Frank S. Emert, a well known contractor and builder of North Topeka, Kan., is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1865. His parents were Martin H. and Mary E. (Bolonder) Emert, both natives of Montgomery county, Ohio, where the former was born in 1834, about five miles south of Dayton. He was the son of Martin and Elizabeth Emert, the former a native of Germany, from which country his parents came to America when he was about three years old, and settled on a wild tract of land five miles south of Dayton, Ohio. There Martin grew to manhood on the farm and continued to reside there until his death. Some years prior to his death he formed a partnership with a man by the name of Gephart, under the firm name of Emert & Gephart, and engaged in buying tobacco in the city of Dayton until his death. His son, Martin H., was reared on the farm, but learned the carpenter trade in his youth, which vocation he followed until his removal to Kansas in 1881. He first located about four miles south of Lawrence in Douglass county, but in 1882 he bought a 180-acre farm in Jefferson county, about eighteen miles east of Topeka, where he successfully followed farming and stock raising until 1900, when he sold out and removed to a 320-acre ranch he purchased in eastern Colorado, on which he resides at the present time. His wife, who was a Miss Mary E. Bolonder, the daughter of Henry and Hannah Bolonder, is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. Her parents were also natives of Ohio and ended their days in Montgomery county. Martin H. and Mary E. Emert became the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely: Dora, Frank S., the subject of this review; Jesse, Emma, David, and Daisy, all of whom are living.

Frank S. Emert was a lad of sixteen when he accompanied his parents to Kansas, and during his boyhood and youth aided his father in the care and management of the home farm. But being of a mechanical bent and handy with tools, he decided, while yet a boy, to learn the carpenter's trade, which he mastered under the supervision of his father, and at the age of twenty came to Topeka where he worked as a journeyman carpenter for some time, when he decided to go to Chicago, Ill., and follow his trade in that city. After four years, however, he returned to Topeka and has since continued his trade and contracting operations in that city. He began general contracting about eighteen years ago and during this time has built many fine residences and public buildings in Topeka. One reason for his success is that he has never failed to live up to his contracts, and his word is as good as his bond.

On May 22, 1888, Mr. Emert was united in marriage with Miss Loretta Forbes, a native of Ohio, born in Mansfield, Oct. 20, 1871, the daughter of Libus B. and Hannah (Morthland) Forbes of North Topeka. Mrs. Emert was reared in Ohio until the age of nine when she accompanied her parents to Topeka and was reared and educated there. To Mr. and Mrs. Emert have been born three children: Ruth Irene, a graduate of the Topeka High School, and now Mrs. Myron R. Bowerman of Chicago, Ill. Frances Jeannette, who will graduate from the Topeka High School with the class of 1912; and Berenice Iona, at home.

Politically, Mr. Emert is a Republican, but supports the best man in local elections regardless of party. He is a member of Eugene Lodge No. 69, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Topeka, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He owns a modern home at 1331 North Monroe street, North Topeka, and other city property, and as he has established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people he expects to make Topeka his future home. The whole family are members of the North Topeka Baptist church. Mrs. Emert is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 51, Daughters of Rebekah, and has served as noble grand of Harmony Lodge and at present is district deputy grand master.