of the Union and federal government. After his three-terms with the city council, Buhrer was elected mayor of Cleveland in 1867. He served as the Democratic Mayor until 1870. Buhrer’s Gentian Bitters first appeared around 1865 and remained one of his strongest brands well into the 1880s. Along with foreign and domestic liquors, he also sold and bottled mineral and other natural table waters. Buhrer was one of the prominent business men of his day and as mayor, brought forth the project of building a viaduct to connect the east and west sides of Cleveland. The Cleveland House of Correction & Workhouse was also built under his term. After serving two terms, he returned to serve another term on the city council before he died in Cleveland on December 8, 1907. To me, it is truly amazing that this self-made man, with no father or older brothers, no money to borrow from relatives, became so successful in America at such a young age. He truly must have had some type of divine intervention as his trade card below depicts. Note: Many of the illustrations shown here are from Ferd Meyer’s Peachridge Glass website, well worth a look for any bottle aficionado.
Advertising Trade Card from the John Kemler collection.
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