Legislator Details
Portrait from Cutler vol.2, p.566
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Emily J. Carpenter about 1863; children: 6, Fred A. and 5 others that died as children
Number of Children: 6
Background
Education:
apprenticed as an iron molder
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Jacob, who died when Lester was 1 year old, and Mary (Foust) Place. In 1859, he moved to Mount Gilead, OH and learned his trade. After a year he moved to Galion, OH. He enlisted in the Ohio 3rd Volunteer Infantry in 1861 but was rejected due to lung issues, but joined the Home Guard of Ohio, where he served until September 1864 when he became part of the 136th. Ohio Infantry, Co. G. After the war he returned to Gallion and was supervisor of a foundry for 5 years. For several years he worked in Ohio, New York and Michigan, including as supervisor of the plant of Jackson Machine & Foundry Company, in Jackson, MI; and the Allegan Agricultural Works. He worked as an iron molder for 40 years and, for the 20 years preceding 1915, he served as the superintendent of the Sheffield Car Co. of Three Rivers. In about 1902, he formed and was elected manager of the organization of the Three Rivers Foundry & Machine Co. for 4 years. He was appointed postmaster of Three Rivers, in 1906. Member of the G.A.R. and other fraternal organizations.
Notable Facts: