This gentleman needs no introduction to the readers of the history of Miami county, for he is very widely known throughout this section of the state and his business reputation extends far beyond the confines of western Ohio. For almost a third of a century he has been engaged in the manufacture of furniture in Piqua, and his labors have been of substantial benefit to the city, while promoting his individual welfare and prosperity. He is certainly one of the most energetic and enterprising men of Piqua. America has gained pre-eminence as one of the strongest commercial powers of the world, and in each of its cities are men who are recognized leaders in the industrial, commercial and professional circles. Among this number in Piqua is Mr. Cron, and probably no single individual has done more to promote the business activity and consequent prosperity of Miami county than he.

A native of Ohio, he was born in Piqua, September 16, 1836, and obtained a good elementary education in the public schools, supplementing it by study in private schools. Throughout his business career he has been connected with the manufacture of furniture. He early began learning the trade of manufacturing furniture and has since continued to follow that pursuit through an active, honorable and useful life. He established his present business in 1868, carrying it on alone until 1869, when he admitted his present partners, under the name of the L.C. & W.L. Cron Company. The firm name has since been unchanged and the enterprise is the oldest of the kind in this section of Ohio. As the years passed their trade grew, both in volume and importance, and the field of their operations was extended. They were forced to secure larger facilities from time to time until their plant has now grown to extensive proportions. It covers, together with the ground on which the lumber is piled, about eight acres, and is connected with the railroad system of the city by side tracks, which enter the premises and afford the most complete receiving and shipping facilities. The factory and warehouses are embraced in large and substantial brick buildings. The main factory is four stories high and the warehouse three stories in height. These are connected with a covered bridge crossing the street at the second floor. The mechanical equipment embraces all the improved, labor saving machinery known to the trade, and is operated by a one hundred horse-power engine, and every operation in connection with the manufacture of the products that may be accomplished by machinery is thus executed. Notwithstanding this latter fact 509 employment is given to one hundred and seventy skilled workmen, which is an evidence of the extent of the output. To facilitate the economic and rapid production of the products an immense stock of lumber is kept maturing, and perfect system and order reign supreme in all the departments of the establishment. The products of the company are bed-room suits, made chiefly from oak and elm. They are made in a variety of handsome and attractive styles, the workmanship being most thorough and finished, and the output of the factory is in demand in trade circles throughout all sections of the Union. In addition to this they manufacture all kinds of plain and fancy house furniture. New and original styles are being introduced and the company has earned a high reputation for being fully abreast and in advance of the times with artistic novelties in their line. In all valuable elements the products are attractive and salable, and therefore are just what the trade wants. The central location of Piqua, the unsurpassed shipping facilities afforded here, the complete manufacturing plant of the company and the progressive management of the business, all combine to enable them to offer inducements and advantages to buyers that invariably insure continued business relations. The active management of the business is vested in the hands of L. C. Cron, president, and Edward Whitlock, secretary. Mr. Cron is a practical manufacturer and a progressive business man in the prime of his usefulness, and he takes great pride in turning out the best goods of the kind on the market. The policy upon which this enterprise is conducted is based on fair and honorable dealing, and the well known reliability of the company, together with the excellence of their output, secures to them a large and continuous patronage.

Mr. Cron has been twice married. On the 29th of September, 1859, he wedded Miss Margaret Ginn, and to them were born five children, namely: George L., who was born August 27, 1864, and died February 15, 1867; Maggie E., who was born March 12, 1866; Charles L., born September 26, 1867; Jackson C., born June 18, 1869; and Albert M., who was born December 27, 1871, and died July 25, 1878. The mother of this family was born in Miami county, September 7, 1838, and was called to her final rest on the 27th of December, 1873. On the 11th of August, 1874, Mr. Cron was again married, his second union being with Marcella Edmonds, of Dayton, who was born December 4, 1847. They had four children: Hattie B., born July 27, 1875; and Minnie A., who was born September 19, 1878, and died July 1, 1879; Florence, born May 30, 1882; Clarence, born in 1886.

During the Civil war Mr. Cron manifested his locality to the government, for, with patriotic spirit, he responded to the call for troops in 1861, spending three years in the army. He was the principal musician in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Cedar Creek, Fort Petersburg and many others of less renown. He was always found at his post of duty, faithfully fighting for the cause of the Union. He has filled many positions of public trust and responsibility. He is president of the Democratic Publishing Company, of Piqua, which was organized in 1891. He is at present serving as president of the city council. He was mentioned for state representative by the Democrats, and, though he lost the 510 election, it was a defeat which amounted almost to victory, for in the county which usually gives a Republican majority of fourteen hundred his opponent received a plurality of only ninety-one votes. The large support which was given Mr. Cron certainly indicated his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He is a man of broad capabilities, as his varied and extensive business interests indicate. He is at all times approachable and patiently listens to whatever a caller may have to say, always courteous and at all times a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term. He cares not for notoriety, nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. His has been the mind to conceive and direct and the hand to execute all of the many improvements and advancement which have been made by the company of which he is the head, and that he stands today among the most successful and prosperous business men of Piqua is a fact due entirely to his own efforts.