Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    LINCOLN M. FLOWERS

    Lincoln M. Flowers, manager of the Piqua branch of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, who has also achieved distinction as a maker of fine violins, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, June 4, 1870, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Thornberry) Flowers. William Moore, the paternal grandfather of the paternal grandmother of Mr. Flowers, was born in England, and after coming to America fought as a patriot soldier throughout the War of the Revolution. His son, also named William Moore, was a soldier of the War of 1819.. Benjamin Flowers, a man of industry and progressiveness in his day, brought the first portable sawmill into Monroe county and operated a sawmill and planing mill there for a number of years. Elizabeth Thornberry came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, where her family was well known. There were four children in the family: Webster, Clinton, Lincoln M. and May. May married Lieutenant George Imson, United; States Army, stationed at Porto Rico. Lincoln M. Flowers was educated in the public schools of Monroe county and early displayed an aptitude for wood carving, the rudiments of which he learned while mastering the trade of a practical wood worker. Going to New Castle, Pa., he there first became identified with the Singer Sewing Machine Company, which concern later made him manager of the branch at Beaver Falls, Pa. From there he went to Mansfield, where he managed the local office, later going to Chillicothe in the same capacity. From the latter place he came to Piqua, in June, 1914, to assume the duties of manager of the Piqua branch of this company, in which capacity he has continued to the present time, winning success for his concern and establishing a personal reputation for business soundness and integrity. During the war period, Mr. Flowers took an energetic part in assisting the movements promulgated by the administration at Washington, and furnished gratis sewing machines for the rise of the Red Cross workers. Of recent years Mr. Flowers has achieved something more than local distinction as a maker of fine violins. His early training in wood working and wood carving gave him the requisite skill to follow a line of endeavor that appealed to his inclinations, and in 1916 he made his first violin, this having been followed by seven others, all instruments of exceptional excellence. None of those sold has been disposed of for less than $200 and all are models of splendid workmanship and wonderful tonal qualities. A number of connoisseurs of fine violins have pronounced his instruments as being of rare quality, comparing favorably with famous makes that sell for thousands of dollars. Mr. Flowers married Carrie A., daughter of William E. and Angie (Flannigan) Reynard, and to this union there have been born four children: Lester, who married Blanche Dillon; Eloda, a reporter on the staff of the Piqua Daily Call, and Clinton and Edward, who reside with their parents in the comfortable family home.

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