My Genealogy Hound

PHILIP LYNCH. The following is a brief sketch of the career of Mr. Lynch, a man whose present substantial position in life has been reached entirely through his own perseverance, and the facts connected with his operations and their results only show what a person with courage and enlightened views can accomplish. He ranks among the well-known men of foreign birth in Berrien County, and, gifted alike with energy, enterprise and uprightness, he crossed the ocean to make for himself a home in the “land of the free.” For the success which has attended his efforts he deserves much commendation.

Mr. Lynch was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1829, and there grew to manhood. The promises held out by the New World were enticing in the extreme, and in 1849 Mr. Lynch, with his sister Annie, crossed the ocean to this continent. They landed in New York, but took passage from there, via the Lakes, to Chicago, where they remained but a short time, and in the same year located in Berrien County. Our subject engaged to work with James Caldwell, Sr., later with John D. Bury, Sr., and with the money thus earned bought land from the Government. This was the same year he located in the county, and from that time on he was actively engaged in clearing and improving his farm. Although it took many years of hard labor to clear the farm of the heavy timber with which it was covered, Mr. Lynch never became discouraged and managed his place with excellent judgment and ability.

In the year 1857, when twenty-eight years of age, he was married to Miss Mary Carroll, who was also a native of the green isle of Erin, and a lady of culture and refinement. After marriage they located on the farm opposite their present residence and there remained for some time. To the original tract land has been added from time to time, until Mr. Lynch is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. He is quite extensively engaged in fruit-growing and annually ships berries of every description. In connection he is also engaged in farming, and is considered one of the prominent agriculturists of that section, all his farming operations being conducted in a manner showing his good judgment and sense.

The marriage of Mr. Lynch resulted in the birth of nine children, as follows: Ellen, wife of John Hoar; Annie, wife of John D. Bury, Benton Township; Mary, wife of Samuel King, of this county; Rosa, a resident of Chicago; Philip, James, Katie, Margaret and Thomas. The last five make their home with their parents. All have had good educational advantages in the common schools and are bright and intelligent young people. The Democratic party has ever received Mr. Lynch’s vote, and he has ever been interested in political matters. He and his family hold membership with the Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Lynch was a daughter of Owen Carroll, and came to America with her brother James, who is now residing in Hagar Township. Mr. Lynch has ever been a public-spirited citizen, and lie and his wife support all worthy enterprises.