History of Fenton, (Genesee County) Michigan United States of America

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A Merchant in Fenton, John O'Hare was born in Redwood, Jefferson County, New York, April 15, 1836. He is the second son of John and Ann (Ross) O'Hare, who came from North Ireland, and were among the first settlers of Jefferson County. When John O'Hare was four years old his father died, and he was adopted by his step-grandfather, with whom he lived till the age of twenty. Here he attended the district school, fitting himself for teaching the common branches, and finally taught the same school one term. In 1856 he came to Fenton, Michigan, and engaged as a clerk for three years. In 1859, seized with a thirst for gold and sight-seeing,--the effect of glowing reports from the Pike's Peak region,--he left what had suddenly become the dull tread-mill of trade, and hastened westward, to grasp the wealth of the mountains. After remaining there one year, spending all his means, and gaining nothing but a valuable lesson of experience, he returned to Fenton and resumed his duties as a salesman. In 1862 he raised, for the 5th Michigan Infantry, a company that was afterwards transferred to the 8th Michigan. For this service he had been promised a Captain's commission, but, on reaching the front, this was denied him, and a Lieutenant's commission offered instead. Incensed at what seemed a breach of faith, he resigned his authority and returned to civil life. In June, 1864, he was appointed Postmaster, and held that office for two years, giving it up in the spring of 1866 to accept a partnership with Hiram Beach in the dry-goods trade, under the firm name of Beach & O'Hare, in which he still remains. He has taken great interest in the growth of the village of Fenton, and has been a member of the Town Board four years--being two years of this time the Treasurer. He 1862 he joined the Masonic Fraternity, and united with the blue Lodge, No. 109. In 1877 he became a member of the Chapter. He votes the Republican ticket. Mr. O'Hare was married, December 1, 1865, to Miss Julia Beach, sister of his partner. Of their three children, only one is living. Mr. O'Hare is comparatively a young man, but he has been for several years quite influential in the community in which he lives, and is held in high estimation. He seems to have made his choice of an occupation without the repeated trials and failures that characterize the efforts of many in deciding upon their life vocation, and to have fitted himself instinctively for his work. Men speak with emphasis of his perfect integrity and open-handed benevolence. They repose unlimited confidence in his honesty and high sense of honor, and say that his life abounds in deeds of kindness and charity.

History of Fenton, (Genesee County) Michigan

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