Deceased was born in the city of Montreal, Canada, Jan. 24, 1822, and lived in different parts of Canada until he was about 30 years of age, being successfully engaged in the mercantile, farming and hotel business; he then came to the town of Cato, Manitowoc county, Wis. where he remained until 1861, when he removed to Oconto, where he has since resided, owning property in both city and county. He was married in 1847 to Virginia Sagan, who survives him. He was the oldest of a family of seven sons, the others being Andrew, Phillip, George, William, Martin and W.J. Classon, the latter being a resident of this city.
Deceased was a man of generous and sympathetic nature, but of a retiring disposition, which led him to avoid everything having the appearance of show or ostentation, and to lead a quiet and peaceful life. He had been ailing for some months, and although suffering from no particular disease, he grew gradually weaker until the end came and he died as he had lived, quietly and peacefully. At the time of his marriage deceased embraced the Roman Catholic religion and died a devout communicant of that church. He was buried Thursday morning from St. Peter's church, the large concourse of friends following his remains to the grave, testifying more strongly than words to the love and respect in which he was held by all who knew him.