"John Western, my Great Grandfather, was graduated from the Michigan State Normal School in 1881. He became Superintendent of the school in Flint Town at 21 years of age. He taught High School for three years while at the same time studying law and in 1885 he was admitted to the Bar. He also served as the Clerk of Genesee County during this time. He practised law in Flint until 1889, and, at the same time, served as Secretary of the prosperous Building Association.

Moving to Detroit, he became the original promoter of Buildings and Loans Associations in that city, where he served as President. He was described as "a man of great energy; a critical judge of character, and an organiser of more than ordinary ability."

John was known to have been associate and friend to men such as Henry Ford and Edgar A. Guest, the poet. My Grandmother, Stella Alzina (Western) Shaw told her children that Henry Ford and John Western used to spend a Sunday afternoon riding in Henry's Ford automobile. They would drive a little way and Henry would get out and tinker with the car. Then they'd drive a little further and Henry would again jump out and make another adjustment to the engine. According to Stella, it would take them all afternoon to go round the block.