Wadena County Minnesota Queries
Wadena County Minnesota Queries
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Carolyn Whitaker Sun, 3 JAN 1999
I am looking for any descendants or other family members of a Rev. F. W.
Gardner, who lived in Wadena County around 1888. May have had a son, Charles
William Gardner b. 7 Oct 1860 Illinois d. May 1940 Iola, Allen Co. KS. Charles
married Luella Powell in Kansas City, Jackson Co. MO 1890. I have a picture of
Charles' mother that was taken in Brainerd, MN but has no name or date, but
appears to have been taken around the end of the 19th century. Charles William
is my g grandfather. Would like to know Rev. F. W. Gardner's wife's maiden
name. Charles William's parents were both born in Ohio as far as I know. Any
information greatly appreciated.
Colleen Anderson Fri, 8 JAN 1999
Looking for information about William and Fanny CANTERBURY. They lived in
Illinois 1850-1870 apx.. The family moved to Wadena Co., Minn in 1874.
Daughter, Sarah Elizabeth CANTERBURY, born 1850, married Jesse BANTA, in 1875.
Sarah and Jesse died in Whitman County, Washington.
Marianne Henriksson Giusti Tues, 12 JAN 1999
I am looking for family of Herman Henrikson who took a homestead in Wadena
County on Aug 3, 1899. I believe Herman Henrikson was one of three siblings
from S�terbo, Sweden who emigrated to the US in 1883. A brother and another
sister came in 1880. His father was Carl Henriksson from Hellby farm and his
mother Maria Lovisa Froman. Herman had one brother left in Sweden, and he was
still living in 1928. The family is still searching for Herman Henriksons family.
SueAnn Lepinski Fri, 22 Jan 1999
I am interested in any great stories or photos of my Great-great Grandfather
Frank Hamlin who settled in the village of Sebeka Minnesota in the 1880's.
He is buried there in the city cemetery. I would appreciate anything. Please email me.
Joyce May Sun, 24 Jan 1999
Looking for James E. BUNNELL family. His son Isaac E. BUNNELL married Brita
Johnson in Wadena County on Sept 4. 1904. Cannot find out much about James E.
and Anna COX BRIGGS. He was born in NY appro 1819 and was in Iowa in the
late 1800's but before and after Iowa nothing. Help would be greatly appreciated.
Doug & Audrey Andrus Sun, 31 Jan 1999
I am looking for further info. on Elizabeth A.(HANNA/HANNAH) and Lewis DEAN
who are listed in the 1900 and 1905 Census in Wadena Co. MN in Lyons Twp.
I would also like to contact any possible descendants of theirs or of Gurtie/Gertie
Hanna, a niece who is living with them in both years. I cannot find them in
the 1910 census but there is a Raymond Hannah, age 20 and his wife Otelia.
Elizabeth HANNAH DEAN supposedly had a brother named Ray. I would like to
contact any descendants of theirs also. In 1920 I found an Elizabeth Dean,
a widow,age 76, in Wadena County. Thanks for any further information.
Terri Carlson Wed, 3 Feb 1999
Researching the family of Nicholas and Anna BACKES THIELEN. Nicholas b.2/14/1856
Leimbach, DEU and Anna b. 12/2/1867 in Trier, DEU. By 1920's they were living in
Langdon, ND where they died. I am interested in their brothers and sisters.
Nicholas and Anna m. 11/22/1886 in Wadena, MN and the same day in the same
parish, a Marie THIELEN married a John HALFEN. One can only assume Marie was
Nicolas' sister. No other siblings known or what became of Marie THIELEN.
K.S. Taylor Tue, 9 Feb 1999
I'm researching NORTHFOSS family history and looking for Daisy K. Northfoss
SHEPHERD, daughter of George & Grace Kennedy Northfoss. Daisy was born 10 JUN
1882 in Wadena. Charles and Marie Northfoss, George Northfoss, Theo Northfoss
and William Northfoss all resided in Wadena and I have more information on all
of them. Thanks for any help!
Karen Taylor Tue, 9 Feb 1999
Looking for descendents of Marie or Nellie Grace NORTHFOSS LANG b. 11 Apr 1894
in Wadena, mother Bertha WENT Northfoss, father William Northfoss, both parents
were residents of Wadena in late 1800's and early 1900's
Derwood Johnson Sat, 13 Feb 1999
I'm requesting information about the family of Mikkel Olsen HARSTAD b July 11,
1860 in Norway. He immigrated to Goodhue County MN in 1867 and He married Anna
Mattson about 1883 in Red Wing. They lived in N. Dak. for a time and are
listed in the 1900 census of WADENA COUNTY. Their children are: Ole b Oct
1885, Mary b May 10, 1887 (married Lawrence Oberg), Caroline b Oct. 30, 1889
(not married), Anna b June 1892, Edward b April 24, 1895, Halvor b May 12, 1898,
and Lars b 1900.
Peg Spencer Tue, 16 FEB 1999
Looking for information on Romanzo and Matilda Young Van Deventer family or
descendants. They were both born in Illinois in the 1860's and moved to Wadena,
MN after the birth of their eight children, around 1889. Lived for a while in
Homer, IA. Had a one room log cabin in Wadena, Wadena County, MN.
Eric & Marie ViklundSat, 27 FEB 1999
I am searching for infomation on my GGgrandparents William and Bethiah Atcheson.
William born about 1816 in Ireland Bethiah (maiden name unknown) born in Ontario,
Canada. Moved from Ontario to Minn. in about 1885. Found on 1900 Census living
in Leaf River Twp, Wadena Co. Minn. known children - Hamilton Atcheson and wife
Loretta Springsteen moved with them from Ontario, to Minn. Hamilton and Loretta
children Rhoda born about 1882, Mary born 1878, Simon 1880, and William born 1885.
All born in Ontario. Mary married a Henry Richards, Rhoda married Melvin Fisher.
I would appreciate any infomation that someone can give me on this family.
Marie Viklund
Box 29
Erickson, British Columbia
Canada V0B 1K0
Denise DennstedtMon, 1 MAR 1999
My grandmother, Marie MORTEN was sent to the Fair Oaks Sanitarium in 1931 for
TB. I am trying to locate information about the sanitarium so that I can find
info about grandma.
Tom AdamsFri, 5 MAR 1999
My husband is researching his family and they lived in Wadena County circa
1860-1900. Fay Francis Adams (father) was born 14 Dec 1896 at Staples, Minnesota.
Ulysses Grant Adams (grandfather) was born 12 June 1873 at New Ulm, Minnesota. He
married Sadia Eleanor Parks who was born 21 June 1874 at Syracuse, New York.
Daniel Adams (great grandfather) was born 17 Aug 1836 at Kingsbury, Maine. He
married Josephine Dore on 6 Nov 1852 at Wellington, Maine. Josephine was born
on 12 Jan 1836 in Ireland. We are looking for a death date for Josephine. We
know she had her last child in Wadena County but died after that. We do not knowwhere.
Janice RichardsonFri, 19 Mar 1999
I'm looking for any information on the wife of Fred or Frederick Ludke or Ludtke.
Fred was born in Germany in about 1859 came to the United states in 1872 or 73.
They had 6 or 7 children (that I can find). My Great Great Grandmother is Selma
born in 1879 in Minnesota. Thank you.
Sylvia BurgerFri, 26 Mar 1999
I am searching descendants of the Beighley family. I know some lived in Park
Rapids, Wadena, and Sebeka in the early - middle 1950's.
Julie AbranSat, 3 APR 1999
Looking for information and descendents of William Henry Fultz & Nellie Osborn Fultz.
William H. Fultz was born in 1861 in Halifax Nova Scotia. He died in January of 1947
in Wadena MN. His wife Nellie was born in 1872 in MN. She died in June of 1949 in
Wadena MN. Their children included: Naomi Fultz (who married a Mr. Potter); Arthur Fultz;
Mary Fultz (who married a Clifford Stohl); Howard Fultz (Howard stayed in Wadena);
Laura Fultz (who married a Clarence Larson); Margaret Fultz (who married a George Barnum);
James William Fultz (who married an Edna Sunstrom); and Emma Fultz (who married an Oscar Berg).
Any information or help locating people appreciated.
Luise SnellMon, 5 Apr 1999
I am looking for information on my grandfather who died in 1942 or 1943. His parents came to
Wadena from England. Her last name was Gull and his was Robb or Robbie.
According to my aunt, the Robbie family were artistocrats who owned a castle in England.
But because he married beneath his status, the son came to the US and bought a large plot
of land in Wadena county and were totally cut off from their families. He died fairly
young from lung disease acquired from working in graineries. She died around 1923 and
my aunt knew only the surnames: Gull and Robb. When she died around 1923, James Edward
Gull Robb bought out the brothers and sisters who each inheirited 160 acres of land and
moved his family to the farm around this time. They retained the farm only until the
crash of 1929 when it had to be sold.
I would appreciate any information about the Gull-Robb family and the births of their
children which occurred in Wadena Minnesota. I do have the names of the children but not dates of birth...etc. James Edward Gull Robb was born
around 1880 and may have been the second child. His mother's name may have
been Gwen or Gwendolyn.
Louise P. PhippsThu, 29 Apr 1999
Seeking info on the parents of Margie Bessie MOFFATT. Her father was Luke MOFFATT, born
circa 1845, possibly in Montreal, Canada. Her mother may have been Betsey/Bessie E.
HOUSER, born 1844 Cicero, Onondaga Co., NY. Luke and Betsey MOFFATT moved to Verndale,
MN, in the mid-1870s. Daughter Margie MOFFATT was born in Verndale, MN, in 1886. She
married James William RYDER on 9 August 1905, they had 9 children. Margie worked with
her husband at the Verndale School for 34 years. At Margie's death in 1966, she had 26
grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. Would like to contact descendants and any info
on these people appreciated.
Sylvia BurgerMon, 3 May 1999
Am looking for information on the Kelly family. Details on distribution of farm when
taken away during the depression. Have living relatives in Verndale. No E-mail addresses.
Any information would be helpful.
Larry Eugene LoobyFri, 7 May 1999
I am researching The adoption of Lizzy SMUHL by the SHELTON family in 1889-1900 who
resided in WING RIVER township. Can anyone assist me there.
Nancy NewmanTue, 11 May 1999
Seeking info on possible relatives of James P. Zimmerman and Priscilla Angeline Abbott
who marrried on Jan. 2, 1893 in Wadena County. They moved to Alberta Canada about 1900/02.
Her parents were George Abbott and Abigal Caswell who may have lived in Bluffton, Ottertail
County. Her sister was Candace Amanda Abbott who married Charles Scribner. The Scribners
lived and died in Wadena County.
Linda LohrumThu, 13 May 1999
I have very little on the Jackson's. ? Jackson married to Nellie ? abt. 1910 to 1918.
A daughter Helen Louella Jackson born 17 May 1919 in Menagha, Wadena Co MN. This is all
we know on the family. Any and all help would be appreciated.
S. LeeMon, 31 May 1999
Looking for information on the Lester Dan (Dann) family. Lester Dann b. 1851 Colechester,
Delawere, NY. d. October 4, 1932 or 1939 in Wadena Co., MN. Married Betsy Annette Gleason
abt. 1872 NY. Son of Ebenezer Dann and Susan S. Williams
Lester and Betsy Dan had a daughter Cora May Dan b. September 14, 1873 Martin Co., MN.
They had other children but, I don't know the names of them. Cora May Dan d. June 1,
1957 Wadena Co. Cora May Dan m. 1. Dan Wooden no date. Had a daughter Hazel Clara
Wooden. Cora married. 2. Charles Korthals in June 1913. Wadena Co. These are my g grandparents and my gg grandparents. Any information will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Larry Eugene LoobyWed, 2 Jun 1999
Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) Smuhl was born Jun 5 1883 in Marshall Minnesota. In 1898 after the
death of her father Fredrick W. Smuhl and her mother's placement in Anoka Hospital. She
was sent to the Owatanna Home for Boys. We believe she was adopted out by the Shelton
family however she could have married a Shelton. In 1932 Lizzie went by the name Lizzie
Shelton age 36 of Rt# 3 Verndale MN. In 1967 she was listed in a brother's obit as Miss
Lizzie Shelton of Crosby MN. We are looking for family members of the Shelton family to
fill in this broken family history. Any assistance would be helpful. We thank you.
Larry Eugene LoobyWed, 2 Jun 1999
Daughters of Robert Marritt Shelto (B: 03 OCT 1883 - D: 05 JAN 1944) and Elizabeth "Lizzie"
(Smuhl) Shelton (B: 05 JUN 1883 - D: Unknown). PLEASE CONTACT ME about the family history.
Your names should be Wilma Grace Shelton (B: 25 OCT 1913) and Doris Roberta Shelton
(B: 12 DEC 1931). OR ANY OTHER DECENDANTS!!!!!!
Larry E. and Jeanne M. (Smuhl) Looby 1412 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire, WI 54703-0711 or (715) 832-8439
UnknownWed, 2 Jun 1999
I am looking for information on both my mother's family the names I have are
August Tanney that is the name of both my Grandfather and Great-grandfather
and Lempi Lalli who was my Grandmother. I also know there are people with
the names: Tolkkinen, Yoki, Miller. I think that some or most are buried at
the Alajoki cemetery.
Faro J. ManiaciFri, 2 JUL 1999
Looking for an obituary for John W. SHAW. Died in Wadena County on 6 November 1915.
John was born on 20 November 1841 in England, and lived in Lind, Wisconsin until the
early 1880s when he moved to Minnesota. The last census I have him on is 1910 in
Long Prairie, Todd County Minnesota, age 68. Also looking for any living relatives
interested in exchanging information. John William was my fourth great uncle.
Dean CameronWed, 14 JUL 1999
I am doing research on John J. Cameron abt 1850's 1860's married Nellie Lyons,
had son Amos (Fred) Cameron in Aldrich 3/7/1877.
Dean CameronWed, 14 JUL 1999
I am doing research on an extensive amount (possably 32) Lyons in Wadena Co.
I want to see the connection and relationship to Nellie Lyons married to John
J. Cameron from the same county. Circa 1850's 60's 70's
Linda SwansonMon, 19 Jul 1999
Martin and Ingeborg LOBERG WILLIAMS lived in Sebeka Village from about 1898
to about the 1930's. They had 15 children, some of whom were born and died
and in Sebeka in Wadena Co. Would like to know if the following are buried
in the Sebeka City Cemetery or any other cemetery in the vicinity:
Edvart Rolf WILLIAMS died 9-14-1906
Walter Guy WILLIAMS died 8-2-1910
Mabel Ruth WILLIAMS died 8-30-1909
Ray Arthur WILLIAMS died 8-2-1900
Sedvart Roy WILLIAMS died 10-8-1906
They all died in Wadena Co. Would appreciate any information regarding the
cemetery where they are buried.
Joan (Thompson) PerryTue, 27 Jul 1999
My husband's great-grandfather was David Perry, b. abt. 1830 in New York.
He married Betsy Camp (who died about 1874) and then married Elizabeth (?).
According to a family Bible the children he had with Betsy were: Alfred,
Ida, Clara, Lincoln, Willie and Byron (all born in WI) and David and Henry
(both possibly born in IA). A second list of children included: George,
twins Jessie & Bessie and Henry. I don't know if these are David Sr.'s
natural children or step-children and if there are two Henry's or one.
David Sr. moved from WI about 1872 to Iowa and died there in 1895. A couple
of the children moved back to Wisconsin and David Jr. moved to Verndale,
Wadena County, MN. I see in the list of deaths for Wadena County, a David
Perry, death date of 24 April 1944. I am wondering if this is David Jr.
and if anyone has info on the Perry family.
Phil & Kathy SeveranceSat, 07 Aug 1999
Looking for info on this Hoffman / Beissel family. They were living in
Wadena, MN in 1923. Peter Bernard Hoffman was born in P.R., Germany married
Catherine Beissel who was born Sep 20, 1869 in Douglas Twp, Dakota County, MN.
They were married in 1889 at St. Boniface, Hastings, Dakota Co, MN. Their
children included Ben, Joseph, William, Marie Hoffman Snee, Catherine Hoffman White,
Nicholas, Anna, Theresa Hoffman Lohmer, Bernard, and Herbert Hoffman.
E. WilliamsWed, 11 Aug 1999
Searching for others researching the ROSCOE and HEINMILLER families of Verndale,
Wadena County, MN. Nicholas HEINMILLER, Jr. died in 1916 and his wife Charlotte
"Lottie" KIRSCHMAN died in 1929. Their daughter Mary Heinmiller married Louis
ROSCOE who was born in MN abt 1880. Who were his parents, siblings? Would love
to hear from anyone researching these families.
T.W. LockhartTue, 7 Sep 1999
The 1895 census lists Torkkola family as Tirkeler. My great grandfather is Andrew Torkkola,
whose son Henry is my grandfather. Many Torkkola relatives are buried in the Jim Cook cemetary.
Andrew Torkkola died in 1933. My mother has a death date of June 28 but the Jim Cook cemetery
lists "Torkkola" died 27 Oct. 1933, no first name. This is listed in book E, no page referrence,
line 19. Any help on names of all 9 children would be helpful.
Nancy TurnerWed, 15 Sep 1999
Looking for information regarding my birth father, Jim GJERTSON or GJERTSEN or his relatives.
He lived in the Huntersville area, east of Menahga, on a farm in 1946 and may have been in his
mid-20s at the time. Might have later moved to Chicago and might have been in the military
during World War II. He knew Marie Condon who, at the time, was 15 or 16 years old.
Joseph BergeronSat, 18 Sep 1999
Joseph Bergeron is searching his maternal family and this query is posted at his
request (he has no internet and/or computer access). MILDRED VIVIAN LEAZOTT was
born on 6 Aug 1901 in Staples, Todd County. She died in Aug 1964 in Portland, OR.
She married ALEXANDER JOSEPH BEGERON in 1919 in Puyallup, WA. ALEXANDER was born
on 2 Sep 1896 in Rolette Co., ND and passed away on 2 Jan 1986 in Portland, OR.
Their sons were JOSEPH, GEORGE, and daughters FRANCIS and VERA. Joseph's mother
passed away before he became interested in who this side of his family was.
Joseph's can be contacted via:
Shirley Phillips
756 NE Fleming
Gresham, OR 97030
1-503-667-3840
Helen Beach KnifeWed, 22 Sep 1999
I am searching for information on my father's family. My father Keith Roland Beach,
was born 16 FEB 1920 in Clotho, Todd County, MN. Accordingto old maps Clotho was
located NW of Long Prairie. Keith's father was Dewy Beach and his mother was Chloe
(Curtis) Beach. To my knowledge, Keith had 4 brothers & 4 sisters. These include:
Guy; Rus; Everett; Elva; Sally; Helen; Lila; and one brother whose name is unknown to me.
My father, also called "Buck," died in Sheridan, WY in 1969. One sister Elva (Beach)
Jensen also died in Sheridan, WY. I would appreciate any information regarding this
family. Thank you.
Laura ScheinohaFri, 24 Sep 1999
Looking for a lawyer--family legend has it that a Mr. BRATLAND was assistant district
attorney of Wadena County (before 1900). His sister was Isabel MYRICK CROMWELL and
she and her husband Stephen settled just over the line in Otter Tail County (1890's)
after raising their children in Rice County MN. Isabel and her brother were born in
Norway, orphaned on the ship to America, and adopted by different families. Information
about any of these people would be appreciated.
Susan Petta-NokesSun, 03 Oct 1999
I am searching for a Hilkoske Family who settled in Otter Tail County. John Hilkoske
married Mary Novack and settled in Ottertail. Their children were: Andrew (who
married Mary Kopell and lived in Becker County); Benjamin; Mary; John (who married Olga
Hollemquist and relocated to Williston, ND); Catherine (who remained in Ottertail);
Clara; Rose (who married H.D. Wendte and died in Wadena October 31, 1986); Paul (who
remained in Ottertail); Sylvester (who remained in Ottertail); and Albert (who remained
in Ottertail).
They were members of St, Lawrence Catholic Church at Rush Lake. Younger
members were said to have changed their nmaes to "Hills". Where would I send for the
will of Rose (Hilkoske) Wendte? I am seeking information on these people--in obituaries
or pictures of gravestones if anyone knows the cemetery in which they are interred.
Tamra SluderMon, 04 Oct 1999
I am looking for my great grandparents. My great grandfather was Elmer E. RUSSELL
(born 1850-1865 and died abt. 1892) I have found a marriage certificate for Elmer
& Mary E. NICKERSON (my great grandmother). In DEC 1890 they had two known children
(one being my grandfather). Mary had been previously married to a Mr. MORRIS with
whom she had a son, Clyde A. MORRIS (born in 1888). Mary married again in DEC 1893
to a Robert RICHMOND and had at least 5 more children. By abt. 1908 she had married
again to Jack MEE. Together Mary & Jack had at least one other child.
My grandfather, Samuel Francis RUSSELL (Jr?), was born in 1891 in Pillager, MN. He
married Christina Lenore Kemp with whom he had 4 children. Christina's mother was
an ADAMS. I would love to compare notes with anyone who might have information on
these people.
Thomas W. LockhartTue, 5 Oct 1999
I have been actively searching the Torkkola genealogy for the last month. The
Torkkolas resided in Shell River Township begining at about 1890. The 1895
census lists them as Tirkeler, which is a mistake. Helen Torkkola Salo, still
lives in Menagha. If anyone is interested in this quest, they may contact me at
my e-mail address.
Harold LudtkeFri, 8 Oct 1999
Does anyone have a copy of old records for Wadena City Cemetery that list the
people who were buried there witout markers? I understand the original records
were burned in a house fire in the 1960's or 1970's. An elderly relative said
the original records did list those without markers. I have checked with the
Wadena County Historical Society, but they were unable to help. My great-grandmother,
Pauline (Weinkauf) Ludtke was buried in the Wadena City Cemetery in May 1894 without
a marker. She must have been one of the first to be interred there.
Dean CameronThu, 28 Oct 1999
I am researching the Lyons family from Wadena County. Harrison, Alexander, Eliza,
Permelia (Lyons) Cameron. I am also researching John J. Cameron who married Permelia
Lyons and homesteaded there in 1877.
Diane Miller-BabolikThu, 28 Oct 1999
I'm currently researching Julia (Mikkelson) Miller (Born: 11 JUL 1877). She married
Rasmus Miller (Born: 27 JAN 1869/70). I would like any info on Julia's parents, Stina
(Anderson) Mikkelson (Born: 1 APR 1840) and Rasmus Mikkelson (Born: 7 JAN 1834).
Julia and Rasmus Miller's children were: Lawrence (my Grandpa); Carl; and Roy. I know Julia died young--following the birth of one of the boys. Lawrence married Rebecca Reed on 27 JUN 1927. Rebecca was the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Bucklin) Reed. I would also welcome any info on the Reed Family.
Kirk D. HaldorsonThu, 9 Dec 1999
I'm looking for information on the Thurstison Family from the Wadena area.
Peter and Petra Thurstison and family. Sons Christian, Arthur and Leonard.
Christian married Martha Munson on 6/25/1908. They lived on Hwy 10 in Aldrich
Minnesota and Arthur is my wife's Grandfather born on 8/22/1895. Any
information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.