Attorney, Lover and Protector of Nature and Philanthropist, Hugh Taylor Birch was the son of Erastus Mitchell and Sarah Milligan Birch. He was married to Maria Sophronia Root on June 1, 1876 in New York. Originally from Chicago and an alumnus of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH, he donated paintings to the Art Institute of Chicago, the land for the Hugh Taylor Birch Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and the land for the lovely Glen Helen Preserve (named for his daughter) given to Antioch College.
In 1856 or 1857, Hugh's father, Erastus Birch moved his family from northern Indiana (where the family had lived since Hugh was 2 or 3 years old) to Yellow Springs, OH at the urging of Horace Mann.
Hugh participated in the college preparatory program at Antioch college under Principal of the Preparatory School and Acting Professor of Geology, Zoology and Botany, Edward Orton, who piqued his interest in horticulture and natural history. Orton introduced Hugh to the Glen in Yellow Springs which Hugh would later purchase and donate to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen.
He enrolled in the college in 1866. He worked on local farms to pay his way through Antioch and he played on the college's baseball team. He left Antioch before earning his diploma (just one course short!) in 1869 and moved to Chicago, IL.
Hugh agreed to work in exchange for use of the law library as a clerk for Anthony Elliott who was a partner in the Anthony, Harvey & Galt law firm.
He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1871 and in 1872, became the first Assistant State Attorney for Cook County, IL.
He met Maria Root when she visited family in Chicago from New York. They were married in 1876.
There are different stories about how Hugh became interested in the state of Florida:
- In 1893, he saw Henry Flagler's exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair and decided to visit.
- He headed south to escape the Chicago World's Fair.
Whatever his reason, his life-long love of learning instilled by his parents, contributed to his adventurous trip to Florida where he fell in love with the beauty there.
Hugh bought oceanfront land in Fort Luaderdale, FL and his family wintered in his house, Villa Moonflower. Now known as "The Father of Fort Lauderdale Beach", Hugh gave almost three miles of open beachfront for the enjoyment of all.
Maria, his wife died in 1913. His one remaining family member, his daughter and he spent a lot of time at their home in Florida.
When Helen married Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919, Hugh gave the couple 35 acres of land for their home. Hugh provided much help with the botanicals around Bonnet House and ultimately resided with the couple during winters.
Helen died at an early age in New York in 1925.
In 1929, Hugh bought about 1000 acres of land and gave it to Antioch College for its extended campus in memory of Helen. Also in 1929, he received his bachelor's degree from Antioch College. At this time, he relocated from Chicago to Yellow Springs and built Glen Helen House (where he lived during the summer months).
Hugh Taylor Birch also donated land for the Orton State Park in Ohio named in honor of geologist Edward Orton, who had influenced his interest in nature at Antioch. He gave land for the Sally Milligan Park in Beverly, Massachusetts, named in honor of his mother.
In 1931, his son-in-law married Evelyn Fortune Lilly and as evidenced by Hugh's relationship with Frederic, the three wintered at Bonnet House.
In 1933, Hugh gave the Sally Milligan Park to the citizens of Beverly, MA as a memorial to his mother.
In 1939, Hugh began building a new residence, Terra Mar. This residence is now the Welcome Center at the state park. He died in Terra Mar January 7, 1943 at the age of 93.
Hugh Taylor Birch's generosity and love of nature is evident in the places he left behind. Many people have discovered these lovely natural settings and enjoyed them just as he did.
Hugh Taylor Birch's family plot in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois includes the graves of Frederic Clay Bartlett, Dora Tripp Bartlett, Frederic "Clay" Bartlett, Jr. and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett.
Thank you to Anonymous (46783750) and to Rebecca Winkler (49219460) for contributing to this bio. Elizabeth Lankford
In 1856 or 1857, Hugh's father, Erastus Birch moved his family from northern Indiana (where the family had lived since Hugh was 2 or 3 years old) to Yellow Springs, OH at the urging of Horace Mann.
Hugh participated in the college preparatory program at Antioch college under Principal of the Preparatory School and Acting Professor of Geology, Zoology and Botany, Edward Orton, who piqued his interest in horticulture and natural history. Orton introduced Hugh to the Glen in Yellow Springs which Hugh would later purchase and donate to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen.
He enrolled in the college in 1866. He worked on local farms to pay his way through Antioch and he played on the college's baseball team. He left Antioch before earning his diploma (just one course short!) in 1869 and moved to Chicago, IL.
Hugh agreed to work in exchange for use of the law library as a clerk for Anthony Elliott who was a partner in the Anthony, Harvey & Galt law firm.
He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1871 and in 1872, became the first Assistant State Attorney for Cook County, IL.
He met Maria Root when she visited family in Chicago from New York. They were married in 1876.
There are different stories about how Hugh became interested in the state of Florida:
- In 1893, he saw Henry Flagler's exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair and decided to visit.
- He headed south to escape the Chicago World's Fair.
Whatever his reason, his life-long love of learning instilled by his parents, contributed to his adventurous trip to Florida where he fell in love with the beauty there.
Hugh bought oceanfront land in Fort Luaderdale, FL and his family wintered in his house, Villa Moonflower. Now known as "The Father of Fort Lauderdale Beach", Hugh gave almost three miles of open beachfront for the enjoyment of all.
Maria, his wife died in 1913. His one remaining family member, his daughter and he spent a lot of time at their home in Florida.
When Helen married Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919, Hugh gave the couple 35 acres of land for their home. Hugh provided much help with the botanicals around Bonnet House and ultimately resided with the couple during winters.
Helen died at an early age in New York in 1925.
In 1929, Hugh bought about 1000 acres of land and gave it to Antioch College for its extended campus in memory of Helen. Also in 1929, he received his bachelor's degree from Antioch College. At this time, he relocated from Chicago to Yellow Springs and built Glen Helen House (where he lived during the summer months).
Hugh Taylor Birch also donated land for the Orton State Park in Ohio named in honor of geologist Edward Orton, who had influenced his interest in nature at Antioch. He gave land for the Sally Milligan Park in Beverly, Massachusetts, named in honor of his mother.
In 1931, his son-in-law married Evelyn Fortune Lilly and as evidenced by Hugh's relationship with Frederic, the three wintered at Bonnet House.
In 1933, Hugh gave the Sally Milligan Park to the citizens of Beverly, MA as a memorial to his mother.
In 1939, Hugh began building a new residence, Terra Mar. This residence is now the Welcome Center at the state park. He died in Terra Mar January 7, 1943 at the age of 93.
Hugh Taylor Birch's generosity and love of nature is evident in the places he left behind. Many people have discovered these lovely natural settings and enjoyed them just as he did.
Hugh Taylor Birch's family plot in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois includes the graves of Frederic Clay Bartlett, Dora Tripp Bartlett, Frederic "Clay" Bartlett, Jr. and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett.
Thank you to Anonymous (46783750) and to Rebecca Winkler (49219460) for contributing to this bio. Elizabeth Lankford
Attorney, Lover and Protector of Nature and Philanthropist, Hugh Taylor Birch was the son of Erastus Mitchell and Sarah Milligan Birch. He was married to Maria Sophronia Root on June 1, 1876 in New York. Originally from Chicago and an alumnus of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH, he donated paintings to the Art Institute of Chicago, the land for the Hugh Taylor Birch Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and the land for the lovely Glen Helen Preserve (named for his daughter) given to Antioch College.
In 1856 or 1857, Hugh's father, Erastus Birch moved his family from northern Indiana (where the family had lived since Hugh was 2 or 3 years old) to Yellow Springs, OH at the urging of Horace Mann.
Hugh participated in the college preparatory program at Antioch college under Principal of the Preparatory School and Acting Professor of Geology, Zoology and Botany, Edward Orton, who piqued his interest in horticulture and natural history. Orton introduced Hugh to the Glen in Yellow Springs which Hugh would later purchase and donate to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen.
He enrolled in the college in 1866. He worked on local farms to pay his way through Antioch and he played on the college's baseball team. He left Antioch before earning his diploma (just one course short!) in 1869 and moved to Chicago, IL.
Hugh agreed to work in exchange for use of the law library as a clerk for Anthony Elliott who was a partner in the Anthony, Harvey & Galt law firm.
He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1871 and in 1872, became the first Assistant State Attorney for Cook County, IL.
He met Maria Root when she visited family in Chicago from New York. They were married in 1876.
There are different stories about how Hugh became interested in the state of Florida:
- In 1893, he saw Henry Flagler's exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair and decided to visit.
- He headed south to escape the Chicago World's Fair.
Whatever his reason, his life-long love of learning instilled by his parents, contributed to his adventurous trip to Florida where he fell in love with the beauty there.
Hugh bought oceanfront land in Fort Luaderdale, FL and his family wintered in his house, Villa Moonflower. Now known as "The Father of Fort Lauderdale Beach", Hugh gave almost three miles of open beachfront for the enjoyment of all.
Maria, his wife died in 1913. His one remaining family member, his daughter and he spent a lot of time at their home in Florida.
When Helen married Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919, Hugh gave the couple 35 acres of land for their home. Hugh provided much help with the botanicals around Bonnet House and ultimately resided with the couple during winters.
Helen died at an early age in New York in 1925.
In 1929, Hugh bought about 1000 acres of land and gave it to Antioch College for its extended campus in memory of Helen. Also in 1929, he received his bachelor's degree from Antioch College. At this time, he relocated from Chicago to Yellow Springs and built Glen Helen House (where he lived during the summer months).
Hugh Taylor Birch also donated land for the Orton State Park in Ohio named in honor of geologist Edward Orton, who had influenced his interest in nature at Antioch. He gave land for the Sally Milligan Park in Beverly, Massachusetts, named in honor of his mother.
In 1931, his son-in-law married Evelyn Fortune Lilly and as evidenced by Hugh's relationship with Frederic, the three wintered at Bonnet House.
In 1933, Hugh gave the Sally Milligan Park to the citizens of Beverly, MA as a memorial to his mother.
In 1939, Hugh began building a new residence, Terra Mar. This residence is now the Welcome Center at the state park. He died in Terra Mar January 7, 1943 at the age of 93.
Hugh Taylor Birch's generosity and love of nature is evident in the places he left behind. Many people have discovered these lovely natural settings and enjoyed them just as he did.
Hugh Taylor Birch's family plot in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois includes the graves of Frederic Clay Bartlett, Dora Tripp Bartlett, Frederic "Clay" Bartlett, Jr. and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett.
Thank you to Anonymous (46783750) and to Rebecca Winkler (49219460) for contributing to this bio. Elizabeth Lankford
In 1856 or 1857, Hugh's father, Erastus Birch moved his family from northern Indiana (where the family had lived since Hugh was 2 or 3 years old) to Yellow Springs, OH at the urging of Horace Mann.
Hugh participated in the college preparatory program at Antioch college under Principal of the Preparatory School and Acting Professor of Geology, Zoology and Botany, Edward Orton, who piqued his interest in horticulture and natural history. Orton introduced Hugh to the Glen in Yellow Springs which Hugh would later purchase and donate to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen.
He enrolled in the college in 1866. He worked on local farms to pay his way through Antioch and he played on the college's baseball team. He left Antioch before earning his diploma (just one course short!) in 1869 and moved to Chicago, IL.
Hugh agreed to work in exchange for use of the law library as a clerk for Anthony Elliott who was a partner in the Anthony, Harvey & Galt law firm.
He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1871 and in 1872, became the first Assistant State Attorney for Cook County, IL.
He met Maria Root when she visited family in Chicago from New York. They were married in 1876.
There are different stories about how Hugh became interested in the state of Florida:
- In 1893, he saw Henry Flagler's exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair and decided to visit.
- He headed south to escape the Chicago World's Fair.
Whatever his reason, his life-long love of learning instilled by his parents, contributed to his adventurous trip to Florida where he fell in love with the beauty there.
Hugh bought oceanfront land in Fort Luaderdale, FL and his family wintered in his house, Villa Moonflower. Now known as "The Father of Fort Lauderdale Beach", Hugh gave almost three miles of open beachfront for the enjoyment of all.
Maria, his wife died in 1913. His one remaining family member, his daughter and he spent a lot of time at their home in Florida.
When Helen married Frederic Clay Bartlett in 1919, Hugh gave the couple 35 acres of land for their home. Hugh provided much help with the botanicals around Bonnet House and ultimately resided with the couple during winters.
Helen died at an early age in New York in 1925.
In 1929, Hugh bought about 1000 acres of land and gave it to Antioch College for its extended campus in memory of Helen. Also in 1929, he received his bachelor's degree from Antioch College. At this time, he relocated from Chicago to Yellow Springs and built Glen Helen House (where he lived during the summer months).
Hugh Taylor Birch also donated land for the Orton State Park in Ohio named in honor of geologist Edward Orton, who had influenced his interest in nature at Antioch. He gave land for the Sally Milligan Park in Beverly, Massachusetts, named in honor of his mother.
In 1931, his son-in-law married Evelyn Fortune Lilly and as evidenced by Hugh's relationship with Frederic, the three wintered at Bonnet House.
In 1933, Hugh gave the Sally Milligan Park to the citizens of Beverly, MA as a memorial to his mother.
In 1939, Hugh began building a new residence, Terra Mar. This residence is now the Welcome Center at the state park. He died in Terra Mar January 7, 1943 at the age of 93.
Hugh Taylor Birch's generosity and love of nature is evident in the places he left behind. Many people have discovered these lovely natural settings and enjoyed them just as he did.
Hugh Taylor Birch's family plot in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois includes the graves of Frederic Clay Bartlett, Dora Tripp Bartlett, Frederic "Clay" Bartlett, Jr. and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett.
Thank you to Anonymous (46783750) and to Rebecca Winkler (49219460) for contributing to this bio. Elizabeth Lankford
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