Erastus H. Shipperley; one of the most attractive farms and Avon Township is owned and occupied by this gentleman. The home place consists of 100 acres, which are cultivated in a careful and intelligent manner and have had their fertility At par by judicious rotation of crops and the use of drainage or fertilizing agencies when necessary. A complete line of farm buildings stand upon the estate, modern machinery is a used during the season of planning and reaping. The dwelling is a of unusually pleasing design, and is a model of neatness and comfort, and in its surrounding woods gives evidence other a fine taste of the family. It was built in 1885.

The Sipperleys have been in America about 200 years and a family was established here by natives of Holland. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth (Wood) Sipperley, both of whom were born in the Empire state. They brought their family to Michigan in 1835 and located in Troy, this county, their son Erastus was born February 29, 1836. He is one of the five members of the parental family now living, four having died. The father passed away August 27, 1869, when nearly 3 score and ten years old. The mother breathed her last November 8, 1885, at the age of seventy-nine years.

the subject of this sketch lived with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, pursuing the usual course in life, giving his early days to study and other preparation for the battle of life. The war having broken out he felt a desire to aid in the defense of the Union, and August 11, 1862 became a private in Company B. Twenty-Second Michigan Infantry. He was sent to Covington, Kentucky, and with his comrades followed the rebel General Bragg to Nashville and Johnston to Atlanta, taking part in numerous skirmishes and various duties to which the Regiment was assigned. The twenty-second was badly cut up a Chickamauga but Mr. Sipperley escaped harm on that occasion, and he was unfit for duty and was in the hospital. He did his duty as a brave man should until after the war closed, and was mustered out June 26, 1865.

Mr. Sipperley return home in July after his discharged and at once went to work on the home farm. He continued his labors there until after his marriage, then began housekeeping on a farm he now occupies. His wedding date was February 9, 1870, and his bride, Annette Everett. This lady was born in Macomb County, this state, and is educated and refined. She is a model housekeeper, and takes great pride and delight in horticulture and keep the great variety of hot-house plants. Music and flowers make the home attractive and a life of the family is one to which all can look back with pleasure when the members shall have been separated by the circumstances of life. Mr. and Mrs. Sipperley have had eight children, but to our deceased. The living are, Florence E. Charles Herbert, Homer Van, Hattie Agnes, Alice Mary, and Zay. The deceased, George Elmer, who died May 3, 1879 and Eddie, who passed away September 9, 1889.

while slavery was in the land Mr. Sipperley was classed among the abolitionist, and for years past he has been a strong Republican. His connection with the Union Army is commemorated by membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and he takes a comrades interest in the boys in blue. His religious membership is in the congressional church and his reputation that of a consistent Christian.