Omer N. Custer

Omer Nixon Custer (December 25, 1873 – October 17, 1942) was an American politician, newspaper editor, and businessman.^[1][2]

Life

Born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Custer moved to Galesburg, Illinois where he owned the Galesburg Register-Mail newspaper. He was also president of the Galesburg National Bank and of the telephone company. Custer was a Republican. He served as Illinois Treasurer from 1925 to 1927 and 1929 to 1931. As time went on Omer Custer expanded his business enterprises in many fields of endeavor. The 1930-1931 edition of "Who's Who in America" included Custer, listed as the president of the First Galesburg National Bank, Purington Paving Brick Company, Western Illinois Ice Company, Hotel Custer Company; publisher of the Galesburg Register-Mail; and director of the Intra State Telephone Company, Illinois Light and Power Company, Galesburg Overall Company, Beatrice Creamery Company, and Western Investment Company. He was a member of the Masons, Elks, Rotary, Hamilton Club and Chicago Rod and Gun Club. He was also a trustee of Lombard College.^[3]

Death

Custer died in Galesburg, Illinois of a heart attack on October 17, 1942. His estate was valued at $1,169,704.^[4][5]

Notes

1. "Omer N. Custer, Publisher in Galesburg, Dies". Chicago Tribune. October 18, 1942.
2. Marquis (Author), Albert Nelson (Editor) (1931). Who's Who is America : Vol. 16 - 1930-1931 Two Years. Chicago: The A. N. Marquis Company, 1931.
3. Article
4. 'Illinois Blue Book 1920-1930,' Biographical Sketch of Omer N. Custer, pg. 96-97
5. Peterson, Lowell (Spring 1967). "Omer N. Custer: A Biography of a Downstate Political Boss". Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 60 (1): 37–63. doi:10.2307/40190241.