John A. Damon

 

     John A. Damon came to Weidman from Hubbardston, IN(?) November 1895, and built

a store with living rooms for the family on the second floor.  His stock consisted of dry

goods, groceries and drugs.  Previous to this he had been in the drug business for many

years.

     The building, including stock and household goods was destroyed by fire in June 1897.

He immediately purchased a new stock and did business in a small building where the Lew

Frantz blacksmith shop now stands.

     By the middle of August the new store, which is the Middlesworth store now, was ready

for occupancy.  Mr. Damon continued business in Weidman until he was elected county

Treasurer in 1906 when he moved to Mt. Pleasant.  He served the County until 1911;  was

state representative in the legislature from 1887 to 1889 and from 1914 to 1918 served two

terms in the state senate.

     He was author of the Damon Bone Dry Bill which made Michigan a dry state and was

always active and very effective in the promotion of all anti-liquor and reform measure. 

     He was also the author of the bill which provided for woman suffrage in Michigan.  He

was especially active in the local campaign against the saloon in Isabella County.

     He was connected with the Weidman Banking Company.  The Holmes Milling Company,

and was director of the Isabella County State Bank and served in various other interests in

the County.  He helped to build the Methodist Church in Weidman and was on of their loyal

members.

     Mr. Damon passed away July 13, 1926 at Mt. Pleasant.