This Second Edition includes new research, particularly on the earliest people to dwell in Missaukee, from Native Americans, to surveying teams, to the first documented pioneers. It also now includes several additional and expanded memoirs. John Brink shares some colorful stories from “the first white man to set foot in Missaukee.”  John Vogel’s diary, usually published in a truncated version, is now expanded to include his later life. Several additional first-hand memoirs of pioneers are added, including WL Coffinberry, Dan Reeder, Leonard Herweyer, Marion Richardson, and James Cavanaugh. A memoir of a typical Dutch immigrant family has been added.

George Stout now contributes two histories. The first is his 1941 history, roughly covering the years 1871-1917, which provides the most original summary of those decades, along with annotations from historian Fred Hirzel. Later in the collection is Stout’s even earlier review of the year 1891, which is really Stout’s first attempt at summarizing the flavor of Missaukee’s pioneer years. Stout used his 1891 work as a source for his later and more expansive 1941 History. 

​Finally, a bibliography of known sources on Missaukee history has been added, with some indication of their value, origins, and relationship to one another, to provide quick access to the most primary sources on key topics.

God Loves Fishermen
​God surely loves fishermen. He invited the stubborn, hot-tempered fishermen of his day to hang out with him and learn from him. Fishermen were the faithful companions with whom Jesus chose to spend his earthly ministry. Matthew 4 tells us that, “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. You see God too knows the value of a good fishing buddy.

Our God surely loves fisherman because he not only gave his life for them, he also made fishing the model for his ministry here on earth. He told his disciples that they were going to be fishers of men drawing his people back to their God. You see, God recognized that fishing was good training for all of life. Sitting patiently and waiting on God’s provision helps us to develop our muscles of trust in God.

Our God loves his fisherman, Tim Koster. He invited Tim, like he did his first disciples, to be a partner in his ministry here on earth. Tim has followed the heart of God and served him through all manner of choppy waters. Tim was himself a stubborn and strong-willed fisherman with a wry sense of humor much like the fishermen of Jesus’ day. God trained him up to fish for men, and Tim has faithfully served that calling. As God says, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master,” we know without a doubt that God loves his precious fishermen.