Gates, Frank C. (Frank Caleb), 1887-1955

Colorado artist.

From the description of Oral history, 1979 Aug. 15 [sound recording]. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 39160354

Professor of botany at the University of the Philippines, 1912-1915; later he taught botany and biology at the University of Michigan Biological Station, then at Kansas State College.

From the description of Frank C. Gates visual materials series. 1912-1915. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 47295573

From the description of Frank C. Gates collection, 1912-1915 and 2000. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 82253252

Frank Caleb Gates was born September 12, 1887 in Ravenswood, Illinois. He was a lifelong student and teacher of science, primarily interested in botany, ecology and biology. He developed his interest in science at an early age and was able to expand his knowledge through the use of libraries close to his suburban Chicago home. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois in 1910, majoring in botany. He continued his graduate and doctoral studies at the University of Michigan, receiving his Ph.D. in Botany in 1912. Gates departed for a faculty position at the University of the Philippines in 1912 where he remained until 1915. During this time Gates documented, through photographs and writings, his observations of the diverse vegetation, geography and climate of that region as well as the culture of its people and the students he taught. He made several excursions to the outlying Filipino countryside that are also well-documented. Gates returned home from the Philippines by way of Japan, China, Hawaii and the Western United States.

Upon his return he married Margaret (Madge) Murray Thompson in Cleveland, Ohio on June 11, 1915. Madge and Frank were neighbors while growing up in Ravenswood, Illinois and the two corresponded frequently throughout Mr. Gates time in the Philippines. Between the years 1915 and 1918 Mr. Gates taught botany and biology at the University of Michigan Biological Station during the summer and at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois during the regular school term. Mr. Gates moved on to teach for many years at Kansas State College. The Gates adopted two children, David M. and Margaret Elizabeth. Frank Gates died in 1955.

From the guide to the Frank C. Gates Collection, 1912-2000, 1912-1915, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)