Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1881-08-03

his life is from the Saginaw Courier:
John j. Bagley, ex-governor of the
State of Michigan, one of her most
honored citizens and prominent bust
ness men, was born in Orleans county
New York, July 18th, 1882. His faith
er settled in st. Joseph county, in thi.
State, in 1910, where the subject OF
this sketch received common school
education. As his parents were poor,
Mr.. Bagley began to develop talents
for helping himself and thus relieving
the burden upon the family, when quiet
Young, leaving school when but thlr
teen years of age to attend a store ar
Constantine, remaining in that business
a year. He went from there TO Owes
50. where his father had in the mean
time removed, and again obtained o
clerkship. He early formed a taste Tor
mental improvement, and devoted IN
leisure hours to the peru-al of such
books and periodicals As came within
his reach. Leaving Owos~o about q
wear later. he sought fortune IN SIC
city of Detroit and commenced to learn
the tobacco business. In 1898, he en-
gagged In business IL tobacco man
ufacturer for himself in Detroit, and
lived to build up magnificent bust
ness from which he realized a hand
some fortune. He also became largely
interested in various other business en-
terprises, embracing mining, banking
and insurance corporations He was
for wears a director and vice-president
If the American National Bank, and
held the positions of President Of the
Detroit Safe company, director Of the
Wayne county savings bank, Novelty
Works. Detroit Fire X Marine lnsur-
ance company, and Michigan Mutual
Life Insurance company. He served
as park commissioner, and for years
rs member of the board Of Education
and aldermen. He was also police COM
missioner of Detroit for six years. In
1872 he was elected g governor and re-
elected two wears later. In politics Mr..
Baglev was an ardent Republican, and
he served for several years as chairman
of the Republican State Central Com
mittee. Is governor his administra-
ton was popular, wise and just, ana
noted for several features, among which
were his untiring efforts TO improve and
popularize the educational agencies OF
this State by increasing the facilities OF
the university for more thorough IN
.tructioni in technical studies, by strength
eninr the hold of the Agricultural col
lece upon the good will Of the people,
and bv making beneficial changes in
our educational system. Among other
measures Of his administration may be
mentioned a complete revolution in the
management Of the penal and charlta-
BILE institutions of the State, the pas
.age of the liquor tax law in place Of
the old and imperative prohibitory sys
TEN. the establishment Of a system oi
dealing with juvenile offenders through
country agents. which has worked adj
mirablv. and the organization Of a sys
tematized militia upon serviceablc
footing. 1t was in accordance with The
recommendation of Gov. Bagley tha
the State Board Of Health and hsI
commission was created.
Unsuccessful representation Of Mich
igan at the Centennial exhibition IL
! 1876 was due largely to the efforts 0
Gov. Baglev. At the close Of HI
second term he retired to private life
houored and respected by all HI. teIloy
citizens for his able and successful al
mini,tration of the multitarious affair
of a GREAT and growing State. Coy
Baglev wa, twice a candidate To
United states senator, but failed 20 e.
cure an election BY the Legislature
He wa, married at Dubuque, Iowa. 3
1881. 10 Miss Frances L. Newberrl
one OF the pioneer missionaries
Michigan. The fruits Of this unlo
were a promising family Of seven chilC
rem. Gov. Bagley was liberal IN r.
ligious views and on attendant OF CT
Unitarian churches. He was alval
foremost in all works Of benevolerD
and charity, and dispensed his meal
. lavishlv upon any worthy object WhC
called upon. He was famed for b
rood humor and pleasing address, an
his hospitality recognized no bound
) The people of Michigan, for whose wC
. fare he contributed so literally, al
2 whom he served so well, have lost
. honored friend, but in their hearts al
remembrance the good deeds Of Jol
2 ]. Bagley will not be efiaced by G
.ands of time--a monument more G
Q during than marble.