The mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to better and grander things, and its subsequent influence can not be measured in metes and bounds, for it affects the lives of those with whom it comes in contact, broadening and enriching them for all time to come. Such thoughts are inspired by a contemplation of the eminently worthy career of-William Jefferson Florer, who, although long since a pilgrim to "the sunset land of souls," left such a record behind him as to influence for good the lives of many who remember him, for his efforts proved of the greatest value to his fellow citizens as well as to himself. He so shaped his career along worthy lines and directed them along well defined channels of endeavor as to stamp him as a man of distinct force and individuality, of marked sagacity, of undaunted enterprise, yet a man who was genial, courteous and easily approached; consequently his career was such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world and his activity in industrial, commercial and financial circles forms no unimportant chapter in the history of the state honored by his citizenship.

Mr. Florer was born in Newport, Indiana. February 12, 1834, the scion of a fine old pioneer family, noted for their piety and hospitality, qualities that characterized his entire life. He was reared to manhood in Vermillion county, Indiana, where he attended the graded schools and afterward the seminary at Newport. He made the. best possible use of every opportunity and received a very serviceable education which in later life was greatly augmented by home reading and by contact with the world. It was indeed interesting, in later life, to listen to his quaint and charmingly told reminiscences of the early days, of the vast changes he witnessed and took part in and of the marked difference in the modes and customs of a half century, the most interesting in the history of the state. He remained in Vermillion county until 1861, then moved to Coles county. Illinois, where he lived until the early seventies, successfully continuing his chosen vocation—banking.

Believing that an excellent opportunity existed in Wabasha, Minnesota, to engage in the banking business, he moved to that place and established such an institution, which was so sanely and conservatively managed by him that it was well patronized and won a reputation for being one of the soundest and safest banks in that country, Mr. Florer soon becoming one of the most influential men in financial and other circles of that place, being consulted on matters of financial import by people of all classes and religions.

He remained in Wabasha until the final summons came to close his earthly accounts, on July 21, 1881, the community losing one of its most highly respected and valued citizens.

Mr. Florer was married at Newport, Indiana, on July 19, 1857, to Mary Ann Louise Washburn, daughter of James Elliott and Mary Ann (Cain) Washburn, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively, each representatives of sterling New England families. Mrs. Florer was educated in the Vermillion County Seminary and developed into a woman of rare charm of character and a fit companion for her worthy husband, with whom she sympathized and encouraged in his undertakings. She moved to Green- castle, Indiana, soon after his death in order to get the benefit of the schools for her children, and she has resided here continuously since 1882. She has long been a favorite with a host of warm personal friends here who delight in the genial sunshine of her declining years which are replete with good and permeated by a wholesome atmosphere.

To Mr. and Mrs. William J. Florer four children were born, named as follows: Clara Collett married Dr. Frank H. Lammers, late a well known physician of Greencastle, now deceased. Mrs. Lammers still making her home here, a full sketch of the Doctor appearing on another page of this work. Dana Washburn is deceased. Warren Washburn, A. B., graduated from DePauw University in 1890, receiving the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy: he then became assistant professor of German in the University of Michigan. Of him, "Who's Who in America" has the following sketch: "Member of Modern Languages Association of America; Das Konigliche Deutsche Seminar, Leipzig University; Der Acadamie Neuphil Verein of Germany; Delta Tan Delta; Sons of American Revolution; Free and Accepted Masons; contributor to 'Poet Lore' and educational magazines; author of various text books and studies in German literature." Laura Lelia, a teacher in the Greencastle public schools, graduated from DePauw University in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Mr. Florer was a Methodist and a liberal supporter of the church, and Mrs. Florer has also been a faithful member of this denomination since her youth. Mr. Florer was a Republican in politics, and fraternally he was a Mason, having attained the Royal Arch degree. He was a truly good and useful man. successful, and worthy of the high esteem in which he was universally held. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. John W. Ray and he was laid to rest in beautiful Riverview cemetery, as he desired, "with stately bluffs standing untiring sentinels and the mighty Mississippi singing an eternal requiem.'' The Sabbath following Mr. Florer's demise, his good friend. Father Trobec, later Bishop Trobec, pronounced a eulogy in St. Felix's church—a wonderful tribute.

Source: Weik's history of Putnam County, Indiana  By Jesse William Weik