Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and Biographical Album of Huron County, Michigan Pub. Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1884 [204-205] ROBERT PHILP, general merchant and real estate broker, at Bad Axe, has been a resident of Huron County since 1858, and is identi- fied with its eventful history and progress 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 farmer in the Dominion, as well as after the removal of the fami- ly 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 depart- ments of lumbering. He became a land-holder at 19 years of age, by the purchase, 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 proprietor 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 including 90 acres, is in first-class condition, and wholly available for agricultural purposes. In May, 1875, MR. PHILP rented his farm and opened an establish- ment for the transaction of a general mercantile business at Bad Axe. The enterprise prospered and promised indefinite success 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 com- mercial affairs, his building and stock being consumed, at a loss of about $10,000, and with practically no insurance. His active energies and industrious habits suffered no diminution, and he was one of the leaders in the work of restoration of the business re- sources 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 industry, 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 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 salesman 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. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================