Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-11-05
JOHN T. sTRATToN.

model citizen-a christian In the best &C.
csptsnce Of the word
JOHN T. sTRATroN.
Mr.. Strstton has held the position OF
treasurer of the Memphis agricultural and
mechanical society ever since its orgsni-
Zstion. He has never failed to manifest
the highest interest in its prosperity,
wherever his interest and influence would
tend to advance its progress. He has
scted as its treasurer, and kept its &C.
counts with sccnracy, for three wears
without expecting or desiring remunera-
ton. Being one of the most eminent and
successful merchants in our city, he has
added largely to the just influence exert
ed by the society, az its fairs, and in all
its operations for the advancement of
agriculture and the mechanic arts.
John T. Strstton wss born in Simpson
county, Kentucky, in 1924, and was edu-
Gated IN Franklin, ths county seat. At
the age Of fourteen he hrst embarked in
mercantile pursuits with his father, who
WAS q drygoods merchant, snd thus con-
tinued until September, ls4l, when his
father removed TO Holly Springs, Missis-
sippi, where he continued the same busi-
ness, with his con rs a clerk, until 1874
In thst year the father OF Mr.. Stratton re-
moved to Memphis, and embarked in the
cotton and commission business. The
subject OF our sketch came with him to
the then young and growing city, still
occupying the position of a clerk. The
first style Of ths firm was Stratton,
Goodlett & Co. In 1919, he had the mis-
fortune to lose that true and faithful
teacber-hig father, when he at once took
his place, snd the bslsinsss visa conti-
nued under the same 6rm nsnle. The
business was thus confirmed under that
styled and that OF Stratton, McDavltt
& Co. until the outbreak OF the
war. Mr.. Z. McDsvitt, our well known
and much respected fellow citizen, now
president OF the Merchants insurance
company, snd for many yeRrs president
Of the old Planters bank, being one Of
his par sueFs, When the war commenced
the old firm went into liquidation, and
was discontinued. After the return Of
peace, be went into business with Mr.. @.
W. Goyer and Mr.. J. II. McDsvitt, the
worthy and able son Of his late partner,
under the Arm name Of Stratton, Goyer a
Co. This Arm lasted until July last, when
Mr.. Stratton formed his present business
connection with Strstton, James q Co, of
which he is the senior partner. Ia all his
business operations, Nj. .Stratton has been
successful. Cool In Judgment, strong in
will, earnest and decided In action, and In
his habits always energetic, pushing
reliable, he has attained 10 the highest po-
sitlon of public confidence. Now in the
meridian of life, his past successes only
stimulate him to renewed endesvors to
make the future pathway of greater
achievements than he has before attained.
OF most generous impulses, he has never
permitted his business experience to be
msrTed by imprudence, while in every
legitimate way he has favored the kindly
sentiments Of his nature. His opinions
on almost every question are most de-
cided, 50 much 30 that he is regarded by
those who have not had close intercourse
with him as prejudiced. But this
arises from the strength of his con-
victiona and the resoluteness of his pur-
pose when these convictions are once
formed. Mr., Strsston hiss been a promi-
nent member OF the chamber OF commerce
since its organization, and ever manifests
lively interest IN its deliberations. He
has also taken part In most OF the public
improvements Of our city, and Is connect
cd with some ofour leading insurance and
banking houses. dc Is member OF the
Presbyterian church, which he Joined In
January last. He married Miss Emma
Ferguson, daughter Of the late Jones b.
Ferguson, whose hospitable greeting at the
cid Nashville Inn and at the old Memphis
Gayoso house many have cause to remem-
Der. in the brightest periods In the histo-
~ Of our State.
Mr.. Furguson emigrated from Whining
ton, North Carolina, to Brownsville, Ten
nessee. ct an early period; afterwards re-
moved to Nashville, and subsequently, to
Memphis. He hss three sons-in-lGw and
one son now living In our city.
Mr.. Stratton has an interesting family of
girls and boys. bis residence is on Car
roll avenue, ard Is one OF the most ele-
CANT, tasteful and hospitable homes in
our city. Genial, gentle and true, none
deserve more and none recetve more OF
the respect and love Of all who know
and can recognise genuine merit.