William R. Hall Family of Michigan:Information about Sylvester G. Topping
Sylvester G. Topping (b. October 28, 1848, d. January 20, 1931)
Notes for Sylvester G. Topping:Sylvester, "Vet" Topping ran a general store and sawmill in Plainfield,
Livingston Cty, MI. The sawmill went up in flames one day, which was the first
fire the town's new fire engine was put to use on. My mother recalled going to
the store when she was a child. Vet and wife "Stubb" as she was affectionately
called, owned a large house in Plainfield. Harriet's sister,
Margaret "Mag" Grieve, lived in a little house next to the large one. Mag was
deaf; apparently her sister provided for her. Sylvester tragically committed
suicide, hanging himself in the barn one day. The family never understood how
or why this happened.
It is ironic that so many happy times were shared with the Toppings, Grieves
and Chipmans; my Aunt Isabelle recalled wonderful family get-togethers with
much laughter and music-piano and violin and flute and singing. She said
Harriet loved horses and owned a very beautiful one.
Obituary Feb 3, 1932, Pinckney Dispatch:
Sylvester G. Topping passed to the Great Beyond Saturday, Jan 20, 1931. Through
failing health, the once strong, efficient business mind weakened with the
body. He was the eldest son of the late Morris and Ellen Topping, born in
Plainfield Oct 28, 1848 where he spent his entire life. When a boy he entered
business life with his father in general merchandise where he continued till
1914 when he transferred the business to his only son E.L. Topping. He was
keenly alive for the interest of thecommunity and state in which he lived. For
many years he was postmaster until the office was taken up and given to
Gregory. For 40 years he was a member of the church choir, first as organist
and later assisting with the clarinet. He was a member of the IOOF for more
than 50 years. Nov 22, 1871 he was united in marriage to Harriet Grieve. To
this happy union one son E. LaVerne came and by his faithful devotion has been
a comfort and joy to both father and mother. He leaves his wife and son, an
only sister, Mrs. Herman Briggs of Howell, four grandchildren, Carl of Midland,
Florence Alles of Detroit, Marian Kinsey of Plainfield and Norman of
Stockbridge. Also seven great grandchildren, together with nephews and neices.
Funeral held from the home Tuesday, Rev. Clark officiating. Burial was in
Plainfield Cem.
More About Sylvester G. Topping:
Burial: Unknown, Plainfield Cem., Plainfield, Livingston, MI.
More About Sylvester G. Topping and Harriet Charlotte Grieve:
Marriage: November 22, 1871, Pinckney, Livingston, MI.
Children of Sylvester G. Topping and Harriet Charlotte Grieve are:
- +Emmett Laverne Topping, b. July 26, 1873, Plainfield, Livingston, MI, d. May 22, 1935, Plainfield, Livingston, MI.