Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



Jonas Gaar

Numbered among the younger business men of Richmond is Jonas Gaar, whose whole life, save the time spent in the east, at college, has been passed in this flourishing little city. The eldest son of Fielding and Mary J. (Gallagher) Gaar, he was born in Richmond, on the 22d of January, 1867. After completing his education in the public schools of this place, he matriculated in Cornell University, where he passed two years in earnest study, qualifying himself for the more serious duties of life.

In 1886 our subject returned home, where he was offered the position of assistant postmaster, and, accepting the place, served under J. F. Eldor, until 1890, making an efficient and popular official. He then became interested in the firm of Pogue, Miller & Company, buying a share in the business. This well known hardware house was established in 1880 by Charles H. Pogue and George W. Miller, both of Richmond, the firm name being Pogue & Miller until Mr. Gaar was admitted to the partnership. In 1893 Mr. Pogue retired from the business, and Mr. Gaar acquired a half interest, though the old style of the firm remains as formerly. The location of their store is on Fort Wayne avenue, and by judicious management their trade, which is exclusively wholesale, is growing steadily, year by year. Mr. Gaar possesses marked business ability, and it is safe to predict for him a successful and useful future.

On the 23d of October, 1889, Mr. Gaar married Fanny C. Pogue, daughter of A. L. Pogue, a prominent and influential citizen of Richmond. Two interesting children bless the home of our subject and his estimable wife: Mary Frances, born July 2, 1890, and Americus Fielding, born July 17, 1894. The family reside in a beautiful home in the most desirable portion of east Main street, and are surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries that denote refined and cultured tastes.

Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899