John Melatiah Fisher (October 23, 1850 – July 26, 1920) was a prominent manufacturing jeweler based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Born in Fisherville district of Attleboro, he was the youngest of eight children of Cordelia Dorothy (White) and Samuel Emulus Fisher.

At the age of 12 John Fisher began work, assisting his brother, who worked for John M Bates, making sabers for the army. However, shortly after he left for Hayward & Briggs jewelry firm.

On June 10, 1877, John Fisher and Hannah S. Horton, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, got married. In 1879 John M Fisher and Charles R Harris entered into a partnership, known as Harris & Fisher, manufacturing jewelers. The business prospered from the first and in 1880 they built a new factory.

A very influential figure in Attleboro, Fisher was one of the directors of the Manufacturing Jewelers’ Board of Trade, president of Attleboro Sanitarium. Also, he was a member of Attleboro Chamber of Commerce, and a director of the Attleboro Trust Co. John Fisher died on July 26, 1920.

History of JM Fisher Jewelry Company

Briggs withdrew his interest in 1897, and Frederick W Lincoln, Ernest J Qvarnstrom and John W Simmonds obtained an interest. However, the firm name remained the same – J M Fisher & Co. Qvarnstrom withdrew in 1899, Frederick W Lincoln and John W Simmonds retired in 1914.

Later Lewis S Chilson and Samuel M Holman, Jr, purchased an interest. Samuel Holman became vice-president, and Chilson – treasurer.

Employing around 50 workers, J M Fisher & Co manufactured lockets, gold filled and sterling silver jewelry. According to their ads, they had one of the largest variety of watch charms in the US. In addition to charms and lockets, they manufactured cuff buttons in pearl, silver stick pin novelties and other innovative lines.

Fisher-LeStage

The company continued manufacturing jewelry under J.M.F. Co. trademark. After the merger of J M F Co and LeStage Mfg in 1987, the company changed name to Fisher-LeStage.

Antique and Vintage Jewelry and ads by JM Fisher