J. A. GERSTMEYER, senior member of the plumbing firm of Gerstmeyer & McKale, is one of the leading business men of the City of Piqua, and has various business interests. He was born in Piqua in 1875, and is a son of John Gerstmeyer, who was born in Bavaria, Germany. The latter, who is now living in retirement in Piqua, came to this country in 1873, and for many years had brewery interests in Miami County, Ohio.

J. A. Gerstmeyer was reared and educated in his native city, and after leaving school was employed in a printing house for one year. In 1891 he entered the plumbing business with Mr. J. A. Kloeb, with whom he continued two years. He was then for six years identified with the plumbing firm of Dailey & Bullock, and for three years with Dailey & Stephens. He was next with the Burr Hardware Company three years, and in 1903 engaged in the plumbing business as a member of the firm of Frederick & Gerstmeyer. They continued successfully until March, 1907, when the present firm of Gerstmeyer & McKale was formed. They do a general plumbing, heating and ventilating business, and have had contracts for the equipment of many of the late buildings of Piqua and vicinity. Mr. Gerstmeyer also has various other interests in the city.

In 1902 Mr. Gerstmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Ida Hemmert, and they have two children, Mary and Martha. Religiously they are faithful members of St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.