Upon the old homestead James L. Lipsett spent the first eighteen 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 during that time, for he attended the common schools of the neighborhood; and, later in life, adding to this knowledge by practical business experience, reading and observation, he has become a well informed man. On leaving home at the age of eighteen he learned the trade of blacksmithing in Annon, Canada, under James Telford, with whom he served a three-years' apprecticeship, thoroughly mastering the business and becoming a proficient workman. He came to Sault de Ste. Marie in September, 1875, ---a young man having just attained his majority, possessed of a strong physique, excellent health, an industrious nature, but no capital. This did not discourage him, however. He opened a smithy and for ten years engaged in general blacksmith work. It was not long ere he had a good trade, which constantly increased until it yielded him not only a good living, but enable him to lay by some means and make investments in real estate. This he invested judiciously, and when the rise in Sault de Ste. Marie values came he was enable to dispose of some of his property ot excellent advantage. He yet ownes considerable valuable property, including a half interest in the Pease and 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 twelve miles on the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad, and for fifteen 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 up some 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 important factor in 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 self-respecting citizens, who are the mainstays of every locality.
In October, 1877, Mr. Lipsett married Miss Harriet Stonehouse, a daughter of T.S. Stonehouse, a carpenter. She died in the spring of 1880, leaving one child, Austin. In October, 1883, he was joined in wedlock with Miss 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 to 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, and has a good-will, confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
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