20 Aug 1858 Peshtigo, Wisconsin
19 Dec 1949 Muskegon, Michigan; Age 91
EMERY, John Godfrey Jr. -- Death Notice -- Article -- Muskegon Chronicle, MI, December 19, 1949, Pg. 2.,
Death of John Emery Takes Leader in Community Life
Greater Muskegon lost its foremost citizen today with the death of John G. Emery, Jr. industrialist, banker and civic leader whose name is linked with these of Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume as the men who rebuilt Muskegon.
Mr. Emery was born in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on august 20, 1858. His father was a millwright engaged in building sawmills in the village, located on the border of an Indian reservation.
In 1864, the family moved to Wenonah, now known as West Bay City where Mr. Emery finished high school. He went to Cornell University for a year but poor health forced his return to the woods and an outdoor life. As a lumberjack he gained remarkable physical condition which enabled him to be health and spry far beyond the normal life span.
He went to Minnesota to represent his father in a sawmill enterprise in the 1880's living in Minneapolis he later worked for his father in a marble quarry.
**********
WHILE SELLING sawmill machinery in Milwaukee, he met A.J. Shaw, a young engineer commissioned to develop a new crane. He and Mr. Shaw came to Muskegon in 1891 and built the Shaw Crane works at Muskegon Heights, now the Shaw-Box Crane and Hoist division of Manning Maxwell and Moore Corporation.
Mr. Emery continued as secretary-treasurer of the company until his retirement in 1914 when Mrs. Emery became ill and it was thought extensive travel would aid her condition.
He became a director of the National Lumberman's Bank in 1893, a time when bankers were eager to aid industry in Muskegon and needed experienced representatives from industry on the board. He was senior board member when President C.C. Billinghurst died in 1921 and was the unanimous choice to fill the post which he held until his death.
Mr. Emery was one of the founders of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Company, established in 1904 to make cheap electrical power available to homes and factories in the Muskegon area. A pioneer in this field long before the importance of electrical power was recognized, he was associated with his friend George L. Erwin who conceived the idea of harnessing the Muskegon River. Later their company was absorbed by Consumers Power Company.
Mr. Emery was active in attracting new industries to Muskegon after the lumber business collapsed leaving the city with hundreds of jobless men. He and Thomas Hume were entrusted with the $100,000 industrial fund voted by Muskegon residents to be used in aiding establishment of new industries here.
Through the years, people from all walks of life turned to him for friendly advice and counsel. His reputation as a banker and industrialist was held in high regard by all who had dealings with him.
He never dreamed this success as a banker would overshadow his career as an industrialist. His sound business judgment was responsible for the banks growth and he was appointed a director on the boards of many of Muskegon industries.
Honored when the bank celebrated its ninetieth anniversary in May, Mr. Emery received hundreds of wires and letters from financial leaders throughout the Midwest. Average citizens whom he had befriended joined in the tribute.
********************
Playing a prominent part in civic affairs was a contribution he felt he owed his community. Despite the fact his business day was crowded he gave time and financial aid to a host of charitable agencies.
Many of Muskegon advancements can be traced to Mr. Emery and they stand as a monument to him. The present Occidential hotel is an example Mr. Emery and the late Edward R. Swett, Sr., had dreams of a modern hotel for Muskegon, translating those dreams into action when the opportunity arose.
He was a charter member of the Muskegon Rotary club and the Muskegon Country club, becoming the second president of the later. He also was a life member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge # 274, and a member of the Century club.
He was this community's outstanding leader for nearly 60 years, helping to develop this former lumber center to the leading industrial center of Western Michigan.
His reward for all the contributions came in the form of recognition as Muskegon's truly great and most beloved citizen.
19 Dec 1949 Muskegon, Michigan; Age 91
EMERY, John Godfrey Jr. -- Death Notice -- Article -- Muskegon Chronicle, MI, December 19, 1949, Pg. 2.,
Death of John Emery Takes Leader in Community Life
Greater Muskegon lost its foremost citizen today with the death of John G. Emery, Jr. industrialist, banker and civic leader whose name is linked with these of Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume as the men who rebuilt Muskegon.
Mr. Emery was born in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on august 20, 1858. His father was a millwright engaged in building sawmills in the village, located on the border of an Indian reservation.
In 1864, the family moved to Wenonah, now known as West Bay City where Mr. Emery finished high school. He went to Cornell University for a year but poor health forced his return to the woods and an outdoor life. As a lumberjack he gained remarkable physical condition which enabled him to be health and spry far beyond the normal life span.
He went to Minnesota to represent his father in a sawmill enterprise in the 1880's living in Minneapolis he later worked for his father in a marble quarry.
**********
WHILE SELLING sawmill machinery in Milwaukee, he met A.J. Shaw, a young engineer commissioned to develop a new crane. He and Mr. Shaw came to Muskegon in 1891 and built the Shaw Crane works at Muskegon Heights, now the Shaw-Box Crane and Hoist division of Manning Maxwell and Moore Corporation.
Mr. Emery continued as secretary-treasurer of the company until his retirement in 1914 when Mrs. Emery became ill and it was thought extensive travel would aid her condition.
He became a director of the National Lumberman's Bank in 1893, a time when bankers were eager to aid industry in Muskegon and needed experienced representatives from industry on the board. He was senior board member when President C.C. Billinghurst died in 1921 and was the unanimous choice to fill the post which he held until his death.
Mr. Emery was one of the founders of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Company, established in 1904 to make cheap electrical power available to homes and factories in the Muskegon area. A pioneer in this field long before the importance of electrical power was recognized, he was associated with his friend George L. Erwin who conceived the idea of harnessing the Muskegon River. Later their company was absorbed by Consumers Power Company.
Mr. Emery was active in attracting new industries to Muskegon after the lumber business collapsed leaving the city with hundreds of jobless men. He and Thomas Hume were entrusted with the $100,000 industrial fund voted by Muskegon residents to be used in aiding establishment of new industries here.
Through the years, people from all walks of life turned to him for friendly advice and counsel. His reputation as a banker and industrialist was held in high regard by all who had dealings with him.
He never dreamed this success as a banker would overshadow his career as an industrialist. His sound business judgment was responsible for the banks growth and he was appointed a director on the boards of many of Muskegon industries.
Honored when the bank celebrated its ninetieth anniversary in May, Mr. Emery received hundreds of wires and letters from financial leaders throughout the Midwest. Average citizens whom he had befriended joined in the tribute.
********************
Playing a prominent part in civic affairs was a contribution he felt he owed his community. Despite the fact his business day was crowded he gave time and financial aid to a host of charitable agencies.
Many of Muskegon advancements can be traced to Mr. Emery and they stand as a monument to him. The present Occidential hotel is an example Mr. Emery and the late Edward R. Swett, Sr., had dreams of a modern hotel for Muskegon, translating those dreams into action when the opportunity arose.
He was a charter member of the Muskegon Rotary club and the Muskegon Country club, becoming the second president of the later. He also was a life member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge # 274, and a member of the Century club.
He was this community's outstanding leader for nearly 60 years, helping to develop this former lumber center to the leading industrial center of Western Michigan.
His reward for all the contributions came in the form of recognition as Muskegon's truly great and most beloved citizen.
20 Aug 1858 Peshtigo, Wisconsin
19 Dec 1949 Muskegon, Michigan; Age 91
EMERY, John Godfrey Jr. -- Death Notice -- Article -- Muskegon Chronicle, MI, December 19, 1949, Pg. 2.,
Death of John Emery Takes Leader in Community Life
Greater Muskegon lost its foremost citizen today with the death of John G. Emery, Jr. industrialist, banker and civic leader whose name is linked with these of Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume as the men who rebuilt Muskegon.
Mr. Emery was born in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on august 20, 1858. His father was a millwright engaged in building sawmills in the village, located on the border of an Indian reservation.
In 1864, the family moved to Wenonah, now known as West Bay City where Mr. Emery finished high school. He went to Cornell University for a year but poor health forced his return to the woods and an outdoor life. As a lumberjack he gained remarkable physical condition which enabled him to be health and spry far beyond the normal life span.
He went to Minnesota to represent his father in a sawmill enterprise in the 1880's living in Minneapolis he later worked for his father in a marble quarry.
**********
WHILE SELLING sawmill machinery in Milwaukee, he met A.J. Shaw, a young engineer commissioned to develop a new crane. He and Mr. Shaw came to Muskegon in 1891 and built the Shaw Crane works at Muskegon Heights, now the Shaw-Box Crane and Hoist division of Manning Maxwell and Moore Corporation.
Mr. Emery continued as secretary-treasurer of the company until his retirement in 1914 when Mrs. Emery became ill and it was thought extensive travel would aid her condition.
He became a director of the National Lumberman's Bank in 1893, a time when bankers were eager to aid industry in Muskegon and needed experienced representatives from industry on the board. He was senior board member when President C.C. Billinghurst died in 1921 and was the unanimous choice to fill the post which he held until his death.
Mr. Emery was one of the founders of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Company, established in 1904 to make cheap electrical power available to homes and factories in the Muskegon area. A pioneer in this field long before the importance of electrical power was recognized, he was associated with his friend George L. Erwin who conceived the idea of harnessing the Muskegon River. Later their company was absorbed by Consumers Power Company.
Mr. Emery was active in attracting new industries to Muskegon after the lumber business collapsed leaving the city with hundreds of jobless men. He and Thomas Hume were entrusted with the $100,000 industrial fund voted by Muskegon residents to be used in aiding establishment of new industries here.
Through the years, people from all walks of life turned to him for friendly advice and counsel. His reputation as a banker and industrialist was held in high regard by all who had dealings with him.
He never dreamed this success as a banker would overshadow his career as an industrialist. His sound business judgment was responsible for the banks growth and he was appointed a director on the boards of many of Muskegon industries.
Honored when the bank celebrated its ninetieth anniversary in May, Mr. Emery received hundreds of wires and letters from financial leaders throughout the Midwest. Average citizens whom he had befriended joined in the tribute.
********************
Playing a prominent part in civic affairs was a contribution he felt he owed his community. Despite the fact his business day was crowded he gave time and financial aid to a host of charitable agencies.
Many of Muskegon advancements can be traced to Mr. Emery and they stand as a monument to him. The present Occidential hotel is an example Mr. Emery and the late Edward R. Swett, Sr., had dreams of a modern hotel for Muskegon, translating those dreams into action when the opportunity arose.
He was a charter member of the Muskegon Rotary club and the Muskegon Country club, becoming the second president of the later. He also was a life member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge # 274, and a member of the Century club.
He was this community's outstanding leader for nearly 60 years, helping to develop this former lumber center to the leading industrial center of Western Michigan.
His reward for all the contributions came in the form of recognition as Muskegon's truly great and most beloved citizen.
19 Dec 1949 Muskegon, Michigan; Age 91
EMERY, John Godfrey Jr. -- Death Notice -- Article -- Muskegon Chronicle, MI, December 19, 1949, Pg. 2.,
Death of John Emery Takes Leader in Community Life
Greater Muskegon lost its foremost citizen today with the death of John G. Emery, Jr. industrialist, banker and civic leader whose name is linked with these of Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume as the men who rebuilt Muskegon.
Mr. Emery was born in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on august 20, 1858. His father was a millwright engaged in building sawmills in the village, located on the border of an Indian reservation.
In 1864, the family moved to Wenonah, now known as West Bay City where Mr. Emery finished high school. He went to Cornell University for a year but poor health forced his return to the woods and an outdoor life. As a lumberjack he gained remarkable physical condition which enabled him to be health and spry far beyond the normal life span.
He went to Minnesota to represent his father in a sawmill enterprise in the 1880's living in Minneapolis he later worked for his father in a marble quarry.
**********
WHILE SELLING sawmill machinery in Milwaukee, he met A.J. Shaw, a young engineer commissioned to develop a new crane. He and Mr. Shaw came to Muskegon in 1891 and built the Shaw Crane works at Muskegon Heights, now the Shaw-Box Crane and Hoist division of Manning Maxwell and Moore Corporation.
Mr. Emery continued as secretary-treasurer of the company until his retirement in 1914 when Mrs. Emery became ill and it was thought extensive travel would aid her condition.
He became a director of the National Lumberman's Bank in 1893, a time when bankers were eager to aid industry in Muskegon and needed experienced representatives from industry on the board. He was senior board member when President C.C. Billinghurst died in 1921 and was the unanimous choice to fill the post which he held until his death.
Mr. Emery was one of the founders of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Company, established in 1904 to make cheap electrical power available to homes and factories in the Muskegon area. A pioneer in this field long before the importance of electrical power was recognized, he was associated with his friend George L. Erwin who conceived the idea of harnessing the Muskegon River. Later their company was absorbed by Consumers Power Company.
Mr. Emery was active in attracting new industries to Muskegon after the lumber business collapsed leaving the city with hundreds of jobless men. He and Thomas Hume were entrusted with the $100,000 industrial fund voted by Muskegon residents to be used in aiding establishment of new industries here.
Through the years, people from all walks of life turned to him for friendly advice and counsel. His reputation as a banker and industrialist was held in high regard by all who had dealings with him.
He never dreamed this success as a banker would overshadow his career as an industrialist. His sound business judgment was responsible for the banks growth and he was appointed a director on the boards of many of Muskegon industries.
Honored when the bank celebrated its ninetieth anniversary in May, Mr. Emery received hundreds of wires and letters from financial leaders throughout the Midwest. Average citizens whom he had befriended joined in the tribute.
********************
Playing a prominent part in civic affairs was a contribution he felt he owed his community. Despite the fact his business day was crowded he gave time and financial aid to a host of charitable agencies.
Many of Muskegon advancements can be traced to Mr. Emery and they stand as a monument to him. The present Occidential hotel is an example Mr. Emery and the late Edward R. Swett, Sr., had dreams of a modern hotel for Muskegon, translating those dreams into action when the opportunity arose.
He was a charter member of the Muskegon Rotary club and the Muskegon Country club, becoming the second president of the later. He also was a life member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge # 274, and a member of the Century club.
He was this community's outstanding leader for nearly 60 years, helping to develop this former lumber center to the leading industrial center of Western Michigan.
His reward for all the contributions came in the form of recognition as Muskegon's truly great and most beloved citizen.
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