Grand Rapids was a mere hamlet in the woods in 1848. It contained several small business houses, however. The only grocery was owned by John Clancy. It was located on Canal street (now Monroe avenue) directly opposite the main entrance of the Hotel Pantlind. William Clancy, a brother, John Clancy's assistant, was not designed by nature for frontier life. He loved fine clothing and much leisure and when Mr. Hake [William Hake] arrived in the community, William Clancy was released and Mr. Hake took his place in the store.
His wage amounted to $8 per month, which sufficed to pay his landlady and to provide the clothing he needed. Nine months later his wage was increased to $15 per month and to $30 at the commencement of his second year in the store.
Dominie Van Raalte and several thousand Hollanders came over the sea to Western Michigan in that year. They brought a little money, but no tools or household goods. But one Holland family lived in Grand Rapids before that period. Mr. Hake realized at once that he could increase his usefulness by learning to speak the Dutch language. Mr. Clancy's Irish tongue did not grasp the Dutch readily. Mr. Hake soon acquired enough Dutch words to make himself understood in the transaction of business.
There were no horses in Western Michigan when the colony arrived. Oxen were used for teaming and Mr. Hake states that the efforts of the Hollanders to drive cattle that did not understand the Dutch language were very amusing. Mr. Clancy added tools, light machinery, shelf hardware, stoves and other articles needed by the Hollanders, to his stock and the trade established with the colony proved to be the foundation of a very substantial fortune that Mr. Clancy accumulated.
William Clancy moved to Ann Arbor, where the trade and intellectual atmosphere was more to his liking, and in the course of time he established an important mercantile business. During the early '50s John Clancy sold his stock of merchandise and engaged in the lumber trade, while Mr. Hake sold groceries on his own account and was the first to engage in the jobbing trade in Grand Rapids.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN, Vol. 33, No. 1672, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., Oct. 6, 1915, Pg. 31, Col. 2 (Excerpt of "Pioneer Wholesale Grocer of Grand Rapids." - William Hake, written by Arthur S. White)
*****
OBITUARY – JOHN CLANCY
In the death of JOHN CLANCY, announced from New York City (which place he had reached on his way home from Europe), a prominent early resident of this city is taken from our community. As he had been in failing health for many years, and as the serious turn of his disease during his visit to the Continent, were he went early last summer, have been well known, the fatal termination was not unexpected, but his many friends here had hoped he might survive at least to reach his home. John Clancy was born in New York City in February 1819. The family came to Michigan in 1835, settling first at Ann Arbor. Ten years later he came to Grand Rapids, and for the next ten years or thereabouts he and his brother WILLIAM (who died about eighteen months ago at Los Angeles, Cal.) were engaged in the grocery trade on Canal street, between Pearl and Lyon. About thirty years ago he sold out of that business and turned his attention to the lumber and real estate trade, in which, in this State and Illinois, he was quite successful, and had accumulated a fair competency in property. In the years from 1858 to 1860 he was a member of the Common Council, and there, by his good judgment and well-directed public spirit, did much to aid in the progress and healthy development of our city. Mr. Clancy was a man of few words, but of decided convictions and strong and genial friendships. In business and financial affairs he was influential and generally successful, one whose counsel was sought and whose opinions carried weight—a respected and useful citizen, with hosts of friends and few or no enemies. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but since the rebellion a Republican. In religious belief he was a conscientious Roman Catholic. As an old resident, and a citizen almost universally known and highly respected in this city and valley, he will be greatly missed, and leaves a pleasant memory. Mr. Clancy never married.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York City, this morning, April 17, JOHN CLANCY of this city, aged 65 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 2, Obit. 1
*****
DEATH OF JOHN CLANCY.
A telegram was received here this morning announcing the death of JOHN CLANCY in New York. He had been in Europe for several months and during that time his health has been steadily failing him. Mr. JOHN McINTYRE and Dr. John Brady joined him about three months ago, but his condition was such that he was not able to be brought across the water until about three weeks ago. He had then gained a little strength and his general condition was improved, but upon his arrival in New York he again gradually grew worse, and it was known here several days ago that there was no chance for him to reach home alive, so that the announcement of his death was not unexpected. The remains will be brought here for burial, arriving at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Mr. Clancy came to this city in 1845, and has been a resident of the place since that time. He acquired considerable property, and at the time of his death was rated among the wealthy men of the city.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York, this morning, April 17th, JOHN CLANCY, of this city, aged 66 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 4, Obit. 1
************************~ooOoo~************************
Messrs. Robt. Woodcock and C.G. Pulcher went to Detroit today to meet the remains of the late John Clancy.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Fri. Evening, April 18, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News), Item 8
*****
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will not arrive in the city until Tuesday.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sat.., April 19, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1 (Brevities), Item 4
*****
OLD RESIDENTS TO ATTEND.
The members of the Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley will meet at the Superior Court room on Tuesday the 22nd inst. At 8:30 o'clock a.m. sharp to attend the funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY. ~Reuben H. Smith, Secretary.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 3
*****
MR. and MRS. JOHN McINTYRE arrived Saturday night from New York City. Mr. McIntyre has been absent seven months in France, where Mr. Clancy's illness first became serious.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 3, Col. 2 (Personal)
*****
THE FUNERAL
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will arrive from New York at 5 o'clock this evening in charge of the undertaker who embalmed the body. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 8:30 o'clock form St. Andrews' cathedral on Sheldon street.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon. Evening, April 21, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
The funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY, this morning, from St. Andrew's cathedral, was largely attended. The remains arrived in the city this morning and were deposited in a vault in Valley City cemetery.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Tues. Evening, April 22, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News)
*****
THE CLANCY VAULT.
As the readers of the EAGLE will recollect, the late HON. JOHN CLANCY provided, among other things, in his will for the building of a family vault at a cost of $7,500 in the cemetery connected with St. Andrew's Cathedral. Work on that structure is to begin as soon as may be in the spring, under charge of Mr. John McIntyre, one of the executors and the administrator of the will. In a general way, the following are the plans for the structure, which will be erected on a rise of ground in the southeastern part of the cemetery, and will face the west. It will be solid granite, Gothic in design. Its dimensions are 16 feet front, 11 feet deep and 20 feet to the apex of the roof. Pillars of granite will mark the entrance, and an outer iron door and inner stone will close the entrance. A quatrefoil window will surmount the door, and a tablet bearing the family name, CLANCY, will be placed over the arch. A stone cross four feet in h[e]ight will finish the appearance of the place. The architect has planned for the reception of four caskets inside the tomb, wherein will rest the earthly remains of the family. The floor will be of granite and the ceiling of white marble. The proposed building will be solid and substantial and different from anything of the kind in the city.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 12, 1885, Pg. 3, Col. 1, Art. 2
His wage amounted to $8 per month, which sufficed to pay his landlady and to provide the clothing he needed. Nine months later his wage was increased to $15 per month and to $30 at the commencement of his second year in the store.
Dominie Van Raalte and several thousand Hollanders came over the sea to Western Michigan in that year. They brought a little money, but no tools or household goods. But one Holland family lived in Grand Rapids before that period. Mr. Hake realized at once that he could increase his usefulness by learning to speak the Dutch language. Mr. Clancy's Irish tongue did not grasp the Dutch readily. Mr. Hake soon acquired enough Dutch words to make himself understood in the transaction of business.
There were no horses in Western Michigan when the colony arrived. Oxen were used for teaming and Mr. Hake states that the efforts of the Hollanders to drive cattle that did not understand the Dutch language were very amusing. Mr. Clancy added tools, light machinery, shelf hardware, stoves and other articles needed by the Hollanders, to his stock and the trade established with the colony proved to be the foundation of a very substantial fortune that Mr. Clancy accumulated.
William Clancy moved to Ann Arbor, where the trade and intellectual atmosphere was more to his liking, and in the course of time he established an important mercantile business. During the early '50s John Clancy sold his stock of merchandise and engaged in the lumber trade, while Mr. Hake sold groceries on his own account and was the first to engage in the jobbing trade in Grand Rapids.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN, Vol. 33, No. 1672, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., Oct. 6, 1915, Pg. 31, Col. 2 (Excerpt of "Pioneer Wholesale Grocer of Grand Rapids." - William Hake, written by Arthur S. White)
*****
OBITUARY – JOHN CLANCY
In the death of JOHN CLANCY, announced from New York City (which place he had reached on his way home from Europe), a prominent early resident of this city is taken from our community. As he had been in failing health for many years, and as the serious turn of his disease during his visit to the Continent, were he went early last summer, have been well known, the fatal termination was not unexpected, but his many friends here had hoped he might survive at least to reach his home. John Clancy was born in New York City in February 1819. The family came to Michigan in 1835, settling first at Ann Arbor. Ten years later he came to Grand Rapids, and for the next ten years or thereabouts he and his brother WILLIAM (who died about eighteen months ago at Los Angeles, Cal.) were engaged in the grocery trade on Canal street, between Pearl and Lyon. About thirty years ago he sold out of that business and turned his attention to the lumber and real estate trade, in which, in this State and Illinois, he was quite successful, and had accumulated a fair competency in property. In the years from 1858 to 1860 he was a member of the Common Council, and there, by his good judgment and well-directed public spirit, did much to aid in the progress and healthy development of our city. Mr. Clancy was a man of few words, but of decided convictions and strong and genial friendships. In business and financial affairs he was influential and generally successful, one whose counsel was sought and whose opinions carried weight—a respected and useful citizen, with hosts of friends and few or no enemies. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but since the rebellion a Republican. In religious belief he was a conscientious Roman Catholic. As an old resident, and a citizen almost universally known and highly respected in this city and valley, he will be greatly missed, and leaves a pleasant memory. Mr. Clancy never married.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York City, this morning, April 17, JOHN CLANCY of this city, aged 65 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 2, Obit. 1
*****
DEATH OF JOHN CLANCY.
A telegram was received here this morning announcing the death of JOHN CLANCY in New York. He had been in Europe for several months and during that time his health has been steadily failing him. Mr. JOHN McINTYRE and Dr. John Brady joined him about three months ago, but his condition was such that he was not able to be brought across the water until about three weeks ago. He had then gained a little strength and his general condition was improved, but upon his arrival in New York he again gradually grew worse, and it was known here several days ago that there was no chance for him to reach home alive, so that the announcement of his death was not unexpected. The remains will be brought here for burial, arriving at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Mr. Clancy came to this city in 1845, and has been a resident of the place since that time. He acquired considerable property, and at the time of his death was rated among the wealthy men of the city.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York, this morning, April 17th, JOHN CLANCY, of this city, aged 66 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 4, Obit. 1
************************~ooOoo~************************
Messrs. Robt. Woodcock and C.G. Pulcher went to Detroit today to meet the remains of the late John Clancy.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Fri. Evening, April 18, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News), Item 8
*****
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will not arrive in the city until Tuesday.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sat.., April 19, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1 (Brevities), Item 4
*****
OLD RESIDENTS TO ATTEND.
The members of the Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley will meet at the Superior Court room on Tuesday the 22nd inst. At 8:30 o'clock a.m. sharp to attend the funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY. ~Reuben H. Smith, Secretary.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 3
*****
MR. and MRS. JOHN McINTYRE arrived Saturday night from New York City. Mr. McIntyre has been absent seven months in France, where Mr. Clancy's illness first became serious.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 3, Col. 2 (Personal)
*****
THE FUNERAL
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will arrive from New York at 5 o'clock this evening in charge of the undertaker who embalmed the body. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 8:30 o'clock form St. Andrews' cathedral on Sheldon street.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon. Evening, April 21, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
The funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY, this morning, from St. Andrew's cathedral, was largely attended. The remains arrived in the city this morning and were deposited in a vault in Valley City cemetery.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Tues. Evening, April 22, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News)
*****
THE CLANCY VAULT.
As the readers of the EAGLE will recollect, the late HON. JOHN CLANCY provided, among other things, in his will for the building of a family vault at a cost of $7,500 in the cemetery connected with St. Andrew's Cathedral. Work on that structure is to begin as soon as may be in the spring, under charge of Mr. John McIntyre, one of the executors and the administrator of the will. In a general way, the following are the plans for the structure, which will be erected on a rise of ground in the southeastern part of the cemetery, and will face the west. It will be solid granite, Gothic in design. Its dimensions are 16 feet front, 11 feet deep and 20 feet to the apex of the roof. Pillars of granite will mark the entrance, and an outer iron door and inner stone will close the entrance. A quatrefoil window will surmount the door, and a tablet bearing the family name, CLANCY, will be placed over the arch. A stone cross four feet in h[e]ight will finish the appearance of the place. The architect has planned for the reception of four caskets inside the tomb, wherein will rest the earthly remains of the family. The floor will be of granite and the ceiling of white marble. The proposed building will be solid and substantial and different from anything of the kind in the city.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 12, 1885, Pg. 3, Col. 1, Art. 2
Grand Rapids was a mere hamlet in the woods in 1848. It contained several small business houses, however. The only grocery was owned by John Clancy. It was located on Canal street (now Monroe avenue) directly opposite the main entrance of the Hotel Pantlind. William Clancy, a brother, John Clancy's assistant, was not designed by nature for frontier life. He loved fine clothing and much leisure and when Mr. Hake [William Hake] arrived in the community, William Clancy was released and Mr. Hake took his place in the store.
His wage amounted to $8 per month, which sufficed to pay his landlady and to provide the clothing he needed. Nine months later his wage was increased to $15 per month and to $30 at the commencement of his second year in the store.
Dominie Van Raalte and several thousand Hollanders came over the sea to Western Michigan in that year. They brought a little money, but no tools or household goods. But one Holland family lived in Grand Rapids before that period. Mr. Hake realized at once that he could increase his usefulness by learning to speak the Dutch language. Mr. Clancy's Irish tongue did not grasp the Dutch readily. Mr. Hake soon acquired enough Dutch words to make himself understood in the transaction of business.
There were no horses in Western Michigan when the colony arrived. Oxen were used for teaming and Mr. Hake states that the efforts of the Hollanders to drive cattle that did not understand the Dutch language were very amusing. Mr. Clancy added tools, light machinery, shelf hardware, stoves and other articles needed by the Hollanders, to his stock and the trade established with the colony proved to be the foundation of a very substantial fortune that Mr. Clancy accumulated.
William Clancy moved to Ann Arbor, where the trade and intellectual atmosphere was more to his liking, and in the course of time he established an important mercantile business. During the early '50s John Clancy sold his stock of merchandise and engaged in the lumber trade, while Mr. Hake sold groceries on his own account and was the first to engage in the jobbing trade in Grand Rapids.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN, Vol. 33, No. 1672, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., Oct. 6, 1915, Pg. 31, Col. 2 (Excerpt of "Pioneer Wholesale Grocer of Grand Rapids." - William Hake, written by Arthur S. White)
*****
OBITUARY – JOHN CLANCY
In the death of JOHN CLANCY, announced from New York City (which place he had reached on his way home from Europe), a prominent early resident of this city is taken from our community. As he had been in failing health for many years, and as the serious turn of his disease during his visit to the Continent, were he went early last summer, have been well known, the fatal termination was not unexpected, but his many friends here had hoped he might survive at least to reach his home. John Clancy was born in New York City in February 1819. The family came to Michigan in 1835, settling first at Ann Arbor. Ten years later he came to Grand Rapids, and for the next ten years or thereabouts he and his brother WILLIAM (who died about eighteen months ago at Los Angeles, Cal.) were engaged in the grocery trade on Canal street, between Pearl and Lyon. About thirty years ago he sold out of that business and turned his attention to the lumber and real estate trade, in which, in this State and Illinois, he was quite successful, and had accumulated a fair competency in property. In the years from 1858 to 1860 he was a member of the Common Council, and there, by his good judgment and well-directed public spirit, did much to aid in the progress and healthy development of our city. Mr. Clancy was a man of few words, but of decided convictions and strong and genial friendships. In business and financial affairs he was influential and generally successful, one whose counsel was sought and whose opinions carried weight—a respected and useful citizen, with hosts of friends and few or no enemies. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but since the rebellion a Republican. In religious belief he was a conscientious Roman Catholic. As an old resident, and a citizen almost universally known and highly respected in this city and valley, he will be greatly missed, and leaves a pleasant memory. Mr. Clancy never married.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York City, this morning, April 17, JOHN CLANCY of this city, aged 65 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 2, Obit. 1
*****
DEATH OF JOHN CLANCY.
A telegram was received here this morning announcing the death of JOHN CLANCY in New York. He had been in Europe for several months and during that time his health has been steadily failing him. Mr. JOHN McINTYRE and Dr. John Brady joined him about three months ago, but his condition was such that he was not able to be brought across the water until about three weeks ago. He had then gained a little strength and his general condition was improved, but upon his arrival in New York he again gradually grew worse, and it was known here several days ago that there was no chance for him to reach home alive, so that the announcement of his death was not unexpected. The remains will be brought here for burial, arriving at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Mr. Clancy came to this city in 1845, and has been a resident of the place since that time. He acquired considerable property, and at the time of his death was rated among the wealthy men of the city.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York, this morning, April 17th, JOHN CLANCY, of this city, aged 66 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 4, Obit. 1
************************~ooOoo~************************
Messrs. Robt. Woodcock and C.G. Pulcher went to Detroit today to meet the remains of the late John Clancy.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Fri. Evening, April 18, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News), Item 8
*****
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will not arrive in the city until Tuesday.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sat.., April 19, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1 (Brevities), Item 4
*****
OLD RESIDENTS TO ATTEND.
The members of the Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley will meet at the Superior Court room on Tuesday the 22nd inst. At 8:30 o'clock a.m. sharp to attend the funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY. ~Reuben H. Smith, Secretary.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 3
*****
MR. and MRS. JOHN McINTYRE arrived Saturday night from New York City. Mr. McIntyre has been absent seven months in France, where Mr. Clancy's illness first became serious.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 3, Col. 2 (Personal)
*****
THE FUNERAL
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will arrive from New York at 5 o'clock this evening in charge of the undertaker who embalmed the body. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 8:30 o'clock form St. Andrews' cathedral on Sheldon street.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon. Evening, April 21, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
The funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY, this morning, from St. Andrew's cathedral, was largely attended. The remains arrived in the city this morning and were deposited in a vault in Valley City cemetery.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Tues. Evening, April 22, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News)
*****
THE CLANCY VAULT.
As the readers of the EAGLE will recollect, the late HON. JOHN CLANCY provided, among other things, in his will for the building of a family vault at a cost of $7,500 in the cemetery connected with St. Andrew's Cathedral. Work on that structure is to begin as soon as may be in the spring, under charge of Mr. John McIntyre, one of the executors and the administrator of the will. In a general way, the following are the plans for the structure, which will be erected on a rise of ground in the southeastern part of the cemetery, and will face the west. It will be solid granite, Gothic in design. Its dimensions are 16 feet front, 11 feet deep and 20 feet to the apex of the roof. Pillars of granite will mark the entrance, and an outer iron door and inner stone will close the entrance. A quatrefoil window will surmount the door, and a tablet bearing the family name, CLANCY, will be placed over the arch. A stone cross four feet in h[e]ight will finish the appearance of the place. The architect has planned for the reception of four caskets inside the tomb, wherein will rest the earthly remains of the family. The floor will be of granite and the ceiling of white marble. The proposed building will be solid and substantial and different from anything of the kind in the city.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 12, 1885, Pg. 3, Col. 1, Art. 2
His wage amounted to $8 per month, which sufficed to pay his landlady and to provide the clothing he needed. Nine months later his wage was increased to $15 per month and to $30 at the commencement of his second year in the store.
Dominie Van Raalte and several thousand Hollanders came over the sea to Western Michigan in that year. They brought a little money, but no tools or household goods. But one Holland family lived in Grand Rapids before that period. Mr. Hake realized at once that he could increase his usefulness by learning to speak the Dutch language. Mr. Clancy's Irish tongue did not grasp the Dutch readily. Mr. Hake soon acquired enough Dutch words to make himself understood in the transaction of business.
There were no horses in Western Michigan when the colony arrived. Oxen were used for teaming and Mr. Hake states that the efforts of the Hollanders to drive cattle that did not understand the Dutch language were very amusing. Mr. Clancy added tools, light machinery, shelf hardware, stoves and other articles needed by the Hollanders, to his stock and the trade established with the colony proved to be the foundation of a very substantial fortune that Mr. Clancy accumulated.
William Clancy moved to Ann Arbor, where the trade and intellectual atmosphere was more to his liking, and in the course of time he established an important mercantile business. During the early '50s John Clancy sold his stock of merchandise and engaged in the lumber trade, while Mr. Hake sold groceries on his own account and was the first to engage in the jobbing trade in Grand Rapids.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN, Vol. 33, No. 1672, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., Oct. 6, 1915, Pg. 31, Col. 2 (Excerpt of "Pioneer Wholesale Grocer of Grand Rapids." - William Hake, written by Arthur S. White)
*****
OBITUARY – JOHN CLANCY
In the death of JOHN CLANCY, announced from New York City (which place he had reached on his way home from Europe), a prominent early resident of this city is taken from our community. As he had been in failing health for many years, and as the serious turn of his disease during his visit to the Continent, were he went early last summer, have been well known, the fatal termination was not unexpected, but his many friends here had hoped he might survive at least to reach his home. John Clancy was born in New York City in February 1819. The family came to Michigan in 1835, settling first at Ann Arbor. Ten years later he came to Grand Rapids, and for the next ten years or thereabouts he and his brother WILLIAM (who died about eighteen months ago at Los Angeles, Cal.) were engaged in the grocery trade on Canal street, between Pearl and Lyon. About thirty years ago he sold out of that business and turned his attention to the lumber and real estate trade, in which, in this State and Illinois, he was quite successful, and had accumulated a fair competency in property. In the years from 1858 to 1860 he was a member of the Common Council, and there, by his good judgment and well-directed public spirit, did much to aid in the progress and healthy development of our city. Mr. Clancy was a man of few words, but of decided convictions and strong and genial friendships. In business and financial affairs he was influential and generally successful, one whose counsel was sought and whose opinions carried weight—a respected and useful citizen, with hosts of friends and few or no enemies. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but since the rebellion a Republican. In religious belief he was a conscientious Roman Catholic. As an old resident, and a citizen almost universally known and highly respected in this city and valley, he will be greatly missed, and leaves a pleasant memory. Mr. Clancy never married.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York City, this morning, April 17, JOHN CLANCY of this city, aged 65 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs., April 17, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 2, Obit. 1
*****
DEATH OF JOHN CLANCY.
A telegram was received here this morning announcing the death of JOHN CLANCY in New York. He had been in Europe for several months and during that time his health has been steadily failing him. Mr. JOHN McINTYRE and Dr. John Brady joined him about three months ago, but his condition was such that he was not able to be brought across the water until about three weeks ago. He had then gained a little strength and his general condition was improved, but upon his arrival in New York he again gradually grew worse, and it was known here several days ago that there was no chance for him to reach home alive, so that the announcement of his death was not unexpected. The remains will be brought here for burial, arriving at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Mr. Clancy came to this city in 1845, and has been a resident of the place since that time. He acquired considerable property, and at the time of his death was rated among the wealthy men of the city.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
*****
DIED
In New York, this morning, April 17th, JOHN CLANCY, of this city, aged 66 years.
Notice of funeral hereafter.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thurs. Evening, April 17, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 4, Obit. 1
************************~ooOoo~************************
Messrs. Robt. Woodcock and C.G. Pulcher went to Detroit today to meet the remains of the late John Clancy.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Fri. Evening, April 18, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News), Item 8
*****
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will not arrive in the city until Tuesday.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sat.., April 19, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 1 (Brevities), Item 4
*****
OLD RESIDENTS TO ATTEND.
The members of the Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley will meet at the Superior Court room on Tuesday the 22nd inst. At 8:30 o'clock a.m. sharp to attend the funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY. ~Reuben H. Smith, Secretary.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 2, Col. 3
*****
MR. and MRS. JOHN McINTYRE arrived Saturday night from New York City. Mr. McIntyre has been absent seven months in France, where Mr. Clancy's illness first became serious.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon.., April 21, 1884, Pg. 3, Col. 2 (Personal)
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THE FUNERAL
The remains of the late JOHN CLANCY will arrive from New York at 5 o'clock this evening in charge of the undertaker who embalmed the body. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 8:30 o'clock form St. Andrews' cathedral on Sheldon street.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mon. Evening, April 21, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1
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The funeral of the late JOHN CLANCY, this morning, from St. Andrew's cathedral, was largely attended. The remains arrived in the city this morning and were deposited in a vault in Valley City cemetery.
THE EVENING LEADER, Grand Rapids, Mich., Tues. Evening, April 22, 1884, Pg. 4, Col. 1 (City News)
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THE CLANCY VAULT.
As the readers of the EAGLE will recollect, the late HON. JOHN CLANCY provided, among other things, in his will for the building of a family vault at a cost of $7,500 in the cemetery connected with St. Andrew's Cathedral. Work on that structure is to begin as soon as may be in the spring, under charge of Mr. John McIntyre, one of the executors and the administrator of the will. In a general way, the following are the plans for the structure, which will be erected on a rise of ground in the southeastern part of the cemetery, and will face the west. It will be solid granite, Gothic in design. Its dimensions are 16 feet front, 11 feet deep and 20 feet to the apex of the roof. Pillars of granite will mark the entrance, and an outer iron door and inner stone will close the entrance. A quatrefoil window will surmount the door, and a tablet bearing the family name, CLANCY, will be placed over the arch. A stone cross four feet in h[e]ight will finish the appearance of the place. The architect has planned for the reception of four caskets inside the tomb, wherein will rest the earthly remains of the family. The floor will be of granite and the ceiling of white marble. The proposed building will be solid and substantial and different from anything of the kind in the city.
GRAND RAPIDS DAILY EAGLE, Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 12, 1885, Pg. 3, Col. 1, Art. 2
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