USA > Michigan > Huron County > Portrait and biographical album of Huron county Michigan, Containing biographical sketches of citizens also a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 16
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In 1878 he became the owner of a farm, which he sold to build the hotel he is now managing. He purchased the hotel lot at Huron City in 1880, re- built and refurnished the house. It was put in complete repair, the painters finishing their labors Saturday, Jan. 22, 1881. Five days later it burned to the ground. It was insured for $1,600 in the County Mutual Insurance Company. Mr. Neal immediately proceeded to replace the structure on the same site, and took possession Saturday, Sept. 3, 1881. On the following Monday, Sept. 5, 1881, the day of the great forest fires, the second house was totally destroyed. It was insured in the same com- pany which was made bankrupt by the fire, but its affairs are now in the hands of a receiver, and the matter of liability is in process of litigation.
During the fire of 1881, a small shanty 20 feet from the burning buildings, containing a barrel of kerosene oil, was unharmed. The entire contents of the hotel, with most of the wearing apparel of the family, were destroyed. They were obliged to take refuge at the lake, as the wind was blowing a tornado and the air seemingly filled with fire. 1
After the second fire Mr. Neal removed to Detroit, where he rented a residence for his family and went to Minnesota to look for an opening; but, after spending six months to no purpose, he concluded to return to Huron "City and make another test of fate on the site where his property had twice disappeared in the flames. It is a two-story structure, with 16 rooms, is creditably finished and furnished, and affords comfortable entertainment. Mr. Neal is a
well-informed man, social and genial, and his house is well adapted to the amount and character of the patronage he receives.
Mr. Neal is a Republican. He was elected to serve a term of four years as Justice of the Peace, but after serving two years, resigned. After the fire he was appointed Township Clerk to fill the unex- pired term of the regularly elected official whom the fire had compelled to leave the place. He was appointed Postmaster in 1879, and resigned the position in 1883.
The marriage of Mr. Neal to Mary A. Proctor took place Jan. 9, 1849. Their children were born as follows : Emily, Sept. 3, 1850, died April 5, 1856; Elizabeth, Aug. 21, 1852 ; Henry A., Oct. 27, 1854; Mary M., Nov. 10, 1856; Thomas, Sept. 27, 1858; Emma C., July 5, 1860; Minnie, Sept. 18, 1826 (died in May, 1863) ; Lilly C., Oct. 28, 1865; Min nie (2d), Feb. 19, 1867; William C., June 27, 1869; Alvin Frank, Nov. 30, 1872. Mrs. Neal's parents, William and Elizabeth (Simpson)* Proctor, are de- ceased. Her father was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., in 1784, and died in January, 1847, in Moore Town- ship, Ont. The mother was born Dec. 4, 1796, and died June 4, 1876, in Detroit. Mrs. Neal was born Feb. 27, 1833, in Lincolnshire, Eng.
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illiam Thompson, farmer, section 5, Hu- ron Township, was born Feb. 4, 1834, at Wintertown, England. In May, 1850, he RE emigrated to Darlington, Ont., with his par- ents, John and Mary (Hogg) Thompson. They died in the Dominion, each aged 66 years, a period of several years intervening between their deaths.
The parents belonged to the agricultural class in England, and the son was bred to the calling pur- sued by his progenitors for a long time. He was sixteen years old when he came to America, and remained at home until his majority. After passing that period he was occupied in farm labor two years, and in 1856 rented a farm. He managed his do- mestic affairs himself, in connection with his agricul- tural pursuits, about a year, and concluded that the
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condition of things generally would be improved by a division of labors.
His marriage to Elizabeth Thompson occurred April 26, 1857. Their children were born in the fol- lowing order: Anna, March 18, 1858; Alfred, July 29, 1860; John S., June 22, 1862 ; Rebecca, July 3, 1864; Minnie, Aug. 20, 1866; William, June 30, 1868; Dora J., Nov. 1, 1870; Elizabeth, Feb. 22, 1873; Cora I., Sept. 25, 1875 ; Charles W., Feb. II, 1878; Richard D., Dec. 7, 1880; Arthur, Feb. 4, I884. Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Scovill) Thompson. Her mother died when she was in childhood; the death of her father occurred in 1859.
Mr. Thompson removed his family and interests to Huron City, two years after marriage, where he entered the employ of Langdon Hubbard as a lum- berman, and operated in his interests ten years. In 1867 he bought the farm on which he now lives, erected a dwelling and occupied the place between two and three years. He removed thence to Bloom- field Township and passed six years in clearing a farm for Langdon Hubbard. That labor accom- plished, he again took possession of his farm.
He is a Republican in political affiliation, and has been School Director eight years, Supervisor three years, and Treasurer two terms, besides officiating in several other local positions. The family attend the Methodist Church.
urin H. T. Williams, farmer, section 21, Colfax Township, has been all his life a resident of Michigan, having been born Feb. 2, 1831, in Wayne County. His parents, Benjamin and Mary (Tuttle) Williams, were natives respectively of Ohio and New York. They married and settled in Michigan, where they passed all the years of their married life. The latter died April 22, 1868, and the former July 15, 1871, in Shiawassee County.
Mr. Williams of this sketch is the youngest of their four children. He passed the first 20 years of his life at home, obtaining his education at the common schools and in working on the family homestead. In
1852 he went to California and remained in the Golden State until 1856, when he returned to Shia- wassee County, without having made a marked suc- cess of his trip. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf. He was in the service until October, 1862, when he received his discharge on account of disability.
In September, 1873, he came to Huron County and made a claim of 160 acres in Colfax Township, under the regulations of the Homestead Law, on which he has since resided and placed 40 acres under cultivation. Mr. Williams is a Republican in politi- cal belief, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace.
His marriage to Rachel Wolfen occurred Dec. 29, 1849. They have had seven children-Emily J., Martin P., Durin J., Sarah A., Dan. S. and Dorman R. Eva M. died when 18 months old. Mrs. Wil- liams was born in the State of New York. She and her husband are members of the Methodist Church.
dwin G. Johnson, farmer, section 29, Gore Township, was born Nov. 11, 1835, in Ver- non, N. Y. His father, Gardner S. John- son, was born Sept. 12, 1802, in the State of New York. The latter was a farmer and a manufacturer of brick until about the year 1847. He came to Michigan and kept a hotel at Detroit three years. In 1836 the family came to St. Clair County and went thence to Royal Oak, Oak- land County, where he died, Nov. 28, 1853. His wife, Fanny (Cook) Johnson, was born April 25, 1807, in the Empire State. She died in Denver, Col., March 12, 1883.
Mr. Johnson was about 18 years old when his father died, and he remained at home maintaining the family eight years after that event. His first business, venture was farming and dealing in stock. He came to Gore Township for the purpose of mak ing a permanent location May 23, 1864. He bought a farm containing 52 acres, to which he afterward added 80 acres, and has since sold 40 acres. The original purchase of 52 acres was for another man, who desired to establish a salt block, but failed after
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expending $500, and Mr. Johnson was obliged to take the farm. It had a log house, which was built to accommodate fishermen.
Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in political views and connection. He has been Supervisor five terms, and has been elected Justice of the Peace twice, but has qualified but once.
His first marriage took place Nov. 13, 1861, to Evelyn A. Davis. Fannie E., born Feb. 23, 1864, and Gardner E., born May 24, 1868, are the names of the two childnen by this marriage. Mrs. J. was born Aug. 25, 1846, at Royal Oak, Oakland Co., Mich., and died March 14, 1878. She was the daughter of Alexander and Mary (Stone) Davis. Her mother died Feb. 7, 1868, in Gore Township. Her father is living in the township of Bloomfield. Mr. Johnson was a second time married Dec. 31, 1878, to Elizabeth Richardson. Three children have been born of this union: Caroline M., Sept. 30, 1879: Charlotte E., May 2, 1881 ; George Byron, Jan. 19, 1883. Mrs. Johnson is the daughter of George H and Harriet (Cary) Richardson. She was born June 5, 1859, at St. Mary's, Canada. Her father was born July 15, 1818, and died July 10, 1883. Her mother is living in Gore Township.
Yohn H. Provorse, farmer, section 18, Lin- coln Township, has been a resident of Huron County since he was 12 years old. His parents, John A. and Melinda (McDonald) Provorse, were natives respectively of New York State and Canada, and in 1855 they removed with their family to Huron County. They had eight children.
Mr. Provorse, who is. the eldest son living, was born Aug. 6, 1843, in Canada. He was educated in the public schools of the Dominion and in the common schools of Michigan, and when he was 15 years old he engaged in boat building, in which he was occupied six years. He has engaged since that time chiefly in lumbering and farming. He has been the proprietor of three several farms within the township of Lincoln. In the fall of 1883 he bought the property where he is now operating, including
120 acres of partly improved land, the latter por- tion now embracing about 87 acres. He is in sympathy with the Republican element in politics, and has held various local official positions.
His mariage to Rebecca Kirkpatrick occurred Oct. 20, 1866, at Huron City, Huron County. Four children have been born to them, namely : Alonzo, Clara A., Emma and Debbie. The eldest child died when four years old.
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oseph Jeroux, farmer, section 17, Meade Township, was born Oct. 25, 1821, in the Dominion of Canada, and is of French par- entage. He grew to manhood in Canada, and in the spring of 1859 he came to Huron Coun- ty to better his fortunes and give his children better opportunities than he was able to do in On- tario.
He bought 80 acres of land on which he has since resided, and has improved about 65 acres.
He was married in Canada to Zooy Delchou, a native of the Dominion. Following are the names of their children : Benjamin, Sarah, Julia, George, James, Mary, Josephine, Nora and Rosanna. All are living except Julia. She died when she was about 22 years old.
ewis Cass Carpenter, druggist and grocer, senior member of the firm of L. C. Carpen- ter & Co., was born May 9, 1848, in Len- awee Co., Mich. His parents, Reuben T. and Rosanna (Upton) Carpenter, belonged to the agricultural element of Lenawee County, where they reside still on their homestead of 100 acres.
Mr. Carpenter is the eldest of three children born to his parents. He remained on the home farm until he was 25 years old, when he went to Hicks- ville, Defiance Co., Ohio, and established himself in
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DE. L. Millions on
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the livery business. He was engaged there eight years, and in 1881 he went to Tombstone, Arizona, and spent six months in the silver mines, returning thence to Lenawee County, where he spent a year in clerking in a general store. In 1883 he came to Bad Axe and embarked in his present business en- terprise, with his brother-in-law, Dr. M. C. McDon- nell, which they are prosecuting with energy and success.
Mr. Carpenter has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Eldora A. Hubbard, who died in Lenawee, her native county. His second wife was Lucinda Emery, of Henry Co., Ohio, the marriage occurring in Lenawee County. Two children were born of this union-Eldora, Jan. 2, 1873, in Henry Co., Ohio, and Emery L., April 9, 1878, in Lenawee Co., Mich. The third marriage of Mr. Carpenter occurred Nov. 19, 1882, to Esther F., daughter of Samuel Clark. She was born July 9, 1858, in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. Ethel, only child of this marriage, was born at Bad Axe, Feb. 14, 1884.
evi Williamson, practicing physician and ada farmer, resident on section 29, Grant Town- ship, was the earliest permanent settler of the township, whither he removed in the spring of 1863. He made a homestead claim of 80 acres of land in a primitive condition, on which he erected the first structure for a residence in the township. He entered at once upon the practice of his profession, and for a score of years he has been well and widely known in his professional capacity, in which he holds a substantial reputation. He owns 160 acres of land, including 75 acres cleared and in tillage, with excellent orchards, good building and creditable farm fixtures.
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Dr. Williamson was born Oct. 16, 1815, in Hamp- shire Co., Va., and is the eldest of 19 children born to his parents. He is the son of William and Mary (Stearns) Williamson, who were natives of the same county in Virginia, where they were married and set- tled. They removed later to Pickaway Co., O., where the mother died. The father went to Hancock Co., Ohio, and thence, after the close of the war, to Mis- souri, where he died. Their family consisted of 15 sons and 4 daughters. Five of the former became
soldiers in the Union army, and three of them yielded their lives in the service of their country. Their graves are remote from the home of their friends and the place where they were born.
Dr. Williamson obtained a good common-school education and studied for his profession two terms at the Physio-Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was 28 years of age when he entered upon his preparations for a medical career. He first estab- lished himself as a practitioner in Wood Co., Ohio, removing his business three years later to Ashland County in the same State. A year later, he went to Williams County, in the Buckeye State. Three years afterward he went to Allen Co., Ind., where he prac- ticed medicine three years. At the end of that time, in 1863, he came to Huron County.
He is a Democrat in political principle, and has served in most of the local offices. He has been Supervisor of Grant Township two terms and Justice of the Peace 12 years.
He was married in Hancock Co., Ohio, to Mary Biblar, a native of Fairfield Co., Ohio. Abraham, William J. (see sketch), Benjamin F., Mary E. and Sarah A. are the names of their children. Mrs. W. died May 20, 1848, in Hancock County. Dr. Wil liamson was a second time married Sept. 10, 1850, in Wood Co., Ohio, to Agnes E. Cellar, who was born July 18, 1834, in Richland Co., Ohio. Three chil- dren have been born to them,-Alva C., John M. and Josephine A. Dr. Williamson is an Adventist in his religious views.
The portrait of Dr. Williamson, on the preceding page, is very appropriately given in this volume, as of a gentleman who is well known for moral integrity and professional skill; and it is therefore with pleas- ure that we welcome the likeness among the collec- tion in this volume.
A mos Parent, farmer, section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in Shefford Co., Prov- ince of Quebec, May 5, 1839. His parents, Telesphore and Julia (Fluet) Parent, were na- tives of Quebec, of French nationality. The mother died in Canada. The father came afterwards to Huron County and after a stay of two years returned to his former home, to transact some
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business, was taken ill and died there, May 8, 1880. Their family numbered nine children, namely: Dor- cas (deceased), Abigail, Amos, Delphine, Joseph, Hannah, John D., Robert (deceased) and Eliza.
Mr. Parent is the oldest of the sons in the above family. When he was about seven years old they went to Vermont, returning three years later to Can- ada. When he was 20 years of age he began to learn the besiness of a carpenter and joiner, and he pursued that business, in connection with farmingin his native province, until he removed to Huron County in the spring 1880. He had purchased 80 acres of land in Lincoln Township in 1879, on which he has already cleared and improved 27 acres.
In political connection and views Mr. Parent is in sympathy with the Prohibition party.
His marriage to Marietta, adopted daughter of Robert and Emma Phippen, took place March 16, 1870, in Middlesex Co., Ont. . They have four chil- dren,-Edith A., Albert E., Minnie R. and Ida M. Mr. Parent was born in London, Ont., Feb. 21, 1852. Mrs. Parent is a member of the American Protestant Association.
obert Philp, general merchant and real- estate broker, at Bad Axe, has been a resi- dent of Huron County since 1858, and is identified with its eventful history and prog- ress from its pioneer days, in which he has been an actor of more than ordinary influence, from the interest he has taken in developing the county and furthering its business interests.
Mr. Philp was born in Port Hope, March 4, 1847. He is the son of Thomas and Ann (Moon) Philp, and his father pursued the vocation of a far- mer in the Dominion, as well as after the removal of the family to Huron County in 1858. They were the first settlers in what is now Verona Township. The senior Philp purchased the entire acreage of section 36, except the southeast quarter, besides 80 acres in the township of Bingham. The homestead was located on the southwest quarter. The son, who is the subject of this sketch, passed six years after his removal to Huron County in the manner of
life common to pioneers' sons, receiving but limited education from books or schools, but acquiring a hardy, common-sense and practical understanding of the duties involved in living. He became the con- troller of his own time and choice of effort at the age of 17 years, when he left home and engaged as a farm laborer by the month. He operated in this method about two years, when he enlarged his scope somewhat, and transacted business as a contractor in clearing land and in other avenues incident to the improvement of territory in its original state, which includes the several departments of lumbering. He became a land-holder at 19 years of age, by the pur- chase, from his father, of 80 acres lying on the southern half of the northeast quarter of section 36, in Verona Township. Later, he became the proprie- tor by purchase of the entire half of the section. He continued to operate as stated, until he was 23 years old, when he took possession of his farm and applied his time and efforts to its improvement, which he pursued until he had placed 50 acres under cultivation. The work of clearing has been followed until the present time ; the place, now in- cluding 90 acres, is in first-class condition, and wholly available for agricultural purposes.
In May, 1875, Mr. Philp rented his farm and opened an establishment for the transaction of a general mercantile business at Bad Axe. The enterprise prospered and promised indefinite suc- cess and continuance until the disastrous fall of 1881, when the visitation of flame for a second time paralyzed the energies of the citizens of Huron County, and involved its business in almost utter ruin. The historic Sept. 5th saw the almost entire extinction of his commercial affairs, his building and stock being consumed, at a loss of about $10,000, and with prac- tically no insurance. His active energies and in- dustrious habits suffered no diminution, and he was one of the leaders in the work of restoration of the business resources of Huron County located at Bad Axe. He was the first to begin to build, which he did on the 6th day of September, and in 60 days his business was in running order,-building completed and stocked, and trade in full operation. He has been rewarded with the results of unremitting indus- try, judicious management and thrifty habits. His business has increased and its scope extended until he now carries a stock representing a value of from five to seven thousand dollars, and including lines of
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merchandise suited to the local trade. He managed his mercantile affairs alone until Nov. 1, 1882, when he admitted Thomas Foster to a half interest in the business. Mr. Foster has been with him as a sales- man and assistant about 10 years.
Mr. Philp instituted his real-estate interests in 1878, and has continued their management since that date. He built and owns his residence, and owns 150 lots in the eastern portion of the town known as "Robert Philp's First Addition to Bad Axe." He is also the proprietor of a number of business lots and residences in other portions of the village. His real-estate claims throughout the county comprise about 2,000 acres. In political views, Mr. Philp favors the sentiments of the Republican party, though he is not, and has never been, an aggressive politician. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity.
His marriage to Catherine Foster occurred at Verona Mills, Huron County. She is the daughter of Edward and Mary Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Philps have had six children.
ames Haley, farmer, section 28, Colfax Township, has been a resident of Huron County since December, 1865. Two years afterward he became owner of 160 acres of land in the township where he has since resided and expended the best energies of his life in the improvement of his property. His real estate now includes 120 acres, with 65 acres under cultivation. In political sentiment he is a Republi- can, and he has been active and efficient in the local government of his township. He has served four years as Constable, one year [as Treasurer, and four years as Supervisor.
Mr. Haley was born in 1846, in Ireland, and is the son of Oliver and Mary (Culbert) Haley. The parents are natives of Ireland and emigrated to Canada in 1853, coming thence in 1865 to Huron County, where they now reside. Seven of their eight children are living.
Mr. Haley is the fifth child of his parents and the second son. He was (married May 8, 1873; to
Angeline Sherman. She was born Aug. 27, 1853, in Illinois. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Haley were born as follows: Mary E., Roscoe, Margaret, Burt, Mabel M. and Martha J.
The parents are members of the Methodist Church.
eon Filion, farmer, section 31, Lincoln Township, was born near Montreal, Prov- ince of Quebec, April 2, 1844. His parents, Moses and Angeline (Desjardines) Filion, were also born in Canada, of French parentage. Mr. Filion grew to the age of 17 years in his native province, and in 1861 located in Hume Township, Huron County, where he was a resident several years. In 1872 he bought 80 acres of land on section 31 of the township where he now resides, and of which he took possession in March, 1883. He has increased his possessions until he is now the owner of 240 acres, which comprises 55 acres under improvement.
Mr. Filion belongs to and acts with the Republi- can element in political affairs.
He was married Dec. 10, 1878, in Canada, to Sarah Todd. Their four children were born as follows : Moses, James L., Sarah A. and James M. The last named child died Aug. 2, 1883. Mrs. Filion is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
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ohn Melligan, Supervisor of Rubicon Township, and resident in the village of Port Hope, was born in Dereham Town- ship, Oxford Co., Ont., April 29, 1848. His parents, John and Mary (Fortune) Melligan, were natives of Ireland. They removed to Worth Township, Sanilac County, when the son was in his childhood. They belonged to the farming class and reared their sons to that calling. The father died in 1867, in Worth Township. The
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mother is of Irish parentage and lives in Sanilac County.
Mr. Melligan became his own master at the age of 16 years, and wrought out his own fortune. He also inherited a part of the care of his parents, and discharged that duty creditably. When he was 26 years old he became by purchase the proprietor of 100 acres of land in the township of Rubicon. The place was in a wholly wild state, and he has pushed his energies and efforts until he now owns 225 acres, of which 100 acres is in a finely improved and cultivated condition. Since 1871, Mr. Melligan has been in the employment of W. R. Stafford, in the management of his farm.
He is a Democrat in his political views, and is serving his second term as Supervisor of Rubicon Township.
He was married July 3, 1873, to Martha Fry. They have two children,-J. Willie, born Oct. 10, 1876, and Clarence M., born July 25, 1880. Both children were born at Port Hope. Mrs. Melligan is the daughter of William and Catherine (McKaigar) Fry. Her mother died in 1856, and was 30 years old at the time of her death. Her father was married again, and resides at East Saginaw.
harles Geltz, farmer, section 30, Gore Township, was born Dec. 13, 1850, in Berlin, Waterloo Co., Ont., and is the son of Christian and Christine Herman. His par- ents were born in Germany and emigrated to Ontario in 1844. The father was a mason by trade and came, Oct. 2, 1863, from Berlin to Huron County. He bought 80 acres of land in Gore Town- ship. He was born Oct. 16, 1815, and died in De- cember, 1882, at Port Hope. The mother resides on a farm in Huron Township. The family included four sons and four daughters.
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