Portrait and Biographical Album

Hillsdale County Michigan

1888

Haley M Thorp, late of Fayette Township, was born in Perry, Wyoming Co., N.Y., Feb 14, 1828, and departed this life on the 6th of August, 1878. He came to the county in 1856, with his little family, and settled in Fayette Township, of which he remained a resident until resting from his earthly labors. A man of industry and enterprise, he accumulated a good property, making valuble improvements of his fine farm of 240 acres and in other respects distinguishing himself as a valuable member of the community.

Our subject was the son of David and Eliza (McIntyre) Thorp, native of New York, where they settled after their marriage, and where the mother died in middle life. Mr Thorp subsequently came to this county and died in Fayette Township about 1882. Their son, Haley M., was reared to farm pursuits, and continued a resident of his native county until his marriage with Miss Mary M Bowen, which occurrred on the 8th of November, 1849. He then settle with his bride in Wyoming County, where they lived until coming to this state. He also, in connection with farming manufactured fanning-mills for a number of years. Their union was blessed by the birth of four children: Mary E., the eldest, became the wife of William Wickman, of Albion Michigan.: Charles died in Fayette Township, Sept 1, 1876, aged twenty-five years; Elisah B. married Miss Rose Gaige, and is occupied as a clothier in Jonesville; Frank, the fourth, is a farmer by occupation, and resides on the homestead with his mother.

Mrs. Thorp is the daughter of Jeremiah and Polly (Ames) Bowen, natives of Vermont, who after their marriage settled in Wyoming County, N.Y., where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were permitted to reach a ripe old age, the mother dying in March, 1884, and the father on the 4 of May, 1887. The eleven children born to them included six daughters and five sons, ten of whom survive. Of these Mrs. Thorp was the second child, and was born in Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1827, and continued a member of her father's household until her marriage with our subject. She proved a lady in every way worthy to be his helpmate and companion, and continues at the homestead surrounded by al the comforts of life, and enjoying the confidence and esteem of her neighbors. Socially, Mr. Thorp was a Mason and Odd fellow.