After an illness of ten days Ernst Besser, one of Buffalo's leading German-American merchants and for fifty-three years proprietor of Besser's stationery store at Main and Huron streets, died at his home, No. 770 Ellicott street, Buffalo, January 3. Mr. Besser was in his seventy-ninth year. He was born in Wiessenfels, Germany, February 9, 1836, and came to Buffalo with his parents in 1849. After working at various trades, Mr. Besser became a traveling agent for a book store and in 1861 started a stationery store for himself at Main and Mohawk streets, Buffalo. This business prospered until it be came the leading store of its kind in the city. His brother Otto joined him in partnership in 1866 and the firm name became Ernst Besser & Brother. The growth of the business, which extended to wholesale as well as retail proportions, necessitated a change of quarters, first in 1874 to 510 Main street, where it remained for 15 years, and later, in 1889, to its present location. Mr. Besser withdrew from active management in 1897, when the business was taken over by his sons and the firm name changed to Ernst Besser's Sons. As such it was known until incorporated in 1907 as Besser's (Inc.), with Oscar J. Besser as general man ager. t The deceased gentleman, however, continued in charge of the book and subscription department until -within 10 days of his death. Mr. Besser was an ardent admirer and lover of art and music and was the last of the charter members of the Buffalo Saengerbund, a prosperous and influential organization of Buffalo. He was elected and served as president of the society at numerous times and was made honorary president of the society's golden jubilee. He took prominent parts in the opera performances, which were given by the members of the Buffalo Saengerbund in Buffalo at a time when professional opera companies very seldom went to that city. In 1899 when death overtook his old and dear friend, William Braun, the founder of the Saenger bund, Mr. Besser wrote and dedicated to his memory a poem entitled, "The Singer's Last Wish," which was set to music and frequently sung by the society. Mr. Besser was also the author of a complete history of the "Buffalo Saengerbund," from its beginning to its last concert, which was held only recently. Mr. Ernst Besser was one of the most prominent citizens of Buffalo and one of the oldest stationers in the United States. He was esteemed and highly re spected as a man of the highest integrity and of a most kind, gentle and agreeable nature, thoroughly unselfish and of an extremely fine character, possess ing high ideals. He was respected among his asso ciates and honored among his friends. There was something in his nature that won friendship and in spired affection and confidence. His life was USeful and blameless. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo on Wednesday afternoon, January 6, Rev. C. Haas officiating. The active members of the Buffalo Saengerbund sang appropriate songs both at his late residence and at the grave. The bearers were his grandchildren.