A Smörgåsbord of Stories
In 1986, I began my family history journey with a set of Russian documents. I took those documents to my first genealogy society meeting where a kind volunteer translated them into English. With these translations, I launched my love of genealogy and began my search … read more
How can an event like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival be an answer to prayer? For our family, the 1988 Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition during the Winter Carnival provided more than just an artistic outlet. Friendly Competition Patrick remembers that the Minnesota Chapter … read more
Edward Gentzkow was born in Minneiska, Wabasha County, Minnesota on January 15th to Julius Gentzkow and Matilda Dittrich. But in which year? Records of his birth list both 1881 and 1882. Which is it? Wabasha County The first record of Edward’s birth is the … read more
For the last several weeks, I’ve wrestled with the Timber Culture Act and the participation of Franklin Hesse (1861-1935). Participation seems too polite. I believe that Frank exploited loopholes in the Act to gain 160 acres of “timber” land adjoining his North Dakota homestead. … read more
The Timber Culture Act of 1873 allowed persons to claim 160 acres of government land if they promised to plant and raise trees. This Act was a terrific way for homesteaders to enlarge their land holdings. But, there were requirements. Planting Trees In the … read more
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve talked about timber claims and the Timber Culture Act. Because my 2x great grandfather claimed 160 acres through this Act, I became interested and looked for more documentation. The paper trail has left me with more questions than … read more
When preparing for my Christmas trip to Washington, D.C., I took another look at the Dakota Territorial homestead records I found on my previous trip. Franklin Hesse’s Testimony of [Homestead] Claimant, page 1: Question 7 Have you ever made a pre-emption filing for any … read more
In April of 2022, I secured a Research Appointment at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Even though it was not my first trip to the repository, it felt like Christmas. My “gifts” consisted of several original Homestead applications. Christmas at the Archives Fast … read more
Thomas Wentworth Higginson wrote: “How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” When I think about winter, I remember the snow-filled wonder of younger days. I also embrace winter as a time for reflection. … read more
Family History is a hobby that encompasses many different aspects: research, writing, familial relationships and detective work. With the advent of the Internet, we can quickly connect to so many cousins. We can share information and photos so easily. Today I present to you, … read more