Erwin E. McNary
Among the younger business men of Ironton this energetic, wide-awake merchant has been numbered for the past ten years. His career is but another proof of the statement that practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails to win success, for with only ordinary advantages in his youth, he started out to make his own way in the world, and his diligence and judicious management have brought hiin a full measure of prosperity for his labors. Mr. McNary has spent bis entire life at Ironton, having been born here January 21, 1879, a son of William and Eleanor (Woods) MeNary.
William MeNary was born in Pennsylvania in 1842. and there grew up amid agricultural surroundings, so that on reaching his majority he adopted farming as his life work. He was twenty-eight years of age when he came to Lawrence County, and here, in the vicinity of Ironton, he rounded out a life of usefulness and industry in the pursuits of the soil, passing away in 1902. with the respect and esteem of those who had known him. Mrs. McNary, who was born at Steubenville, Ohio, survived her husband for some time, dying in 1910, when seventy years of age. They became the parents of six children, of whom all survive at this time: Elmer, in the real estate business in Granite City, Illinois; George engaged in the grocery business in Ironton; Dr. Wilber, a successful practicing physician of East St. Louis, Illinois; Minnie, a stenographer in Ironton; Margaret, who is also a stenographer and makes her home at Ironton; and Erwin E., of this review.
Erwin E. McNary prosecuted his studies in the graded and high schools of Ironton, and after his graduation from the latter in 1896 received his introduction to commercial life in the capacity of clerk for the clothing business conducted by A. J. Brumberg, a merchant of this city. He remained with Mr. Brumberg. thoroughly familiarizing himself with every detail of the business until 1904, when, feeling qualified to enter business on his own account, he invested his capital in a stock of clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods, and in partnership with Mr. Isaac Mearan opened an establishment which has steadily advanced in patronage and public favor. Mr. McNary fortunately possesses those qualifications which are essential to success in any line of business, and, having had much experience in the commercial world, is an able man of business. Thoroughly understanding the needs and wants of his customers, he spares no efforts to please them and to meet their wishes in every regard. He devotes his time strictly to his business, but when he is able to lay its cares aside, finds enjoyment in fishing and hunting trips. A member of the Chamber of Commerce, the high esteem in which he is held by his associates is evidenced by the fact that he has been elected a member of the board of directors of that body, a position which he now holds. Mr. McNary is a republican, but not an active politician. He is a consistent member of the Episcopal church, and his fraternal connections are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has shown his faith in the future of Ironton by investing his means in real estate in this locality.
Mr. McNary was married February 22, 1902, at Ironton, to Miss Mildred Peters, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Peters, who died about 1892, and whose family belonged to the oldest settlers of the mining locality of the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McNary: Mildred and Ethelyn, twins, the latter of whom died in 1913 ; and Helen.
From "A Standing History of the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ohio" by Eugene B. Willard, Daniel W. Williams, George O. Newman and Charles B. Taylor. Published by Lewis Publishing Company, 1916