Leila Rowan

Leila Rowan was born in 1838. Arriving in the area in 1875 with her Civil War veteran husband, Leila planted deep roots. An avid poet, she published many pieces in local and state publications illustrating the unique life in Northern Michigan. Her love of writing shone early, when at age 14 she published a serial story in the Erie Gazette. In 1902 she published a book of poetry called Trailing Arbutus. Besides writing, Leila ran the Clifton Hotel where she hosted “Mossback Balls”. She died in 1923.