Benzie County, Michigan

Early Norwegian Settlement

Isak A. Peterson from Langesund was the first Norwegian settler in Benzie County. He settled at Frankfort in 1864. For many years, fishing was the most important source of income for the Norwegian population. By the time this account was written (ca. 1905), however, those living outside the city of Frankfort were engaged mainly in farming.

Churches and Congregations

The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was established at Frankfort in 1873 by Pastor Rasmus Bull and was the first Norwegian congregation in Benzie County. It belonged to the Norwegian Synod. The congregation built its church in 1884. By 1905, Benzie County had three Norwegian congregations, all belonging to the Norwegian Synod.

Sources:

[Ulvestad, Martin. Nordmændene i Amerika. Utg. History Book Company's Forlag. Minneapolis, Minn. 1907.]