Freeborn County Genealogy Society 1033 Bridge Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007 The following information comes from selected articles in the FCGS Tracer for the months of January, February, and March. The Tracer is published quarterly and is free to members of the FCGS. Non-members can purchase a copy of the FCGS Tracer for $2.00 each.   EDITOR: Vickie Storlie The Freeborn County Tracer is published four times per year: January/February/March; April/May/June;  July/ August/September;  October; November/December/. July, August, September 2010                         ISSUE NO. 200 FCGS PROGRAM FCGS PROGRAMS (Subject to change). July 12th - Tips from Genealogy Newsletters The January through March, 2010 meetings of the FCGS will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Freeborn County Historical Museum. SERVERS FOR 2010 July 12              Virginia Plantage/Pat Hanson Aug. 9                Linda Evenson Sept. 13             Carl Grandstrand Oct. 11               Pat Mulso Nov. 8                Vickie Storlie Dec.                   Christmas **************************************** Freeborn County Historical Society Fundraiser, Friday, July 30, 2010, American Legion, 142 Broadway N. Albert Lea, MN 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Swiss Steak Dinner Tickets $8.00 Supplemental Funding by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Freeborn Co. Chapter 31190. LIBRARY LOCK-IN FREEBORN CO HISTORICAL MUSEUM LIBRARY Monday, August 16, 2010 – 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: $25.00 members - $30 non-members Checks payable to FCHM. Registration deadline is August 9, 2010, limited to the first 6 Registrants.  Limited to 16 Registrants Registration includes: 1. Snack/Beverage 2. 20 Free copies 3. Class Handouts 4. Internet access during class 5. One on one assistance 6. Access to all the Library collections. Interested contact the Museum for more information. 507-373-8003. Address: 1031 Bridge AV, Albert Lea, MN 56007 Genealogy Crossroads Workshop August 28 & 29, 2010 Freeborn Co. Historical Museum, Albert Lea, Minnesota Sponsored by the Freeborn Co. Historical Museum & the Freeborn Co. Genealogical Society. Speakers: Linda Coffin:  “Turning Your Heirlooms Into Stories” Tom Rice: “Research Methodologies: How to Plan your research” Mary Bakeman:  “Finding Military Records” Jay Fonkert:  "Genealogical Detours: Solving Problems with Indirect Evidence" and "More than Just a Job: Using Occupation to Track Your Ancestor." Pat Mulso : “Planning a Family Reunion” Linda Evenson:  “Library Resources” Vickie Storlie:  “Genealogy Websites” Pre-registration required, limited to first 50 registrations.  Contact the Museum with any questions, 507-373-8003. Save the dates!! New Members Janet Hintermeister 2326 Eunice DR Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-1237 Thomas George 3433 Castle Pine Court Green Cove Springs, FL 32043-8072.    HYPERLINK "mailto:george97@bellsouth.net" george97@bellsouth.net SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH GENEALOGY TRIP We have scheduled a trip to the World’s Largest Genealogical Library. The trip date is Sunday, October 3rd through Saturday, October 9th, 2010. The cost listed below is per person, for members, and includes transportation to the airport, room and orientation class. Non-members add $50 to the listed amounts. (Meals and air fare are not included). Single-$635.00, Double $365.00, Triple $275.00 and Quad $230.00. We will be staying at the Salt Lark Plaza Hotel, which is located next door to the library in downtown Salt Lake City. There will be a class orientation at the library to start the week and then you are on your own to work at the library or sight see in downtown Salt Lake City at your leisure. We will have a meeting prior to departure to help you prepare for the trip so that you can make the most of your time at the library. We did make group air travel reservations last time, and that will be discussed as a group once we have closed our reservation for the trip. We are requiring a $100 non-refundable deposit at the time you register for the trip. One half the balance is due by June 1, 2010 and the remaining by August 15th, 2010. Checks payable to FCHS and in the memo put SLC Trip. Summer Hours for the Museum 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Microfilm Added to the Library 277 Rolls of microfilm have been added to the Museum Library. They are reels of newspaper microfilm which include the Alden Advance, Bancroft Pioneer, Ellendale Eagle, Kiester Courier, New Richland North Star, New Richland Star, Wells Advocate, Wells Forum, Wells Forum-Advocate, and the Wells Mirror. Membership Dues Genealogy membership dues are due in January.  This will be the last TRACER sent if your membership isn’t current.  Dues are $20.00 mailed to FCGS, 1033 Bridge AV, Albert Lea, MN  56007 Websites Google Language  HYPERLINK "http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=EN" www.google.com/language_tools?hl=EN Use for translating from English to another language or from another language to English. Valley Forge Muster Roll Project  HYPERLINK "http://www.valleyforgemusterroll.org/index.htm" http://www.valleyforgemusterroll.org/index.htm Is dedicated to the 30,000 plus men who served at the Valley Forge Encampment under General George Washington during the period of Dec 1777 to Jun 1778. 1840 Census of Pensioners, Revolutionary or Military Service Site HYPERLINK "http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/colonial/census/1840/" http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/colonial/census/1840/ The 1840 Census of Pensioners, Revolutionary and Military Services was originally compiled by the federal government from the 1840 U.S. Federal Census, which required enumerators (census takers) to list the names and ages of Revolutionary War and other federal military service pensioners in households. Civil War Index to Soldiers (North & South)  HYPERLINK "http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/" http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/ The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System is a computerized database containing very basic facts about servicemen who served on both sides during the Civil War. The initial focus of the CWSS is the Names Index Project, a project to enter names and other basic information from 6.3 million soldier records in the National Archives. The facts about the soldiers were entered from records that are indexed to many millions of other documents about Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers maintained by the  HYPERLINK "http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/partners_nara.htm" National Archives and Records Administration. Civil War Rosters by State  HYPERLINK "http://www.civilwarroster.com/index.html" http://www.civilwarroster.com/index.html This is a directory of Civil War Rosters/Muster Rolls that have been found on the internet. Since only 50-60% of all rosters are on the internet, some units will not be listed. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War  HYPERLINK "http://www.suvcw.org/" http://www.suvcw.org/ Sons of Confederate Veterans of the Civil War  HYPERLINK "http://www.scv.org/" http://www.scv.org/ American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC)  HYPERLINK "http://www.abmc.gov/home.php" http://www.abmc.gov/home.php The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) was established by Congress in 1923 to commemorate the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces where they have served overseas since 1917, and within the U.S. when directed by public law. The ABMC commemorative mission is reflected in 24 overseas military cemeteries that serve as resting places for almost 125,000 American war dead; on Tablets of the Missing that memorialize more than 94,000 U.S. servicemen and women; and through 25 memorials, monuments and markers. World War I, Worlds War II, Korean War, Other Burial listings. World War I Document Archive  HYPERLINK "http://net.lib.byu.edu/~rdh7/wwi/" http://net.lib.byu.edu/~rdh7/wwi/ This archive of primary documents from World War One has been assembled by volunteers of the World War I Military History List (WWI-L). International in focus, the archive intends to present in one location primary documents concerning the Great War. The National Archives – Civil War Records  HYPERLINK "http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/military/civil-war/" http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/military/civil-war/ Paper copies of Civil War Pension files can now be requested online. Index to Civil War Information on the Internet.  HYPERLINK "http://www.civilwarhome.com/indexcivilwarinfo.htm" http://www.civilwarhome.com/indexcivilwarinfo.htm The Civil War  HYPERLINK "http://www.sonofthesouth.net/" http://www.sonofthesouth.net/ Welcome to The Civil War, the WEB's most extensive source of original Civil War resources.  This site has over 7,000 pages of original Civil War content, and is full of incredible photographs, original illustrations, and eye-witness accounts of the defining moments of this Historic Struggle. Bookmark this site, as you will simply not find this information anywhere else! We have recently completed posting the complete run of Harper's Weekly newspapers from the Civil War. These papers give incredible insight into this important period of our history. 1878 Albert Lea Township Plat Map.  Nicholas Ott property is in Section 19, just south of Pickerel Lake on the left side of the map.  The letter above  from The Ott/Otth-Urfer Family: From Switzerland to America, by Irene Ott, 1997.   (Submitted by Carl Grandstrand) OBITUARIES Albert Lea Tribune August 21, 1941 Mrs. Amanda Miller of Freeborn Was Born In A Covered Wagon. Mrs. Amanda Miller of Freeborn village passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Warren Cherrington, in New Richland, last night (Wednesday, Aug. 20) at eight o’clock. Mrs. Miller has been at the Cherrington home for the past eleven weeks.  A general break down in health caused her death. This remarkable woman was loved and respected by all who knew her.  She was born in a covered wagon in 1857, August 25, on the prairie, three miles southeast of Freeborn village. Mr. Miller, her husband, passed away in 1926. Mrs. Miller is survived by seven children as follows:  Henry of Dauphin, Manitoba; Sidney, of Freeborn; Mrs. Earl (Mary) Longshore of Matawan, Minn.; Mrs. Noyce (Elsie) Hall of Wickenburg, Ariz.: Mrs. Warren (Ruth) Cherrington of New Richland; Robert of Freeborn and Mrs. Clifford (Alice) Corner of Motley, Minn. The funeral will take place on Saturday at two o’clock from the Congregational Church in Freeborn.  Rev. George Safford will officiate.  Interment will be made in the Freeborn Cemetery by the side of her husband. Albert Lea Tribune April 2, 1950 Mrs. Ida Miller Dies At Home In Hartland  Mrs. Ida Miller, Hartland, died at her home last night.  She was 63 years old.  Mrs. Miller had been ill for the last two years with cancer.  She was born in Hartland in 1886 and has resided there all her life.  She married Albert Miller there in 1905.  Mr. Miller preceded her in death in 1944.  Mrs. Miller was a member of Hartland Lutheran Synod. Her survivors are:  three sons, Arnold, Lloyd and Raymond, all of Hartland, two daughters, Mrs. Hans Holland, Jr., and Mrs. Alvin Woldenhauser, also of Hartland and 12 grandchildren. All her children were present at her death. The funeral will take place 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at her home and 2 p.m. at the Hartland Lutheran Synod Church.  The Rev. Paul Ylvisaker will officiate.  Internment will be at the church cemetery. Albert Lea Tribune 1938 Mrs. Bertha Miller Mrs. Bertha Miller died on Thursday evening, April 8, at 7 o’clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Reese where she had made her home these last months, before that time making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Chris Miller.  She suffered a stroke on Saturday, April 16, and was in bed six days.  She was 88 years old February 6. She came to this country at the age of 19 years from Grans Prestejeld, Hadeland, Norway, where she was born in 1850, her parents being Oer and Anna Olsen.  She was the only living member of her family. Bertha Olsen married Andrew Miller in 1872.  Her husband died five years ago.  She was a member of the Synod Lutheran church of Hartland, where she will be missed by a large host of friends and relatives.  She was a good mother and a real Christian.  Her church was her only thought when there were services there.  She lived in this community all her life except for two years spent at her daughter’s, Mrs. Peter Christoferson, at Fergus Falls, Minn. She leaves four sons and two daughters, Peter, Anton and Ida of Fergus Falls, Albert and Christ of Hartland, and Nina of Ellendale; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. John Miller of Fergus Falls, 37 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  One daughter died in infancy, one son, Albert, died at the age of seven, and John died at the age of 42. Funeral services were held Monday at the Synod Lutheran church with burial at Hartland cemetery.  Those who attended the funeral from a distance were Mrs. Pete Christopherson, Mrs. And Mrs. Pete Miller and daughter, Esther, Mrs. And Mrs. Art Miller and daughter, Joyce, Mrs. And Mrs. Anton Miller, Mrs. John Miller and Harry Nelson all of Fergus Falls, Minn. Albert Lea Tribune June 2, 1953 Mrs. Cora Miller Dies at Hospital Funeral Pending Mrs. Cora Belle Miller, 79, of Route 1, Albert Lea, died early this morning in Naeve hospital.  She had been ill for several months and hospitalized for almost two weeks. She was born in Michigan, August 18, 1874, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Almon Taylor.  She lived in Michigan until she was 13, and then moved to Iowa with her family.  She lived in Austin about 45 years, and moved to the rural Albert Lea address 11 years ago. She is survived by a brother, John Taylor, of Oakland, Iowa, four daughters, a son, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren.  Her husband died 11 years ago. Surviving daughters are Mrs. Grace Champlin, Grand Meadow; Mrs. Chris Olson (Ethel) of Olivehurst, Calif.; Mrs. Helmer J. Norby (Tessa) of Albert Lea, and Mrs. Lyle Reed (Charlotte) of Austin.  The son who survives is Merle Miller of Austin. Arrangements for the funeral, which are being handled by Bonnerup and Son Funeral home, have not yet been completed. Around the County Times Enterprise October 16, 1912 South Bancroft South Bancroft, Oct. 14. – (Special)  Mr. Tollef Hellie has been having a pretty hard time for the last ten days.  His tongue is ulcerated and he goes to the doctor every day for treatment and has been feeling a little better for a day or two, but cannot take any solid food yet.  His son Roy, who had begun work in Albert Lea, has come home and will stay until his father gets wells. Grace Slater has accepted a position as teacher in Kannabec county about fifty miles north of St. Paul.  Her school begins today. Ruby Davis from the Naeve hospital spent Saturday night at the home of Joseph Slater, who is her uncle.  The hospital is nearly full now and the nurses have long hours and hard work. Anton Hamshaw, who has been working for A. H. Hewitt this summer, is helping Will Slater harvest his potato crop. M. E. Hewitt went to Northwood Saturday to visit at the home of his son for a few days. The funeral of O. F. Hewitt was held in the Methodist church, of which he was a member when e lived in Freeborn county, on Tuesday, October 8th.  There was a good attendance of friends, some of whom were perhaps disappointed that they were not given an opportunity to look once more at the familiar face.  The casket was left in the hearse as he had once said “do not take me into the church, I think a home funeral is best,” and his wishes were complied with as far as possible.  The Commercial Club of Kimball, where his home was, sent a large bunch of roses to show in some measure the respect they felt for him there and sympathy for his widow and son.  His body was laid to rest in Albert Lea cemetery in a spot which he and his wife had long ago selected. Freeborn County Times July 21, 1899, page 8 GORDONSVILLE Report of Gordonsville school for the term ending July 2, 1899.  No. of pupils enrolled 66.  No. of days taught 60.  Average daily attendance 39 ½.  Total attendance in days by all pupils 2606.  No. of books taken from library 64.  No. of visitors 80.  Nearly perfect in attendance;  Louis Larson, Nettie Seuser, Rea Seuser, Irene Barber, Edna Tunmore, Mattie Robinson, Addie Robinson, Minnie Barber, Mary Buchanan, Hazel Buchanan, Frank Buchanan, Myrle Buley, Seam Lang, Leroy Buley, Georgia McGrath, May Joppa, Seam Lang. MARIE C. CHRISTENSEN, teacher. GORDONSVILLE TIMETABLE B., C. R. & N. R. R. D. S. RESOR, Agent No.  1, Going North Passenger         1.00 p m No. 45,  “          “      (freight)           11.20 a m No. 99,  “          “      (freight)             7.20 p m No.  2, Going South Passenger          2.53 p m No. 46,   “         “       (freight)            2.20 p m No. 96,   “         “       (freight)            9.07 a m No. 98,   “         “       (freight)            5.45 a m FREEMAN Nearly everyone took in the Ringling Bros. circus Wednesday. Mrs. Rosa Beckel, of Glenville, was the guest of Daisy Howe a few days last week. Peter Peterson has been quite ill but is improving. Mrs. Andrew Johnson spent Saturday and Sunday at Silver Lake. Mrs. Herman and Mrs. R. Freeman tended a social at the home of the latter’s sister near Northwood Wednesday. James Baker has a nice new phaeton. Mr. and Mrs. Wm Edwards and Misses Paine and Bowen, of Albert Lea, were callers at the home of E. Larson Monday. Casper Kalstad came home from Sherburn recently where he has been for some time. Miss Marie Sorum has gone to Blue Earth for an indefinite visit. Quite a number of the old settlers attended the funeral of Mr. Kelley at Albert Lea Sunday. Mrs. W. G. freeman has received the sad news of the death of her uncle, E. H. Moore, of Hayes Centre, Neb. Freeborn County Standard August 28, 1916, page 8 SOUTHWEST ALDEN Hans Svendsen, Morgan Harris, Henry Mathison and Pete Angelo spent Saturday evening in Albert Lea. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hewitt are the proud parents of a baby girl born Sunday.  Mother and child doing nicely. Pete Nelson’s are entertaining company from Iowa. Van Deer’s spent Sunday afternoon in Albert Lea. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cook spent Sunday at O. F. Peck’s. Mrs. Cliffard Heggan and children and Miss Mary Bowers of Iowa are visiting with the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Schaudt. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hewitt and Mr. and Mrs. Clough spent Friday evening at Van Deer’s. Mrs. Andrew Hansen and Miss Laura Svendsen were business callers in Albert Lea Friday afternoon. Mrs. Fred Cook and son Glenn spent Monday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Schaudt. Albert Ostrander was a caller at O. F. Peck’s Sunday afternoon. Albert Lea Evening Tribune June 15, 1921 MAPLE ISLAND Mr. and Mrs. Ross Gerard are visiting relatives and friends at Grinnell, Ia., this week. Mr. and Mrs. Matt Doycher spent Sunday in St. Paul, where they visited with Miss Lois Wickler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amil Wickler, who is a patient in Phalen Park hospital. Miss Eva Belle Roberts of Nevada, Ia., is spending the summer with her uncle, J. R. Madison. Mrs. George Barklow of Oskaloosa, Ia., made a short visit with relatives at Maple Island. Arthur Martz of Lincoln, Neb., is making a short visit with relatives at Maple Island. Mr. and Mrs. Carey Warner of Stansbury, Mo., spent a few days with her brother, Chas. Perrine. Miss Ruth St. John of Butterfield, Minn., is visiting her friend, Miss Lucile Perrine. Mrs. Wm. Peterson of Winthrop, Minn., is a guest of her son and family. John Francen of Lakefield, Minn., is spending a few days with his son. School closed at Maple Island Friday, June 10th with a program and picnic dinner. Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hammer spent a few days visiting relatives and friends in South Dakota. Miss Neva Hansall of New Sharon, Ia., is making a short visit at the L. A. Howell home. Mrs. Glen Matthews departed for her home in Saskachewan, Canada, having spent the last two weeks with her sister, Mrs. Arthur Martz. Murry Leanhart and family motored to New Sharon, Ia., having been called by the death of Mr. Leanhart’s grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkbee of Lakefield, Minn., were recent callers at the Roy Smits home. Miss Ida Holmes and Chase Hoogland spent a few days visiting friends at Monroe, Ia. Freeborn County Standard October 6, 1881, page 8 NUNDA School district No. 45 will soon build a new school house, 18x24 feet.  J. C. McDonley will put it up for $700. Ole Haraldson left for Dakota last week. Miss S. L. Hamblin has gone to Des Moines to teach vocal music. Miss Florence Fox has returned to her home, after a six month’s visit among friends and relatives in Wisconsin. A brother of Mr. Fox, with his wife and family, from Eau Claire, Wis., made him a visit recently. Miss Ida Leighty of Glenville is in town visiting friends.                                                                      Our Pages of Life - Get to Know Your Roots!