The London Home Telephone Company was organized in February, 1899, and under the name of the London Telephone company. Later the name was changed to The Madison-Clark Telephone company, and this organization included the South Charleston, South Solon and Sedalia exchanges. In July, 1903, a new organization was effected and called The London Home Telephone Co., and the South Charleston and South Solon exchanges were sold to another company.
The late Hon. Wm. M. Jones became the president of these organizations remaining such till his death in 1907, when he was succeeded by the Vice-President, H. S. Mitchell.
In February, 1903, W. J. Meech became Secretary and Manager, when the company had 700 subscribers. The number now exceeds 1,000 and is rapidly growing. In fact more orders for new phones have been received this spring than ever before, taxing the capacity of the company to the utmost limit, compelling an immediate installation of the latest up-to-date system, known as the "Automanual."
The secretary and manager, Mr. W. J. Meech, is a native of Williams county, Ohio, where he was born in 1867. His boyhood was spent on the farm, and his early education obtained in the public schools. He entered Buchtel College, Akron, and after graduating secured a position with the Kellogg Switch Board Supply Co., of Chicago. For six years he was in their employ and in that time installed telephone switch boards in many of the largest cities in the country.
After completing the Louisville installation, he came direct to London to assume the superintendency of the company. His management has been most successful, showing a comprehensive knowledge of telephone construction and liberal, yet economic policies. The first two years in charge he paid a dividend of ten per cent, on the entire capitalization, and since then six per cent, and provides for all extension work. In fact, the company is excellent financial condition, which speaks volumes for Mr. Meech's management and that of the able Board of Directors. The officers and directors are among the representative and solid business men of London: Vice President, H. S. Mitchell; Treasurer, R. W. Boyd, also cashier of The London Exchange Bank; Secretary and Manager, W. J. Meech. Directors: W. E. Jones, Ed. L. Barber, R. W. Boyd, W. J. Meech and H. S. Mitchell.
The company is a member of The Ohio Independent Telephone Association. Its facilities for long distance telephoning are complete. Its service is satisfactory to all, and the rates are regarded as very reasonable.
From Madison Democrat 50th Anniversary
Published by the Madison Democrat, 1908