John O. Deshong
John Odenheimer Deshong | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 28, 1881 (aged 73) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, banker |
| Known for | Director of Delaware County National Bank; principal shareholder and board member of Chester Gas Company |
John Odenheimer Deshong (September 6, 1807 – May 28, 1881) was a notable American entrepreneur and banker based in Chester, Pennsylvania. He belonged to a distinguished family that included his father, Peter Deshong, and his son, Alfred O. Deshong.
Early life
Born in Chester to Peter Deshong and Mary Odenheimer Deshong, John was the firstborn among three siblings. He received his education through private tutoring within the borough.
Career
Deshong's professional journey began with managing a general merchandise store located at Fourth and Market Street. In 1842, he shifted his focus from retail to the lumber trade, where he found enough success to retire from active business by 1849. Subsequently, he concentrated on financial enterprises, utilizing his funds as a dealer in commercial paper.
He came into possession of the Odenheimer quarry situated in Ridley Township and also owned another quarry called "Island Field" along Crum Creek.
From 1841 until his passing in 1881, Deshong held a position as a director at the Delaware County National Bank on and off. Additionally, he was a principal shareholder and board member of the Chester Gas Company, highlighting his significant role in local finance and utility sectors.
Deshong Mansion
Constructed in 1850 on a 22-acre estate near Edgemont Avenue, the Deshong mansion featured architectural elements of Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Following the death of John’s son, Alfred O. Deshong, the property was donated for public benefit in Chester. This land was transformed into Deshong Park, accompanied by an art museum built on the premises. By the 1980s, both the mansion and museum had fallen into disrepair, resulting in the dissolution of the overseeing trust and transfer of ownership to the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority. The mansion suffered partial collapse in 2013 and was subsequently demolished in 2014.
Personal life
On December 6, 1826, John O. Deshong married Emmeline L. Terrill; together they had seven children. Their son Alfred became a well-known industrialist, philanthropist, and collector of art. Their daughter Louise was among the early women photographers and married Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge, a shipbuilder and naval architect.
John O. Deshong passed away on May 28, 1881, and his final resting place is Chester Rural Cemetery in Chester, Pennsylvania.