Obit: Ebbe, Chris. H. (1837 - 1936)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Ebbe, Larson, Sorenson, Thompson, Pummer

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 30 April 1936

Ebbe, Chris. H. (4 Aug. 1837 - 24 April 1936)

Chris. H. Ebbe, who had nearly reached the century mark, passed away at the Odd Fellow Home in Green Bay, where he had lived since 1924, on Friday, April 24.

In a history of Clark County, published in 1890, the following sketch of his life is given:

"The subject of this sketch was born in Denmark, August 4, 1837, where he received a thorough education in the Danish Language. In the years 1859, ’60, ’61, and ’62 he served in the body-guard of King Frederick VII. In 1862 he was married to Miss Mary Larson, who died within a year after the marriage, leaving Mr. Ebbe one child. He was married soon after to Miss Mary Sorenson, when they left Denmark in 1863 and came to America, where they landed in Jefferson, Jefferson County, where they went to farming on shares. Lived there on year and then moved to Deerfield, Dane County, where he worked a farm on shares for two years. In 1866 they came up to Wood County, buying a farm right in the woods, where he went to work and cleared the timber from about 45 acres. He made a trip back to Denmark in 1881, and brought his brother to this country, who upon seeing his farm, purchased it of Mr. Ebbe, and is still living on the farm. In 1882 Mr. Ebbe came to Clark County and bought a farm in the Town of York, and has cleared that up. He has also built some fine barns and a good residence on his farm. In 1887 he was appointed by the county board as superintendent of the poor farm, and has proved a very able man for that place, as the board has re-appointed him each year for four years, and he is still holding that position. He has two children living, and has lost one."

Mr. Ebbe continued as superintendent of the poor farm until 1902. The next year he and wife went to Oregon where their son John lived, remaining there until 1911. Returning to Neillsville they again made their home here. Mrs. Ebbe died in 1922 and 1924 Mr. Ebbe went to the Odd Fellows Home.

Mr. Ebbe was a man of majestic size and presence. He was large hearted, generous, kindly, and the soul of honesty. During all the years of his residence here he had the love and confidence of all who knew him. While in charge of the poor farm he was like a father to all of the old and destitute people under his care.

The body was brought here for burial, funeral services taking place Tuesday afternoon at Lowe’s Funeral Home. The Odd Fellow Lodges of Neillsville and Marshfield attended in a body and took part in the ceremony.

The pallbearers were: Chris Pummer, Peter Pummer, Robert Ebbe, Wm. Ebbe, Henry Ebbe, and Thomas Thompson, all nephews of the deceased.

Mr. Ebbe is survived by a son John, in Oregon, a daughter, Mrs. Henry Brooks, Fresno, Calif., and an adopted son, George Ebbe, in Neillsville, also 9 grandchildren.