Surnames: MEHAS, CRAVEN, SUTTER, COURLAS, JACKSON, MORRIS From Memoirs of the Miami Valley, Vol. III, 1919: Peter M. MEHAS, one of the proprietors of the Opportunity Barber shop, Hamilton, and also interested in other important ventures, was born May 27, 1890, in Sparta, Greece, a son of Michel and Evelyn MEHAS, prominent farming people of their native land, where both passed away. Peter M. MEHAS attended the public schools of Greece until he was eleven years of age, at which time, in 1901, he emigrated to the United States and, after a short stay at New York, went to the home of his uncle and aunt, at Cincinnati. He proved an industrious and energetic youth, and while attending the public schools of Cincinnati spent his leisure hours in working, so that when he completed his studies he was capable of rendering efficient help to whomsoever should be in need of his services. For a time he was variously employed in fruit and confectionery stores and also mastered the barber trade, and in 1908 opened a tonsorial parlor in partnership with Joseph CRAVEN, in Cincinnati. At the end o! f four years he bought his partner's interest and continued the business alone, making a success of his undertakings and attracting to himself numerous friendships. In the meantime his brother, George MEHAS, had come to the United States, and June 5, 1915, the brothers came to Hamilton, where they purchased the Colonial billiard hall, bowling alleys and barber shop, at 236 High street. One year later, June 5, 1916, they purchased what is now known as the Opportunity Barber shop, which was then owned by George SUTTER, but which has since been greatly improved and enlarged to a seven-chair establishment, with the finest of fixtures and all modern appurtenances, equipment and accommodations. Peter M. MEHAS now manages the barber shop, while George M. MEHAS has charge of the billiard academy and bowling alleys. In 1918, the brothers bought a $25,000 building - at Middletown, with Peter COURLAS, each of the partners owning a one-third interest therein. Mr. MEHAS is also the ! part owner of a wholesale and retail barbers' supplies business at Ind ianapolis, Ind., managed by Paul W. JACKSON, who also has a half-interest in the business. Mr. MEHAS is a business man of excellent capacity and his rating is high in commercial circles. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hamilton, and a charter member of Opportunity Lodge, No. 761, Knights of Pythias. February 7, 1915, he was married at Cincinnati to Helen MORRIS, also a native of Sparta, Greece, who was brought by her parents to the United States as a small child. They are the parents of two children: Michel, born in 1915; and James, born in 1919. The family home is at 853 Central avenue, and was bought by Mr. MEHAS in 1916. George M. MEHAS is also married, has two children, and is a resident of Hamilton. Gary King Batavia IL -----Original Message----- From: DLMOKDOKI To: Kingsk1117 Sent: Sat, 9 Apr 2005 6:14:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time Subject: MEHAS - Memoirs of the Miami Valley I'd be very interested in the bio of Peter Mehas, when it is convenient for you to transcribe it. Thank you very much. Lin