Cumberland County, Maine - Herman M. Castner
**********************************************************************
USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any
format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons
or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact
the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has
given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free
access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
C. Wendland SilverDrusilla@aol.com
Copyright (c) 2005 by C. Wendland
Caitlin's Gold Award Project, Girl Scouts USA, Rio Grande Girl Scout Council,
El Paso, Texas
**********************************************************************

Biography
Herman M. Castner
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 199-200



Herman M. Castner, proprietor of the West End Hotel, Portland, and Secretary of
the G. F. Quinn Refrigerator Company, was born in Damariscotta, Me., September
24, 186o, his parents being Joseph W. and Sarah (Mero) Castner. His father is
now a resident of Damariscotta, where he follows the occupation of a spar-maker.
He and his wife reared a family of six children, namely: Herman M., the subject
of this sketch; Laura, who married Kendall Dunbar; Frank, who is cashier at the
West End Hotel; Edward; Helen; and Walter A., who is clerk at the hotel.

Herman M. Castner received his education in the common and high schools of his
native town; and, after completing his studies, he entered the grocery store of
George W. Brown in Damariscotta as a clerk, remaining in that business for two
years. He then served an apprenticeship at spar making; and, after finishing his
trade, he entered into partnership with his father in the manufacturing of
spars, and continued in the business for twelve years. He next engaged in the
restaurant business, which he conducted for seven years; and during the years of
1890, 1891, and 1892 he was quite largely interested in the ice business. In
May, 1892, he acquired possession of the West End Hotel in Portland, which at
that time contained but forty-three rooms, and was not in favor with the
traveling public. His first day's receipts amounted to three dollars and seventy
cents; but business rapidly improved under his capable management, and in 1894
he was obliged to build an addition to the hotel, which increased his capacity
to one hundred and twenty-two rooms. The West End has become a favorite with
travelers, being especially desirable on account of its close proximity to the
Union Station. Mr. Castner has a farm of fifteen acres, which is situated just
beyond the city limits; and here he keeps cattle, swine, and poultry, and raises
farm products for his table, having on the place at the present time about one
hundred and thirty-two hogs, five cows, three horses, and a large flock of hens.
Aside from his hotel business he is interested in the G. F. Quinn Refrigerator
Company of Portland, being Secretary, Treasurer, and General Agent of that
thriving concern.

In politics Mr. Castner is a Republican, and has frequently been solicited to
accept nominations to public office, but has been forced to decline, as his
business interests demand his undivided attention. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, being a member of Portland Commandery, and of Kora Temple of the Mystic
Shrine of Lewiston, Me.

He is an active and progressive young business man, a great favorite with the
travelers who frequent his hostelry and highly esteemed by his numerous friends
and acquaintances at home. Mr. Castner married Allura Sanborn, daughter of
Dexter and Eliza Sanborn ; and she shares largely in her husband's popularity.