Person:William Furber (10)

William's Furber's Alaskan Mission

Here is one of William's field reports^[7] from his Alaskan mission, showing his fervor, the hardships he endured, and the dangers he encountered:

Knowing that many who read the Gleaner are interested in the work here in Alaska we write a few lines to give some of our experiences of the last month.

Shortly before the first of September we received our shipment of books, and after delivering at Juneau and the mines in that vicinity we started on our trip down the coast, a trip of about two hundred and fifty miles, to reach the different points that we wanted to reach.

The weather had become rather unsettled and stormy, and we talked quite seriously of the advisability of making this long trip this time of the year in our small boat, but, as there were several places that we could not reach by taking the steamer, we decided to risk it.

Accordingly, we left Juneau the afternoon of the sixth. The first village that we came to was deserted, so we continued our way to Taku Harbor. Here we found the most of the people preparing to go below for the winter, as this place is only a fishing station and very few stay here during the winter. However, we succeeded in selling some books, and left tracts with nearly all.

Our next stop was at Snettisham. Here there were two mines but the lower one was shut down, there being only a watchman and one family. I canvassed these for Heralds, but neither decided to take a book, although the woman invited me back to show the book to her husband in the evening. After we had anchored the boat and eaten our evening lunch Brother Temple struck out up the mountain side to the upper mine while I went back to the lower. Upon arriving at the house I found the watchman and lady whom I had canvassed and her husband all there together. After a few general remarks I began to canvass the husband and I noticed that the others were listening closely to what I was saying. The man whom I was canvassing did not seem to be able to make up his mind as to whether he would take the book or not, but asked me many questions which I answered the best I could.

In a little while the watchman got up and left, and I wondered why he had left so abruptly; however, he soon returned, and, coming to where I was sitting, he gave me two dollars and said that he would take the book. We spent a very pleasant evening, and when I was ready to go the watchman accompanied me to the beach, and before bidding me good night, told me that he had been a Christian, but that the last few years he had gotten in the fog. I then called his attention to how careful he would be, if, traveling on the water, he were to get into the fog, to consult his chart and compass and to follow its direction. Then I told him that the Bible was our chart and compass which God in his goodness had given us to direct our ways, and that if he would study and follow its directions,he would soon be out of the fog into the bright rays of truth. He said he believed that was the right way and that he would do so. He then said, "You are in a good work, and may the Lord bless you." I want to tell you that I felt well repaid from this one experience for all the risk we had taken to meet those who are isolated from many privileges that we enjoy.

Brother Temple also had an excellent experience at this place. On reaching the mine he canvassed the superintendent's wife and daughter. The daughter took a book and did all that she could to get the miners to buy. She said it was too bad, after one had brought such good books as far as he had, that each person whom we meet would not take one.

The next morning we were up bright and early and ran down the bay a couple of miles to a small cove where there were some old buildings going to pieces. Here Brother Temple replenished our supply of wood while I got breakfast. There was also a whaling boat lying here and two large whales that had been captured and anchored until such time as the tow boat would come to take them to the station, which is in the neighborhood of a hundred miles distant. It was a strange sight to see those great monsters of the sea lying there lifeless, and one that caused me to rejoice that the time is not far distant when God's creature's will not prey upon the lives of each other, but each will fulfil the purpose for which it was created.

As soon as we could get the wood aboard and dispose of breakfast we continued on our way, and reached Cape Franshaw about five in the evening, just as it began to storm in earnest. That night the wind lashed the waters of the bay into a foam and the phosphorus in the salt water gave it the appearance of fire.

The next day was Sabbath, and we spent it aboard the Evangel reading the Bulletin and studying the Sabbath-school lesson. As it was still storming Sunday, we spent a portion of the day among the fishermen. We did not succeed in selling them any books, but left them a supply of tracts. Monday we ran across to Cape Bendell and in the afternoon we started for Petersburg. That night we anchored in a small bay and early in the morning started on our way again but on account of rough weather we were soon compelled to seek a harbor where we could anchor in safety. The next day we tried again to make the run but again were forced to run back and anchor. The third day about noon it calmed down somewhat and we proceeded on our way as far as to the Soukboi Islets, two small islands upon which a Mr. Barkdull has a fox ranch. While anchoring here the proprietor very kindly invited us to come ashore and spend the evening. We gladly accepted the invitation and found him to be a very pleasant man. Mr. Barkdull was well acquainted with Brother Watson and family when they were in Douglass, Alaska. He is a Christian and believes that we have the truth but has not fully identified himself with our people. He would not listen to our going aboard the boat again for the night but insisted on fixing a bed and having us stay with him. The next morning after worship he said that he wanted one of our books, and told us that at any time we were passing to remember that his latch string hung on the outside, and that we were to make ourselves at home whether he was there or not.

It was again Friday morning; and, as it was only a short distance to Petersburg, we made the trip and did our delivering before Sabbath: We spent this Sabbath very much as we did the previous one, and Sunday morning again started on our way, reaching Wrangell in the afternoon. At this place we were fortunate enough to find all of our customers, who had not moved away, in one day so that we again started on our journey Tuesday morning. At night we anchored at the lower end of Brownsons Island intending to start on again early in the morning; however, when the morning came we did not need to look outside to know that it was storming; for our little boat was pitching and rolling about in quite a lively manner, although we were quite well protected from the wind.

Here again we were compelled to exercise patience, as it was not safe for us to travel. All that day, we lay there at anchor, and the night following until about three in the morning,when we awoke to the fact that we were adrift. We lost no time getting into our clothing; and upon examining the anchor line, we found that the anchor was gone, the rope evidently having caught on some sharp rock, and the constant rise and fall of the boat on the waves had cut it off. It being too dark to travel, we ran back to where we had been anchored and let the boat drift, repeating this until it became light. We then headed for a cannery which was about eight miles distant, where we secured another anchor; and the superintendent, who seemed to be quite interested in our work, made us a drag with which to fish for the anchor we had lost. We were unsuccessful in this, however, and, after dragging for several hours, we decided to go on without it. There was now a ten-mile stretch of open water to cross, but, as the wind had calmed down somewhat, we decided to start; and, although we were tossed around pretty lively, we were glad to reach Lemesuoier Point by night, where we had a better harbor. The storm seemed to have no intentions of giving us much peace, however; for during the night it returned with renewed energy and continued for three days, but as there were some fishermen camped at this place we visited and canvassed them and did what we could to call their attention to their eternal welfare.

Monday morning the wind had subsided and it looked as though it might be quite a nice day for traveling. We had not gone far before we were very forcibly reminded of the uncertainty of the things of this life; but, as there was no good harbor near, we continued our way to Ketchikan through one of the roughest experiences we have yet had.

After the almost constant rain of the summer and the stormy trip which we have had, we found that our bedding and clothes were getting thoroughly damp and musty, so we have moved into a house to give these things a chance to dry out.

We have another short trip to Saxman and Metlakahtla, and then expect to do Bible and tract work here in Ketchikan to follow the book work that we have already done.

We ask the prayers of all our brethren that our work may prove a success, and that souls may be brought to a knowledge of the truth.

One native woman said to me when I brought her Great Controversy, "I am so glad to get this good book. I have been looking for you every day." Another native man said, "We need help. It is hard for us to understand some things in the Bible." I am thankful that we have the privilege of helping them to some extent.

Wm. F. Furber,

F: W. Temple.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 United States. Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. (Washington, D.C.: National Archives Microfilm Publication M1509, 1987-1988)
   Affiliate Publication Number: M1509, GS Film number: 1852146, Digital Folder Number: 005243471, Image Number: 01786.

   Name: William Frederick Furber
   Address: 1497 Winona, Portland, Multnomah, Oregon
   Age: 41
   Date of Birth: November 19 1876
   Native Born: Yes, But Canadian
   Of what nation are you a citizen? Canada
   Occupation: Calker
   Employer's Name: Sanderson & Porter
   Place of Employment: Raymond Pacific Wash.
   Name of Nearest Relative: Helen Erna Furber
   Address of Nearest Relative: 1497 Winona Portland Multnomah Oregon
   Description: Medium height, slender, brown eyes and hair
   Physically disqualified? Loss of Second Finger Right Hand.
   Date: Sept. 7, 1918

2. ↑ July 25, 1955, in North Pacific Union Gleaner
   Vol. 50, No. 29, p. 7.

   Furber---William Furber of Tigard, Ore., was born Nov. 19, 1876, and passed away after a brief illness. He had been an Adventist all his life. He sold books in Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands, but most of his full life was spent in Portland where he worked as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife, Erma; one son, Arthur of Aloha, Ore.; four daughters, Helen Furber--missionary nurse in Africa; Alice Furber, Carol Ford and Ruth Schuler. Services were conducted in Portland with interment in Sunset Hills Memorial Park.

3. ↑ Penobscot, Maine, United States. 1880 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   ED 14, sheet 559D, family 346, NARA publication T9-0485, reel 485, Image Number: 00383.

   Household:
   Furber Isabella. Age 54. Farmer.
   Furber Anna M. Age 25. Daughter. At home.
   Furber. William C. Age 21. Son. Retail Peddler.
   Furber Allen A. Age 6. G Son.
   Furber William F. Age 4. Grand Son.
   Furber Dennis C. Age 2. Grand Son.
   All born in Maine.

4. ↑ Multnomah, Oregon, United States. 1920 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration Publication T625)
   ED 173, sheet 10A, family 222, NARA digital publication of T625, roll 1503, Image Number: 00131.

   Address: 1497 Winona Street
   Furber William F. Head. Age 43. Born in Maine. Caukler, Shipyards.
   Furber Erna H. Wife. Age 32. Born in Michigan. Both parents born in Germany.
   Furber Hellen D. Daughter. Age 8. Born in Alberta Canada. (Am. Cit.)
   Furber Ruth E. Daughter. Age 7. Born in Alberta Canada. (Am. Cit.)
   Furber Alice F. Daughter. Age 4 yrs, 6 mos. Born in Alberta Canada.
   Furber Arthur M. Son. Age 3 yrs, 6 mos. Born in Honolula Hawaii.

5. ↑ Multnomah, Oregon, United States. 1930 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration Publication T626)
   ED 534, sheet 3B, family 87, NARA digital publication of T626, roll 1954, Image Number: 00850 and 851.

   Address: 493 Magnola Street
   Household:
   Furber: William F. Head. Age 53. 1st married at age 33. Born in Maine. Carpenter, House.
   Furber Erna H. Wife. Age 43. 1st married at age 23. Born in Michigan. Father born in Germany, Mother in Ohio.
   Furber Helen D. Daughter. Age 19. Single. Born in Canada.
   Furber Ruth E. Daughter. Age 17. Single. Born in Canada.
   Furber Alice F. Daughter. Age 14. Born in Canada.
   Furber Merlyn A. Son. Age 13. Born in Hawaii.
   Furber Donald W. Son. Age 10. Born in Oregon.
   Furber Carol B. Daughter. Age 6. Born in Oregon.

6. ↑ Multnomah, Oregon, United States. 1940 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   ED 37-450, sheet 3B, family 66, NARA digital publication of T627, roll 3393, Image Number: 00106.

   Address: 915 NE Portland Blvd.
   Household:
   Furber William F. Head. Age 63. Born in Maine. Carpenter, Dock repair for contractor.
   Furber Erna H. Wife. Age 53. Born in Michigan.
   Furber Merlyn. Son. Age 23. Single. Born in Hawaii. Carpenter, Building contruction.
   Furber Carol B. Daughter. Age 16. Born in Oregon.

7. ↑ ^7.0 7.1 October 20, 1909, in Northern Pacific Union Gleaner
   Vol. 4, No. 26, pgs 3-5.
8. ↑ June 13, 1912, in Northern Pacific Union Gleaner
   Vol. 7, No. 6, p. 7.

   The obituary of William's father, Augustus Furber, places William in Irvine, Alberta in 1912.