F. E. McGervey
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the place where he has passed his active life, and so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Xenia. He is to-day connected with many business interests which are of value to Xenia through promoting its commercial activity, whereon rest the prosperity and upbuilding of every town or city. He is to-day cashier of the Citizens' National Bank and is also a representative of many other important business concerns.
F. E. McGervey was born in this city on the 21st of January, 1856, his parents being James and Caroline (Brown) McGervey. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Hampshire. It is supposed that the McGervey family is of Scotch-Irish origin. The parents of James McGervey died during his infancy and he was reared by a Pennsylvania Dutch family. In early life he learned the saddler's trade and in 1828 he emigrated westward, traveling by stage coach and becoming a resident of Xenia, which was then a thriving little village. For more than sixty-seven years he condncted a harness shop in this place, continning in business up to the time of his death. His excellent workmanship, his honorable treatment of his patrons and his unremitting diligence brought to him success and he gained, as result of his labors, a comfortable competence. He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Brown, who had three sisters, and all of them, like Mrs. McGervey. celebrated their golden weddings, and each sister with her husband attended the celebration of the fiftieth wedding anniversary of all the others. The father of our subject passed away in 1895 at the advanced age of eighty-five years and his wife was seventy-nine years at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, but three of the number died in childhood. The others are as follows: Harriet is the wife of J. D. Watt, of Scotia, Nebraska. Mrs. Sarah M. Myers, now a widow, is the principal of the Woman's College at Fredericksburg, Maryland. James L. is connected with the firm of Jobe Brothers, merchants of Xenia. William R., who now resides in Kansas City, was the organizer of the Citizens' National Bank in 1881, and served as its cashier until 1896, when his health failed him and he removed to Kansas City, where he has since made his home. The youngest member of the family is the subject of this review.
Frank E. McGervey is indebted to the public school system of Xenia for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He entered upon his business career when only fifteen years of age, being first employed as bookkeeper and when seventeen years of age he was head bookkeeper of a large mercantile concern. Since that time he has been engaged in clerical work. although he has not given his entire attention to it. In 1876 he entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy and filled that position for eight consecutive years. In 1884 he was elected county treasurer and served for two terms in that capacity. On the expiration of that period he entered the insurance and real estate business and is still a member of the firm of McGervey & Le Sourd. In 1897 he entered the Citizens' National Bank of Xenia as cashier and has since continued in that position, the success and high standing of the institution being attributable in no small degree to the efforts of the popular and efficient cashier. He also has other interests, being connected as a stockholder with leading enterprises here. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Gas Company and of the Electric Light Company.
On the 29th of January. 1880. Mr. McGervey was united in marriage with Miss Julia Dean, a native of Greene county and a daughter of David Dean of Xenia. She is the younger of two children, her brother, D. C. Dean, being the superintendent of the Xenia Gas Company. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGervey were also born two children, but the daughter died in infancy. Walter E. is now acting as bookkeeper in the bank. Mrs. McGervey belongs to the United Presbyterian church and our subject holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been chorister for a quarter of a century. He has always been identified with the musical circles of Xenia and is the director of the Association Chorus of this city, comprised of one hundred and twenty-five members. In politics he is a stanch Republican but has never consented to hold office, save that of county treasurer. He also belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association and for fifteen years has been su active member of its board, taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the moral development and mental culture of the city as well as to its material upbuilding. His advancement has been continuous, his promotion coming to him in recognition of his capability, efficiency and accuracy. Well merited success now crowns his efforts, and he is honored and esteemed by all who know him.
From History of Greene County, Ohio, by George F. Robinson (S. J. Clarke Publishing Co, 1902)