BELA HUBBARD. 16& 



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with a farm, situated about two miles from tlie west limit of the city. 

 In later years owing to the growth of Detroit, this farm became included! 

 within her boundary, and greatly increased in value. A handsome boule- 

 vard which now passes through this tract bears its former owner's name. 

 The demands of his property interests led Bela Hubbard to open a real 

 estate office and deal in landed property. His business enterprises, al- 

 though attended by certain embarrassments, were on the whole highly 

 successful and he became a man of means as well as of municipal and 

 social influence. His deep interest in the welfare of Michigan is shown 

 by the fact that he was one of the organizers of the State Agricultural 

 Society in 1849, and continued to be a member of that organization for 

 many years. He was instrumental in obtaining the first grant from the 

 Legislature for establishing the now flourishing State Agricultural Col- 

 lege at Lansing. He was a member of the Young Men's Society of De- 

 troit, and at one time (1845) its president. His interest in science is 

 shown by the fact that he was one of the organizers of the American 

 Association of Geologists and Naturalists, the fore-runner of the present 

 American Association for the Advancement of Science. 



Although Bela Hubbard is justly claimed by the scientific men of Mich- 

 igan, as one of their number, his talent is recognized by our literary and 

 historical brethren, as well. He was an enthusiastic student of the early 

 history of Michigan, and an admirer of Pere Marquette, whose trails he 

 crossed during his expeditions to Lake Superior, and from whose example 

 he seemingly acquired a longing for the free, adventurous life of the ex- 

 plorer. His interest in the history of the French occupation of the 

 Great Lakes region led him to search in person as well as assist others 

 engaged in a similar task, among the archives of Paris, for original data 

 in that connection. As a monument to his tastes for history, although no 

 such thought can be ascribed to him, as well as to the pioneers who un- 

 folded the wonders of the New World, he had executed and presented to 

 the citizens of Detroit, the statues of Cadillac, La Salle, Mar- 

 quette and Richard, which decorate the four corners of their City Hall. 

 In heartfelt recognition of his scholarly attainments, the degree of LL. D.^ 

 was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater, in 1893. 



I. C. R. 



