During the partnership he acquired by purchase from different parties the entire block on Washington avenue between Saginaw and Madison streets where he built the home occupied by the family. In 1856 he purchased the property on the southwest corner of Washington avenue and Ottawa street where he erected two store buildings and for many years conducted the city's leading dry goods business, afterwards selling out to his son-in-law, the late N. F. Jenison. He intended to retire from business but his active nature demanded something as an outlet and this he found as a commercial traveler for the Lansing Wagon works in the states west of the Missouri river. Mr. Cowles was identified with many of the early enterprises of the city, being one of the company which completed the toll road from Detroit and was with the commissioners when they located the M. A. C. He was also actively connected with the securing of the early railroads, especially devoting much time personally to the Lake Shore. He was associated with D. W. and M. J. Buck in building the opera house and was its first manager during the time that such famous artists as Joseph Jefferson, Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, Maggie Mitchell and Janauschek made their appearance in Lansing. He served the city as alderman many years and led the fight for the restoration of the bridges when they were swept away by flood in 1875. He also introduced the ordinance compelling the people to plant shade trees and after much opposition secured its passage, thus giving to Lansing its beautiful shade trees. For the last few years Mr. Cowles lived with his daughters, Misses Lizzie and Lucie D. Cowles at the home on North Washington avenue, and more recently, with his daughter Mrs. N. F. Jenison, Seymour street, where he died January 16, 1910. He was the last of a large family of brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughters and one grandson, Frederick Cowles Jenison, of this city. INDEX Abbee, Harrison, first supervisor Almira Abbenk, Bernardine, Rev. Father at Cross Abbott, J. G., first postmaster Kalamazoo, Abert, James William, engineer, 164. Above, meaning of, 198. Ada, Mich., monument to Rix Robinson at, Adams, Abigail, pioneer teacher Howell, Adams, Amos, landlord Eagle Hotel Howell, 178, 182, 188; sketch, 186. Adams, Cynthia, (Mrs. Wareham Warner), Adams, John, second president U. S., 120, Adams, Salmon, death recorded, 184. Adrian celebrated opening Erie and Kala- Adrian Woman's Club boulder how ob- Agriculture, history needed on Michigan, Aishcum, Potawatomie chief, meaning of Aishcum, original name for Lake county, Alba Columba Ladies club White Pigeon Albion, city, called The Forks of the Kal- amazoo, 703; how church was built, 215. Alcona, (Wing or Little Wing) Indian chief, Alcona, formerly Negwegon county, origin Alcott, W. W., gave school to Kalamazoo, Alden, David B., president Literary In- Alden, David B. Mrs., (Thirza M. Hart, Alden, Elisha, 648. Aldrich, Turner jr., built first sawmill Daniel, married Margaret Alexander, Daniel Mrs., (Margaret (Peggy) Alexander, William, first teacher Van Alger, Russell A., gen. gov. U. S. Senator, Alger, county, organized and named, 476. Allegan county, first house in, 157; incident Allen, Alvah, pioneer Howell, 190. Allen, Norman, 282. Allen, R. C., Prof. state geologist, 18; gift Allouez, Claude, Jesuit priest, names for Almy, John, judge, second representative Alphabet, Indian, contains no r, 64. Alvord, Clarence Walworth, Prof. Ill. Uni- American hotel, Adrian, location, 494. Amy, formerly Auburn, 344. Anamickee, Chippewa chief, meaning of Anderson, 95, 96. Anderson, Grand Rapids, land looker, postmaster Kalamazoo, 33. Anderson, William H., gave memoir D. A. Andrews, Elizabeth, Mrs. gift to society, 23. Andrews, Sylvester, pioneer Howell, 193. M., 18, 27; gave biography Arthur Hill, Animals, around Detroit, 329. Ankrim, J. L., manager 1838 railroad ball, Annual Meeting, report, 1-11; 17-29, 42-55. Anse du Tonnere, 461 see Thunder Bay. Antrim (Antim, Meegisee) county, origin of Aplin, Daisy A., (Mrs. Sigurd Oleson) 678. Aplin, Henry Harrison, (called Tip) death Aplin, Henry Harrison, Mrs. (Frances L. Aplin, Thomas, 677. Aplin, Thomas, Mrs. (Elvira Metcalf) 677. Appleyard, James, Mrs., member society, 7. Archer, Roger F., pioneer Howell, 191. Arenac county, organized and named, 456, Arks, boats on St. Joseph river, 431; size, Arney, William, Rev., 438; first school- Arney, William Mrs., (Mrs. George Ash) Arnold, H. D., (O. Arnold & Son) editors, Arnold, John W., 424, 433. Arnold, O. Dr., and son, editors, 426. Arnold & Smith, 433. Arrowsmith, Aaron, English geographer, Arthur, Chester A., president U. S., 711. Ash, George Mrs., (Mrs. William Arney) Ashley, Thomas, first lawyer admitted in Askasaw, Chippewa Indian, 665. Askin, Therese, (Mrs. Thomas McKee) 341. Astor, John Jacob, head of American Fur Atkinson, John, gave vocal solo, 4, 5, 6. Aubrey, A. Mrs. Wyandotte, 588. Auditing committee, report, 4. Auditors State Board of, supported work Auralla Hotel, Washington, D. C., 170. Austin, David H., pioneer Howell, 176, 183, Austin, George, pioneer Howell, 190. Austin, Horace, elected governor Minne- Austin, Jonathan, 176, 189. Austin, Sarah, Mrs. translated Cousin's Autobiography, Mrs. William Arney, 436- Avery, A. B. Mrs., (Lillian) member society, Avery, Ota, 423. |