1998 HALL OF FAME WINNER John Allen Rayner (1864 – 1929) Rayner was born on a farm in northern Miami County. By occupation he was a farmer and plumber, but his hobby was local history. He collected local artifacts and patiently researched the history of Piqua and the surrounding area. In 1917, he published The First Century of Piqua which has become the single most important history ever written about Piqua. His collection of prehistoric artifacts comprises the largest collection of its type in the city.