My Genealogy Hound

Francis G. Ely, postmaster of Davisburg, Michigan, and junior member of the well known mercantile firm of Ely & Son, was born at Gainesville, New York, May 13, 1868, and is a son of Edmund and Helen F. (Granger) Ely, both of whom were born in the State of New York. Mr. Ely comes of a family which for three generations has taken part in the military affairs of the country, his great-grandfather, Jabez Ely, serving in the Revolutionary War, his grandfather, also Jabez Ely, in the War of 1812, and his father, in the Civil War. All have been loyal patriots and respected, representative citizens.

Our subject was eight years of age when his parents came to Michigan and located at Davisburg. He obtained his education in the common schools and then entered the local railroad office, in 1884, to learn telegraphy, in October of that year entering the employ of the Grand Trunk Railway Company, with which he remained three years as operator and ticket agent. At the time of his resignation, in September, 1887, he was stationed at Owosso. Mr. Ely then entered into partnership with his father in a general mercantile business, under the firm style of Ely & Son, an association which has continued until the present time. This firm is one of the largest in its line in its part of the county, the varied and carefully selected stock covering every demand of the public in the line of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, fresh drugs, and also coal, salt, lime and brick, endeavoring to supply all the necessities and many of the luxuries found in neighboring cities. Prior to Mr. Ely entering the firm, his father had built up a large and expanding business, which he has served to increase.

On October 27, 1890, Mr. Ely was united in marriage with Hattie E. Reed, who was born in Rose township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Joseph W. and Mary J. Reed. One daughter was born to this marriage, October 17, 1900, who bears the name of Marjorie. Mr. Ely has one sister, Mrs. Eva M. Brownell, of Detroit, who has two daughters, Helen E. and Ruth.

For a considerable time Mr. Ely has been active in State politics and has served as a delegate to county and State conventions which he attended with interest before he became a voter. He has always zealously supported the Republican party and has held a number of the township offices, serving most efficiently as township treasurer for four years and very usefully on the Board of Education. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. & A. M.; Holly Chapter, No. 80, R. A. M.; and also to the Davisburg Tent, No. 367, K. O. T. M.; and to the Modern Woodmen of America, Clarkston Lodge, No. 7411.

Mr. Ely is a young man possessing every requisite for success in both business and political life, and it was with great satisfaction to his friends that he received the appointment of postmaster of Davisburg, on May 27, 1898. He has made a very popular official and counts his friends by the score.