Julius H. Amberg
Attorney, 500 Michigan Trust Building, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Julius H. Amberg, son of David M. and Hattie (Houseman) Amberg, born 27 Feb 1890 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

David H. Amberg, son of Moses and Sophie (Newman) Amberg, born in 1848 in Middletown, Ohio. During the Civil Car, he served in the supply depot, but was not a soldiers. In 1868, he came to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business until 1916, and also was manager of the Houseman estate. He formerly was vice-president of the Grand Rapids Chair Company, and of the Imperial Furniture Company, and served as a director of the Grand Rapids National Bank. Mr. Amberg now lives, retired, in Grand Rapids. His wife, Hattie (Houseman) Amberg, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1859, daughter of Julius and Jennie (Ringuette) Houseman.

Julius Houseman, father of Hattie (Houseman) Amberg, was born in Zeckendorf, Bavaria, Germany, 8 December 1832. He emigrated to America, and in 1848, settle in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1852, he came to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he established a clothing business, and in 1876, became a lumberman. He built the Houseman Building in the 1880’s. He served as mayor of Grand Rapids, 2 terms
(1873-1875), and during his tenure of offices, the first city waterworks system was installed. He was elected as a Democrat, to the forty-eighth Congress, and served 1 term (from 4 Mar 1883, until 3 Mar 1885). Jennie (Ringuette) Houseman, wife of Julius, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was the daughter of Maxime and Felicite (Fleury) Ringuette. Maxime Ringuette, a cobbler, was born near Montreal, Canada, and later came to the U. S. settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1836.

Moses Amberg, father of David M., was born in Sulzdorf, Bavaria, Germany. His wife, Sophie (Newman) Amberg, whom he married in Germany, was also a native of that country. They emigrated to America and settled first in Middletown, Ohio, and later in Lafayette, Indiana where they lived the remainder of their lives. Moses Amberg was a clothing merchant.

Julius H. Amberg, graduated from high school (Grand Rapids, MI) in 1908; Colgate University (Hamilton, NY), A. B., 1912; Harvard University Law School, 1915. He then entered the practice of law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in 1916, became a member of the law firm of Butterfield & Keeney, which firm, since 1919, has been known as Butterfield, Keeney & Amberg. Mr. Amberg was employed in the office of the Secretary of War in Washington, D. D., in 1917; and in 1918 enlisted in the U. S. Navy, for service in the World War. He was honorably discharged 24 Dec 1918. Mr. Amberg is a director of various business firms, including the Imperial Furniture Company, the Grand Rapids Chair Company, and the Wurzburg Dry Goods Company. He is a trustee of the Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids; is a member of the board of the Grand Rapids Community Chest, of which organization, he formerly served as president for 6 terms; is president of the Foster Welfare Foundation; has served as chairman of the Kent County Welfare Foundation; has served as chairman of the Kent County Welfare Relief Commission, since 1933; and was chairman of the Committee of One Hundred, in 1932. Mr. Amberg is a Democrat, and a member of the following: Blue Lodge, F & A. M.; State Bar of Michigan (commr. At large); Kent Country Club; University Club of Grand Rapids; Delta Upsilon, and Phi Beta Kappa (Frats.); and Temple Emanuel.

On 10 Oct 1916, Julius H. Amberg married Callie Sutherland Smith, daughter of Eugene and Ella Smith. Mrs. Amberg was born at DePere, Wisconsin. Children are: (1) Mary S., born 10 Oct 1917. She died 30 Apr 1931. (2) David M. II, born 31 Jan 1920; (3) Hazel Felice, born 18 Apr 1925.