History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 204

RASMUS P. BREDAHL

In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become prominent in their different callings in Wexford county. Michigan, the name of Rasmus P. Bredahl, of Liberty township, the subject of this review, should not be omitted. He is one who has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic and far-seeing men whose birth is credited to other shores, but who have risen to prominence here in the land of their adoption. Rasmus P. Bredahl, a resident of section 29, Liberty township, was born in Denmark, November 13, 1851. The first fifteen years of his life were spent in his native land, after which he went into Germany and devoted his time up to 1872, when he attained his majority, working on the farms of his employers as a laborer. Having earned and saved enough money to justify him in making the venture, in 1872 he embarked for America, comimg direct to Cadillac, then known as Clam Lake, by way of New York. He had no difficulty in finding employment as almost immediately on locating in Wexford county he was employed by the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, first on repairs and construction and later as section foreman. He remained in the employ of the railroad company until January 1877, when he moved on his farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he had purchased in 1874, and has since devoted his energies to cultivating and improving his land. This farm is located in section 29, Liberty township. He is the owner of several other pieces of land, one of them being in section 9, same township, upon which is a comfortable residence. Since 1876 he has transferred his residence a number of times from one to the other of these tracts, but has continuously resided on the farm in section 29 since 1883. One year of this time was spent in California, where he went for the purpose of examining conditions there, but he did not find them so promising as painted and was not tempted to change his residence to that commonwealth. All of his time has been devoted to farming since he resigned his position on the railroad in 1877. He is the owner of two hundred and fifty acres of land in Liberty township, about sixty acres of which are cleared, well improved and supplied with suitable and substantial buildlings. At Cadillac, May 25, 1881, Rasiiius P. Bredahl was united in marriage to Miss Martha C. Anderson, a native of Sweden, born December 18, 1847. T'o this union four children were born, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Francis E. and Julius A. On becoming a citizen of the United States and of the state of Michigan, Rasmus P. Bredahl allied himself with the Republican party and the lapse of time has only served to convince him of the wisdom of his choice. His party, too, has appreciated his services and shown its appreciation by electing him to various offices in Liberty township. He has served as township supervisor, treasurer, highway commissioner, justice of the peacem school trustee and township clerk. In all the affairs of the township he is active and his neighbors defer to his opinion when local matters of public interest are under consideration. He and his wife are both religiously inclined, but do not belong to the same religious denomination. He is a member of the Church of Christ, while she worshilps at the Swedish Lutheran church. They are worthy, industrious people whose labors as producers are constantly adding to their own and the country's wealth.