This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: MayorJoe Surnames: Phoenix, Topping Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.walworth/2393.3.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From the "History of Walworth Co, WI - 1882", there is a biographic sketch under 'Town of Delavan' for Franklin K. Phoenix, proprietor of Phoenix Nursery, of Delavan, WI, is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah A. Phoenix; was born in Perry, Genesee Co, now Wyoming Co, NY, March 3, 1825. In July, 1837, he came to Walworth Co, Wis, with his parents, and located on Sec. 15, town of Delavan, in September of that year. He returned East in the spring of 1841, and attended school in his native town one year; returned to Delavan in 1842 and established a nursery, which he carried on until June, 1854, when he moved to Bloomington, Ill., where he engaged in the same business on an extensive scale, having at one time 600 acres under stock, making one of the largest nurseries in the country, if not in the world; annual sale amounted to $200,000. Owing to a succession of unfavorable seasons, he became embarrassed, and was obliged to close out the business in 1877. He remained at Bloomingto! n! one year later, then went to the State of New York, where he remained until August, 1879, and then returned to Delavan, there he has since resided. On his return to Delavan, he re-established a nursery. He was married, at Darien, Walworth Co, Wis, Dec 2, 1850, to Mary E. Topping, daughter of Thomas Topping. Mrs. Phoenix was born in Montgomery Co, NY. They Had seven children -- five sons and two daughters -- Samuel T., A. Melville (died at 18 years of age), Fred S., F. May, Frank, John J., Carrie. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.