© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Another Governor Finds His Place On The Walls Of Michigan’s Capitol

Cheyna Roth
/
MPRN
Priscilla Croswell Grew stands next to the newly unveiled portrait of her great grandfather, Governor Charles Croswell.

Another governor has found his place on the walls of the Michigan State Capitol. Michigan Public Radio’s Cheyna Roth explains.

Governor Charles Croswell held the office for only a few years from 1877 to 1880. But he was a lawmaker for many years before that.

Now his portrait will finally grace the walls of the state Capitol.

Joshua Risner painted the portrait and made the frame. Risner says he only had a black and white drawing for reference. So he spoke to relatives of Croswell to figure out things like eye color and skin tone.

“It take a lot of – I feel like it takes years off my life sometimes.” Says Risner.

Risner made the frame and painting using time appropriate techniques to make the painting as authentic as possible.

Before becoming the newest Capitol reporter for Michigan Public Radio Network, Cheyna Roth was an attorney. She spent her days fighting it out in court as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Ionia County.
Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.