The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1916-03-10
Chief Executive of City Four
Times and Had Served
As Alderman
He Was Prominent In Business
And Financial Circles For
Many Years
WeII-Known Man; Took Great
Deal of Pride In the City's
Upbuilding
from Saturdays Daily.

from Saturdays Daily.
Mayor A. G. Meyer died at I'M
manuel hospital at las p. m. today,
after long and serious illness, hav-
ing been operated upon recently in
the hope OF saving his life. He had
been gradually failing in health for
the past several months, and his death
was not unexpected although his
relatives and friends had been hoping
against hope for his recovery. He
was born in the Province of Hanover,
Prussia. and was siXty-fiVe years of
age at the time Of his death.
Mr.. and Mrs Meyer and their
family came to Mankato from Owa-
tonna in the month of August, 1886,
and have continued TO make this city
their home since then. Mr.. Meyer
engaged in the monument business in
the location on Hickory street, where
the shop is now located, and soon
became well known in business, and
financial circles and politics.
His Political Career.
His career in politics was remark
able and spectacular. He was origin
ally a democrat, but during the free
silver craze in 1896 he aligned him
self with the republican party and
soon thereafter became one Of the
leaders in the local organization. His
first experience as an office holder
was as alderman, representing the
fifth ward in the council. He estab-
lished a fine record and served with
distinction, assisting the then Mayor
f. NJ Currier in bringing about many
reforms in city affairs that were sadly
needed. d.
Next Mr.. Meyer aspired to be
mayor and was the nominee of the
republican party. He was defeated,
but this did not daunt him in the
least. He again became candidate
and finally succeeded in winning. He
was elected mayor of Mankato four
different times, once under the old
form of government, and was the first
mayor under the new commission
form. He was elected the last time a
year ago.
Was an Excellent Citizen.
Mr.. Meyer was an excellent bust
ness man and enjoyed the confidence
of his fellow men. He was an honest,
capable gentleman, who took great
deal of pride in Mankato and its well
fare. He regarded a public office asa
public trust and during all his long
career as an official there was never
hint or suspicion of corruption
attached to his name He was a man
OF strong impulses and possessed a
kind heart and a generous DISPOSE
ton. He was progressive in both his
private business and official careers
For number of years Mr.. Meyer
was a member of the board of direct
orS of the National Citizens bank
He was large contributor to various
enterprises that meant for the city's
upbuilding, and his purse was open to
all things that stood for the better
ment OF the people.
MIR. Meyer was q Mason, Knight
Templar, Elk. Odd Fellow, Woodman
and member of the A. O. u. w. He
was contributor to both the German
Evangelical Lutheran and the Con-
gregational churches in this city.
The surviving relatives are the
widow and eight children, Arthur
August, Alfred, Edwin, Robert, Helen
o Lydia and Theresa. Two sons died
during recent years, George Meyer
passing away year ago, and Carl
Meyer three years ago.
Had Suffered For Years.
For years, August G. Meyer had
suffered from time TO time with gall
stones. For weeks he had been cared
for at the hospital, in hope that his
condition would become sucn that il
would be safe to operate His fire.
quent attacks of jaundice, and his
rather advanced years were much
against his recovery. The opera,.on
was finally performed last Wednes
day morning A great gladstone was
removed from the bile duct. The stone
was as large a good sized hazel nut
AT first the mayor seemed to be do.
ing well and his recovery was gener-
ally expected. His heart, however, wa.
weak. on Thursday afternoon he
took a sudden turn for the worse
Friday morning his condition was re-
ported to be serious. His wonderful
will held out against the debility thai
was inevitably sapping his life away
Friday afternoon, the family became
very seriously alarmed Shortly be.
fore noon it was seen that the brave
struggle for his life was in vain, anC
that he was dying. All the famil,
gathered about his bedside
AT 1920 this afternoon DR.. A. F
Schmitt stated that the mayor wa,
very low and could not recover. TIL,
doctor said he did not think the mayo
would live an hour. And so it proved
The mayor passed away thirty fiv,
minutes later.
The grit and determination of May,
or Meyer were frequent subjects O
comment. He would persist in work
ing when his jaundice was so ba,
that his complexion was dark yellow
Was Progressive Citizen.
The mayor was progressive citi
zen. He was anxious to see Mankat,
keep abreast of other cities in tn
march of material progress. 1t was h
who caused the way of light to be in
stalled on Front street. He could no
bear to see this city tagging behin
ofbor. cictor +o.,,x-