Each individual ascends the ladder of fortune to that height which his ability, ambition and energy enable him to reach. At an early age Frank G. Buchner realized the value of money in terms of his own labor, and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his time, talents and opportuities. For twenty-three years Amsterdam has numbered him among its enterprising business men and his skill as a decorator has been of great value to the city and a most important feature in its ornamentation. He is a native of Austria, was born February 17, 1879, and was twelve years old when his parents, Frank and Mary (Gaull) Buchner, came to the United States with their family. They settled in Rochester, New York, and later moved to Johnstown, this state, where the father still resides.
Frank G. Buchner attended the public schools of Johnstown and at the age of sixteen years obtained work in a factory in the latter place. Being anxious to advance, he zealously applied himself to his duties and subsequently had charge of the coloring department in a tannery. He came to Amsterdam in 1901, securing work as a painter, and in 1909 formed a partnership with John H. Crons. They built up a good business in painting and decorating and the relationship was severed by the death of Mr. Crons in 1911, at which time Mr. Buchner acquired all of the stock in the firm. He has since conducted the business alone, doing both interior and exterior decorating, and his services are in constant demand. His work is the expression of the highest degree of skill in his art, and examples of his ability are to be found in the finest public buildings and private residences of the city, while his reputation as a decorator also extends to other localities.
On the 11th of June, 1903, Mr. Buchner was married to Miss Jessie Adebaher, a daughter of Lewis Adebaher of Amsterdam. Mr. and Mrs. Buchner have four children: Lewis L., who was born June 19, 1906; Augusta, born June 6, 1908; Margaret A., who was born February 9, 1912; and Malcolm M., born June 28, 1915.
Mr. Buchner exercises his right of franchise in support of the candidates and principles of the republican party and his public spirit finds expression in his affiliation with the Amsterdam board of trade. He early realized the fact that the sources of our power lie within ourselves and has earned the right to the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and to the honorable title of "self-made man".