USA > Michigan > Grand Traverse County > Sprague's history of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw counties, Michigan embracing a concise review of their early settlement, industrial development and present conditions...to which will be appended...life sketches of well-known citizens of the county > Part 100
USA > Michigan > Leelanau County > Sprague's history of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw counties, Michigan embracing a concise review of their early settlement, industrial development and present conditions...to which will be appended...life sketches of well-known citizens of the county > Part 100
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In 1864, while engaged in educational work, Mr. Whitney, with Mr. Payne, estab- lished The Michigan Teacher, an educa- tional journal, which soon obtained a wide circulation, and which more, perhaps, than any other agency brought about the county organization of the public schools throughout the state. It exerted a wide and potent in- fluence and under their able editorial man- agement, which extended over a period of five years, became not only the leading jour- nal of its kind in Michigan, but one of the best in the entire country. While managing the paper Mr. Whitney did considerable lit- erary work for other journals, mostly of an educational character, in addition to which he also lectured on educational topics, or- ganized county and township institutes and did much efficient institute work in various parts of the state. He has always been greatly interested in horticulture, and in 1870 was one of the leading spirits in organizing the State Horticulture Society, the early suc- cess of which was largely due to his untiring labors and zeal. He also assisted in the or- ganization of the Western Michigan Agri- cultural Society, was its secretary for three years, and for twelve years served as one of the directors, in both of which capacities he did much to establish the society upon a solid basis and promote its various interests.
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Mr. Whitney, being a wide and intelli- gent reader, is well informed relative to the great principles and issues upon which men and parties are divided. His ambition, how- ever, has never aspired to leadership or any kind of public distinction. He has been in no small degree a leader of thought and a moulder of opinion in those matters to which his attention has been especially directed. He has been as influential, perhaps, as any other man in giving form and impetus to the present school system of Michigan, while his efforts in promoting the agricultural and hor- ticultural interests of the state have been strenuous and fruitful of beneficial results.
Mr. Whitney, on July 25, 1866, was mar- ried at Marshall, Michigan, to Miss Adaline S. Goncher, who was born in this state in November, 1838. Mrs. Whitney is a gradu- ate of the state normal school, and for sev- eral years was a successful and popular teach- er, having been connected with her husband in the latter's educational work. She is a lady of beautiful Christian character, cul- tured and refined, a devoted member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and moves in the best society circles of Traverse City. She has borne her husband six children, three of whom died in infancy, there being three sons living at the present time. Chancey G., the oldest of the family, was born at Marshall, in the year 1867, received a good education, but before finishing his collegiate course en- tered the employ of the Pere Marquette Rail- road, with which he has held important posi -. tions for the last fifteen years; at this time he is chief clerk in the auditor's office of the company at Detroit, and one of its most trusted employes. Frank C., born in 1872, at Muskegon, Michigan, was graduated from the public schools of that city, and during the
last ten years has been connected in a clerical capacity with the post-office at Muskegon. He served in the late Spanish-American war, as captain of Company C, Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, was in Cuba with Shaft- er's army, and took part in the capture of Santiago. Recently he was made lieutenant- colonel of the Second Michigan Regiment, which position he now holds. He resides in his native city, holding an important and re- sponsible position with the Stewart Harts- horn Curtain Roller Company. Clarence W., born in 1876, at Muskegon, Michigan, was graduated from the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor in 1898, as mechanical and electrical engineer, and until recently was editor of The Western Electrician, published in Chicago. Resigning his position on that paper a few months ago, he went to the Pa- cific coast, to take charge of the western department of the MsGraw Publishing Com- pany. His residence is San Francisco, Cali- fornia.
Mr. Whitney gave his children the best educational advantages obtainable, and, as the reader will observe, they were not slow to profit thereby. His three sons are rising young men, all proficient in their lines of activity and a credit to the honorable family name they bear.
THOMAS J. KELLEY.
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Thomas J. Kelley, a prominent citizen of Grand Traverse county, Michigan, and a sub- stantial and well-to-do farmer of Whitewater township, was born in Pontiac county, Can- ada, September 1, 1863. His parents, Mich- ael and Ann (Doyle) Kelley, were natives of Ireland, whence they came to Canada and
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GRAND TRAVERSE AND LEELANAW COUNTIES.
later, in 1867, to Michigan. They were farmers in Whitewater township, where the mother died March 10, 1899, at the age of sixty-seven years. Their family consisted of two children, Mary and Thomas. Mary was the wife of George Pulver, and died April 6, 1892, when in her thirty-second year.
The subject was a child of four years when his parents settled in Grand Traverse county, and it was here he received his edu- cation and grew to manhood. He has al- ways followed the occupation of a farmer, and his industry and thrift have enabled him to accumulate one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he resides and has but lately com- pleted a handsome and commodious resi- dence. Mr. Kelley was married February 13, 1886, the lady of his choice being Miss Alwilda Cain. Mrs. Kelley was born in Wisconsin June 23, 1868, and is a lady pos- sessing many fine qualities of heart and mind. Her parents, John and Catherine (Hollings- worth) Cain, came to Fife Lake township in 1870 and died there, leaving a wide circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are honored and upright people, devout members of the Roman Catholic church and a credit to the county.
CURTIS FOWLER.
Nature has been bountiful in her gifts to various sections of the country. Certain districts are rich in mineral resources, in others the great forests furnish ample oppor- tunity for the conduct of the lumber busi- ness and kindred industries; in still other districts are great stretches of rich prairies on which the farmer produces abundant
crops. Certainly this fair land has been favored, and it is not for lack of opportuni- ity that the business man meets failure. Michigan is one of the best fruit-raising states in the Union and Curtis Fowler is a representative of this department of busi- ness activity, owning and controlling the Forest Grove farm, which is pleasantly lo- cated near Mapleton, and is a valuable prop- erty bringing him good returns for his la- bors in fields and orchard.
Mr. Fowler is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Grand Traverse county, and with the exception of a brief period he has resided continuously upon his present farm since 1856. His father, the late Curtis Fowler, Sr., was born in Wind- sor, Windsor county, Vermont, May 14, 1807, and in Hartford, Connecticut, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Selden, who was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on the Ist of November, 1812. They be- gan their domestic life in Royalton, Ver- mont, where Mr. Fowler engaged in mer- chandising for a time, and later turned his attention to the conduct of a hotel at Clar- endon Springs, Vermont, of which he was the proprietor for two years. At the end of that time he severed his business ties which bound him to the east and with his family he started for Michigan. The jour- ney completed, he took up his abode in Jack- son county, where he resided for a few years and when the copper excitement broke out in the upper peninsula he went to that dis- trict, where he remained for about a year and a half. He then returned to Jackson county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for several years, and in the fall of 1855, accompanied by his son, Frank, he started northward. From Grand Rapids they
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GRAND TRAVERSE AND LEELANAW COUNTIES.
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proceeded on foot, following the Indian trail to the peninsula in Grand Traverse county, and at that time the father and son both se- lected locations. They then returned to Jackson county, and in June, 1856, accom- panied by his wife, Curtis Fowler, Sr., once more came to this county, locating on the claim which he had previously chosen. It is situated on what is now section 34, Penin- sula township. They cast in their lot with the early settlers, and the hardships and diffi- culties of pioneer life were encountered by them, but were bravely met and in course of time they were replaced by the comforts and conveniences of an advancing civilization. For many years the father carried on his farm work, and died upon the old homestead here on the 19th of March, 1891, having for four years survived his wife, who passed away March 24, 1887. Respected and prominent pioneer people, the county de- plored their loss, and they are yet held in loving remembrance by their many friends. They were the parents of three children, of whom Frank and Curtis reached years of maturity, but the former, enlisting for ser- vice in the Union army, as a member of Company D, First Michigan Volunteer In- fantry, was killed in the second battle of Bull Run, thus giving his life as a sacrifice for the preservation of the nation.
Curtis Fowler, whose name forms the caption of this article, was born in Royalton, Vermont, August 22, 1836, and came with his parents to Michigan in 1843. In May, 1856, when twenty years of age, he took up his abode in Peninsula township, Grand Traverse county, upon the farm where he now lives, and throughout the intervening years he has carried on the work of the place, with the exception of a brief period of a few
years, spent in the southern part of this state. His landed possessions aggregate two hun- dred and twenty acres, of which about sev- enty-five acres is improved. He has always carried on general farming and fruit-rais- ing and is a well known and successful hor- ticulturist. He has an orchard covering twelve acres, and he has made a close study of the best methods of raising fruit, so that his labors are attended with good success. He has also erected good buildings upon his farm, and the property is supplied with all modern equipments, a glance at the place indicating that the owner is a progressive agriculturist who thoroughly understands his business.
Mr. Fowler put aside business cares in early manhood when he felt that his greater duty was to his country. He watched with interest the events in the south prior to 1861, noted the attitude of certain states and re- solved that if a blow was struck against the national government he would become one of its defenders. Therefore, in response to the president's call for troops, he enlisted in April, 1861, becoming a member of Com- pany B, First Michigan Infantry, for three months. At the first battle of Bull Run he was shot through the left arm. At the ex- piration of his term of enlistment Mr. Fow- ler returned to his home and has since carried on farming and fruit raising.
In Peninsula township, Grand Traverse county, Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Margaret Patterson, who was born in Ire- land, in September, 1839, a daughter of William and Margaret Patterson. Eight children have been born of this union: Her- bert W .; Ella, who is the wife of Frank Valley; Isabella, who became the wife of Andrew Gilmore, and died in Peninsula
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GRAND TRAVERSE AND LEELANAW COUNTIES.
township in September, 1900; Francis S .; Ethelwyn, the wife of Alex Holman; Mabel and Bernice, at home; and Mercedes, who died at the age of sixteen years.
Mr. Fowler gives his political support to the Republican party and he has held the office of justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He has also been highway commissioner, constable and overseer of highways and has ever been interested in having good roads. Frater- nally he is connected with McPherson Post, No. 18, Grand Army of the Republic, and thus continues his active connection with his old army comrades. In citizenship he has ever been patriotic and loyal, having the same love for the stars and stripes which he mani- fested while he was following the banner of the Union upon southern battlefields. As a pioneer of the county he is well known, his residence here covering forty-seven years. During this time he has witnessed many changes and improvements in the county, and he has also progressed in those things which make for honorable manhood and also along material lines, winning success through the careful conduct of his business.
HENRY D. CAMPBELL.
Few men of Grand Traverse county were as widely and favorably known as the late Henry D. Campbell, who in various indus- trial and business capacities achieved much more than local distinction, and who as in- augurator of large and far reaching public enterprises was as instrumental in promoting the material interests of Traverse City and northwestern Michigan, and advertising
their advantages to the world, as any other man in this part of the state. Mr. Campbell was a native of Franklin county, New York, and the third of a family of six children, whose parents were Robert A. and Harriett E. (Hitchcock) Campbell, both born in the state of Vermont. By occupation Robert A. Campbell was a farmer. He followed his chosen calling in New York for many years and when quite old came to Traverse City, Michigan, where he and his good wife spent the remainder of their days, the former dying here at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, the latter at eighty. Both were intel- ligent beyond the average, well educated and socially were highly esteemed, having moved in the best society circles in their different places of residence, and exerted a marked moral influence upon all with whom they as- sociated.
Henry D. Campbell was born March II, 1831, and spent his early life on his father's farm in New York, attending of winter sea- sons during his youth the public schools, and later enjoying the advantages of private in- struction in the high branches of learning, continuing his studies until attaining his ma- jority. Shortly after his twenty-first year he went to Wisconsin, where he remained a short time, removing thence to the vicinity of Traverse City, Michigan, where, as al- ready stated, his parents in due season joined him. Mr. Campbell's first position, after coming to Grand Traverse county, was that of bookkeeper for Hannah, Lay & Company, in which capacity he continued for a number of years, becoming the meanwhile an accom- plished accountant and a thoroughly com- petent and reliable business man. Severing his connection with this firm, he purchased land in Grand Traverse county and cleared a
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GRAND TRAVERSE AND LEELANAW COUNTIES.
fine farm, on which he lived and prospered for a period of ten years. At the expira- tion of that time he established a stage line from Traverse City to Big Rapids, and, in addition to carrying passengers between these two points, had charge of the mail line until a railroad was constructed through this part of the state. Discontinuing the stage business with the advent of the railroad. Mr. Campbell built in Traverse City a hotel which, under the name of the Campbell House, he conducted about five years, when the property was purchased by Hannah & Lay and by them changed to the Park Place Hotel, by which style it has since been known.
The next enterprise of a public nature in which Mr. Campbell became interested was the Traverse City water works, which he and his sons built, and which under their management were successfully operated until purchased by the city, about eighteen or twenty years later. In this undertaking he displayed a commendable public spirit, and while at the head of the works enlarged their capacity in keeping with the growth of the city, greatly increased their efficiency and made the plant one of the best in the state. Mr. Campbell and his sons also built and operated the first electric light plant in Trav- erse City. During all this time he retained possession of his farm and gave personal at- tention to its management, and after dispos- ing of the water works he, with others, es- tablished a fine summer resort at Carp lake, which in due season became a favorite ren- dezvous for pleasure seekers and in which his wife still holds an interest. He also erected on Front street, Traverse City, a large brick business block, which is conceded to be one of the finest and most imposing buildings of the kind in the city, in addition
to which he contributed largely to the gen- eral development of the town in other re- spects, investing his means liberally in vari- ous improvements and using his influence to induce others to imitate his example. It is worthy of note that Mr. Campbell drew up the charters for both the village and city of Traverse City. He was a trustee of the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane for several years.
Mr. Campbell was married, July 2, 1862, to Miss Catherine A. Carmichael, who was born July 1, 1835, in New York, coming with her parents to Michigan when a child and growing to maturity and receiving her education in Traverse City. Her father, a native of Scotland, came to the United States when a young man, and lived for a number of years thereafter in New York. Her mother also was born in Scotland, being brought to this country at the age of two years. Of a family of six children, Mrs. Campbell is the third in order of birth, and, as already stated, the greater part of her life has been spent in Traverse City, where she now makes her home. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were born seven children, the old- est dying in infancy unnamed; the second was Donald F., whose birth occurred on Feb- ruary II, 1865, and who departed this life April 20, 1902; Flora .A., born December 17, 1867, married William Hobbs, and re- sides in Traverse City; Willard was born July 31, 1869, lives with his mother and is an electrician by profession; David, born July 25, 1871, also resides under the parent- al roof, and attends the farm, besides look- ing after the other interests of the estate; Wallace, born April 1, 1876, is the youngest of the children living, the seventh of the fam- ily, a daughter, having died in infancy. Wal-
1
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GRAND TRAVERSE AND LEELANAW COUNTIES.
lace is superintendent of the water works and electric light plant at Manton, Michigan,
In political affiliations, Mr. Campbell was a pronounced Republican, and at differ- ent times his party honored him with im- portant official positions. He served a term of years as supervisor, was for twelve years probate judge, and remained in office of some kind almost continuously until his death. As a member of the Masonic fra- ternity he exemplified in his daily life the beautiful principles and sublime precepts of the order, and a firm believer in the truths of revealed religion, with a profound regard for Christianity, he had little use for man- made creeds and scant respect for sectarian- ism. In his relations with his fellow men he was actuated by the principles of the Gol- den Rule, and as a citizen he was large hearted, enterprising and progressive, losing sight of self in his efforts to promote the public good, and making many sacrifices for his family, relations and friends. He was one of the noted men of his day and genera- tion in Grand Traverse county, and the memory of his kindly deeds and helpful in- fluence, together with his public and private achievements, constitute his most enduring monument. He died February 4, 1902.
1
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH.
The following brief sketch of St. Fran- cis church, Traverse City, is compiled from the beautiful and elegantly illustrated his- tory published in 1897 to commemorate the silver jubilee of the parish, which was ap- propriately celebrated on October 10th of that year. The first Catholic priest to visit
Traverse City for the purpose of holding regular religious services appears to have been Rev. Ignatus Mrack, afterwards bish- op of Marquette, a native of Austria, who came to the United States in 1845, and was given charge of the Indians at Abre Croche, shortly after his arrival. Owing to the lack of priests in northern Michigan at that time, he was obliged to administer to the wants of all the Catholics in the seven surrounding counties, a labor attended by many vicissi- tudes and not a few hardships. The no- madic life of the Indians soon compelled a change, great numbers of them leaving Abre Croche in 1855, and settling in Eagle Town or Pashabatown. Father Mrack went with them, made his home at the latter place, and in addition to ministering to their spirit- ual wants, established a school which in due time became a powerful agency for good. At the death of Bishop Baraga, early in 1869, Father Mrack was nominated for the Bishopric of Marquette, was consecrated the same year and during the ensuing nine years was engaged very earnestly in his new field of labor. By reason of enfeebled health, however, he resigned his see in 1878, but later returned to his former work among the Indians and remained with them until ill health obliged him to forego further activity. Accordingly in 1891, he retired to St. Mary's Hospital, Marquette, where his death sub- sequently occurred.
During Fr. Mrack's labors there was no church at Traverse City. Mass was said at the residence of Dominic Dunn, near the site of the Eagle office. Services were also held at the home of Martin Sheridan, on the West Side, and at the residence of Frank Po- horal. When Fr. Mrack became bishop of Marquette, he was succeeded by Rev. A.
REV. JOSEPH BAUER.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH, TRAVERSE CITY
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Herbstreet, who made his home at Sutton's Bay. He attended Traverse City once a month, and through his efforts the first Catholic church was begun in 1870. It was a small frame building, twenty-four by thir- ty, located near the site of the present church. From Sutton's Bay Fr. Herbstreet was transferred to Big Rapids and has since died in Wyandotte.
In the fall of 1870 Rev. Fr. Zorn was appointed to Sutton's Bay. His name is revered in every Catholic family of the north. In all he attended twenty-one dif- ferent missions, though the Indians were nearest and dearest to his heart. He held services in Traverse City once a month, and completed the church begun by Fr. Herb- street. Mass was said in the new church for the first time in December, 1870. At that time there were only about twenty Catholic families in Traverse City. His charge in all covered seven counties. Fr. Zorn was beloved by all, and in his zeal for the salvation of souls he often underwent the most severe privations. Many a time, as the old pioneers attest, the canopy of heaven formed his only covering at night and some grassy knoll his only couch. With the strain of constant traveling his health became enfeebled, and he was transferred to Harbor Springs, and from there to Hart, Oceana county. Still failing to recover his health, he was finally obliged to retire from work, and in 1888 was placed as chaplain to Mercy Hospital, Big Rapids; the last year and a half of his life he filled the post of chaplain at the Mercy Hospital in Mani- stee, where he died, April 14, 1900.
During the residence of Fr. Zorn at Sutton's Bay, Traverse City was attended for about eight months by Fr. Sckacken, of
Big Rapids. After him Fr. Zassa was given temporary charge for three months. He was transferred and the charge again fell to Fr. Zorn, who attended Traverse City un- til the arrival of Rev. George Ziegler, in '1877.
With Rev. Ziegler begins properly the development and growth of St. Francis church as a parish. . The memory of this self-sacrificing priest is still fresh in the minds of the people of St. Francis congre- gation. Resigning his charge of St. Louis church, in the city of Cincinnati, he came to take charge of Traverse City, arriving here in the fall of 1877, and immediately set to work to organize the Catholics into a regular constituted parish. He established a Catholic school,. mostly from his own means, procured sisters from New York, founded a convent, and left nothing undone to give the Catholics of Traverse City all the advantages of good spiritual training and Catholic life. His efforts were appreci- ated, for in a short time the little frame church became too small. He built an ad- dition of forty feet, with two wings, ten by twelve feet; also a sacristy, eight by fifteen feet. Having now obtained a commodious place for public worship, a shelter for the Sisters and a Catholic school for the chil- dren of the parish, his next move was to build a pastor's residence for himself. He erected a house on the present site, from his own money, at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. The house has since been remodeled and enlarged.
Aside from the arduous work of the building up of the parish of Traverse City, he was obliged to attend to the spiritual wants of the Catholics of the surrounding missions at Cadillac, Provemont, Leland,
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