Father Allouez Niles, Michigan

 In Niles close to the St Joseph River is this memorial to Father Allouez.  You have to climb a long staircase to get to it off of Bond Street.  St. Joseph mission was founded by Father Allouez in 1864.  The mission became part of Fort St. Joseph when it took over in 1691.  

To the memory of Claude Jean Allouez, S.J. whose intrepid courage won the admiration of Indians and whose apostolic zeal earned for him the title of Fancis Xavier of the American Missions.  Father Allouez was born at St. Didier, France and died near this spot August 27th 1689.  
Erected by the Woman's Progressive League of Niles, Michigan 1918.