Thomas E. Lusk, Chief of the Jackson Fire Department, was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1827, and is the son of Warren and Elizabeth Lusk, natives of that State. Thomas was the youngest of 7 children, and spent the first l4 years of his life on his father's farm. He then went to Lyons, N. Y., and worked five years at the iron-molder's trade; thence to Seneca Falls and pursued his trade a number of years, and came to Jackson in 1854. He at once fitted up the shop recently destroyed by fire, - after being occupied by him for over a quarter of a century, and for numerous purposes before, and in partnership with Henry Vandercook started the foundry business as the firm of Vandercook & Lusk. In 1864 the firm changed to Vandercook Brothers & Lusk, the sons succeeding the senior Vandercook. Two years later Mr. Lusk sold his interest to his partners, remaining in their employ as foreman. After another two years the concern passed into the hands of Messrs. Lusk, Losey and Whitmore, known as Lusk & Co. In 1874 George Holton purchased Mr. Whitmore's interest and is now a partner. In 1876 A. J. Weatherwax bought Mr. Losey's interest, which he still retains, leaving the firm still Lusk & Co. A special feature of their manufacture has been corset stays, chiefly consumed by the Bortree Manufacturing Co. Mr. Lusk became a member of the Jackson volunteer fire department about 1855, when only hand engines were in use, and save the few first years of the paid department, has been a member since. In 1867 he was appointed chief, which he has filled until now, except two years. He married Safrona Androus in New York State, by whom he has a family of 2 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Ludlow is member of the order of A. F. & A. M.

The History of Jackson County, Michigan

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