Fred M. Utley Agency

Fred M. Utley Agency, conducted by Fred M. Utley and his son, F. Hugh Utley, are insurance brokers for the Aetna Insurance Company, in all branches of insurance, with offices upon the third floor of the Federal Square building. Fred M. Utley, senior member of this firm, was born in Hesperia, Newaygo county, Michigan, December 4, 1869, a son of Charles P. and Nancy (Axtel) Utley. He received his education in the public schools of Newaygo county, Michigan, and came to Grand Rapids in 1886. He took a position in the postoffice as letter carrier in 1888 and for thirty-two years faithfully continued service in the postal department. In 1920 he resigned to enter the insurance field and there has applied the experience and ability that may not have been so evident and may have remained latent in his public service, so as to meet with a success far beyond his expectations. Mr. Utley believes in enjoying the fruits of labor while time and health permit and has recently returned from an 8,000 mile trip into South America and narrates many interesting visits to various places. He is a member of the Fountain Street Baptist church. He is a lover of outdoor life, an active booster for the Izaak Walton League club and a member of the board of directors of that organization. He was united in matrimony on September 17, 1895, with Miss Lynne Sager, of Grand Rapids. She is an active member of Fountain Street Baptist church. The Utleys are parents of one son and one daughter. F. Hugh, born in Grand Rapids on November 12, 1897, received his education in the Grand Rapids schools and was graduated from the Central high school in 1917. At the very beginning of American participation in the World war, April 6, 1917, he enlisted and began training at the Great Lakes Naval Training station. He served in the great war for two years, spending eight months of that period in overseas service in France. He was discharged in February, 1919. Upon his return to civil life he engaged in the lumber business for one year, and later became associated with his father in the insurance business. He retains an active interest in military affairs and service men’s organizations as a member of the Officers Reserve Corps, American Legion and the Army and Navy Club. He is also a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Masonic Country Club. He was married September 20^th, 1924, to Miss Nathalie Harrington, of Grand Rapids. She is a member of the Episcopal church and Mr. Utley affiliates with the Fountain Street Baptist church. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Utley is Margaret L., born on August 9, 1900, and she is a graduate of Central high school in Grand Rapids and also of Simmons College, of Boston, Massachusetts.