Frank M. Cary was born in Detroit, MI in 1858. He was the son of Captain Charles H. and Eliza (Owen) Cary. His father owned a line of tugs that operated in the Great Lakes.
Married Life
Mr. Cary moved to Lafayette when he was in his early 20's. In 1892 he married Jessie Levering. Their home was located on Sixth Street and was built by Mrs. Cary's father, Abraham Levering. They had a son, Franklin Cary, who died on September 5, 1912 when he was 19 years old and preparing to enter Purdue. Mrs. Levering died on July 24, 1927.
Professional Career
Mr. Cary worked as a lumber buyer for Lafayette Car Works. He later bought a controlling interest in Barbee Wire and Iron Works, where he became president. Mr. Cary manufactured the 1st baseball mask utilizing welded wires.
Retirement
After retiring, Mr. Cary focused on philanthropy. On June 18, 1927, Mr. and Mrs. Cary gave Purdue University $50,000 for construction of a men's dormitory, Cary Hall, in memory of their son. In December of that year, Mr. Cary gave a 44-acre farm east of Lafayette along Wildcat Creek to the Boy Scouts for a future campground, known for decades since as Cary Camp.
Legacy
Mr. Cary died July 7, 1936. His estate, valued at over $200,000 went to several Lafayette organizations, including Purdue, the Boy Scouts, Cary Home, the 2 local hospitals, and the YMCA. At his death his nearest surviving relative was a nephew, Beverly Cary of Detroit, Michigan. Surviving cousins were Philo Wright of Detroit, Evelyn Wright Hallett of Detroit, and Virginia Wright Collier of Pontiac, Michigan.