JOHN F. MAYER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 6,
1840. He is a son of Gotleib Mayer, who was born in Wurtenburg,
Germany, was brought to Pennsylvania when about twelve months old,
and to Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of twelve years. On December 10,
1838, Gotleib Mayer married at Norfolk, Louisa Jane Henry, who was
born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and died at Norfolk, August 26,
1866. His death occurred in Richmond City, on October 19, 1875.
John F. was educated at the Military Academy, Norfolk, and began
business as clerk with his father, jewelry business, 1852-54; in 1854 was
clerk to R. S. Bernard, druggist; 1859-61 with the Adams Express Company.
He entered the Confederate service first in the "Norfolk Juniors,"
and was discharged on account of government business. He volunteered
a second time in the Signal Corps, and was again discharged.
From that time until the close of the war he was in service in the adjutant
and inspector-general's office, Richmond, under Major Ed. A. Palfrey.
In September, 1865, he entered the service of the Old Dominion Steamship
Company, and is still in their employ.
Frances A., first wife of Mr. Mayer, whom he married April 15, 1862,
died in Richmond, May 3, 1884. They had seven children: William G.,
Mary Love (deceased), John H., Thomas W., Frank P., George N. and
Rosa C. In Richmond he married, secondly, Kate M. Sinton, and twin
children were born to them, one dead at birth, the other, Fred. S., dying
January 29, 1889.
Mr. and Mrs. Mayer are members of the old St. Johns Episcopal
church. He is also a Mason, both of the York and Scottish Rites, and
Inspector-General in Virginia for the A. & A. S. R., Southern Jurisdiction
of the United States.
