Fred J. Gilliam
In business circles of the thriving community of Bloomville, Seneca County, the name of Fred J. Gillam is recognized as one that is synonymous with business enterprise and integrity. As the proprietor of an up-to-date pharmacy he occupies a position of importance in his community, where his influence has always been extended in behalf of high principles, civic advancement and good citizenship.
Mr. Gillam was born at Nevada, Wyandot County, Ohio, March 2, 1874, a son of James M. and Ida (Thatcher) Gillam. The father, a native of Wyandot County, born in 1852, was reared at Nevada, Ohio, where he acquired his education in the public schools, and in young manhood learned the trade of carpenter. This vocation he followed with some success until 1881, when he became a salesman and local agent for farm binding machines, and through this connection became general agent for the International Harvester Company, a position which he held until his death in May, 1904. He was a republican in his political views, but did not seek preferment at the hands of his party or his fellow-citizens. Mrs. Gillam, who was born in in Seneca County, Ohio still survives. They became the parents of five children: One who died at the age of ten years; Fred J., of this review; C.D., of Columbus, Ohio; Lucile, a graduate of the Nevada High School, and now the wife of E.W. Knapp, of Nevada; and Bess, also a graduate of high school, who is the wife of Joe Ricker.
Fred J. Gillam was reared at Nevada, where he attended the graded and high schools, and for several years after his graduation from the latter was variously employed at such honorable work as came to his hand. In 1896 he commenced as a drug clerk at Gibsonburg, Ohio, and, having decided upon this calling for his life work, took a course in pharmacy at Ada, Ohio, where he was graduated January 10, 1899. For one year he was pharmacist at the school, and he then returned to his former employer, Dr. N.B. Ervin, for whom he acted as manager until 1904. In that year he came to Bloomville and purchased his present establishment, which he has developed into a very successful enterprise. He carries a full line of drugs, medicines, sundries, toilet articles, candies, etc., and his honorable dealing and courteous treatment of patrons have combined to attract a large patronage to his store.
In 1901 Mr. Gillam married Miss Mae Lichty, who was educated in the public schools, and to this union there have been born three children: Maxine, a graduate of the Bloomville High School, who is now engaged in teaching; James F., a graduate of high school, who is assisting his father; and W. Carlyle, who graduated from the Bloomville High School in 1924. With his family Mr. Gillam attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with Eden Lodge No. 310, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master; Seneca Chapter No. 42, Royal Arch Masons. Politically he is a republican, but he has no desire for public preferment at this time, being fully engaged with the duties of his business. He has several business connections and is a director of the Exchange State Bank of Bloomville.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883