John S. Teeples, proprietor of the National Hotel at Holly, Mich., was born in the township of Pontiac in 1833. He is a son of Jacob and Jane (Stephens) Teeples natives of New york and Vermont respectively. Jacob Teeples came to Michigan in 1825, and settled in Oakland county where he was married. He engaged in farming and lived here until his death. He had a family of six children, four of whom are living as follows: John S. , James M., george T. and Albert D.

Our subject was reared on a farm and received a common school education. After leaving hoe he purchased a farm in White Lake Township upon which he lived eighteen months and sold it, engaging in the mercantile business at Milford thereafter until 1878. He went into the hotel business there staying in this place three years. He next removed to Holly purchasing the National Hotel, which is situated near the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad. The purchase included three lots, the large hotel which is 34 x 62 feet and the barn 40 x 62 feet.

July 3, 1855, Mr. Teeples was married to Mariah Retan. She is a native of this state and the daughter of William and Tryphena (Mead) Retan, natives of New Jersey and Michigan respectively. Mr. Retan was the son of John and Margaret (Smith) Retan, natives of New Jersey. He came to Oakland County in the pioneer days and engaged in farming; here he lived until his death.

Our subject and his wife have but only one daughter, Tryphena, now Mrs. G. O. Fleicher of this village. She is the mother of one child, may. Mr. Teeples belongs to the Democratic party and is also a Mason. He is a genial landlord and makes all that stop at his house feel that they are at home. His hotel is kept in good style, with a fine table and all necessary conveniences. His wife proves herself an excellent landlady and uses every endeavor to make her guest feel comfortable and happy.