My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lee County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Julius Lesser, treasurer of Lee County, was born in Prussia in 1853, and emigrated to America in 1867, locating first in Memphis, Tenn., where he was employed as a clerk. In 1870 he came to Arkansas, and was employed in that occupation at Forrest City until 1875, then entering into business for himself at Marianna. In 1884 he sold out his store, and became engaged in the banking business, which he still continues. Shortly after disposing of his mercantile interest he bought it back, and associated with his brother as partner, the latter now having the management of the store. Mr. Lesser gives his attention to his banking business and official duties. He has held, with great satisfaction, the office of county treasurer for five consecutive years, having served first by appointment to fill an unexpired term, and afterward being elected. He and his brother enjoy a large patronage in their store, handling sixty percent of all the cotton grown in the neighborhood, which they ship direct to the spinners, and not to commission men, as is the general custom. Mr. Lesser is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Helena, also a stockholder in another bank of that city, and one in Memphis, Tenn., and, in addition, is a stockholder in a large lumber company. He was married to Miss Lenora Raphaels, by which marriage two children were born: Harry and Blanche. Mr. Lesser is also largely interested in real estate in the city, owning several business blocks, including the one in which his bank is situated, and pays taxes on $35,000 to $40,000 worth of real estate. He participates actively in promoting all public enterprises; is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken the degree of Royal Arch Mason, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 104 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lee County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Lee County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Lee County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.