By: Kirk Walstedt, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Hypolite Mailloux was born on April 29, 1830, near Pointe-aux-Roches (Stoney Point) in what was then Tilbury West Township. His parents, Pierre and Tharaize (Janisse) Mailloux, were among the early pioneers in Essex County. Pierre was born in 1790 and Tharaize in 1794. Tharaize’s family has a notable history, with several of her brothers fighting in the War of 1812. Hypolite’s grandfather, also named Pierre, came from France at an early age and fought in the American Revolution.
Hypolite’s parents originally settled on the Thames River in Kent County before moving to Tilbury West Township. They lived there until 1835, when they settled on the old homestead of Pierre Sr. History tells us that Pierre was a prosperous man who purchased land when prices were low and sold it as the market rose. It is said that at one point he owned 220 acres of some of the finest farmland in Essex County.
Hypolite had a limited education because there were no schools in the area. However, driven by a strong will to succeed, he taught himself to read and write — a skill that served him well throughout his life.
In 1855, Hypolite married Archange St. Louis of Sandwich East Township. “Mr. Mailloux took his bride to the handsome brick home he had erected on his property in 1853.” In May 1897, their home and barns were destroyed by a cyclone, now known as a tornado. Three years later, in 1900, shortly after the homestead had been rebuilt, the barns were again destroyed, this time by fire. Once again, Hypolite rebuilt every structure. Over the next decade, the Mailloux farm holdings grew to 900 acres.
Hypolite and Archange had 11 children, eight of whom survived to adulthood. Three of their daughters married into the Gouin, Cecile and Dougal families — all early Essex County pioneer families like the Maillouxs.
Hypolite believed strongly in giving back to the community and country that had allowed him and Archange to raise a family and build a good life. He served on Sandwich East Township council and on county and district councils for 21 years. His service included seven years as a township councillor, six years as deputy reeve, six years as reeve (mayor) and two years as a district councillor. He also served for many years as a trustee for local schools.
Hypolite died at age 79 on May 15, 1909. Archange died two years later, on June 7, 1911, at age 73.
The author of Hypolite Mailloux’s biography wrote: “The name of Mailloux is one which is held in high esteem throughout Essex County, while the worthy man who is head of the family is one who has the entire confidence of his neighbours and friends, and deserves all of the success which he has attained.”
The Commemorative Biographical Record of Essex County, published in 1905, and the Walstedt Historical Archives served as valuable resources in the writing of this story.
