Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Clem A. Gaar
Clem A. Gaar, the second son of Abram and Agnes Gaar, was born in Richmond, Indiana, on the 13th of April, 1859. His youth was spent in the usual manner of lads of the period, study in the school-room and the pleasures of the play-ground engrossing his attention. Entering upon his business career at the age of nineteen years, he began serving an apprenticeship in the pattern-making department of the works of Gaar, Scott & Company, his term covering a period of four years and eight months, during which time he became an expert workman. On the expiration of that period he began farming on the old homestead and carried on agricultural pursuits for eight months, but not finding that occupation to his taste, he embarked in the wholesale grocery business in connection with John Shroyer, under the firm name of Shroyer & Gaar. They conducted that enterprise until 1890, and in 1894 Mr. Gaar aided in organizing the National Church Furniture Company, of which he has since served as vice-president. They have built up an extensive business and are now enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. In addition, Mr. Gaar is engaged in general farming, making a specialty of the raising of wheat, and a glance at his broad and well tilled fields indicates his careful supervision. He is also a stockholder in the corporation conducting business under the name of Gaar, Scott & Company. He possesses the true western spirit of enterprise, and is quick to note a favorable business opportunity. Therein lies the secret of many a man's success, and the prosperity which our subject enjoys is largely attributable to that quality.
On the 15th of November, 1882, Mr. Gaar was married to Miss Fannie McMeans, a daughter of the late Alfred L. and Anna L McMeans, of Richmond. They now have two children, Lucille and Russell A. Mr. Gaar is a leading member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, is serving as trustee, and is a valued representative of the Royal Arcanum. He and his wife have spent their entire lives in Richmond, and in their large circle of friends are many who have known them from childhood to the present.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899
C. A. Gaar, pattern-maker, son of A. Gaar, was born April 13, 1859, in Richmond, where he has always resided. He learned the pattern-maker's trade, and has worked in the establishment of Gaar, Scott & Co. several years. He was married to Fannie McMeans, who was born Oct. 5, 1864, and is a daughter of A. L. McMeans, of this city.
Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana, Vol. II, Inter-state Publishing Co., Chicago, 1884
Residence of Clem A. Gaar, 1906