It is reported that, enduring great hardship and privation, Lemesurier and crew members walked over the snow and ice to Sault-au-Cochon.

The following spring, Lemesurier crossed to the south shore and made his way on foot to Quebec, then returned to the fishery business in Gaspé.

During the first year of his mayoralty, John Lemesurier, delivered the welcome address to H. R. H. Prince Arthur and dined with him at a dinner given by Sir Narcisse Belleau at the Stadacona Club.

[8] Mr. Lemesurier was actively engaged in Liberal party politics, and in October 1877, was asked to introduce Wilfrid Laurier to a meeting that took place in his store.

In 1870, he opened a brewery and tannery, but not satisfied with the results, he gave them up and, in 1873, went into tobacco manufacturing, taking his sons William and Henry as partners.

[8][4] After a year-long illness and at the age of 65-years-old, John Lemesurier died on June 26, 1891, at his residence on rue Saint-François Est in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood of Quebec City.