John R. Squire was seven years old when his parents brought him to Youngstown, where he attended school until he was eight years old. As his father was in the roofing business he naturally turned his attention in the same direction and learned the trade of tinner and roofer and became a practical draughtsman.

By the time he was 21 years old he was running a sawmill which was then located in what is now Wick Park, where he cut white oak timber and manufactured it into lumber. At this time he was received by his father, James Squire, as a partner and acquired a one-third interest in his father's business and the firm name became James Squire and Company.

In 1889, the concern was incorporated under the firm name of James Squire Company, with James as president, C.O. Palmer as vice president and superintendent, and John R. Squire as secretary and treasurer. The business was continued as a corporation until February, 1902, when John R. Squire purchased all the stock and merged it into an undivided individual ownership.

In 1883, John R. Squire was married to Etta M. Bowman, who was the daughter of James Bowman, manager of Andrews Brothers store at Hazelton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Squire had two children, Pearl B. Squire and Nellie M. Squire.

John R. Squire took an active interest in Youngstown and her advancement and the welfare of her citizens. He was elected to a number of important positions in civic life, served on the city council, the board of education and the board of public safety. He was president of the Ohio State organization of Builder's Exchanges and a member of both the Elks and the Masons.