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


    J. FOREST STEPHENS

    J. Forest Stephens, president and general manager of the American Fixture Company, of Piqua and Troy, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of the former city. He was born at Troy, Ohio, February 1, 1878, a son of Hugh M. and Rose (Mills) Stephens, the former a leading merchant and real estate operator at Troy. There were four children in the family: Mary E., the wife of E. C. Thomas; Ada, the wife of Harry Henne, of Troy, and Homer S., sales manager for the Garford Company, of Elyria, Ohio, and J. Forest. J. Forest Stephens was educated in the public schools of Troy, after leaving which he secured a position with the Bell Telephone Company, where he advanced to the post of superintendent. He was then transferred to the Kansas City Home Telephone Company, of Kansas City, Mo., but returned to Troy, where he bought one-half interest in the C. C. Hobart Company, and subsequently, with Mr. Gibbs, acquired control of the concern. In 1913 a store was established at Piqua, and since that time the American Fixture Company has continued to grow in size and importance until it is now one of the leading concerns in its line at Piqua and Troy. Mr. Stephens occupies the position of president and general manager, while B. F. Gibbs is secretary and treasurer. All manner of electrical work is done, the company is capable of handling any kind of an electrical contract, appliances of all kinds are sold, and the concern makes a specialty of designing fixtures. The superior workmanship and efficiency in handling contracts which have always been features of this business have been in large measure the reason for its success, combined with the business capacity, progressive ideas and native energy of the directing heads. Mr. Stephens is a member of the Piqua Club, the Piqua Rotary Club and the Piqua Golf Club, and also holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was a generous supporter of all war measures during the war, and likewise has been a helpful factor in securing the success of beneficial movements in his home city. Mr. Stephens married Pearl L., daughter of Milton Dilts, present member of the board of commissioners of Miami county, and they are the parents of one son, Robert.

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