The Brewery in Lexington, MI was built by F. L. Walther and John L. Fead in 1860 and was purchased by Thomas F. Purkiss (my Great Grandfather) and his brother Alfred on March 8, 1884 for $3,600. The buildings included five and one half village lots and was comprised of the brewery, a saloon, and
homes for the brothers.

The following is a quote from the "Portrait and biographical Album of
Sanilac County, 1884": "Since their purchase, the Messrs. Purkiss have been
engaged in good business, in manufacturing about 12 barrels of beer daily.
They have a saloon for their retail trade in the village of Lexington."

According to my Aunt, my Grandfather was so disturbed by village men drinking away all the wages that he vowed at about 10 years old to never drink. He lived to be 84 and kept to his word.

The entire complex burned down in early 1888 and Thomas and Alfred defaulted on their mortgage. Both brothers moved south to the Port Huron area. The land was sold at a public auction May 13, 1888 for $500.00; the highest bidder was Frederick L. Walther.

After the move, neither brother was involved in the brewing business. Thomas opened a grocery store in about 1898 and Alfred moved to Homer, MI and ran a hotel.

I can tell you exactly where it was, since I have a copy of the warranty deed. It covered an entire city block including lots 33, 34, 35, 36, 51, and 52, Section 31, City of Lexington. The block was bordered by Boyington St on the north, Lake St on the south, Dallas St on the east, and Lake Huron on the west. Prime property!