John B. Ketchum

John B. Ketchum

John B. Ketchum, a son of Thaddeus H. and Phebe L. (Lawson) Ketchum, natives of New York, was born in Canada, Nov. 24, 1845. He lived at home, attending school and assisting his father on the farm until 20 years of age, and then opened a restaurant, which he operated nearly two years, when he sold out, and in the spring of 1868 came direct to Newaygo County, where he purchased 40 acres of wild land in Dayton Township. He made some slight improvements on the land and then sold it. He followed photography four or five years, and in the meantime became interested in a grocery and notion store. He sold out his business as photographer and invested more heavily in the store, and is now engaged exclusively in merchandising. He carries a stock of nearly $5,000.

Mr. Ketchum was married in Canada, in April, 1868, to Helen L., daughter of Duncan and Sarah McKenzie, natives of Canada, and they have five children: Louis A., Marshall F., Lula, Lena and Raymond. Mr. K. has been Councilman two years, and is a member of the Masonic Order.

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