Lester E. Birmingham, whose intelligently directed efforts have won him a place among the leading horticulturists and dairymen of Door county, resides on section 29, Sevastapol township. He was born in Sturgeon Bay, May 14, 1874, a son of Eugene and Mezilla (Grant) Birmingham, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools of Sturgeon Bay he spent two years as a student in the State University, pursuing a special course in horticulture. He then returned to Sturgeon Bay and was employed in the grocery department of the Washburn store through the succeeding decade. In 1906 he invested his savings in the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 29, Sevastapol township, and took up his abode thereon in 1910. There were no improvements on the place, which was covered with scrub timber, but he has wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of this farm. He has twenty acres planted to cherry and apple trees and his orchard is in splendid condition, for he utilizes the most modern and scientific methods of horticulture in developing his place. The remainder of the farm is devoted to dairying and in both branches of his business he is meeting with splendid success.

On the 14th of October, 1903, Mr. Birmingham was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Wilson, a daughter of George S. and Chloe (Fairchilds) Wilson, who are natives of New York state and were pioneer settlers of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They are now living with Mr. and Mrs. Birmingham and enjoying excellent health, both having reached the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Birmingham have been the parents of two children: Evelyn, born August 8, 1904; and Harriett, born July 14, 1907.

Mr. Birmingham is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is now filling the office of school clerk. He is a Congregationalist in religious faith and his influence is always on the side of right, progress and reform. His life has been spent well. Earnest, persistent effort has been the foundation of his growing success and he has become one of the prosperous farmers of Sevastapol township, winning success in both horticulture and dairying by reason of this thorough understanding of the scientific principles which underlie both branches of his work.

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