W. E. Rudy
W. E. Rudy, the veteran automobile dealer of Lima, was born in Allen County 38 years ago and has been a resident of the city of Lima for the past 15 years. Mr. Rudy established a new line of business for Lima when he opened his garage and entered into the sale of automobiles, bringing the first machine to this county. He carried, in addition, a complete line of bicycle sundries and a good line of bicycles.
Mr. Rudy grew to manhood in Allen County and enjoyed the advantage of a college education, having taken the scientific course in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, from which he was graduated. Two years of practical work in teaching followed, when he became a "knight of the grip" and for five years was salesman for a bicycle company, traveling over Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a part of New York in his Eastern territory, and through Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma in the West. In 1890 he settled in Lima and engaged in retailing automobiles and bicycles, his business growing to such an extent that it necessitated enlarged quarters, when he erected his garage, a large building 100 by 50 feet, which is located on Elizabeth street, near the post office a splendid site and a splendid business.
Mr. Rudy was married in 1892 to Anna Doolittle, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has two bright children Mildred and Marcus. Mr. Rudy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church while his wife is a Presbyterian. He was a member of the Lima City Council for two years and is always ready to lend his hearty support to any movement of utilitarian import. Fraternally, he is connected with the Elks, the Red Men and the Odd Fellows.