The collection consists mostly of Harry E. Tope, Sr.’s Abstracts of Title, 1902, 1986 [bulk late 1930s and early 1940s] for ten Michigan counties (10 folders) and Title Opinions, 1935, 1969, regarding oil and gas leases for several Michigan counties (1 folder). Also included is an obituary of Harry E. Tope, Jr. and related newspaper article, July 3, 1990 (copies).
Biography:
Harry Earle Tope, Sr. lived in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, from at least 1941 through 1962. He was married to Ruth Wright. Together they had two children: Harry Earle Tope, Jr. and Michael F. Tope. Harry E. Tope, Sr. was an oil producer and leaser. He purchased lots of Michigan real estate and oil and gas leases, particularly during the late 1930s and early 1940s. In approximately 1962, Harry E. Tope, Sr. died. (This information is from the Mount Pleasant / Isabella County directories, as there is no obituary or census listing for Harry E. Tope, Sr.)
Harry’s son, Harry E. Tope, Jr. was born on June 11, 1942 in Mount Pleasant. He married E. Diane Brewster on August 30, 1963 in Mount Pleasant. Together they had three daughters: Elizabeth Ann, Hilary, and Miriam Ruth Tope.
Harry, Jr. owned H. E. Tope, Inc., an oil production company in Mount Pleasant He was a member of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association, the Board of Directors of the Oil and Gas Association since the early 1970s and the Board of Directors of the Bank of Alma. He was also active in a number of aviation associations and owned several airplanes.
On July 1, 1990, Harry E. Tope, Jr. crashed in his historic plane while performing during an air show. He was survived by his wife, daughters, mother, step-father, brother, grandmother, and a step-sister. He was preceded in death by a half-sister, his father and grandfather. (This information is from Harry, Jr.’s obituary, 1990, a copy of which is in the collection.)
