Fred J. Epler, a well known representative of financial interests of Washington county, is the cashier and a stockholder of the Bank of Sherwood, which institution he organized in 1906. His birth occurred at The Dalles, Oregon, on the 27th of November, 1870, his parents being John H. and Sabrina (Zumwalt) Epler, the former a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Polk county, Missouri. The grandmother of Mrs. Epler was a Clay and a relative of Henry Clay. John H. Epler located in California during the first gold excitement in 1848, remaining in that state for three years. He wedded Sabrina Zumwalt in Portland, Oregon, which city was their place of residence during the first two years of their domestic life. Subsequently they removed to The Dalles, there remaining until 1880, which year witnessed their arrival in Clackamas county, where they purchased land. There Mr. Epler continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1909. His widow is now living in Portland but still owns the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. Their children were six in number, namely: Fred J., of this review; Charles H., who resides on the homestead; Joseph A., living in Portland, Zeth, who is a resident of St. Louis; Alonzo, of Portland, who served in the army for more than five years, participating in the war in the Philippines and the Boxer expedition; and Loren, who also makes his home in Portland.Fred J. Epler obtained his early education in the common schools and later spent two years as a student in Pacific College and Newberg, Oregon. Subsequently he was employed as a railroad engineer until 1903 and during the following three years devoted his attention to the operation of a ranch, being engaged in general farming and hop-raising. In 1906, he became a promoter of the Bank of Sherwood, organizing the institution on the 30th of August of that year and opening its doors for business on the 16th of December following. From that time to the present he has served as cashier of the bank and in this capacity has largely contributed to its continued growth and success. He is a stockholder in the institution and is the principal stockholder of the Tualitin Valley Electric Company of Sherwood, Oregon. He owns city property in Portland and in Sherwood. A man of pronounced executive ability, keen discrimination and sound judgment, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On Christmas day of 1905, Mr. Epler was united in marriage to Miss Anna Reiser, a native of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John and Jane (Aimers) Reiser. The father’s birth occurred in Berne, Switzerland, while the mother was born in Glasgow, Scotland. They were married in Wisconsin and have since made their home in that state. John Reiser served with the United Stations Cavalry throughout the entire period of the Civil war, actively participating in thirty battles and receiving only one wound. To him and his wife were born fifteen children, ten of whom are still living, as follows: John, who is a resident of Sioux City, Iowa; Albert, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Margaret, who gave her hand in marriage to Mitchell Varo and resides in Wassau, Wisconsin; Fred, living in Dubuque, Iowa; Mrs. Epler; Mrs. Jessie Russell, who makes her home in Chicago; Minnie, who lives with her parents in Wisconsin; Myrtle, a resident of Sherwood, Oregon; and George and Earl, both at home. Mr. and Mrs. Epler have two daughters; Emma Jane, whose birth occurred on the 22d of April, 1907; and Lola Mae, who was born on the 16th of April, 1909. The mother of these children is a graduate of the Wisconsin Business University at La Crosse, has taught shorthand and was employed in the Bank of Prairie du Chien for four years. She also acted as bookkeeper for a railroad during a period of five years and is now assistant cashier of the Bank of Sherwood.

At the polls Mr. Epler supports the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is not ably discharging the duties devolving upon him as city treasurer of Sherwood. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Modern Brotherhood Association, having filled the chairs in the latter organization. As president of the Commercial Club of Sherwood he is a prominent factor in the work of general progress and development. He is a man of enterprise and determination, working his way steadily upward by his business ability, while in every relation of life he commands the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.

-- The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Volume 2 by Joseph Gaston (p 1033-4)