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BIOGRAPHY OF MICHAEL FIALLA This biography was possible through the generous consideration of Mrs. Gina M. Reasoner. Email: greasoner@prodigy.net Source: History of Ohio, The American Historical Society Inc., 1925 Volume IV, page 167: MICHAEL FIALLA came to Youngstown when a boy, has made a success through his own efforts, and for a number of years has been prominently identified with various financial and business organizations. He is one of the leading representatives of the people of Czecho-Slovakia in Youngstown. He was born in Czecho-Slovakia, October 15, 1882, the son of Michael and Teresa (Vlasko) Fialla. His parents came to the United States and settled in Youngstown, where his mother is still living. Michael Fialla attended school in the old country, and in 1891 joined his parents in Youngstown, where he continued his education in St. Joseph's School. In the meantime he was contributing to his own support by selling newspapers, both on the streets and on railroad trains as a representative of the Union news Company. Mr. Fialla has made use of his opportunities to acquire a very liberal education, and is a fluent linguist, having command of five languages, the German, Slavic, Polish, Croatian and English. A number of years ago he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and founded the Slovak Building and Loan Association, later the Youngstown Savings and Loan Company and also founded the Youngstown State Bank. On January 12, 1922, he founded the Ohio Savings and Loan Company, with offices at 112 East Boardman Street. He is secretary of the company and is manager of its real estate and insurance department, and is also manager of the National Foreign Exchange, handling money orders, steamship tickets and other commercial transactions between this and foreign countries. William H. Benson is president of the Ohio Savings and Loan Company, and the vice presidents are Fred Gursch and John Loew. Mr. Fialla married in June, 1901, Miss Mary Gelvanish, a native of Canton, Ohio. The children of their marriage are: Amelia and Marie, graduates of Girard High School; Helen, attending high school, Edward, Junietta and Doloris. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Fialla is a republican, is affiliated with Lodge No. 55, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Aerie No. 4681, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the National Slovak Organization of the United States.
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