Our knowledge of Lafayette M. Studevant is inextricably linked to to People's Federal Savings and Loan, which he founded in 1886. Mr. Studevant made many other significant contributions to the growth of this industrial community, however.

From the time he moved to Sidney in 1882, he was involved in the financial side of Sidney's business. He worked for the Philip Smith Manufacturing Company, eventually becoming president of the firm. He also played a leading role in the operation of Monarch Machine Tool Company, (where he was a vice president), the Whipp Machine Tool Company, the Tucker Woodworking Company, the Bimel Buggy Company, the Eclipse Machine Company, and others.

Mr. Studevant was appointed a national bank examiner by Grover Cleveland. He was a delegate to the International Congress of Building and Loan Association in Europe. Mr. Studevant also was a founder of the Ohio Building and Loan Association in 1888, and he held statewide offices with the organization for over fifty years.

Industry segment written in January, 1998 by Rich Wallace

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