"In 1840, Johann Joseph (Joseph) emigrated with his parents and brothers (Anton, Mathias, Paul, Peter Joseph, and Johann Peter), settling in Westphalia, Clinton Co., Michigan one year later.

"Joseph and Maria (Mary) purchased 38 acres of land about one and one half miles north of present day Westphalia, Clinton, Michigan on the west side of Grange Rd. All of their children were born on this farm. On 10/29/1851, they purchased an additional 40 acres of land in Section 32 of Dallas Township. As of 1864, they owned 80 acres, 20 of which were improved. Joseph grew wheat, corn, potatoes and hay and raised sheep, hogs, cattle and milk cows. As of 1870, the value of Joseph's farm was $3,000.

"Joseph and Mary were farming in Dallas Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan as of the 1880 Federal Census. Their children, Johann (John), Johann Peter (John P.), Anna, and Mathias were living with them. (Census records list Joseph as 60 yrs. old and Mary as 52 yrs. old, which contradicts other birthdate information).

"During the later years of his life, Johann lived with his daughter, Catharina Fuchs/Fox and her husband, Henry Goerge. His wife, Maria Anna, was alive and apparently living separately with other children in Dallas Twp.

"Although Johann did not leave a will, the matter of his estate was brought up on 1/17/1889 before the Probate Court of St. Johns, Michigan because of an unpaid debt.
"That the said Joseph Fox was at the time of his death indebted to your
petitioner in the sum of $110 which was indenced by a promissary note
signed by said Joseph Fox, which said note is still due and unpaid.
That your petitioner lives at Hunrods, Yates County in the State of
New York".
In this petition, Joseph's personal estate was valued at $200 and his real estate was valued at $1,500."
--Author unknown, provided by Diane Kaye Schafer, August, 2000.

"At the age of 11, Maria (Mary) emigrated with her parents, sailing on the ship Louis Philippe, and arriving at the port of New York in 1841.

"Joseph and Maria (Mary) purchased 38 acres of land about one and one half miles north of present day Westphalia, Clinton, Michigan on the west side of Grange Rd. All of their children were born on this farm. On 10/29/1851, they purchased an additional 40 acres of land in Section 32 of Dallas Township.

"Sometime after her husband's death, Maria moved to Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit City Directory of 1890 lists Maria Anna Pohl Fuchs/Fox as living with her sons, John P. Fox and Mathias Fox, and daughter Anna Fox at 135 Benton St., Detroit. Their home was located on the same street as her younger sister, Anna Catherina Pohl Brotsche, who had been living in Detroit since 1856. At some point she returned to Dallas Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan, where she died."
--Author unknown, provided by Diane Kaye Schafer, August, 2000

"In the late 1880's, Mathias moved to Detroit, Michigan and lived with his brother, John, and sister, Anna. He worked as an upholsterer for the Teople Co.. Mathias never married, and ended up in the same nursing home where his sister had died. His surviving family was never notified of his death, and he was buried in a Pauper's field."
--Author unknown, provided by Diane Kaye Schafer, August, 2000.