Nearly a quarter of a century ago Dr. Etzler began the practice of
dentistry, and few, if any, are his superiors in this profession. During
this period greater progress has been made in dental science than, perhaps,
in any other field of professional endeavor, and the public has not been
slow in demanding nothing but the best and most skilled work at the hands of
the dentist. Desiring to keep thoroughly abreast of the times, Dr. Etzler
has neglected no study or effort that would advance him in his chosen
vocation, and has thus succeeded where many of his colleagues have failed.
A native of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, born September 21, 1853,
Benjamin M. Etzler is a son of Frank and Mary (Hartman) Etzler, whose five
children included William W.; Sarah, Mrs. Wagner; Howard; and Jane, wife of
Calvin Fryberger. The parents likewise were natives of the Keystone state,
and there the mother departed this life in 1856. The following year the
father came to Illinois, and settled on a farm in the vicinity of Freeport,
Stephenson county, where he died in 1858, aged about thirty-eight years.
Both he and his wife were valued members of the German Reformed church. His
father, Benjamin Etzler, was born in Pennsylvania and passed his entire life
in that state, his occupation being that of agriculture. The father of Mrs.
Mary Etzler was Michael Hartman, likewise a native of the Keystone state,
and a shoemaker by trade. At an early day he came to Illinois and located
upon a farm in Stephenson county, in which county he died when over seventy
years of age.
Dr. Etzler resided in Stephenson county until he
reached his majority, obtaining a good education in the public schools.
Later he took up the study of dentistry in Freeport, under the tutelage of
Dr. Samuel Garber, and after having mastered the business he came to Peru in
1876, and opened an office. After practicing here for two years he went to
LaSalle, where he passed three years. Then, going to Chicago, he remained in
that city for seven years.
Thus, by extended practice in every
variety of dentistry he gained invaluable experience, and has steadily
progressed. In 1889 he returned to LaSalle; thence he went to Freeport and
in 1895 he resumed his interrupted practice in Peru. In all local affairs of
the place in which he makes his home he takes an interested part, doing his
duty as a citizen and voter. His political preference is for the principles
and nominees of the Republican party.
The marriage of Dr. Etzler and
Miss Jennie Corwin was celebrated in 1894, at the home of the bride's
father. H. S. Corwin, of Peru. Mrs. Etzler is a lady of pleasing mental and
social qualities, and she presides over her cozy home with grace and
dignity.
Extracted 19 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 555-556.
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