John Sehler (1847-1918) was born in Niagara County, New York to German immigrant parents. During 1865 the family moved to Ottawa County, Michigan. John Sehler established a sawmill at Big Springs under the name of Greager & Sehler in 1871. That same year the mill burned and was rebuilt as John Sehler & Co. Two years later he operated a flour mill at Lisbon, Michigan, returning to his father's farm in 1878.

Sehler joined into a partnership with E.T. Brown and Frank Brown in 1882 who operated an implement business at 19 W. Bridge Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan under the name of E.T. Brown & Co. After moving to 8-10 N. Front the following year, E.T. Brown sold his share in the operation and the remaining partners under the name of Brown & Sehler organized a stock company. The firm's business expanded to include jobbing activities and eventually built a new plant on the northeast corner of Bridge and Front Streets. In 1900 the operation was changed over entirely to wholesale activity and added horse collars and harnesses to its product line. A fur dressing establishment was built in 1911 at the corner of Turner and Victoria.

Sehler was an active member in the community. He was a highly esteemed member of the Grand Rapids Credit Men's Association, holding numerous offices in the group including its presidency. He further served as a director of the Board of Trade and was a member of numerous other business groups. He was also an active member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He served as its treasurer for 25 years, and later as a trustee and superintendent of its Sunday school.

Sehler married the former Barbara Miller in 1873. They lived at 99 Livingston Street during their entire time in Grand Rapids. The Sehlers had six children, three daughters and three sons.