John A. Lindstrom, Treasurer of Manistee County, and one of the successful merchants of the city of Manistee, was born in Wermland, Sweden, September 30, 1853, being the son of Nels and Kate Lindstrom. He was only eight years old when death deprived him of his mother, and he was afterward cared for by strangers until he was seventeen, when he returned to his fathers house. One year later he accompanied his father to the United States and settled on a farm in Sherman Township, Osceola County, Mich., where the latter is still engaged in farm pursuits.

In the public schools and by private study the subject of this sketch obtained a good education. In 1871 he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until 1880, meantime also engaging in railroad work, though he did not yet understand the English language. In 1880 he became clerk in the store of G.W. Bevins at Tustin, Osceola County, by whom he was soon promoted to be a chief clerk and also appointed Deputy Postmaster, Mr. Bevins being the Postmaster. He kept the books for the store and the postoffice, remaining in this position for six years.

Associated with another gentleman, Mr. Lindstrom, in 1887, opened a general mercantile store at Tustin, the firm name being Lindstrom & Lovene. The connection continued for three years, the business being large and profitable. In April, 1890, Mr. Lindstrom opened a general store on Fifth Street, Manistee, and in May, 1893, came to his present location, No. 906 Vine Street, where he carries a full assortment of groceries, crockery, dry goods and notions, also feed and hay. His stock is varied and large, and the business is a most successful one.

In the fall of 1894 Mr. Lindstrom was elected Treasurer of Manistee County, having a majority over two candidates of three hundred and eighty-seven. His popularity is shown by the fact that he received a larger number of ballots than any other candidate for any of the county offices with one exception. In Republican circles he has long been active. In Osceola County he served as County Committeeman, and has frequently served as delegate to conventions. His bonds as County Treasurer are $75,000.

Mr. Lindstrom married, on the 5th of August, 1881, Miss Huldah M. Olson, a native of Westervik, Sweden, born January 16, 1858. Mrs. Lindstrom was reared in Westervik, where her father engaged in business. She came to the United States in 1880, and has since made her home in Michigan. In religious belief she is a Baptist, while our subject is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. He has served his congregation as organist for sixteen years and is one of the most active workers. Socially he is a member of the Svea Society. His children, three in number, are named as follows: Alfdis Sophia, who was born July 21, 1882; Florence Iliana, May 29, 1884; and Joseph Benjamin Harrison, October 4, 1888.