My City February 2023

Dr. James K. Sutherland. An Armenian, Sutherland was born as Hagop Lutfi in present-day Turkey. He made his way to the U.S. and attended college in Iowa before coming to Flint and working as a cardiologist, physician, surgeon and Genesee County Coroner. He was also an accomplished musician and author. In 1965, he published his autobiography, The Adventures of an Armenian Boy and

released a two-LP set of solo improvisations performed on the oud (a form of the lute) that were recorded in this home entitled “Mid-Eastern Meditations.” He also recorded an LP of Armenian melodies played on a Ham mond organ (right hand) and piano ostinato (left hand). Dr. Sutherland died in 1988 and the house subsequently passed to a variety of owners.

Abner C. Johnson House 625 East St., Flint Built: 1873 Born in New York in 1821, Abner C. Johnson relocated to Independence Township (near Clarkston,MI) in 1836.Three years later, he purchased land in Mundy Township and started a successful farm that would remain in operation until his death in 1895.While in Flint, he met and studied law with the affa ble George W.Wismer and became one of Genesee County’s first attorneys. Later, Johnson entered into a partnership with the Wismer brothers buying and selling timber. In this endeav or, all concerned gained quite a fortune. As Johnson began to

spend more and more time in Flint, it came as no surprise that he decided to move to the city leaving his farm in the care of his son Charles. In 1873, Johnson constructed the spectacular house on East St. using brick – going against the standard style of the time in Flint. Upon his death, the house transferred to Charles who became a successful lawyer himself, mentored by Col. Fenton. Upon Charles’ death, the house passed to his younger brothers Ransom and James.The house remained in the ownership of the Johnson family for over 100 years until it was sold in 1986. We will explore more castles of time next month! u

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