Hans Martin BUE

BUE, PETERSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/31/2016 at 20:22:35

February 2, 1887 --- April 8, 1949

Hans Martin Bue was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa in 1887 to first generation Norwegian American parents Andrew and Elizabeth Bue. The family moved to Astoria when Hans was two months old, and he remained in the area until his death in 1949. In 1912 Hans joined the Sons of Norway Nidaros Lodge No. 16 and became adamantly involved in the organization and its principles. He served the Lodge in several official capacities for over thirty years. Elizabeth Bue (mother of Hans) was also instrumental in the creation of a new chapter (Stjernen) of the Daughters of Norway in the Astoria area, and the election of their charter officers. The Stjernen was officially founded on August 31, 1910.

Source: History of Astoria and its Scandinavian Influence
http://www-ia.hiof.no/~kmkytr/2011-2012/Semester%2001/Studio/Artikkel/Astoria%20Article.html

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Hans Bue was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa, February 2, 1887, to Norwegian immigrants Andrew and Elizabeth Bue. The Bues moved to Astoria, Oregon when he was two months old, and he died there on April 8, 1949. Hans married Katherine Peterson in Vancouver, B.C. on November 24, 1913. Hans and Katherine had five children, Myron, Allan, Kenneth, Eleanor and Dorothy, all of whom raised their families in the Astoria area. They also enjoyed nineteen grandchildren who frequently filled their home with bustling activity and fun during holiday and birthday celebrations.

In 1912 Hans became a member of Nidaros Lodge No. 16, Sons of Norway, and immediately became
one of the most ardent champions of the principles of the organization. He served the Lodge as President, Financial Secretary and other capacities for over 30 years. He was President of District No. 2 from 1938 to 1942 and Judge of the District Lodge from 1942 to 1944.

Hans served his community in a variety of ways, including being chairman of the local Norwegian
of the local Norwegian Relief Program and receiving a citation signed by Norway's King Haakon VII in 1946. He was also Secretary of the Scandinavian Benevolent Society, a member of the Columbia Hospital board of directors, a member of the National Association of Postal Supervisors and a board member of the Clatsop County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

His notable career in in the United States Postal Service spanned forty-three years. He received his original appointment in 1906, was appointed Superintendent of Mails in 1920 and became the Assistant Postmaster in 1932. He declined to become Postmaster, a political and less stable appointment that could require a move from the area. He was loved for his thoughtfulness toward his neighbors and friends when he would deliver mail received after hours on his way home from work, especially during World War II.

Elizabeth Bue (mother of Hans) hosted a meeting at their home on August 25, 1910 to plan the organization of a Stjernen (chapter) of the Daughters of Norway and to elect their charter officers. The Stjernen was officially founded on August 31, 1910. Elizabeth served in many capacities with the Daughters of Norway, including President. The Stjernen was incredibly active and within a year of organizing they entered a float in the 1911 Astoria Centennial parade, for which they won a prize. The group organized the first drill team, first dance group and first Past Presidents' Club of any Daughters of Norway chapter. They paid out thousands of dollars in sick and death benefits, contributed funds to hospitals and more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service to the USO. Hans' wife, Katherine, and sisters Nellie and Ann were active in the organization, serving it in many capacities.

Author Marian Soderberg
Clatsop County Historical Society
Winter 2010, pages 16 - 18

http://www-ia.hiof.no/~kmkytr/2011-2012/Semester%2001/Studio/Artikkel/Astoria_Info/Cumtux_Winter_2010/Hans_Martin_Bue.pdf