William E. Rasmussen
Sheriff from 1913-1916
William E. Rasmussen was born on a farm near Gowen, Montcalm County, Michigan August 5, 1881, the son of August and Marie Sand Rasmussen. His father was one of the first Danish settlers in that area, coming to Montcalm County in 1856. August's letters back to his family and friends in Soeby, Denmark encouraging them to move to this area were the beginnings of what would be referred to as the "Big Dane Settlement".
William was raised on the home farm and received his elementary education in the district schools. He furthered his education by attending Ferris Institute at Big Rapids, after which he found employment in a furniture factory in Grand Rapids. He then returned home and for some time was employed in the woods and lumber camps near his parent's home. During the time spent in Grand Rapids he served for one year as a member of the police force there and upon returning home he was made deputy sheriff of Montcalm County, serving in that capacity for four years. In 1912 he announced his Republican candidacy for sheriff of Montcalm County and was elected in November of that year. During his first term in office he met Ella L. Palmer, daughter of Lucian Palmer, a former Judge of Probate and practicing attorney. They married on June 13, 1914. Later that year William was re-elect for another term as sheriff and served until 1916. He was also active in other civic affairs serving as a member of the House of Representatives for four years and as Judge of Probate for 24 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Home in Edmore, a member of the Selective Service Board for both World War I and World War II and the Korean Conflict, a member of the Grange, Gleaners and Masons. After his retirement as Probate Judge he owned and operated the Central Michigan Real Estate Agency. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church in Stanton. He and his wife resided at their home on the corner of McPherson and Main Streets in Stanton until their deaths. They were the parents of three children, Mary Elizabeth, William "Max", and Ruth. On March 27, 1961 at the age of 79, William E. Rasmussen passed away at the Edmore hospital. His funeral was held at the First Baptist Church and he was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Stanton.
(Sources: Ancestry.com - census; History of Montcalm County, Michigan by John W. Dasef; Obituary file, White Pine Library, Stanton) |
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