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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 207 - 208 |
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DR. HOWARD S. KNEELAND
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The subject of tlis review is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of Cadillac, who since the year 1900 has been following the profession of dental surgery with a constantly increasing popularity, being now in the enjoyment of an extensive and lucrative practice which has earned for him a reputation much more than local. With intelligence and energy that have served him well and made him a constant student and seeker after knowledge, he has steadily advanced in the line of his calling, until he now occupies a place in the front rank of his compeers, with the assurance of a future of continued professional and financial success. Dr. Howard S. Kneeland was born June 9, 1863, in Ionia county, Michigan, and there spent his early life amid the varied duties of the farm, his father, John K. Kneeland, having been an industrious and prosperous tiller of the soil. The miaiden name of the Doctor's mother was Amanda M. DeLong. These parents, in 1876, moved to Wexford county and settled on a homestead in section 1, Selma township, which the father, with such assistance as lis son could render, cleared and converted into a good farm. There the family lived some eighteen or twenty years, at the expiration of which time the elder Kneeland retired from active life and took up his residence in Cadillac, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying August 17, 1897, at the age of seventyeight years. Of the children born to John K. and Amanda Kneeland, the Doctor is the only survivor. He was about thirteen years old when the family came to Wexford county, and in the clearing and developing of the farm and its subsequent cultivation he industriously and worthily bore his part. A naturally studious nature, combined with a laudable ambition to acquire an education, led him to take advantage of every opportunity in this direction and, with the assistance of his father, who was an old-time school teacher, he made commendable progress in his studies, completing the common school course besides obtaining a fair knowledge of the higher branches. By devoting his leisure time to reading he became widely and thoroughly informed and while still under the parental roof his intelligence and good judgment caused him to be chosen to several official positions, in all of which his record was that of a capable and faithful public servant. He served as treasurer of Selma township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people, also held the office of justice of the peace for several years, and as school inspector did much to promote the cause of popular education in his jurisdiction. In the year 1888 Mr. Kneeland was appointed deputy county clerk and register of deeds, under S. J. Wall, which position he held two years, resigning at the expiration of that time to become bookkeeper for the Cummer lumber firms, a post of greater responsibility than the former, but commanding a much better salary. Not content always to remain an employee, subject to the will of others, he early decided to prepare himself for some specific life work, accordingly, while discharging his duties in the clerk's ofiice, he took up the study of dentistry, to which he devoted his leisure hours under the direction of Dr. H. V. Ward of Cadillac. Later, during his ten years with the Cummer Company, he further prosecuted his studies and investigations under Dr. G. M. Brown, and so closely and unceasingly did he apply himself that he was one of the very few to pass successfully the rigid examination of the state board of dental examiners. Receiving a license from this body in October, 1900, Dr. Kneeland immediately opened an office in Cadillac and in due time built up a lucrative practice, which has steadily increased with each recurring year. His suite of parlors are finely furnished, his laboratory is supplied with all the latest modern appliances used in the profession and he is thoroughly prepared to do all kinds of work in his line with neatness and despatch and according to the most approved scientific methods. The Doctor's continuel professional success is his best advertising medium and he depends upon this alone to bring him to the notice of the public. He is well known throughout this section of the state as a skillful and finished operator and accomplished artisan, and his services have been in such demand that financial as well as professional success has attended him most liberally, he being now the possessor of a handsome competence, the result of close attention to his duties. As a private citizen no less than in his professional capacity, the Doctor makes his influence for good felt in the community. He is highly esteemed by all who know him, is a kind neighbor, a genial companion and his domestic life is one of refinement and taste. He was married in Cadillac February 14, 1893, to Miss Marguerite M. Baroux, the daughter of Adrian Boroux, of Montague Miichigan, the union being blessed with three children, namely Gladys M., Gaylor L. and Minnie M. Doctor Kneeland is prominent in the social and benevolent circles of Cadlillc, belonging to several fraternal organizations, notably among which are Lodge 46, Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 680, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Royal Guard, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees. He stands for progress and improvement, lends his influence to all worthy objects and his self poise, earnestness of purpose, directness of thought and action and commedable public spirit have won for him a high rank among the representative citizens of Cadillac and Wexford County. |