Martin Michels, Sr., aged 80 years and a pioneer citizen of Ellensburg, died yesterday [February 14, 1917] at his home north of the city after an illness of several years. Pending the arrival of a son, J. J. Michels, from the east, funeral arrangements will not be announced until Friday.
Mr. Michels was born May 2, 1837, in Germany, and came to the United States in 1855. He was married at Aurora, Ill, September, 1859, to Miss Margaret Lenhartz, and later with his family removed to St. James, Minnesota, in 1871.
In 1882 Mr. Michels came to the Kittitas Valley, traveling by rail to San Francisco, by boat to The Dalles and wagon train to Ellensburg. The family settled upon the place where the home is at the present time. During his long life, Mr. Michels was a member of the Catholic Church.
The deceased is survived by his wife and eleven children; Mrs. M. Linden, Mrs. Anna Uebelacker, Geo. Michels, Mrs. T. F. Meaghers, Frank Michels, Mrs. E. F. Fogarty, H. J. Michels and Lena Michels, all of Ellensburg, J. J. Michels of Duluth, Minnesota and Mrs. C. H. Beavers of Toppenish. Besides the children, there are 34 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, most of them living in Ellensburg.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman