Frederic Lawrence Abel

     Frederic was taught music by his father and Dr. Hoch of the Conservaory of Music in Germany. He worked for the Detroit Conservatory of Music from 1881 to 1900. He then became one of the organizers and then officer of the Michigan Conservatory of Music. He was director of the Michigan State University Marching Band from 1916 thru 1918.¹ Frederic was born on Wednesday, 29 August 1855 at Monroeville, Huron County, Ohio. He was the son of Ferederic Abel and Nancy O'Leary. Frederic married May Elizabeth Leggett, daughter of Mortimer Allen Leggett and Jane Mais Whitehead, on 7 February 1895 in Detroit.² 4 June 1900, Frederic and his wife, May, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, at 1477 Grand River Ave. Enumerated in this household were Frederic L. Abel [44 Ohio - August 1855] & May E. [31 Michigan - May 1869]. The couple has been married 5 years with no children. they are renting their home. He is an instrumental music teacher.³ 19 April 1910, Frederic and his wife, May, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Detroit at 1900 Woodward Avenue. Enumerated in this household were Frederick L. Abel [52 Ohio], Mary E. L. [40 Michigan], a servant: Julia S. Moore [64 Michigan] [widow]. The couple has been married 15 years; they have had 1 child not living. He is a musician; she is a violinist; they are both working at the Conservatory. They own their home free and clear.⁴ 5 January 1920, Frederic and his wife, May, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Detroit at 3079 Grand Boulvard West. Enumerated in this household were Frederic L. Abel [55 Ohio] & May L. [48 Michigan]. They are both musicians working as teachers. They are renting.⁵ 1930, Frederic and his wife, May, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Highland Park at 55 Puritan Avenue. Enumerated in this household were Frederic L. Abel [70 Ohio] & May L. [56 Michigan]. They own their home valued at $15,000. He was 26 when firsr married; she was 22. He is amusician playing for an orchestra.⁶ Frederic departed this life on Tuesday, 5 October 1943 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, at age 88 years, 1 month and 6 days. He was buried in Arlington, Arlington County, Viginia, in Arlington National Cemetery.⁷