George Carl Kimmerer is the proprietor of a drug store in the village of Canajoharie and a citizen prominent in civic and social affairs of his community. The son of George and Mina (Schrader) Kimmerer, he was born in Utica, New York, July 5, 1869, and is of German descent through both lines of his family. His paternal grandfather lived and died in his native Germany, where he held the honored position of burgomaster. His father, however, came to America as a young man, saying farewell to his friends and relatives in Gagstadt, Württemberg, and beginning life anew in the land across the Atlantic. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and in later life took up the occupation of hotel manager. In this country George Kimmerer met and married Mina Schrader, a native of Canajoharie, whose parents, Henry and Sophia (Jones) Schrader, were born in Germany and there grew to young manhood and womanhood and were married. As a young couple they emigrated to the United States and journeyed into central New York by water, coming up the Mohawk river from Albany on a flatboat. They settled in Canajoharie, where Mr. Schrader, a stone mason, had a prosperous quarry.
George Carl Kimmerer began his educational career in a private school in Utica and after the family moved to this village continued his studies in the public and high schools of Canajoharie, graduating from the latter in the class of 1888. He prepared for his profession as a pharmacist in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Mr. Kimmerer returned to Canajoharie, where he had twenty years of practical experience in the drug business as a drug clerk in the establishment of Bellinger & Dygert. He bought out the interest of one of the partners, James W. Dygert, at the close of that period and some five years later also purchased Winfield Scott Bellinger's share of the business, thus becoming the sole proprietor of one of Canajoharie's best known and most prosperous drug stores. Since this change in ownership the store has been operated under Mr. Kimmerer's own name. In addition to its excellent prescription department, Mr. Kimmerer's establishment has all the features of a modern drug store and is able to serve its patrons promptly and well. Needless to add, it enjoys the liberal patronage that is always accorded the store that sells reliable goods at fair prices and carries an attractive variety of goods.
As one of the loyal supporters of the principles of democracy in Canajoharie, Mr. Kimmerer takes an active interest in local politics. For two terms he has served as treasurer of the village and as its president for one term. He was also supervisor of the town of Canajoharie for a term of office. During the World war he was one of the public-spirited citizens who devoted themselves whole-heartedly to keeping up the "home line of defense", and did much to make a success of the various war activities in Montgomery county as a member of the local Red Cross committee, member of the Liberty Loan committee and captain of the home defense organization. Mr. Kimmerer is an elder in St. Mark's Lutheran church of Canajoharie and a prominent Mason, belonging to Hamilton Lodge, No. 79, A. F. & A. M. of Canajoharie, of which he is past master; Hiram Union Chapter, No. 53, in which he held the office of high priest for four years; and Little Falls Commandery, No. 26. Knights Templars. His other fraternal and social affiliations are with Canajoharie Lodge, No. 516, I. O. O. F.; the Fort Rensselaer Club and the Canajoharie Automobile Club. His fondness for motoring has not robbed Mr. Kimmerer of his pleasure in tramping, however, and he still enjoys going for long tramps through the woods and seeking out-of-the-way picturesque places. Perhaps his enjoyment of this form of recreation is enhanced by his interest in photography, for he is a photographer of more than ordinary amateurish skill, with a keen eye for good subjects for his camera.
On October 10, 1894, Mr. Kimmerer was united in marriage to Miss Ena Carle, the ceremony taking place in this village. Mrs. Kimmerer was born in Amsterdam, New York, October 5, 1869, and is the daughter of Luther and Sarah (Neff) Carle, both of whom are deceased. Her parents were natives of the Empire state and lived here all of their lives, passing away in Canajoharie. During the Civil war Luther Carle ran away from home to enlist in the Union army and succeeded in accomplishing his purpose, although he was only a lad of sixteen at the time. Boy that he was, he shouldered a musket and served throughout the conflict. In after years he followed agricultural pursuits and later became a hotelkeeper. Mrs. Kimmerer belongs to St. Mark's church and holds memberships in various of the societies connected with her church. Her political support is given to the republican party. Through her father Mrs. Kimmerer is descended from a Revolutionary soldier who bore arms in the war for independence and laid down his life on the battle field of Oriskany. Thus she is eligible for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and takes an active part in the work of the local chapter of that patriotic organization.