The son came to DeSoto, Jackson County, Illinois, in 1859. With true mercantile instinct he opened up a general merchandise store on his own account three years later, when only fourteen years of age. One year later, in the spring of 1863, we find him dealing in general merchandise in Memphis, Tenn., thence to Cobden, Illinois, later to Anna, Illinois, in 1866, where he remained until 1874.
He then made a tour of the continent remaining until the spring of 1876. In the autumn of 1876, he moved to Marion and started his Marion clothing business.
Mr. Cantor carried a large and well selected stock of goods in his line in the Benson Building on the northeast corner at 1205 Public Square, and kept in his employ two clerks, W. B. Lee and Robert Jeter. The former remained with him for many years and Mr. Cantor’s establishment became one of the oldest businesses in the county.
At that time Marion was a small affair, boasting of only about 800 in population and Mr. Cantor had a hand in shaping almost everything from the beginning.
He married Miss Sarah Yesky of New York City, January 27, 1878 and in 1879 they had their first child, a daughter named Bertha Cantor. In the 1880 census, Manhiem is 32, Sarah is 22 and their daughter Bertha is 1. They have a white, 18 year old servant named Anna Tolbert living with them and Manhiem is listed as a clothier. The following year, in 1881, they have their second daughter named Lillie Cantor.
In January of 1881, Manheim became one of the directors of the First National Bank at its organization and later became a director of the Williamson County Savings Bank.
In 1893, they build and occupy their elegant home at 512 South Market Street which was erected at a cost of $5,000.
The 1900 census finds them in their home on S. Market St. with their two daughters, Bertha who is now 21 and Lillian who is 19. Manheim is listed as a merchant. They have a black, 24 year old servant by the name of Mattie Williams from Tennessee.
Mr. Cantor was active socially and in Masonry attained the degree of Royal and Select Master. He was also a member of the Encampment of I. O. O. F., and a charter member and Trustee of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In December of 1900, their daughter Bertha marries Charles W. Schwerdt and the couple take up residence in their home at 702 S. Market St. Charles is also active in the Elks with his father in law and is a local merchant as well, doing business at 902 Public Square.
By the 1910 census, Manheim has reached the age of 62 and Sarah 52, he is still a clothier and actively working. The couple employs a white, 27 year old private housekeeper named Julia Franklin who lives at their home.
On August 1, 1912, Manheim Cantor dies at the age of 64. He is buried in a Jewish Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri called New Mount Sinai Cemetery and Mausoleum.
By 1920, his widowed wife Sarah is out of their family home and it is under new ownership. Sarah is living at 702 S. Market St. with her daughter Bertha and her husband Charles Schwerdt. She continues to live with her daughter Bertha until her death on February 4, 1933 at the age of 75. She is interred in St. Louis with her husband at New Mount Sinai Cemetery and Mausoleum.
(Data from 1905 Souvenir History, WCHS; Federal Census Records; Death Records; Marion City Directories; IRAD; compiled by Sam Lattuca on 03/14/2013)