Martin Charles Ansorge Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Martin Charles Ansorge passed away in 1967.

Martin Charles Ansorge was an American politician.

Ansorge was born January 1, 1882 in Corning, New York. He attended Columbia College at Columbia University, an undergraduate college, graduating in 1903. By 1906 he graduated from Columbia Law School.

In 1906 Ansorge got admitted to the bar and he began practicing law in New York City.

Ansorge tried unsuccessfully to be elected to Congress in 1912, 1914 and 1916. He declined the Republican nomination in 1918. Through out all of his campaigns in this time period he ran on the platform of "Feed America First". Ansorge had an issue with sending foodstuff out of the country when there were hungry people here in the United States.

Ansorge got elected to Congress in 1920 serving from March of 1921 to March of 1923. In his short time, Ansorge helped to pass one of the first Anti-Lynching bills ever. The Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill prohibited lynching in America. Despite the controversy of the bill, Ansorge gave a speech in front of Congress about its importance.

During his one term in Congress, Ansorge also co-authored the first Port Authority bill for New York and New Jersey. He presented the bill for signature to President Calvin Coolidge.

Under great controversy, Ansorge nominated the first African-American to United State Naval Academy.

After leaving Congress Ansorge became the director of United Air Lines. He also represented Henry Ford.

Anorage passed away on February 4th, 1967.

Ansorge was a member of Mt. Nebo Lodge No. 257 in New York City, New York.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.