USA > Michigan > Montcalm County > History of Montcalm County, Michigan its people, industries and institutions...with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families Volume I > Part 33
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Montcahn county, to say nothing of the counties farther north. In fact, in this county the Danish people are said to hold the balance of power.
The Danish people are thrifty and law abiding. The Danish language is still the mother tongue and is spoken by the majority of the older people. The Danish-Americans have held township and county offices. They are graduates of high schools, colleges, universities and business colleges. They will be found in every walk of life. The descendants of the carly Danish settlers may be found in every part of the United States and they number preachers, lawyers, bankers and men of every profession. They are the backbone of Montcalm county, and all honor to the last surviving members of those bands of hardy pioneers, who carved homes and modest fortunes out of the wilderness.
INTERVIEW WITH REV. OLE AMBLE.
The majority of the Danish people are members of the Lutheran faith, and their spiritual needs are looked after by Rev. Ole Amble, who resides in Gowen, and who preaches in seven different localities-Little Dane Settle- ment, Big Dane Settlement, Trufant, South Sidney, North Sidney. Kendall- ville and the Look school house. To the Danish people, Ole Amble is not only pastor, but teacher, lawyer, doctor. father and general friend. The Independent article continued :
"I will never forget my visit to Reverend Amble's home. Arriving in Gowen I was directed up the railroad tracks to a large, two-story white honse. On the north side there was a storm house, and I could not help but observe, as 1 knocked timidly at the door, that there were all of six pairs of rubbers sitting patiently in the storm house waiting for a rainy day. A gruff voice told me to come in. I did so. but found myself in a small hall. a door leading into what was apparently a downstairs living room, and stairs lead- ing to the second story.
"It was a question as to whether I should make a break into what ought to be the right room downstairs or to blunder upstairs and be mistaken for a second story worker. Suddenly I heard a noise upstairs and quickly glanced up. A kindly young-old face was gazing down at me. I started up the stairs, asking at the same time if this was Reverend Amble.
"The owner of the young-old face assured me it was, and asked ne point blank what I wanted. Much in the manner of a thirteen-year-old school boy I informed him that I wanted to meet him, and then, as an after- thought, introduced myself.
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"I was invited into the den, which consists of an upstairs room devoid of carpets and completely filled with books and newspapers. A desk stood in one corner and there Reverend Amble sat down, indicating any one of the three or four chairs in other parts of the room. Papers upon papers and books upon books, pipes and cigars, tables, chairs and chests and drawers. It is there that this leader of the Danish people manufactures his sermons, it is there he listens to the tales of troubles told him by the members of his congregation ; it is there he thinks and there he reads.
"Forty years ago the 20th of May, Reverend Amble came to this coun- try, and the fact that today he is stronger entrenched in the hearts of the Danish people than at any time in the past, is but a faint proof of the esteem and veneration in which he is held by the people.
"On May 20 there will be held at the Grange hall in Greenville a union meeting of all the members of Reverend Amble's congregations, who will observe the fortieth anniversary of his arrival at Gowen. An excellent pro- gram is being arranged, and after the services a dinner will be given for the enjoyment of those present.
"Reverend Amble has one of the largest parishes in the United States, and his personal influence covers the entire country. He came to Gowen on May 20. 1874, and has remained ever since. For the past twenty years he has taken his meals every day with Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Swan. Every- body knows where his house is. It is a refuge to many. . In all six hundred and twenty-six couples have been married by this veteran minister since his coming to Gowen. He is the general adviser for the Danish people, and has ministered to them for forty years.
"Reverend Amble is a Norwegian by birth. He was born on July 28, 1847, in Norway, coming to the United States in May, 1871. three years before his coming to Gowen. He went to Madison, Wisconsin, then to Marshall, Wisconsin, graduated from the Angsbury Theological Seminary. He was ordained a minister on June 11, 1872. and had his first charge in Allamakee county, lowa. in the Norwegian Lutheran church. Reverend Amble is a friend to everybody, and everybody is his friend. He is a deputy county clerk, a position he has held for years. He issues his own marriage licenses and then marries the couples. 'In my forty years of service,' remarked Reverend Amble, 'I have had occasion to confirm children, later grant them marriage licenses and marry them, confirm their children and officiate at their funeral.'
"'Am I against the tango? Really I know nothing about it. I am no
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Pope, that I should dictate to my people what they shouldl'do and what they shouldn't. Now, another thing. I have been written about a number of times and it isn't necessary to say much about me,' continued this pioneer preacher. 'Now be sure and say just as little as you can, for everybody knows me any way.'
"Somehow I found my way out of that wonderful 'den,' full of awe and respect for the Grand Old Man of the Danish people, the man who came from far-away Norway and has given his whole life to the betterment of the Danish people. \ man full of indomitable courage, who could have reached the top rung of the ladder in anything he might have undertaken."
GOWEN'S BUSINESS SECTION.
It is claimed that Gowen may be the site of one of the Commonwealth Power Company's dams in the near future. This story goes that, if the Muskegon to Saginaw internrban project goes through, the big power com- pany will build a dam at Gowen and furnish the "juice" for the electric cars, both ways from Trufant.
V. Thomsen & Company is one of the veteran business firms of this little village. A. E. Thomsen, a son, also formerly conducted a general store in Trufant. A full line of agricultural implements is also carried.
HI. Paulsen, the proprietor of the other general store, is also proprietor of the hotel. Mr. Paulsen has erected a fine brick block for both his hotel and store, which would be a credit to towns many times the size of Gowen.
Dr. C. H. Lozar, who came to Gowen two years ago from Coleman. owns the drug store and is the only practicing physician in the place.
The postoffice is ably looked after by Spencer Mcclellan, who received his commission on November 1, 1904, and is still on the job. There is one rural route from Gowen, although there is strong agitation for a second route, reaching west of the village.
Gowen is important as a potato market. There are four buyers, all of whom represent Greenville firms. Better roads around Gowen would do much to advance the market features.
Gowen is also the home of Oscar A. Rasmussen, who is fast becoming noted in this part of the country as an auctioneer. Mr. Rasmussen, not only attends to his farming interests, but buys potatoes, grains, etc., and does a big auction business. Mr. Rasmussen has a pleasing personality and is extremely popular with the Danish people.
Gowen is also noted for its ball team. The Gowen baseball team has
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always occupied a prominent place in the sporting world of this county. Strictly "home-grown" material, the members have developed wonderful team work and are feared by all of the other smaller towns of this section. A. E. Paulsen, manager, and Clyde Emmons, captain. The manager of the team claimed, without smiling a particle, that he had a pitcher who could throw some of the most wonderful curves in the country, curves that would fairly wind themselves around the latter's neck.
Gowen has an eight-grade school, under the supervision of Occie Niel- sen, which is one of the best of its size in the country.
Also last, but not least, what is known as Swan's hotel, must not be overlooked. This is the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Swan, well known in Greenville, where Mrs. Swan conducts a sort of restaurant or hotel.
The Danish population was first started around Gowen and came in the largest mumber on August 10. 1857, fifty-eight years ago in the fall of 1915. But the Danish population has spread all over the country. They are, as a general rule, industrious and hard-working, and do not bother the judge. Very few have ever been within the clutches of the law. They are indus- tricus, intelligent and God-loving race of people.
The younger classes of Danes -- as there are at present the third and fourth generation in this country -- are very eager to learn and, therefore, are found among them lawyers, doctors, veterinarians, attorneys, dentists and lots of telegraph operators and numberless quantities of school teachers both among the men and women. They cannot be excelled in their farming, their home life and in the general good they do to the community.
FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET.
Article from Greenville Daily Call, May 21, 1914, on the celebration and in honor of the faithful services of Rev. Ole Amble, who for forty years has been pastor of the church of Gowen:
"A vast number of Danish citizens had a gala day in this city yesterday, when they gathered from all parts of the county to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Rev. Ole Amble's coming to this county to take charge of the Danish Lutheran church at Gowen. The center of attraction for the gather- ing of the Danish and American people was the Grange hall, which was beautifully decorated with flags, boxes of plants and flowers.
"There were twelve tables, capable of seating from forty to fifty ban- queters. each piled up with good things to eat, and the five hundred and
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sixty-four who sat down to the banquet were well waited npon by the hand- some waitresses. During the banquet music on the piano was ably executed by Hazel Nielsen, previons to which Rev. St. Clare Parsons offered prayer. "After the banquet. L. Wells Spragne, who had been selected as toast- master, called upon William B. Wells, editor of the Daily Call, to make a few remarks. He told of the long acquaintance he had had with Rev. Ole Amble, extending for forty years, and of the repeated notices in the col- unms of the Call he had made of the reverend gentleman's good work as the years rolled by. He also called attention to the indefatigable work of Pastor Ole Amble, who. from being the pastor of a small church with few members, finally had started six churches in the county, all prosperous and under his supervision. He spoke of the Rev. Ole Amble's Christian charac- ter, which was above reproach, and likened him to a man who walked hand in hand with God his Father. He had only one thing against the good man. and that was his refusal to get married, and finished by leaving this act of disobedience in the hands of the ladies.
"An address, in the Danish language, was given by Rev. P. Rasmus- sen, which we were unable to report, as we do not understand the Danish language; but one thing he does know, that it was effective, for the tears rolled down the faces of a large number of the men and women listening to him.
"The next was an address of Miss Media Thomsen, who eloquently told of the work of Mr. Amble, and finished by reciting a poem.
"C. L. Rarden complimented Mr. Amble and congratulated him upon having so fine a following and the love of them all. He spoke of the rev- erend gentleman's opposition to divorce and how he always refused to per- form the marriage ceremony over divorced people. He also told of having only two divorces to obtain for the Danish people who had been married by Mr. Amble, which was a great record out of over six hundred couples made man and wife.
"Mr. C. J. Rasmussen, who came to this country fifty-seven years ago. was called upon for a few remarks, which he gave in the Danish and Eng- lish language, finally winding up by presenting Reverend Amble with a purse containing $500 in gold as a mark of affection of all of the people and his members who love and honor their worthy pastor.
"Then the recipient thanked his people and his friends for their remem- brance and the meeting was brought to an end by the benediction, by Rev. St. Clare Parsons. Between the speeches the choir of Mr. Amble's chief church sang many selections.
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"The committee. Walter Feldt, C. C. Larke, Ivan Nielsen, N. Rosendal and Mr Peterson, and the ladies, feel proud of the successful ending of the celebration of the aniversary, which went off without a hitch."
Besides all the other work done by the Rev. Ole Amble, especially preach- ing at various places, he christens each year an average of fifty children, confirms twenty-five and preaches twenty-five funerals. Altogether, Mr. Amble has performed six hundred and twenty-six marriage ceremonies since coming to Gowen.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SECRET SOCIETIES AND FRATERNITIES.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Carson City Lodge No. 306. Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered on January 11, 1872, with J. W. Champlin, grand master, and Henry Chan- berlain, senior grand warden. Martin Miner was worshipful master; W. S. Everest. senior warden, and L. H. Willsey, junior warden. The first pre- liminary meeting was held at Carson City on April 8, 1871. Present at this meeting were: Martin J. Miner, William S. Everest, David Stackhouse, John Savage, Daniel HI. Sinkey. Lewis Willsey, Charles R. Dickinson, Win- field S. Miner. James M. Proctor. Augustus O. Burnham, Charles Amis. Ezra Hayes, Henry P. Miller, D. C. Sebring and Charles Ambrook. At that meeting sixty-two dollars was subscribed to meet preliminary expenses. A committee, consisting of I. P. Miller, L. Willsey and Charles A. Brook. was appointed to effect an organization of a lodge. The following were recommended as officers of the lodge: Martin J. Miner, worshipful mas- ter; W. S. Everest, senior warden: 1 .. H. Willsey, junior warden; Charles Ambrook, secretary; H. P. Miller, treasurer; Charles Aimis, senior deacon ; John Savage, junior deacon : Perry Patton, tyler : Charles Proctor and D. M. Sinkey, stewards; and Ezra Hayes, chaplain. The brethren mentioned in the dispensation to constitute the new lodge were Martin J. Miner. W. E. Everest, Lewis W. Wilset. W. S. Miner, Daniel H. Sinkey. J. H. Savage. James M. Proctor. Perry Patton. Henry P. Miller, Hiram Roop, Charles Ambrook. Aaron Lyon, T. W. Fancher and J. D. Bower, whose names were presented to the lodge on November 1. 1871.
The officers for 1915 are: Frank IT. Miner, worshipful master: Roy HT. MeDougall, senior warden: John N. Brice, junior warden: Andrew B. Goodwin. secretary: Charles F. Dickinson, treasurer; Frank N. Gunther, senior deacon : Chester R. Culver, junior deacon: John White, tyler. The past masters of the lodge are: Charles Ambrook, James Proctor, George R. Gibbs, Hiran Roop. Lewis H. Willsey, James Aldrich, Martin J. Miner,
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George H. Cagwin, Fred Orth, George M. Jones, J. Philo Taylor, Francis S. Caswell. Edward D. Lyon, Stanley R. Coleman and Frank H. Miner. The present membership of the lodge is ninety-one.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.
Carson City Chapter No. 271, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted a charter on October 11. 1900, to the following people, who were the charter members: John G. Andreson, Bertha Andreson. Arthur I .. Bemis, Sada M. Bemis, Mary P. Caswell, Emma Caswell, Francis S. Caswell, Charles R. Culver. Ezra R. Flint. Mary Flint, Ruth Flint, Clara, Ferris, Lizzie Ferris, Minnie Fowler, George M. Jones, Clara Jones, Mattie B. Jones, Mary J. Knickerbocker, Nina L. Knickerbocker, Morris Netzorg, Lena Netzorg, J. Philo Taylor, Victoria E. Wilkinson, Emma Halett, B. Frank Sweet, Emma Sweet, Louise Shaw and Edna Smith. The past worthy matrons are Bertha Andreson, Ruth Flint. Clide Case and Emily Taylor. Past worthy patrons are: Morris Netzorg. Jay A. Lovett. J. Philo Taylor, Francis N. Culver, Francis S. Caswell and Edward D. Lyon.
The officers for 1915 are: Emily Taylor, worthy matron; E. D. Lyon, worthy patron: Clide Case, associate matron: Flora D. White, secretary; Charles F. Dickinson, treasurer : Minnie M. Fowler, conductress; Susan Wat- ers, associate conductress: Belle Dickinson. Ada; Linda Brice, Ruth; Vee Culver, Esther: Fannie Wright, Electa: Phrona Rice, warden; Elizabeth Culver, chaplain. Present membership is ninety-one.
HOWARD CITY LODGE NO. 329.
Howard City Lodge No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons, was granted a dispensation on November 16, 1874, under the grand lodge of Michigan. and regular meetings were held the ensuing year, the grand lodge of the state, at its annual communication in 1875. continuing the dispensation in force for another year. The charter members and first officers were as follow: David HI. Lord. worshipful master; Albert P. Thomas. senior warden: Ebenezer Wright, junior warden: Hannibal G. Coburn, treasurer : Lewis W. Wilbur. secretary: William Il. Lovely, Richard H. O'Donald. Royal G. Quick, Joseph T. Tones. Wallace, Skutt, Fred .A. Baldwin and Morris E. Keith.
The grand lodge, at its annual communication in 1876, granted a char- ter. the one in effect since. being No. 329. The first meetings were held in a
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lodge room known as Odd Fellows hall, located in the Lord block in the village of Howard City, and this practice continued until the destruction of the building by fire on the night of January 1. 1884. The major portion of the lodge's records and effects was destroyed. But one meeting was held in 1884 on account of there being no place to meet. This meeting was the annual one held the following December in the Masonic hall, ever since occupied by the lodge, located in the Knapp & Thomas block.
The first banquet held by the lodge was in December. 1878, at Coburn's Exchange hotel. This function was interrupted by a serious fire in a neigh- boring business block, the brothers rallying to the call for help and succeed- ing in quenching the dames, then returning at a late hour to their merry- making Subsequent banquets were successfully conducted on January 12, 1801 : January 14. 1893: December 17. 1894: December 12, 1895: December 1. 1896. The attendance at these affairs has grown from forty-two to two hundred, showing to some degree the growth in numbers and influence of the lodge.
The present membership of the lodge is two hundred, and the present officers are : H. M. Gibbs, worshipful master : R. S. Jennings, senior warden : W. J. Rushmore, junior warden : Arie M. Cook, treasurer: A. F. Engleman. secretary ; F. Witmer, senior deacon: J. B. Haskins, junior deacon: L. W. Greene and John A. Baty, stewards: George M. Doty, tyler.
SIX LAKES LODGE NO. 454.
Six Lakes Lodge No. 454. Free and Accepted Masons, was organized on October 5. 1908. The first meeting was held under dispensation from the grand lodge, and Percival E. Townsend was the first candidate for initiation. He was initiated on November 2, 1908, and raised to the sublime degree of a master Mason on December 21, 1908. The charter members were : George S. Townsend, William A. Wood, Lucius M. Miel, William C. Westley, Jacob P Fox, Angus H. McDonald. Robert Simpkins, Aaron K. Holben. Roswell Fleck. Henry Gibbs and John S. lonis. The first officers were: William C. Westley, worshipful master; Roswell Fleck, senior war- den: J. P. Fox, junior warden; G. S. Townsend, secretary: William 1. Wood, treasurer: Angus H. McDonald, senior deacon; Henry J. Gibbs, jun- ior deacon; John S. Jones, tyler.
This lodge has had quite a rapid growth, having at the end of a few years. a membership of forty-four. The present officers are: A. F. Edgerby, worshipful master: Ward Gibbs, senior warden; T. Masson, junior
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warden : R. Simpkins, treasurer ; G. S. Townsend, secretary; R. Fleck, senior deacon; Fred Crode, junior deacon; A. K. Holben, tyler.
EASTERN STAR AT SIX LAKES.
Six Lakes Chapter No. 417. Order of the Eastern Star, was organized on April 22, 1914. This chapter was installed by Worthy Grand Patron George E. Ellis, who was assisted by Martha Williams, of Grand Rapids. Following is a list of the charter members: Ida M. Wood. G. Emmett Cor- nell. Laura Townsend. Robert Simkins, Anna Simkins. Dorothy Simkins, Henry Gibbs. Sarah Gibbs. Aaron Holben, Jessie Holben. Jacob Fox. Delia Fox. Lillian Cornell. Sarah Corlis, Kate Wood, Hazel Sweaney, William Schade. Laura Schade, Alton McCracken, Lottie McCracken, Emile Lake, Mina Lake, Bessie Fisher, Roswell Fleck. Cora Manterstock. Tressa Manter- stock, Nora Musson, Thomas Musson; Alexander Brown, Mercy Brown. The officers elected to serve the new lodge were: Ida M. Wood. worthy mation: G. E. Cornell, worthy patron: Laura Townsend, associate matron : Lottie MeCracken, treasurer; Anna Simkins, secretary; Lillian Cornell, con- ductress: Laura Schade, associate conductress: Delia Fox. warden; Tressa Matterstock. Ada: Dorothy Paulson, Ruth: Hazel Sweaney, Esther; Kate Wood. Martha: Nora Musson, Electa: Bessie Fisher, marshal: Alton Mc- Craken, chaplain : Cora Mauterstock. organist: William Schade, sentinel.
This chapter is a very lively one, having attained a membership of forty-five in a little over a year. The present officers are: Lottie Mc- Cracken. worthy matron: Aton McCracken, worthy patron; Kate Wood, associate matron: Bertha Byrns. secretary; Anna Simkins, treasurer; Bessie Fisher. conductress: Laura Schade, associate conductress: Thomas Musson, chaplain : Dorothy Paulson. marshal: Tressa Manterstock, Ada : Lillian Cor- nell. Ruth: Hazel Sweaney, Esther: Kate Gibbs. Martha: Mary Berry, Electa: Edith Byrns, warden : Ward Gibbs, sentinel.
EDMORE LODGE NO. 360.
Edmore Lodge No. 360. Free and Accepted Masons, dates its begin- ning from January 4. 1883. It was installed by William White, of Lake- view, with only a few members, but it has been on the gain all the time, and now has a membership of one hundred and two. The few people who launched this new enterprise and helped to make it a success were: Edwin Grosvenor, who was elected worshipful master: Williard A. Coon, senior
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warden; Edwin B. Moore, junior warden; Edgar S. Wagar, secretary; Theadon K. Carmer. Alonzo M. Wolaver, Fred R. Sherwood and Williard W. Low.
The people who now have the vital interests of this lodge in hand are : T. E. Crane, worshipful master; J. IT. Gibbs, Jr., senior warden; B. C. Wilson, jumior warden; M. E. Wagar, treasurer; H. P. Beebe. secretary; 11. G. Cronkhite, senior deacon : Albert Otto, junior deacon : Charles M. White, tyler.
EASTERN STAR AT EDMORE.
Edmore Chapter No. HI, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized on October 11. 1894. They were fortunate in having a large number of members from the beginning. They were as follow: F. II. Geiger. Maggie Geiger. W. J. Wilson. Amy Wilson. O. B. Morgan. Abbie Morgan, L. S. Crotser. Della Crotser, W. G. Wisner. Anna Wisner, George G. Purple, Mary Purple. H. Sackett. Persena Sackett. A. F. Skarritt. Ada Skarritt, J. Il. Sanderson, Nettie Holmes, Rose A. Landon, A. N. Demoray. Lucy Demoray. L. H. Gibbs, Julia Gibbs. W. J. Mosgrove. Hattie Mosgrove. G. W. MeKce, Matilda McKee. The chapter was installed by Allan S. Wright. worthy grand patron, and the first to be elected to the various offices were: Maggie Geiger, worthy matron; W. J. Wilson, worthy patron; Abbie Mor- gan, associate matron: Anna Wisner. conductress; Della Crotser. associate conductress : J. W. Sanderson, secretary: H. Sackett, treasurer.
They have a present membership of one hundred thirty and their num- ber is constantly increasing. The present officers are: Grace Rupert. worthy matron : B. C. Wilson, worthy patron; Rose Swift, associate matron : Helma Harrison, associate conductress: Clara Purdon, conductress: Marion Curtis, treasurer : Matilda Edgerley, secretary.
PEARL LAKE LODGE NO. 324.
Pearl Lake Lodge No. 324. Free and Accepted Masons, at Sheridan. was organized on January 27. 1875, and installed by Grand Master William I. Webber. A charter was granted to the following members: Palmer 11. Taylor, John Melnvaine, Robert W. Barkham, John S. Manning. George R. Taylor, George .A. Stanton. John A. Westbrook, Horatio W. Sanborn, Sylvester Arntz. O. D. Clark. James A. Marsh and Seneca Slyter. The first officers to serve this lodge were: Palmer H. Taylor, worshipful master; Jolm Mclnvaine: senior warden, Robert W. Barkham; junior warden. Jos-
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eph W. Marsh; senior deacon, John S. Manning, junior deacon; George W. Stanton, treasurer; George R. Taylor, secretary; W. A. Scott, tyler. The present officers are: Roy A. Cutler, worshipful master; Gorden S. Ehle, senior warden: Edward Domingo, junior warden; E. D. Greenhoe, senior deacon; George W. Miller, junior deacon; E. A. Rutherford, treasurer; J. Watson Couter, secretary. At one time the lodge building was burned and most of the furniture and fixtures and the carly records were lost. They have a present membership of one hundred and thirty-five.
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