![]() HISTORIC |
![]() ON the TRAIL |
![]() LOCATION |
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Matthew Stevensen | |||||
Exact Location: Lake County- bridge across the Pere Marquette River on South Branch Road. | |||||
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Upper Branch Bridge is the name of the location where the trail crosses the Pere Marquette River on South Branch Road, but the bridge itself is dedicated to Matt Stevensen. Matthew Stevesen came from Norway in 1888 to Stearns Siding to be a logger. He was interested in marrying and starting a family, but couldn't find any girl to his liking. For eight years, he wrote letters to Ingeborg Clomen, back in Norway, imploring her to come to the United States. The charming letters survive, and Ingeborg claimed she was unsuitable because she was a "most simple girl." Matt replied, "we have no use for the word 'simple' because we are equal" here. In 1896, Ingeborg acquiesed and Matt bought her passage to join him at Stearns Siding.
Also see: Upper Branch Bridge Stearns Siding | |||||
Sources: Lake County Historical Society Nagle, Michael. Justus S. Stearns: Michigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron. 2015. pp 22-23. | |||||
Every effort is made to provide up-to-date accurate information, but errors are bound to occur. Please contact explorer@exploreNCT.info about errors, corrections or additions. |
Main Index MI Lower Peninsula Index |
The North Country National Scenic Trail is 4800 miles long, spanning seven states. For more information, visit the North Country Trail Association |
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