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| Thomas Hanifan, of the mercantile of Hanifan & Harmon, at Big Rapids, was born in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich., March 4, 1847. He is the son of William and Kate (Cane) Hanifan, and was reared to the age of 15 on his father’s farm. At that period he became a clerk at a dry goods store, and has been assistant or principle in the same line of business most of the time since. During the first three years he spent part of the time in school. In 1870 he went to Vernon, Shiawassee Co., Mich., and entered the employ of W.D.&A Garrison, dry good merchants, as clerk and remained until 1881. In May, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and entered into partnership with Willard H. Harmon, and commenced commercial transactions in the Fairman and Newton Block, where they are carrying a fine assortment of dry goods, carpets, etc., valued at $15,000, annual sales amount to $35,000. Mr. Hanifan was married in Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich. Jan.20, 1881, to Emma, daughter of Daniel and Bridget Lapham. She was born in Farmington in 1854 and died at Big Rapids July 14, 1882. |