Fred Hall Eely, the well known architect of Grand Rapids, with rooms Nos. 10 and 11 Tower block, was born in Allegan, Mich., May 30, 1868, and is a son of Joseph W. and Marion Jennette (Hall) Eely, the former of whom is a native of New York state and the latter of Ohio. The paternal grandparents were natives of the British isles, and in early youth came to America. They were married in the state of New York, where the grandfather was a mason-work contractor, but he and wife both died in Allegan, Mich., ripe in years.

Joseph W. Eely, father of subject, was early engaged in mason-work, but later became the owner of a fine tract of land near Allegan, on the proceeds of which he now lives comfort. His wife was called away at the early age of twenty-eight years, the mother of two children-Fred H., and a daughter, Minnie May- the latter married to Judson Ross, a grocer at Otsego, Mich. Mr. Eely re-married, and to this union has been born one child-Georgia Winifred, wife of C. Scythes, of Millgrove, Mich.

F. Hall Eely received a solid English education in the schools of Allegan and afterward learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed about five years. He had a natural taste for drafting, and many of his designs were quite original or unique. This faculty led to his taking up the study of architecture. By private study and close reading of such works as are prepared for those desiring this technical knowledge, combined with his peculiar adaptation to the work, he has developed into one of the most reliable and successful architects in Grand Rapids.

The first architectural work done by Mr. Eely was in Grand Rapids in 1890. It gave such satisfaction that he was eagerly sought after by builders and others in this city and elsewhere, and on two different occasions was employed on work in the city of Chicago, and at other times, while in Grand Rapids, was employed by some of the best architects of that city, and at other places in Illinois, as well as in Indiana. He has in his possession some very strong letters from those who employed him in Chicago, as well as from other places. For a long time he was employed by parties in Grand Rapids, who were awarded the merit for his designs, and this fact led him to open an office of his own, in which he has since conducted a very satisfactory business.

Mr. Eely married at Allegan, April 5, 1890, Miss Mary Belle Blackman, daughter of Hon. H. E. Blackman. This lady was born on a farm in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, May 30, 1869, and was educated at the high school of Allegan. One daughter has been born to this union, and is named Marion Jennette Hall, after her paternal grandmother, her birth taking place November 23, 1897.

Mr. Eely is a member of the K. O. T. M., and the M. W. of A. and in politics is independent, with free silver tendencies. As a mechanic, he was a foreman before he had finished his nominal apprenticeship, and in his architectural career has led the van. The walls of his office are adorned with many of his designs, well worthy the study of the professional as well as the novice.