My Genealogy Hound

W. A. Whipple, the junior member of the Whipple Lumber Company, located at Novi, Oakland County, was born in the village of Novi December 6, 1841. More extended mention of this prominent family is made in the sketch of Oscar M. Whipple, which will be found on another page of this volume.

Mr. Whipple received his education in the schools of Novi Township and passed his boyhood in practical work on the farm and in his father’s cooper shop. In 1881 he located on the homestead farm. Since 1881 he has been associated with his brother in the lumber business, under the firm name of the Whipple Lumber Company, a large industry of Novi, doing an annual business of $10,000 and employing several men.

On July 7, 1870, Mr. Whipple was married to Emma J. Kimmis, who is a daughter of A. M. and Rhoda (Coldren) Kimmis. A. M. Kimmis was born in Vermont and came to Michigan in 1836, locating at New Hudson, Lyon township, Oakland County, where he engaged in shoemaking and farming. On his way to Michigan he lost all his household possessions through the wreck of the steamer. In 1861 he was elected by the Republican party sheriff of Oakland County, then thoroughly Democratic, and was given a second term on account of personal popularity. Mr. Kimmis married first Rebecca Town and they had two children, Nelson and Sarah, both deceased. Mrs. Kimmis died in 1848 and Mr. Kimmis then married Rhoda Coldren, who is a daughter of Elijah Coldren, a farmer of Plymouth township, Wayne County. Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Emma J., wife of our subject; Belle, who married Levi Mosher, and has reared one son, Ralph; and Austin N., who was married first to Blanche Peck, who died in 1897, and second to Violett Mode. Mr. Kimmis died in 1896 and was survived by his widow but three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have one daughter, Mable F., born March 27, 1875. She is a most attractive and estimable young lady, a graduate of the Ypsilanti State Normal School, and an active worker and member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Whipple is identified with the Republican party. He is fraternally connected with the Masons. His business interests are large and he is considered one of the representative men of the township.