M. T. Phipps
M. T. Phipps is the owner of a well improved farm of one
hundred sixty acres located on Section 32, Lafayette township. He
is a native of Canada, born December 31, 1856, the third in order
of birth in a family of five children, whose parents were Thomas
and Maria (Francis) Phipps, both natives of England. On leaving
his native land, the father located first in Canada and in 1853
established his home on one hundred and sixty acres of wild land,
which he purchased in Allamakee county,--the farm on which our
subject now resides. On this land the father erected a log house
and began life in true pioneer style. He was permitted to enjoy
his new home for but a brief period, however, passing away here
soon after his arrival. The mother continued to make her home on
the farm for many years but is now deceased, her death occurring
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Tisdale, in 1908. The
five children in the family are: Harriet, the wife of Edward
Tisdale, a resident of Lafayette township; Elizabeth, who became
the wife of Murray Bacon, but is now deceased; M. T., of this
review; Mary, the wife of L. P. Stillman, of Emmetsburg, Iowa;
and Theresa, the deceased wife of G. M. Gemmel.
M. T. Phipps was a little land of seven years when he was brought
from Canada to Allamakee county. He was trained to work on the
home farm, assisting his mother subsequent to his father’s
demise. He eventually came into possession of the homestead,
comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Lafayette township and
through his own well directed labors has made it a valuable farm.
He and his family occupy a comfortable home, while his barns and
outbuildings are substantial and kept in good repair. In addition
to general farming he is engaged in stock-raising, having
recently purchased six full-blooded Percheron mares and expects
to raise registered horses.
Mr. Phipps chose as a companion Miss Elizabeth Valentine, who was
born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Job and Lucy Valentine, both
of whom are deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have been born ten
children, as follow: Charles, who died when only two years old;
Henry and William, who are now in Canada; Grace, the wife of
Lewis Drake, a resident of Center township; Alice, the wife of
Percy Bailey, of St. Paul; Mildred, the wife of Joe Mortimer,
also of St. Paul; May, the wife of Early Bailey, who likewise
makes her home in St. Paul; Theresa, Irvin and Le Roy, all of
whom are with their parents.
Mr. Phipps is a republican, giving stanch support to the
candidates of the party in which he has firm faith. He is an
industrious, honest man, fully meriting the high regard which is
everywhere accorded him.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
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