The Fisher Body company is one of the most influential and important autobody producers in automotive history. The family that sparked a century’s worth of innovation began small.  

Early Roots  

The Fisher Body Company's roots can be traced to Norwalk, Ohio — only a few hours from Detroit. In the late 1800s, Lawrence Fisher and his wife Margaret Theisen lived in Norwalk. There, they had eleven children, including seven sons who would later become the drivers of the Fisher Body Company.   

The two eldest children, Fred and Charles, moved to Detroit in 1903. Their father and grandfather were both skilled blacksmiths who built carriage bodies in Ohio.   

Both brothers were skilled in blacksmithing and woodworking, coming to Detroit because their Uncle Albert worked at C.R. Wilson, an early manufacturer of bodies for horseless carriages.    

Photo: c. 1936, from the Detroit Historical Society collection. Black and white portrait photograph of the Fisher family take at Mrs. Margaret Fisher's birthday. Margaret is seated at center, surrounded by her seven sons. Standing (from left to right): William A., Frederick J., Charles T., Alfred J., Lawrence P. Seated (from left to right): Edward J., Margaret, Howard A.

Financing Fisher Body 

The brothers realized that bodies for engine-driven vehicles needed to withstand different types of strain and sought to perfect their product. The Fisher Brothers also recognized that an enclosed car body would be more convenient for driving in inclement weather and cold seasons – a truth that the industry was hesitant to capitalize on.    

Uncle Albert provided early financial support for the brothers to establish the Fisher Body Company. However, Uncle Albert soon wanted out of the business, and the brothers found support from Louis Mendelssohn — a local architect and businessman.   

The Fisher Body Company was successful and by 1910 was the supplier of all closed body frames to major automotive companies including Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile. After the initial success of the business, Fred and Charles brought their brothers William, Lawrence, Edward, and Alfred into business with them.   

A Family Affair  

The Fisher Body Company was successful and by 1910 was the supplier of all closed body frames to major automotive companies including Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile. After the initial success of the business, Fred and Charles brought their brothers William, Lawrence P., Edward, and Alfred into business with them.   

Each of the brothers had their own family, and while the Fisher Body Company remained the center of the family's affairs, each extending their business ventures.  

Despite being an inherently private family, they were extremely generous with their wealth. Collectively, the family has given millions to various causes and organizations in Detroit. The brother were dedicated to improving the city, with a notable contribution including the Fisher Building.  

The 26-story art deco building was designed by Albert Kahn and is a signature element of Detroit architectural greatness.   

Today, the family remains engrained in Detroit, with the descendants of Fred and Charles continuing to operate businesses in the city and maintain their philanthropic efforts.  

The Fisher Body Company was instrumental in developing the automotive industry in Detroit as one of the most influential auto body production companies. The company was founded in 1908 and was in operation through the 1980s before it dissolved. Their name and impact endure through the company's legacy, the family's philanthropic efforts, and current ties to the industry.   

Body by Fisher is open at the Detroit Historical Museum through 2022. Learn how to visit the Museum at detroithistorical.org.