John M. Scoby Pg 407-408 - John M. Scoby. With the death in August, 1922, of John M. Scoby, Grand Rapids lost one of her ablest business men, who was born and reared in the city where he played so prominent a part in the commercial life. He was born in Grand Rapids, December 5, 1858, the son of Mitchell Scoby, a native of Ohio who came to Grand Rapids when he was a young man and engaged in railroad work there until the time of his death. John M. Scoby received his education in the public schools of Grand Rapids. His first employment was found in the mills of his native city. He gave up that work after several years and purchased a livery stable located on Bridge Street. This business he operated until 1900. In addition to the usual livery stable business, he sold wagons and buggies. He then entered the coal and wood business, which he operated until the time of his death in August, 1922. On September 4, 1882 he married Miss Bird Williams, the daughter of Theodore and Mary (Irwin) Williams, both of whom are dead. To Mr. and Mrs. Scoby was born one son, Albert Burton, who was born in June, 1883, and is now an employee in the United States Air Mail Service. He is married and has three children; Elizabeth, born October 15, 1908; John Burton, born April 17, 1911; Paul, born July 13, 1913. Another son of John M. Scoby died in 1900 at the age of fifteen years. John M. Scoby was active in Republican politics in the city and county. He served on the Grand Rapids board of education for several years and for two terms was supervisor. Mrs. Scoby was born in New York State and went to Lansing, Michigan, with her family when she was a small girl, and after a time she removed with her family to Grand Rapids. With the death of her husband in 1922, she took over the management of the coal and wood business, which she still continues to operate. Her achievement in making the company one of the best of its kind in the city has stamped her as an able business woman, and she is loved and respected by all with whom she has come in contact.

Transcriber: Mary Huizen
Created: 12 March 2003