Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Samuel W. Gaar
The well known cashier of the Second National Bank is Samuel W. Gaar, a son of Abram and Agnes (Adams) Gaar. He was born in Richmond, March 3, 1863, and having acquired a good literary education in the public schools pursued a course in the Richmond Business College, in which he was graduated in the class of 1884.
Thus prepared for the practical and responsible duties of life, Samuel W. Gaar entered upon his business career as bookkeeper in the Second National Bank, in which capacity he acceptably served for ten years. He was then promoted to the place of assistant cashier, in 1895, and in 1897 was made cashier, in which capacity he is now serving. He is also a stockholder and a member of the directorate, and has contributed to the success of the institution, which has the reputation of being one of the most reliable banking houses in this section of the state. He is also a stockholder in the extensive manufacturing business conducted by Gaar, Scott & Company.
On the 24th of December, 1885. was celebrated the marriage of Samuel W. Gaar and Miss Mary E. Matthews, a daughter of Edward R. and Rachel Matthews, of Richmond. They have one child, Mildred E. They enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of the city, and their friends in the community are many. Mr. Gaar is quite prominent and widely known in Masonic circles, holding membership with Webb Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M.; King Solomon Chapter, R. A. M., and Richmond Commandery, K. T. He also belongs to J. N. S. Council, Royal Arcanum. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but for himself has never sought nor desired the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. He is a worthy representative of one of the prominent families that has figured conspicuously in the history of the county from the time of its earliest pioneer development down to the present, with its wonderful commercial and industrial advancement.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899
Samuel W. Gaar, of Gaar, Scott & Co., was born Oct. 22, 1824, in Richmond, a son of Jonas Gaar. He received a limited education in the common schools, and when fourteen years of age began working in the blacksmith's shop of the Richmond foundry, remaining there till 1841, having been one of the leading smiths for a number of years. When the machine works were reorganized and changed to Gaar, Scott & Co., he became one of the stockholders. Oct. 19, 1865, he married Mrs. Elizabeth (Kirklen) Townsend, widow of William Townsend, and a native of Preble County, Ohio, born in 1832. She has four children — Clinton, William, Henry and James. Mr. Gaar has been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity a number of years.
Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana, Vol. II, Inter-state Publishing Co., Chicago, 1884