Bio: Philpott, Thomas B. (History - 1843)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: PHILPOTT ANDREWS BRESSE

----Source: 1891 History of Clark and Jackson Co., Wisconsin, pg. 146-147

TOM. B. PHILPOTT, was born in Hampshire, England, near the city of Southampton, April 14, 1843, and is a son of William and Eliza (Andrews) Philpott, natives of England. The father was born June 27, 1809, and the mother December 7, 1810 she died in Loyal, Clark County, Wisconsin, January 4, 1886. The emigrated to America in 1856, and settled at Iron Ridge, Dodge County, Wisconsin there they resided until 1877, and in that year removed to Clark County, Wisconsin, locating at Loyal the father still survives and makes that place his home. He is a blacksmith by trade, and has followed this occupation since he was thirteen years of age. At one time, however, he was employed on the police force in England, and during this time continued his trade. He and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had seven children born to them: Harry, William, Tom. B., Francis, James, Frank and Mary Francis, James and Frank died in infancy.

Tom. B. was twelve years of age when he sailed to America. He was trained to the blacksmith's trade by his father. He followed this calling in Iron Ridge, Wis., until 1860, and during the Pike's peak excitement he went West. In 1861 he returned home, and in August, 1862, joined Company I, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until December, 1864. He was then made hospital steward in the regular army, and held that position until October, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, was in the battles of Jackson and Champion Hill, and many minor engagements.

After the war Mr. Philpott returned to Wisconsin and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Loyal Township, Clark County this was heavily timbered, and he devoted his energies to clearing it up and placing it under cultivation, until 1871 at that time he built a blacksmith shop in Loyal, and in the fall of 1877 during five years of this time he served as town clerk of Loyal, and in the fall of 1877 he was elected Sheriff of the county on the republican ticket by a majority of thirteen votes the following term he served as Under Sheriff, and in 1881 he was reelected to the office by 670 votes following this term he again served as Under Sheriff. During this time he was prominently identified with the Republican party he was chairman of the County Committee for two years. He discharged all his duties with fidelity. He has been in the mercantile trade at Loyal since 1883, and besides he owns 240 acres of timberlands in Loyal Township. He also has nine lots in Loyal. He has accumulated this property by diligence, industry and good management, and is to be congratulated upon the success that has crowned his efforts. The early days in a new country are not fraught with pleasure and ease, and the comforts of life are meager.
Mr. Philpott was married January 5, 1865, To Miss Emily T. Bresee, of Madison, Wisconsin. She was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, February 22, 1847, and is a daughter of Daniel Bresee, Esq. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Philpott: Milton J., Pearl M., George B. and G. R. the parents and two older children are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are numbered among the most worthy families of the community.

Our esteemed subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 198, of Neillsville, Wisconsin of the C. R. Gill Post, No. 236, G. A. R. of the A. O. U. W., of Neillsville, and Modern Woodmen of America, Loyal Camp No. 1, 414, of Loyal of which he is the clerk.

PHILPOTT ANDREWS BRESSE