B. FRANK ZERCHER spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Wayne County and attended the district school.  He was also a student at Smithville Academy, and for several years was a teacher in the Wayne County schools.  At the age of 25 years he was married and continued his farming interests in Chester Township until 1893,  at which time he removed to Orange Township, Ashland County, and purchased a farm.  He became the owner of several fine farms in this township which totaled 24 acres, as well as a farm of 120 acres in Montgomery Township.  In later years Mr. Zercher devoted his time to the supervision of his farms.  Since his retirement he ahs lived in Ashland.
     On Sept. 6, 1888, Mr. Zercher was united in marriage with Miss Jennie M. Shidler the daughter of Hartman H. and Susanna (Shutt) Shidler.  Mr. Shidler was a prominent farmer of Perry Township, and took an active interest in public affairs in Ashland County.  To Mr. and Mrs. Zercher were born three children:  Rhea G., married Fred Moherman, lives at Ashland, and they had a son, Ned, who died in 1928; Benjamin F., Jr., lives at Ashland, married and has two sons, Benjamin Franklin and Glenn; Donald, unmarried, lives at Cleveland.
     Mr. Zercher has always been a stanch Republican and while a resident of Wayne County served as township clerk for five years.  After coming to Ashland County he served as assessor and was also a member of the board of education.  He has always been an active worker in the ranks of his party, having for a number of years been a member of the County Republican Central Committee from Orange Township, and he has been a frequent delegate to county district and state Republican conventions.  The fact that a certain movement or measure has his endorsement or cooperation, is sufficient guarantee to many of his fellow citizens that it is worthy of their support, and his influence has been a factor in the development of Ashland County.  He is an enthusiastic supporter of all public improvements, such as good roads and liberal education.  Mr. Zercher was elected county commissioner in November, 1920, serving three years and four months.  In November, 1925, he was elected mayor of Ashland, taking office Jan. 1, 1926, and serving in that capacity until Jan. 1, 1930.  During his administration as mayor he reduced the public debt materially, reducing the bonded indebtedness of the city practically $100,000.  Also during his administration more land was purchased by the city for Brookside Park and several hundred threes set out.  The shellhouse and bandstand were built, as well as retaining walls for the creeks on the park grounds.
     Mr. Zercher and his family belong to the Brethren Church.  They live at 120 Maple Street. 
Source:  North Central Ohio Biographies embracing Ashland, Wayne, Medina, Lorain, Huron & Knox Counties by William A. Duff - 3 vols. - 1931 - Page 1137-38 - Vol. I