The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1867-04-16

early life. He removed to Wheeling in
1886, and opened shoe shop in an old
block house on Main street above Mad
ison. At that time his circumstances
were reduced, but through his finished
skill rs workman, and by the aid Of
that untiring industry which always
characterized him, he was soon enabled to
enlarge his trade, and lay the founda-
tion of that competence which he af-
terward amassed. He soon became
very prominent in connection with the
leather business in this city, a business
in which he was engaged at the time of
his death. An extensive tannery upon the
Island was projected and built by Mr..
BERGER, and also one of similar char
acter near the Benwood Iron Works. In
1850 he formed q co-partnership with
JOHN G. HOFFMAN, Esq, with
whom he remained associated un-
til his decease, and the firm un-
der the style of BERGER & HoFf-
MAN, havelong possessed widespread
and honorable reputation. Mr.. B. was
for some time Director in the Mer-
chants and Mechanics bank of this
city; he was for several years an active
and useful member of the City Council,
and also held the position of Director
in the Citizens Insurance Company,
Benwood Nail Works, and Wheeling
aud Belmont Bridge Company. As . del
egate to the Constitutional Convention
Of 1861 he took prominent part in
the formation of the State Of West Viz
ginia, and was recognized as q faithful
and able popular representative. His
connection with the Independent Order
Of Odd Fellows was of long and credit
able standing. Mr.. BERGER's identifi-
cation with that Order dates back
twenty. five years, he having been a
charter member of William Tell Lodge
Germany of this city.
Mr.. BERGER's success in life was at
tained in spite.of many disadvantages.
His education was extremely limited, so
much SO indeed that he could scarcely
write his own name. Books, he was
unable to keep, and his large and often
complicated business was conducted
very much by memory, faculty which
in him was remarkably developed. AS
an illustration of this, it may be stated,
that in his visits to the Eastern markets,
he has repeatedly made purchases to the
amount of 10000, without even the aid
of memorandum book, or any other
reliance save his own thorough and accu-
rate knowledge and remembrance of his
business wants and purposes. Notwith-
standing his want of familiarity with
books, the wisdom of authors, and the
lore of schools, Mr.. BERGER was by no
means an ignorant man. His education
was acquired by the aid of keen OBJ
servation; it was the fruit of long
experience and careful scrutiny into
the habits and life OF that great world
which he studied SO long and knew so
well. AS man of business y was ju-
dicious, economical and far-seeing; few
men looked farther or more carefully
and correctly into the future than he.
As consequence his operations, though
not brilliant, were yet prosperous; the
gradual but inevitable success of the
prudent man who makes not haste to
be rich. As he was fortunate i'll
acquiring, so he was liberal in dispens-
ing the goods with which Providence
crowned his efforts. His deeds, though
hidden, were all the more gentle for con-
cealment; his charities, though nnos-
were of that gracious kind
which virtue ever bestows, seeking no
reward. For the poverty of honest
merit none had warmer heart
or more open hand. The world,
it is true, knows but little of his
benefactions, but there are many hearth
stones to which his true benevolence
has carried happiness; many prosperous
men, it may be, refer their prosperity to
his kindly interpretations, and in the in
ner chambers of many thankful
heart, lifelong gratitude will guard his
and high, esteem watch over
his good name.
Two years ago he left the home of his
adoption and visited the land of his ma
tivity. hoping to restore his shattered
energies and broken health, How little
this availed him is evidenced by the fact
that to-day full halfa score of children
and hosts of neighbors and companions
are mourning the departure of a faith
ful friend, q noble parent and An honest
man.
Leaving behind that noblest Of mon
uments, world made better by his life,
he has scared "above the smoke and
stir of this dim spot which men call
EARTH" and has entered upon the des-
tiny of those whose mortal duties have
been nobly done. His fair fame will
abide in the memories of those who
live after him, his example will be felt
in gentle influences upon his kind, and
his name will be inscribed among those
of
Men Of good lives,
Who. BY their virtuous actions, stir up others
To faithful and religious imitation
ACsel Trsnsaction.
On Thursday of last week a man and
woman who had the appearance of be-
ing husband and wife, took passage from