USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Chronography of notable events in the history of the Northwest territory and Wayne County > Part 44
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Joseph H. Lesher was born in the State of Pennsylvania, at Easton, on the first day of April, 1825. His father, George Lesher, was born at Nayauthe, Pa., December 29th, 1789, and his mother at the same place, December 30th, 1797. Her maiden name was Eliza- beth Kemmerer.
His parents were married October 13th, 1813, at Easton, Pa. They had twelve children, seven sons and five daughters.
In early life Mr. Lesher had not the opportunities to acquire a classical education, but such as he had he seems to have utilized to the best advantage, and when young must have imbibed those religious convictions which have been his guide in subsequent life, and which cling to him at the present day.
At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a tailor, serving seven years, at the end of which he became connected as cutter with a leading merchant tailoring establishment in New York city for several years. He then located for a time at Easton, Pa., from whence he came to Detroit in 1863, and engaged as chief cutter for Hallock & Sons. He went into business for himself in 1875, and located on the corner of Jefferson avenue and Bates street, where he remained, doing an excellent business, until 1875. When the Biddle House closed, business left that portion of the city, and he removed to 116 Griswold street. He continued to do a large trade, not only for citizens of Detroit, but gained many customers in different parts of the State, when the Hammond estate, having bought the building occu- pied by him, and desiring to erect a larger one in its stead, he was again compelled to remove to his present location, 75 West Fort street, where he has fitted up an elegant store, and where he hopes to regain and hold his old customers.
During the whole period of his residence in Detroit Mr. Lesher has been a worthy member of the First Presbyterian church, and is at present one of the trustees.
As a citizen he has always done good and effective service in the interests of education, and of benevolent and charitable organizations.
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He is a Republican in politics, and has faithfully sought to pro- mote its success and that of its representatives. He has been chairman of the county, city and ward committees several different times, and in these capacities has won the confidence of his party friends by his hon- orable and successful management.
Mr. Lesher married Miss Susanna Kosty, of Easton, Pa., in 1850. They have had eight children.
Geo. H. Lesher, the eldest son, has long been clerk of the Recorder's Court, and very recently been admitted as attorney at the Detroit bar.
" The gospel allows no such term as stranger, but makes every man my neighbor," is the practical rule governing most of the acts of such men as Mr. Lesher.
It may be, and to some is, exceedingly interesting to trace the genealogy of families. That of Mr. Lesher's on both sides goes back to Germany. His paternal family were known in the early history of Pennsylvania by the name of Lescher, and the maternal by that of Kemmerer. A great uncle of the subject of this sketch was a captain in the Revolutinary war.
The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, John Lescher, born near Bethlehem, Pa., February 14th, 1864, married Sally Ann Weitzell, who was born April 27th, 1769. He died in 1817. Andrew Weitzel, the father of Sally Ann, was born in 1725. He died in 1817. They had eight children, George, the father of the subject of this sketch, being the eldest son. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Elizabeth Kemmerer, was the daughter of Jacob Kemmerer and Magde- lena Becker; the latter was but six weeks old when brought to Phila- delphia from Germany. She had two brothers, John Phillip Becker, who removed to and purchased a large tract of land in Marion county, Ohio, where some of the descendants now reside. Peter Becker left a very large property in Philadelphia, which became valuable, and dying without immediate heirs, his estate has never been settled.
The family of George Lesher and Elizabeth Becker, nee Kemmerer, were: Henrietta, born May 18th, 1814; Anna Matilda, born October 24th, 1814, died December 12th, 1850; John William, born May 23d, 1817, died January 27, 1875; Susanna, born February 28th, 1819; Wil- liam, born February 10th, 1821; George Washington, born March 29th, 1823, died October Ist, 1861 ; Joseph Henry, born April Ist, 1825; Ben- jamin Franklin, born March 2d, 1827, died November 12th, 1857; Theodore Herman, born March 18th, 1829; Truman Thomas, born Jan- nary 23d, 1831, died August 10th, 1861; Louisa Elizabeth, born Sep- tember 5th, 1833; Mary Ann, born October 5th, 1835.
George, the father, died July 9th, 1875, and Elizabeth Becker, the mother, October 25th, 1865.
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The family of Joseph Henry, the subject, is as follows: Joseph Henri Lesher, born April Ist, 1825; Susanna Kortz, his wife, born October 4th, 1828. Married by the Rev. J. H. Bomberger, at Easton, Pa., April 20th, 1851. Children born at Easton, Pa .: Geo. H., October 11th, 1852; Wm. Theodore, January 2d, 1855; Howard Joseph, August 9th, 1856; Elizabeth Kemmerer, April Ist, 1859; Freeman Thomas, August 31st, 1861; Herbert Albert, September 30th, 1863; born at Detroit: Joseph Henry, August 19th, 1865; Charles Augustus, December 2d, 1867. The latter died September 27th, 1884.
CLARENCE M. BURTON.
Every man at his birth becomes subject to the action of three ele- ments. He comes out of water-passes through air-and when he reaches maturity, is under the influence of fire.
The subject of the following sketch, having submitted to the first two, is now undergoing the third, while endeavoring to capture a fourth -the earth, or a portion of it, prior to assimilating and becoming a part of it. Not, however, is he confining his efforts for himself only, but is also looking to it, that the title of others to their share is perfect.
Clarence M. Burton was born in the State of California, November 18, 1853.
His father, Dr. C. S. Burton, and his mother, Anna E. Burton, nee Monroe, were natives of the State of New York. They came to Michigan and located at Battle Creek, where, in 1849, Dr. Burton established the Battle Creek Journal. After conducting it a few years he removed to California, where the subject of this sketch was born, remaining there two years. He returned to Michigan, bringing Clar- ence with him, and established the Hastings Banner, at Hastings, Barry county, where he now resides. Four children were born to the Doctor and his wife. Charles F. Burton, a practicing lawyer in Detroit; Clarence, the subject of this, also a lawyer, and proprietor of the Wayne County Abstract Office, at No. II, Lafayette avenue, Detroit; Mrs. Ellen B. (Burton) Judson, of Lansing, Michigan, and Edward Burton, practicing law at Chicago.
Clarence was united in marriage to Miss Harriett Nye at Ann Arbor, Michigan, December 25, 1872. She was the daughter of Mr. Nelson B. Nye, an old resident, who was for a number of terms Sheriff of Washtenaw county. Both Mr. Nye and his wife died within a few days of each other in the spring of 1888.
Mr. and Mrs. Burton have six children. Mr. Burton attended the schools of Hastings, and after a preparatory course entered the literary
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department of the Michigan University in 1869, but left before the four years expired, and began the study of law, and entered the law department, graduating therefrom in 1874, too young to be admitted to the bar. The day following his majority, November 19, 1874, he was examined and received his certificate to practice as an attorney at Detroit.
He first associated himself with the well-known law firm of Ward & Palmer, he making that branch of law relating to land titles a specialty, and when the firm of Ward & Palmer dissolved, retaining his relations with Mr. Ward, he purchased of Major Skinner the Wayne County Abstract Office, which he at present conducts to the great satisfaction of the owners of real estate in Wayne county. He is recognized as a man of integrity and enterprise, and is considered an authority on all questions relating to titles, having devoted much time and money to investigating and providing facilities and authorities thereon.
WILLIAM MCCARTHY.
Before the deluge there was a man named Lameck who had two wives, one named Adah, the other Zillah. By Adah he had two sons, Jabell and Juball. By Zillah he had a son, Tubal, and a daughter called Mahmah. These four children found out the beginning of all the crafts in the world. Jabell found geometry. He divided flocks of sheep and lambs and built the first house of stone and timber. Juball found out music. Tubal found the smith's trade and how to work gold, silver, iron, copper and steel. Tubal has always held more prominence in history, because the worker in metals has ever been recognized the benefactor to humanity, and his trade the most honorable of all.
The subject of this sketch has made himself prominent among his fellow workmen in iron and steel, as well as with horse owners, by his skill in the manufacture of a shoe, and fitting it in such a manner as to give ease and comfort to the horse and satisfaction to its owner. He has not only secured this confidence and respect through his skill as a worker in metals, but also by that integrity of character exhibited by him in all his business transactions.
William McCarthy was born in the parish of Middleton, county of Cork, Ireland, in 1831. His parents were in comfortable circumstan- ces, but William chose the smith's trade at the age of fourteen, and after serving out his apprenticeship he worked as journeyman until he had acquired the means when he emigrated to the United States and settled in Detroit, August 15th, 1856. He was soon able to open a shop of his own, and speedily established a lucrative business, which he still continues.
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In 1858 he married Miss Mary Barry, who was born in the same county and parish as her husband in the year 1833. They have seven children, Elizabeth, Thomas, William, Frank, Kate, Mary and Rose, to all of whom they have given the best education which the schools of Detroit furnish.
In politics, Mr. McCarthy has acted with the Democrats in the main, but does not feel bound to support party measures if in his judg- ment they are wrong. He has never held or sought public office, pre- ferring to look to his trade for the support of himself and family.
In his daily life the unfortunate always find a friend and he regards his word better than a bond. He is devoted to his family and has reared them to put their faith in, and govern their actions by the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
JOHN D. STANDISH.
John D. Standish, late of Detroit, who was identified with the growth of not only the city, but with numerous enterprises throughout the State of Michigan, contributing to the development of its natural resources, was born at Granville, Washington county, State of New York, October 1, 1817.
He was descended from a race that took an active part in the struggle for American Independence. His grandfather, Samuel Stan- dish, served with distinction in the Continental Army, was present at the surrender of Burgoyne, and was a participator and an actor in the scenes and events of that period. He died at Granville in 1841. His great-grandfather, another Samuel, was in direct line in the fourth generation descended from Captain Miles Standish. He was born at Norwich, Connecticut, in 1817, and died at the age of one hundred and three years.
The father of the subject of this sketch was also Samuel Standish, and was a merchant at Granville for fifty years; was postmaster for thirty years, and Surrogate for Washington county twelve years. He was born in 1782, and died in 1862.
John D. Standish inherited many of the characteristics of his paternal ancestors.
After attending the primary school at Granville, he entered the academy of Dr. Town, and at the age of nineteen, after a short stay at Buffalo, landed in Detroit in 1837.
Making the acquaintance of the Hon. S. V. R. Trowbridge, soon after his arrival, he was induced to open a select school near Birming- ham, in Oakland county. Many of his pupils became celebrated in after
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times, one holding a Professorship in Yale College; one became a Mis- sionary of the American Board at Constantinople; others, members of Congress, and of the Legislature. It always afforded him much pleasure to review the days spent in teaching that school. In Septem- ber, 1841, he married at Pontiac, Emma L. Darrow, of Lynn, Conn .; they had two sons and two daughters.
After his marriage he engaged in the mercantile business in Oak- land and Macomb counties, but in 1857, nearly all his property was destroyed by fire. He then removed to Detroit, and began to operate in grain, wool and pork, and during the time became identified with several manufacturing industries. Having purchased large tracts of pine land in the counties of Bay and Otsego, he built mills and laid out the town of Standish. He also built the first mill, and was the first to ship lumber from the county of Otsego. He transferred his provision business to his son James, and in 1875, accepted the management of a large commercial agency which he continued for some years. He was afterwards made Assessor of the city of Detroit, and held this posi- tion at the time of his death. He was always anti-slavery in his con- victions, and assisted in the formation of the Republican party in 1854, and was nominated but defeated for Mayor in 1869.
He became a member of the Baptist church, and was active in promoting its influence until death. By his business contemporaries he was ever regarded as prompt, never over-reaching, and as a man of unquestionable integrity. As a citizen, he was alive to all industrial enterprises, and all movements to encourage and foster education and improve the morals of society, and elevate humanity.
He died, leaving to his family a competency, earned by practicing habits of industry, frugality and integrity.
He was a member of the Pioneer Society.
JOHN W. JOHNSTON.
Those who are wise, exercise the mental powers they possess, in looking for, and seeking, without a selfish object, to promote the happiness of their fellows, and those who may come after them. This does not require that the possessor should be a very learned, but a man of good common sense.
John W. Johnston, the subject of this sketch, will be remembered by a large class of the older residents of this county as one who utilized existing circumstances and surroundings in determining future devel- opments and securing beneficial results, not only for himself but for the general public. Hence we find his name appearing frequently
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upon our records in connection with lands and their subdivisions in and adjacent to Detroit. He understood the feeling and desire of even the poorest of his fellows-to become the possessor of a realty, which he could call his home, and which he could transmit to his family as such.
John W. Johnston was born near Toronto, Canada, May 10th, I826. When John was a lad he accompanied his father and family to Ruthven, near Colburn, where they purchased a tract of fourteen acres of land known as the east part of lot one, fifth concession town- ship of Grossfield, Ontario. This was in 1840. He remained with his father, meanwhile assisting him in looking after the sale of the sub- divisions of this tract, until 1847, when he obtained a patent from the Canadian government of the south one-half of lot four, north side of the middle road, township of Tilbury, containing one hundred acres. In the fall of that year, leaving his father to look after this land, he came to Detroit, his capital being just one dollar and one-half in his pocket. The next day he invested this sum in a hand basket and a few small articles of merchandise, and began the life of an itinerant merchant, and at the end of a year succeeded so well, that he decided to change his condition " from single to double blessedness," practically demonstrating what his subsequent life and acts showed to be his belief, that blessings were not enjoyable unless others participated in them. He, therefore, on the 6th of August, 1848, married Miss Sarah Wood, at the residence of William Taite, 157 Jefferson avenue. In the fall of that year he opened a Yankee notion store at 41 Woodward avenue (adjoining the present store of A. J. Royce) in connection with his itinerant business. In June, 1851, he was called to Colburn, Canada, to attend the funeral of his father and was detained there for some time in closing up his father's estate. Being the only son, he sold the farm January 25th, 1851, and from the proceeds realized suffi- cient addition to his capital, to start a wholesale and retail jewelry store on Jefferson avenue, adjacent to the old Joseph Campau home- stead. His principal expert and clerk at this time in the jewelry department was Charles Latchenson. In 1853, finding himself cramped for room, owing to the increase of his business, he moved across the street to the building now occupied by Albert Ives. In July, 1855, he established the auction rooms for the sale of Yankee notions and jewelry at 160 Jefferson avenue. He was very successful, and in 1857, decid- ing to engage in real estate, he sold out his jewelry business to George Schuler. At this time (July, 1857), he lived at 92 Griswold street, and opened a real estate office in the rear of 160 Jefferson avenue. His first purchase was the north portion of the Porter farm, which he at once subdivided. It will be remembered that Lyle, the banker, failed this year (1857). Mr. Johnston had sold about $30,000 worth of his
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lots and taken Lyle's paper in exchange. When Lyle went to Eng- land Mr. Johnston followed him, and was successful in securing a satis- factory adjustment on Lyle's paper held by him. On his return from England, Mr. Johnston purchased another portion of the Porter and also of the Campau farm which he subdivided and sold.
In 1859 he became interested in Lake Superior mines and also in mining lands on the north shore, locating some 4,000 acres, and in 1866 organized the North Shore Land and Mining Company. In the spring of 1872 he purchased the Close farm, near Pontiac, containing IIO acres. This he subdivided into 440 lots. His death occurred in October, 1872.
A synopsis of Mr. Johnston's transactions and his business ven- tures furnish a test, and exhibit the energy and perseverance, as well as the humanity of the man.
He had $1.50 when he landed at Detroit in 1847, and no friends or acquaintances. The following morning he invested a portion in a small basket and a few trinkets, which he sold on the streets, renewing his stock day by day from the proceeds and profits. He at the end of one year opens a small store for the sale of Yankee notions, and takes as partner for life Miss Sarah Woods. While she attends to the store, he pursues the itinerant trade with a stock of goods, going as far as Louis- ville, Ky. On his return from his second tour in the spring of 1850, he established a wholesale Yankee notion and jewelry store. In ten years from his entrance into Detroit, he disposes of the mercantile busi- ness and engages in that of real estate. His first purchase being April 23d, 1857, of one hundred and fifty acres of the Geo. W. Porter farm, which he subdivided into five hundred and eighty lots, and seventy acres of the C. C. Campau farm, which he subdivided into four hun- dred and forty-six lots. In October of the same year he bought of J. J. Wells the La Fountain farm of eighty-eight acres, which he subdivided into six hundred and sixty-seven lots, and opened up Fifteenth and Six- teenth streets. The entire number of lots which are now occupied by poor men as homes, and which he sold them on easy terms, is 1,701. He also gave land for two parks, and to the Sixteenth street Methodist church its site, and contributed the greater portion of the money which it cost to build. As stated, he purchased the farm near Pontiac, which he subdivided just prior to his death. The foregoing is an evi- clence of only a portion of what he accomplished in twenty-five years on a cash capital of $1.50, by the exercise of a strong will, a sagacious judg- ment and public spirit, stimulated by a desire to benefit others as well as himself.
Mr. Johnson was a humane man and gave liberally to the worthy and unfortunate, and all the various moral, benevolent and educational associations received his active support and material aid. In religious
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matters he was a Methodist, in politics a Republican, but never sought or held office. His business integrity was unquestioned, and as a citizen he was respected by all classes, poor and rich. His death deprived the former of a true friend and the latter of a large-hearted and enterprising co-operator.
Mr. Johnson's widow (nee Sarah Wood) who is still living, was born in Dumfries, Scotland. Her parents were natives of the north of Ireland, from whence they removed to Dumfries, Scotland, where her father carried on the hatter's business and also a small farm adjacent to the town. When Mrs. Johnson was a babe in her mother's arms, her parents emigrated to America and settled near Ogdensburg, N. Y.
Of the children left by Mr. Johnston nine are living, and married. They are: W. F., born June 18th, 1850; Cyrus, born February 15th, 1851; Sarah, born July 29th, 1854: Mary A., born September 13th, 1857; Collins H., born August 29th, 1859; Melinda, born May 6th, 1863; Talitha Cummi, born July 28th, 1865; Martha and Geo. W. (twins), born November 16, 1867. Mrs. Johnston is a remarkable woman; notwithstanding she has had fourteen children, she adopted three more, and is still enjoying good health, and is full of benevo- lent acts.
Cyrus, the second son, succeeds his father in looking after his mother and the estate. He possesses much of the enterprise and many of the characteristics of John W. Johnston. He purchased from the heirs their interest in the Pontiac property, and has succeeded in disposing of it, according to the original intention of his father, and with profit to himself.
December 24th, 1876, Cyrus married Miss Susan Dreury, who is a native of Lincolnshire, London, Eng., and was born April 13th, 1850. They have two children, Harry and Ethel Gertrude.
THOMAS EGAN.
While gold and silver are regarded as the precious metals by a large majority of mankind, iron and its product is conceded as being the most useful in contributing to the demands of all the industrial needs of humanity. Hence the manipulator or worker in iron must be regarded as coming nearer the object and purpose of his creation, than he who simply hoards and accumulates, but does not produce results beneficial to the general good of his fellows.
" Happy," is the cognomen by which the subject of this sketch is called. As there is a reason for all things, we must conclude that this form of address (when applied to an individual) indicates some peculiar
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trait or characteristic, significant and demonstrative of qualities of mind and habit, suggestive of its application. If a man is happy with him self, he infuses happiness to others, making the atmosphere surrounding him, grateful and pleasant. Such would seem to be the temperament, aside from his skill in the trade which he practices, of Thomas Egan, a native of the Emerald Isle, born in the county of Kilkenny, May 18, 1840
He must have been born of good parentage, because he exhibits evidences of culture, and a sensible appreciation of what is due to him- self, to society, and the intelligence of the age and country in which he lives.
The early liking for the noblest animal, outside of man, induced him to choose the trade of a worker in iron, and to so manipulate it, that it should become a means of happiness and comfort, as well as a product of usefulness to humanity; for he who is kind to the beast, is a benefactor to humanity.
Thomas Egan, after the completion of his apprenticeship, decided to seek his fortune in America, and located in the city of Detroit, October 1, 1871.
Soon after, he established the business he has since successfully prosecuted, and has acquired therein, a competency for his family, the confidence of horse owners, and the friendship of all who have made his acquaintance.
In April, 1872, he married Miss Mary Brennan. She was also born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in the year 1844. They have four children, William Joseph, John Martin, Margaret May and Mary Jane, to whom they have given all the advantages in the way of education, which the schools of Detroit afford.
Mr. Egan, in his manner and address, inspires confidence as to his mechanical skill, and his desire to benefit the horse, his master, or owner, and while as to politics, he allied himself to the Democratic party, he is not a bigot. He neither asks nor expects public office, but votes for the men whom, in his judgment, will best administer their offi- cial duties, honestly, and for the best interests of his adopted country.
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