The Garloch Family Line, con't.

The Sixth Generation: The Family of Melvin GARLOCH and Mary BENNER

Left: Melvin Garloch (second from left) in the Army, Hawaii, c. 1923.

Right : Melvin, Mary, Ken (in arms), Mary Ellen, Harold, c. 1940.

Melvin was the oldest son of John Mack and Sadie. He had an older twin brother who died at birth. John Mack Garloch's family was sent into chaos by the death of Sadie; the end of his second marriage [around 1918]; and John's disability. Melvin, being the "big" brother, was hurled out into the world on his own. Since he was old enough to work [about 12 years old] he didn't go to the orphanage but had to work for his room and board on neighboring farms. This ended his schooling at around 6^th grade.

Mel told his son, Ken, and Emery told his son, Gene, the story about Mel going down to Hammondsville to rescue Emery and Emmett because the Hammondsville "town boys" were out to get them. It seems they resented outsiders coming in and taking away the local girls. Emery was pretty badly beat up by one "townie" because he paid attention to the girl the guy was sweet on. Mel arrived in his car with his gun in his pocket and the "town boys" disappeared and didn't bother the Garlock boys again. Ever the big brother!

Mel worked at the pottery in Sebring and told how one day he came home from work and found the house had burned and everything he owned was gone. All he had left was the clothes on his back and the .32 pistol he had in his pocket. So he decided to join the army! He was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for three years, and was discharged honorably with the rank of Corporal. The soldiers returned to the United States by ship and landed in Los Angeles where they boarded buses to continue across the country. As they crossed the mountains, at the first sight of snow, they stopped the bus and all got out and rolled in it.

Mel returned home from the service and found that Lucy Benner, the girl he had been dating, had married someone else. He started courting Lucy's younger sister, Mary, and married her on January 29, 1927. They lived at 750 Liberty Avenue in Salem, and then moved to Southeast Boulevard. During this time Mel and his brother, Ivan, used to hunt together before they had families to occupy their time. Mary still lives on Southeast Boulevard. She is 87 years old now and is in poor health.

Mel (nicknamed "Mike" on the job) worked at Mullins Manufacturing Company in Salem, Ohio for 43 years. Mullins was involved in the manufacture of washing machines tubs, but during World War II they had a munitions line where they manufactured ammunition casings for large guns. Melvin was a Foreman in the Tub room. He retired in 1970.

He died December 8, 1989 and is buried at Highland Memorial Park in Salem, Ohio. Upon his death, Mel's widow received a certificate of gratitude for his service in the army from the Office of the President of the United States signed by George Bush.

The three children of Melvin and Mary are: Mary Ellen; Kenneth Melvin; and Harold Raymond.