B. E. Custer, born on March 28, 1877, in Superior Township, Williams County, Ohio, is a successful businessman and the current postmaster of Montpelier. Son of John and Lydia (Tumblin) Custer, B. E. worked as a barber for twelve years before transitioning to real estate and insurance, where he excelled. Appointed postmaster in 1913 and reappointed in 1917, he is known for his efficient service. Married to Zoa M. Haines, a Montpelier High School graduate, they are active members of the United Brethren Church. Custer is a dedicated Democrat and respected community figure.
B. E. Custer. — In studying the life history of B. E. Custer, well-known business man and the present postmaster of Montpelier, there are found many qualities in his makeup that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed. The splendid success which has come to Mr. Custer is directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder, which he has mounted unaided. With a mind capable of planning, he combined a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in a well-deserved success.
B. E. Custer was born in Superior Township. Williams County, on March 28, 1877, and is a son of John and Lydia (Tumblin) Custer. His parents were both born and reared in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they were married. Some time afterwards they came to Williams County and settled about three miles southwest of Montpelier, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were highly respected in their community and Mr. Custer held several township offices. He was a republican in his political views, and he and his wife were active members of the United Brethren Church. Of the thirteen children born to them, the subject of this sketch was the youngest and was the seventh son. All of these children remained residents of Superior Township.
B. E. Custer was reared and educated in his native township, graduating from the common schools. About the time he attained his majority he learned the barber’s trade, at which he worked for about twelve years. At the end of that time he engaged in the real state and insurance business, in which he met with splendid success. In 1907 he was assessor of personal property and in 1910 he appraised the real estate of Montpelier. He is a man of good judgment and accurate knowledge as to real estate values and was unusually competent as an appraiser. In 1913 Mr. Custer was appointed postmaster of Montpelier and in 1917 was reappointed to that position, being the present incumbent. He is eminently qualified for this position, for he thoroughly believes in the political maxim that “public office is a public trust,” and to that end he has so conducted the affairs of the postoffice that he has earned the commendation of both the patrons of the office and the department officials.
Mr. Custer was married to Zoa M. Haines, who was born in Hamilton, Indiana, being brought to Williams County in her childhood. She was educated in the schools here, being a graduate of the Montpelier High School. Mr. and Mrs. Custer are members of the United Brethren Church and earnest in their support of all its activities. Politically, Mr. Custer has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic party. A man of many sterling qualities of head and heart, his career, both officially and in the humble sphere of private citizenship, has been such as to commend him to the favorable consideration of the best people of the community where he has long maintained his residence.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.