wheeling, W. Va. He finally began business for himself in Allegheny, Penn., where he was established on Beaver avenue. Here he married Mary E. Hollins, July 7, 1869, who was born February 20, 1849, in Allegheny county, Penn., a lady of English parentage. Her father, George Hollins, was a native of Staffordshire, England, and her mother Elizabeth (Green) Hollins, was born in Gloucestershire, England. After his marriage Mr. Mercer opened a drug store in Pittsburgh, corner of Wylie and Washington streets, and was among the prominent pharmacopolists of the "Smoky City." In 1875, owning to failing health of his aged parents, he disposed of his interests there, and removed to Florence, Washington county, where he continued to care for them until they died. In 1878 he opened a drug store in Florence, this county, on the site where his father won success. Here he remained until heart failure caused his death, while on his was to Pittsburgh, January 14, 1891. Mr. Mercer was very popular socially, an efficient druggist, and an enterprising citizen. He was a Democrat, serving as postmaster during Cleveland's administration, and was assistant postmaster at the time of his death. He was an active member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church, also serving in other capacities. He was also a member of Cardville Lodge, No. 407, I. O. O. F. Since his death his widow has been living in Florence, surrounded by her many friends.

Text taken from page 1274 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Sharon McConnell of Fontana, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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