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Fippinger Family

P. H. Fippinger moved from Bavaria to the United States in 1836.  Traveling with the Glos family, P. H. and his son (John) settled in Proviso Township in 1842.  He purchased farmland from Charles Chapman.  According to an interview with John Fippinger, Jr. (P. H. Fippinger's grandson) the Fippinger farm extended from St. Charles Place to Butterfield Road, from 30^th Avenue to Mannheim Road, although other people recall the Fippinger farm as being somewhat smaller.  In 1857 John Fippinger (Sr.) married Elizabeth Glos and the two had seven children.

The Fippinger farmhouse was in the vicinity of St. Charles Road and Eastern Avenue.

In 1870 John Fippinger conveyed two parcels of land to Jacob and John Glos.  The land ran from Grant Avenue on the north to Saint Charles Road on the south.  John's land was between 25^th and 27^th Avenues while Jacob's was from 27^th to 31^st Avenues.  These lands were surveyed and subdivided in 1892 with lots selling for $150.

John Fippinger, Jr. was born on his father farm.  He served Bellwood in many roles:

• He was a member of the school board
• Treasurer for Bellwood
• Village of Bellwood President for eight year
• Bellwood Police Magistrate (1924-1932)
• Commissioner, Board of Commissioners, Memorial Park District

He operated the Miami Service Station at Eastern Avenue and Saint Charles Road until his retirement in 1938.

Last Modified:  01/23/2003