- Musical director; born, Huron Co., O., Aug. 29, 1857; son of Frederic and Nancy (O’Cleary) Abel; educated in public schools of Milwaukee, Chicago and Detroit; was instructed in music by his father, Frederic Abel, and at Dr. Hoch Conservatory of Music, Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany; married at Detroit, Feb., 1895, Mary Leggett. Served as clerk in office of R.G. Dun & Co., Milwaukee; removed to Detroit and acted as shipping clerk in wholesale grocery house of John Stephens, 1873-75; entered upon an extended course of studies in music and spent several years in Europe, returning to Detroit, 1881; instructor Detroit Conservatory of Music, 1881-1900; assisted in organizing the Michigan Conservatory of Music, Sept., 1900; of which is director, secretary and treasurer. Enlisted as a member of Co. A, 1st Battalion, Michigan National Guard; has been continuously in the service and holds rank in the guard of major, and adjutant general, 1st Brigade; served in Spanish-American War as 1st lieutenant and adjutant 31st Michigan Infantry. Republican. Episcopalian. Member Music Teachers’ National Association. Mason (32° ), Knight Templar, Shriner. Member Society of Foreign Wars. Recreations: Automobiling and farming. Office: 113 Washington Av. Residence: 1477 Grand River Av.
The Book of Detroiters - 1908 by Albert Nelson Marquis
