Dr. James William Tooley

Tuesday, August 31, 2010



Dr. James W. Tooley

His death certificate says that his occupation was "gods."  His business was actually "dogs" and all manner of other creatures--great and small.  My great grandfather, Dr. James W. Tooley, was a well-respected veterinary surgeon and dentist. 

James William Ephraim Tooley was born in Wells in the County of Norfolk in England in November, 1871 to William James Tooley, a farm laborer, and Rebecca (Page) Tooley.  Sometime after his sister Mary's birth in 1873, James and Mary (and perhaps other family members including a half-sister Ethel) emigrated from England to Toronto, Canada.

Dr. Tooley completed his education at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, near Toronto,  in 1896.  On February 7, 1902, he arrived in the United States via the Wabash Railroad at Detroit, Michigan.  He made his home and built a large veterinary and dental practice at Algoma, Wisconsin.  In December, 1903, he was appointed as Assistant State Veterinarian of Wisconsin. 

In Algoma, he met Frances Louise (McDonald) Phillips, the young widow of Professor Elbert M. Phillips.  Frances had one son, Elbert Phillips, Jr.  James and Frances surprised their friends when they were married at the Protestant Episcopal parsonage at Escanaba, Michigan on July 21, 1904.

Elbert Phillips, Jr.

A baby daughter Marjorie, was born in Algoma in 1905 but did not survive.  Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where another daughter, Agnes, was born.  She too did not survive.  Daughters Winifred Helen and Frances were born in Fond du Lac.

Winifired Helen (left) and Frances Tooley

Dr. Tooley, or "Boppo" as he was referred to by family members, later practiced in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  While living in Green Bay, he became a United States citizen. 

Dr. J. W. Tooley is remembered for his love of animals and Frances "Donnie" for her baking--especially her caramel cake.

Frances and Dr. James Tooley

James and Frances lived long and fruitful lives.  Boppo died October 26, 1957 at age 85 in Green Bay.  He was buried at the Rienzi Cemetery in Fond du Lac.  Donnie lived to age 91 and died October 6, 1965 in Green Bay.  She was buried next to baby Marjorie in the McDonald family plot at the Evergreen Cemetery in Algoma.

       

Boppo with J.T.T. and friend