James L. Lipsett is a worthy representative of the business interests of Sault Ste. Marie, and is now the leading dealer in agricultural implements. Like many of the residents of this State he is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred in Gray county, Ontario, on the 25th of August,1854. The family is of Irish lineage, and his father, Francis Lipsett, was a native of Ireland. Forty-eight years ago he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, and in Toronto was married and made his home for a few years before removing to the farm whereon he reared his family. Devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, he remained there until called from life. His death occurred in 1891, when he had rounded the Psalmist's span of three-score years and ten. He married Miss Sarah Campbell and to them were born eight childen our subject being the third in order of birth. Those now living in the U.S. are james L., W. F. (Mrs.McKay) and Mrs. H.A. Harrison - all of this city.

Upon the old homestead James L. Lipsett spent the first 18 years of his life where the work of the fields gave the physical training that was needed to develop a robust constitution. His mental training was not neglected, for he attended the common schools of the neighborhood; and later, adding to this knowledge by practical business experience, reading and observation, he has become a well informed man. Onleaving home at the age of 18, he learned the trade of blacksmithing in Annon, Canada, under James Telford, with whom he served a 3 year aprenticeship, thoroughly mastering the business and becomin proficient. He came to the Soo in September 1875, a young man having just attained his majority, possessed of a strong physique, excellent health and industrious nature, but no capital. This did not discourage him. He opened a smithy and for 10 years engaged in general blacksmith work. it wasn ot long ere he had a good trade, which constantly increased until it yielded him not only a good l iving, but enabled him to lay by some means and make investments in real estate. This he invested judiciously and when the rise in Sault Ste. Marie values came,he was enabled to dispose of some of his property to excellent advantage. He yet owns considerable valuable property, including a half interst in the Pease & Lipsett block.

From 1880 to 1887 Mr. Lipsett was engaged in the livery business and ran a stage line from this city to St. Ignace for two years, carrying the mail. He filled a grading contract of 12 miles on the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic R.R. and for 15 years has engaged in the agricultural implement business, having one of the best establishments of the kind in the county. He is also a member of the firm of Lipsett & Gregg, recently formed, contractors and builders, who have already put upsome of the substantial buildings of the city, including the Ferguson Block; also five brick buildings at New Fort Brady. Thus it will be seen that many and varied are the business interests with which Mr. Lipsett has been connected. The man who is prominent in commercial circles is an improtant factorin any community, doing more for his city than if he presented it with gifts of money, for he promotes the material prosperity and furnishes employment to others, thus making self-supporting and sel-respecting citizens, who are the mainstay of every locality.

In October 1877 Mr. Lipsett married Harriet Stonehouse, daughter of T.S. Stonehouse, a carpenter. She died in the spring of 1880, leaving one child, Austin. In Oct. 1883 he was married to Minnie Leavens, a daughter of R.B. Leavens,a farmer and a native of Prince Edward county, Ontario. They have three children - Verne, Clarice and Miriam. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his social relations Mr.Lipsett is a Mason, and in politics is a Democrat. In 1889 he was elected ot the City Council from the Second ward for a two year-term, and during that time the paving of the city streets was done. He was nominated by his party for the office of City Treasurer in the spring of 1895, but was defeated after a spirited contest. He is a very pleasant and genial gentleman, one of the best known citizens of Chippewa county.

Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895 Pg 265 (James Lewis Lipsett died in Sault Ste. Marie 11 July 1938)