#7 -- Dora Elisa Nilson (1877-1965)

Ed's Day Wednesday

Dear FOLKS,

On Wednesdays, I continue to share the stories and family research provided by my late cousin, Edwin J. Ostrom (1944-2015). Last week we concluded the records, timeline and stories about Reinert Immanuel Emerson, Ed's maternal grandfather. We will now focus on the next person in Ed's genealogy Names List. For a review of Ed's genealogy you can follow this link.

This week I will introduce you to, Dora Elisa Nilson (1877-1965). Dora is our fourth and last person is Generation #3 (the Grandparents' generation) in Ed's genealogy. Dora is #7 in Ed's Ancestor Name List and she was Ed's maternal grandmother. She married #6 Reinert Immanuel Emerson.

I want to make note early in this article that there clearly has been confusion over how to spell Dora's maiden name. Records for Dora are found using both Nelson and Nilson. I know I have inadvertently used both while writing past articles. It is clear to me that cousin Ed ran into the same uncertainty regarding her name. The family tree database that I am working from has her name as NILSON; this matches the name etched into her father's grave marker, Peder C. NILSON. This appears to be the surname of choice. It is my current thinking to continue to use this name.

Her middle name also is spelled in variations, I have seen Elisa and Elise. Cousin Ed's family tree database contains Elisa; so we'll go with that, I will tell of the record conflicts as we go along here. So we'll go along with DORA ELISA NILSON.

IMAGE: Dora Elisa Nilson (ca. 1897). This
image is cropped from a larger photograph.
From collection of Edwin J. Ostrom.

Cousin Ed descended through:

* Dora's daughter, Alice Viola Emerson (1910-1989), #3 on the Name List
* to #1 on the Name List, Edwin "Ed" Junior Ostrom (1944-2015)... yep, cousin Ed.

INDIVIDUAL'S SUMMARY --

Name: Dora Elisa Nilson
Alternate Names: include Dora Elise Nelson
Sex: Female
Father: Peder Christian Nilson
Mother: Gurine Marie Tomasdatter

TIMELINE FOR DORA ELISA NILSON --

Birth:  13 Jan 1877 at home, on the family farm in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota USA. [1-2, 4-7, 9-12, 15]

Birth [Alternate]: 6 Jan 1877, according to Birth/Baptism record from Lutheran church. [14]

Baptism: 21 May 1877, Nordland Lutheran Church, Irving, Kandiyohi, Minnesota, USA. [14]

Residence: 1880 (age 3), in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, USA; marital status, single, relation to head of house: daughter. [3]

Residence: 01 May 1885 (age 8), in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, USA; ED 2, with her parents. [10]

Confirmation: 5 June 1892 (age 15), Nordland Lutheran Church, Irving, Kandiyohi, Minnesota, USA. [16]

Residence: 1895 (age 18), in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, USA; ED 10, with her mother. [9]

Marriage: 23 Jul 1898 (age 21), in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, USA; possible 1897. [1, 18-19]

Residence:  1900 (age 23), in Irving, Kandiyohi, Minnesota, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife. [1]

Residence:  13 Jun 1905 (age 28), in Irving Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, USA; ED 3 [7]

Residence:  1910 (age 33), in Torning Township Ward County , North Dakota, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife. [4]

Residence:  1915 (age 38),  in Torning Township, Ward County, North Dakota, USA [8]

Residence:  1920 (age 43), in Torning Township, Ward County, North Dakota, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife. [6]

Residence:  1925 (age 48), in Torning Township, Ward County, North Dakota, USA; stated age is 54. [11]

Residence:  1930 (age 53) in Torning, Ward, North Dakota, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head; Occupation: Farmer [2]

Residence:  1935 (age 58], in rural Ward County, North Dakota, USA [5]

Residence:  1938 (age 61) in Seattle, King County , Washington, USA [3]

Residence:  01 Apr 1940 (age 63), in Harrison Precinct, King County, Washington, USA; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife. [5]

Death: 10 Oct 1965 (age 88), in Lynnwood, Snohomish County, Washington, USA in a nursing home. Cause of death: Paralyzing stroke. [13, 19]

Burial: 16 Oct 1965, in Seattle, King County, Washington, USA; Acacia Memorial Park, Area G7 (Manzanita), Section D, lot 44, Space 1. [19]

SPOUSES, MARRIAGES AND CHILDREN --

1. Spouse: Reinert Immanuel Emerson 
2. Marriage: 23 Jul 1898 in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, USA; possibly 1897.
3. Children:
     1. Ruby Della Emerson (1 Aug 1899 - 09 Jan 2000)
     2. James Alden Emerson (26 Jun 1901 - 28 Dec 1987)
     3. Geneva Pemelia Emerson (02 Apr 1903 -13 Feb 2009)
     4. Lola Loella Emerson (12 Feb 1905 - 01 Dec 1995)
     5. William Emerson (02 Nov 1906 - 30 Aug 1998)
     6. Ole O'Bryan Emerson (21 Jun 1908 - 23 Jan 2000)
     7. Alice Viola EMERSON (09 Aug 1910 - 05 Sep 1989)
     8. [NAME WITHHELD FOR PRIVACY]
        9.   [NAME WITHHELD FOR PRIVACY]
   10. Oliver Winfield Emerson (28 May 1916 - 23 Oct 1984)
   11. Ivene Alvina Emerson (09 Jan 1918 - 21 Sep 2014)
   12. Verola Angeline Emerson (12 Jun 1920 - 27 Nov 2003) - twin
   13. Vivian Vera Emerson (12 Jun 1920 - 14 May 2014) - twin

NOTES --

Person notes and anecdotes in Ed's family tree for Dora Elisa Nilson:  her granddaughter remembers that Dora liked to use the word "perseverance" and Dora's daughter, Vivian, remembers that her mother often used the word "swell."

Dora's daughter, Ivene remembers fondly the subject of lutefisk. "Mother (Dora) just bought the dried fish and put it in a barrel, then poured a mix of water and lye over it and let it stand for several days. Then she would taste the water and she would say, "my that is not 'luted' enough so more water and lye for another couple of days." It was always a good and big reminder of the holiday season.

Dora's daughter Ivene also remembers that her mother's parents were well-off enough to have nice things. Ivene remembers the telling that one time, her sister Geneva and Mother (Dora) were having coffee or tea at someone's house and they were using fine china. Mama (Dora) said, "This reminds me of my home, we had fine china like this." Ivene continued to say, "My mother was not one to try to impress people or to boast in any way; it was a SIN to her. Then Mama got married and had a bunch of kids and all she had from then on were cracked and broken dishes! I can't remember Mama having one fine dish in the house, not until years later. Well, I have to take that back because I do remember one dish we used when we had 'company.' It was sort of a rose-color glass and she would put canned peaches in it. Canned peaches were dear and she would open a jar of home-canned peaches for dessert. I always hoped there would be some remaining when we left the table so I could have some at the 'second' seating. I suppose she sold that dish at the farm sale when they left Dakota for it was considered extra baggage. Now it would be considered an antique. Times change, don't they?"

SOURCES AND RESEARCH NOTES; Research Notes are in blue  --

This source list is the result of selecting and adding sources to Facts in Ed Ostrom's on line Ancestry Member Tree found as Ed Ostrom's Family Tree on Ancestry.com and then "syncing" this tree with my desktop tree that is one Family Tree Maker. From Family Tree Maker, I used the report publishing function.

I realized the source list presented was not in "Evidence Explained" format as defined by author Elizabeth Shown Mills, so have tried to reformat those sources. Those interested should be able to locate the documents and records I used from the information included. I am working to learn how to revise the source citations provided from Family Tree Maker into the proper format, so please bear with me.

1.) 1900 United States Federal Census, Population Schedule, Kandiyohi County,, Minnesota, Irving; Enumeration District 75, sheet 3A, dwelling 40, family 45, line 13-15, Reinert Emerson household; online database with digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 May 2016), citing National Archives Microfilm Publication T623, Roll 772; FHL microfilm: 1240772.

Information for the 1900 US Federal Census Census includes the following information about the Reinert Emerson Emerson household:

It appears that the young Reinert Emerson family is living in the same dwelling and the Ole T. Emerson family (Reinert's next older brother).

* line 13 - Emerson, Reinert -- head, white, male, born Dec 1870, age 29, married, married one year, born Minnesota, parents born Norway, farmer
* line 14 - Emerson, Dora -- wife, white, female, born Jan 1877, age 23, married, married one year, mother of 1 child, number of living children 1, born Minnesota, parents born Norway
* line 15 - Emerson, Ruby -- daughter, white, female, born Aug 1899, age 9/12, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota

2.) 1930 United States Federal Census, Population Schedule,Ward County, North Dakota, Torning; Enumeration District 51-72, Supervisor's District #1; Sheet 1A, stamped 66, handwritten 905, dwelling 7, family 7, lines 25-31, Reinert I Emerson household, indexed database and digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016), citing National Archives Microfilm Publication T626, Roll 1745; Image: 133.0; FHL microfilm: 2341479.

Information for the 1930 US Federal Census Census includes the following information about the Reinert Emerson Emerson household:

* line 25 - Emerson, Reinert I. -- head, home is owned, has radio, family lives on a farm, male, white, age 60, married, age at first marriage 28 years, did not attend school, can read & write, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway, speaks English, farmer, grain farm, not a veteran

* line 26 - Emerson, Dora E. -- wife H, female, white, age 53, married, age at first marriage 21, did not attend school, can read & write, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway, speaks English

* line 27 - Emerson, William -- son, male, whites, age 23, single, did not attend school, can read & write,born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota, speaks English, farmer, grain farm

* line 28 - Emerson, Oliver W. -- son, male, white, age 13, single, attended school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota, speaks English

* line 29 - Emerson, Ivene A. -- daughter, female, white, age 12, single, attended school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota, speaks English

* line 30 - Emerson, Verola A. -- daughter, female, white, age 9, single, attended school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota, speaks English

* line 31 - Emerson, Vivian V. -- daughter, female, white, age 9, single, attended school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota, speaks English

3.) "U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," online database with images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016), Seattle, Washington, Reinart Emerson I entry, 1938; page 467, image 238 of 701.

4.) 1910 United States Federal Census, Population Schedule, Ward County, North Dakota; Torning township, Enumeration District 171; Sheet 11A, Dwelling #25; Family #25; Lines 23-30, Reynard J Emmerson household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 May 2016) citing National Archives Microfim Publication T624, Roll 1149, FHL microfilm 1375162.

In the 1910 U.S. Census the Emerson last name was incorrectly written as Emmerson, the household included:

* line 23 - Reynard J. Emmerson [Reinert I. Emerson] -- head, male, white, age 39, married 11 years, born Minnesota, parents born Norway, speaks English, general farmer, works on own account, can read & write, owns his home without mortgage, not a veteran.
* line 24 - Dora E. Emmerson [Emerson] -- wife, female, white, age 33 married 11 years, 6 of 6 children living; born Minnesota, parents born Norway, speaks English, reads & writes
* line 25 - Ruby D. Emmerson [Emerson] -- daughter, female, white, age 10, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota, speaks English, reads & writes, attends school
* line 26 - James A. Emmerson [Emerson] -- son, male, white, age 8, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota, attends school
* line 27 - Geneva P Emmerson [Emerson] -- daughter, female, white, age 7, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota, attends school
* line 28 - Lolea L. Emmerson [Emerson] -- daughter, female, white, age 5, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota
* line 29 - William Emmerson [Emerson] -- son, male, white, age 3, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota
* line 30 - Ola O. Emmerson [Ole O. Emerson] --  son, male, white, age 1, single, born Minnesota, parents born Minnesota

5.) 1940 United States Federal Census, Population Schedule, King County, Washington, Harrison; Page 5B. Enumeration District 17-84, House Number 12541, Family #130, lines 63-67, home owned, value $1000, Reinert I Emerson household; indexed database and digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm publication T627; Roll 4344.

Information for the 1940 U.S. Census was provided by Dora E, Emerson, the family included:

* line 63 - Emerson, Reinert I. -- head, male, white, age 69, married, did not attend school this year, highest grade completed 4, born in Minnesota, in 1935 lived in rural Ward County North Dakota, not on a farm now, duration of recent unemployment 20, doing public work, laborer for the W.P.A., paid worker, worked 20 weeks in 1939, annual income $220.
* line 64 - Emerson, Dora E. -- wife, female, white, age 63, married, did not attend school this year, highest grade completed 7, born in Minnesota, in 1935 lived in rural Ward County North Dakota, not on a farm now, not working, not seeking work, home housework
* line 65 - Emerson, Verola A. -- daughter, female, white, age 19, single, did not attend school this year, highest grade completed H-4, born in Minnesota, in 1935 lived in rural Ward county North Dakota, not on a farm now. seeking work, duration of recent unemployment 16, new worker
* line 66 - Emerson, Vivian V. -- daughter, female, white, age 19, single, did not attend school this year, highest grade completed H-4, born in Minnesota, in 1935 lived in rural Ward county North Dakota, not on a farm now. seeking work, duration of recent unemployment 16, new worker

6.) 1920 United States Federal Census Population Schedule, Ward County, North Dakota, Torning township; page 11A & 11B, Enumeration District 211, house No. Fm [farm], dwelling no. 177, family no. 177, Reinert I. Emerson household, lines 42-50 & 51-53, indexed database and digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016), citing National Archives Microfilm Publication T625, Roll 1342.

Information for the 1920 U.S.Federal Census includes the following information about the Reinert I. Emerson household:

* line 42 - Emerson, Reinert I -- head, owns farm, has mortgage, male,, white, age 49, married, reads & writes, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway, farmer on a general farm
* line 43 - Emerson, Dora E. -- wife, female, white, age 43, married, reads & writes, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway
* line 44 - Emerson, James A. -- son, male, white, age 18, single, reads & writes, born in Minnesoata, parents born in Minnesota, laborer on home farm
* line 45 - Emerson, Jenneva [Geneva] P. -- daughter, female, white, age 16, single, attending school, can read & write, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota
* line 46 - Emerson, Lola L. -- daughter, female, white, age 14, single, attending school, can read & write, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota
* line 47 - Emerson, William -- son, male, white, age 13, single, attending school, can read & write, born North Dakota, parents born Minnesota
* line 48 - Emerson, Ole O. -- son, male, white, age 11, single, attending school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota
* line 49 - Emerson, Alice V. -- daughter, male [female], white, age 9, single attending school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born Minnesota
* line 50 - Emerson, Ray J. [I.] -- son, male, white, age 7, single, attends school, car read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota
* line 51 - Emerson. Estela N. [Estella M.] -- daughter, female, white, age 6, single, attends school, can read & write, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota
* line 52 - Emerson, Oliver W. -- son, male, white, age 3-8/12, single, born North Dakota. parents born Minnesota
* line 53 - Emerson, Irene [Ivene] A. -- daughter, female, white, 1-11/12. single, born in North Dakota, parents born in Minnesota

7.) "Minnesota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1849-1905," indexed database with digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016), Kandiyohi County, Irving (Hawick R.F.D.1), E.D. #8, page 239, lines 10-15, Reinert Emerson household, 1905.

Information for the 1905 Minnesota State Census includes for the Reinert Emerson family:

* line 10 - Emerson, Reinert -- male, age 33, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway, a MN resident 33yrs-6mos, a resident of this E.D. 33yrs-6 mos
* line 11 - Emerson, Dora E. -- female, age 28, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Norway, a MN resident 28yrs-5mos, a resident of this E.D. 6yrs-11mos
* line 12 - Emerson, Ruby -- female, age 5, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota, a MN resident 5yrs-9mos, a resident in the E.D. 5yrs-9mos
* line 13 - Emerson, James -- male, age 3, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota, a MN resident 3yrs-11mos, a resident in the E.D. 3yrs-11mos
* line 14 - Emerson, Geneva -- female, age 2, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota, a MN resident 2yrs-2mos, a resident in the E.D. 2yrs-2mos
* line 15 - Emerson, Lowly [Lola] -- female, age 4/12, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Minnesota, a MN resident 4mos, a resident in the E.D. 4mos 

8.) "North Dakota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1885, 1915, 1925," indexed database and digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 May 2016), citing North Dakota State University Archives; Fargo, North Dakota. Entry for R I Emmerson household, 1915, pages not numbered, Ward County, Torning township, dwelling 40, family 43, lines 230-240.

In the 1915 North Dakota State Census the Reinert I. Emerson household includes:

* line 230 - Emmerson [Emerson] R I -- native white male, age 20-60
* line 231 - Emmerson [Emerson] Dora E -- native white female, age 20-60
* line 232 - Emmerson [Emerson] Ruby B -- native white female, age 5-20
* line 233 - Emmerson [Emerson] James A. -- native white male, age 5-20
* line 234 - Emmerson [Emerson] Geneva P-- native white female, age 5-20
* line 235 - Emmerson [Emerson] Lolea [Lola] L. -- native white female, age 5-20
* line 236 - Emmerson [Emerson] William -- native white male, age 5-20
* line 237 - Emmerson [Emerson] Ole O -- native white male, age under 5
* line 238 - Emmerson [Emerson] Alice V. -- native white female, age under 5
* line 239 - Emmerson [Emerson] Ray I -- native white female [male], age under 5
* line 234 - Emmerson [Emerson] Estela [Estella] W [M] -- native white female, age under 5

9.)  "Minnesota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1849-1905," indexed database and digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 September 2016), Union Grove, Meeker, page 10, Schedule 1, dwelling 80, Gurenia Nelson household, 1895.

Information for the 1895 Minnesota State Census includes the following information about the Gurine Nelson household:

* Nelson [Nilson], Gurenia [Gurine] -- age 64, male [sic], white, born in Norway, MN resident 26 yrs, E.D. resident 26 yrs, farmer, worked last 12mos, parents foreign birth
* Nelson [Nilson], Thomind [Thomas] -- age 26, male, white, born in Minnesota, MN resident 26 yrs, E.D. resident 26 yrs, farmer, worked last 12mos, parents foreign birth
*Nelson [Nilson], Dora -- age 18, female, white, born in Minnesota, parents foreign birth

10.) "Minnesota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1849-1905" indexed database and digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 September 2016), Meeker County, Union Grove, page 4, family 27, lines 7-14, Peter C. Nelson household, 1885.

The 1885 Minnesota State Census for the Peter C. Nelson household includes:

*Peter C. Nelson [Nilson] -- age 57, male, white, born in Norway, parents of foreign birth
*Gurnie M. Nelson [Nilson] -- age 53, female, white, born in Norway, parents of foreign birth
*Christine [Jensine] Nelson [Nilson -- age 21, female, white, born in Norway, parents of foreign birth
*Nellie C. Nelson [Nilson] -- age 20, female, white, born in Norway, parents of foreign birth
*Thomas Nelson [Nilson] -- age 16, male, white, born in Minn, parents of foreign birth
*Annie Nelson [Nilson] -- age 12, female, white, born in Minn, parents of foreign birth
*Dora Nelson[Nilson] -- age 8, female, white, born in Minn, parents of foreign birth
*Gena Nelson [Nilson] -- age 6, female, white, born in Minn, parents of foreign birth


11.) "North Dakota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1885, 1915, 1925," indexed database and digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2016), citing North Dakota State University Archives; Fargo, North Dakota. Entry for Reinert I. Emerson household, 1925, sheet #4, Ward County, Torning township, dwelling #34, family 42, lines 4-9.

In the 1925 North Dakota State Census the Reinert I. Emerson household includes:

* line 4 - Emerson Reinert I -- age 54, male, U.S. citizen
* line 4 - Emerson Dora E -- age 48, female, U.S. citizen
* line 5 - Emerson William -- age 18, male, U.S. citizen
* line 5 - Emerson Ole O -- age 16, male, U.S. citizen
* line 6 - Emerson Ray I -- age 18 [13], male, U.S. citizen
* line 6 - Emerson Estella [Estelle] -- age 11, female, U.S. citizen
* line 7 - Emerson Oliver -- age 8, male, U.S. citizen
* line 7 - Emerson Ivene -- age 7, female, U.S. citizen
* line 8 - Emerson Verola -- age 4, female, U.S. citizen
* line 8 - Emerson Vivian -- age 4, female, U.S. citizen
* line 9 - Emerson Lola -- age 20, female, U.S. citizen
* line 9 - [blank]


12.)  "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007," indexed database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Sep 2016), citing Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007, entry for Dora Elisa Emerson, 1877.

13.) "Washington Death Index, 1940-1996," online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : accessed 23 Sep 2016), Dora E. Emerson entry, 1965.

14.) "U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940," indexed database and digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Sep 2016), Minnesota, Kandiyohi County, Paynesville, Nordland Lutheran Church, page 18(74) 75, 76, 77, entry for Dora Elise Nelson [Nilson], line 2, 6 July 1877.

There is a conflict of name and date here. This record clearly states that Dora was named Dora Elise, but later records containing her middle name would be written Dora Elisa. Also her date of birth clearly shows 6 July 1877, she tells us in her own story and other records show that her birthday was known as 13 July 1877.

15.) 1880 United States Federal Census, Population Schedule, Meeker County, Minnesota, Union Grove; Page 230A, Enumeraton District 050, Dwelling #194, family #200, Lines 3-12, Peter C. Nelson household; indexed database and digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Sep 2016), citing National Archives Microfilm Publication T9, Roll: 626, FHL 1254626. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In the 1880 U.S. Census the Peter C. Nelson household included:

*line 3 - Nelson [Nilson], Peter C. -- white, male, age 52, married, farmer, cannot read, cannot write, born in Norway, both parents born in Norway
*line 4 - Nelson [Nilson], Gurine -- white, female, age 48, wife, married, keeping school [house], cannot write, born in Norway, both parents born in Norway
*line 5 - Nelson [Nilson], Jensine -- white, female, age 19, daughter, single, at home, born Norway, both parents born Norway
*line 6 - Nelson [Nilson], Nellie -- white, female, age 17, daughter, single, at home, born in Norway, both parents born in Norway
*line 7 - Nelson [Nilson], Thomas -- white, male, age 12, son, single, at school, attended school within the last year, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway
*line 8 - Nelson [Nilson], Petrina [Petrine] -- white, female, age 11, daughter, single at school, attended school within the last year, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway
*line 9 - Nelson [Nilson], Annie [Anna] -- white, female, age 8, daughter, single, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway
*line 10 - Nelson [Nilson], Jacob -- white, male, age 5, son, single, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway
*line 11 - Nelson [Nilson], Dora -- white, female, age 3, daughter, single, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway
*line 12 - Nelson [Nilson], Jennie [Gina] -- white, female, age 1, daughter, single, born in Minn, both parents born in Norway

16.) "U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940," indexed database and digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Sep 2016), Minnesota, Kandiyohi County, Paynesville, Nordland Luthercan Church, page 43, entry for Dora Elise Nilsen [Nilson], line 11, 5 Jun 1892.


17.) "Minnesota Official Marriage Index," indexed database, Minnesota Official Marriage System (http://www.moms.mn.gov : accessed 24 September 2016), entry for R. J. Emmerson and Dora Nelson, certificate A-198, 23 July 1897. 

There is a date conflict here as Dora states she and Reinert were married in 1898 and yet this index states the date they were married as 23 July 1897. I have ordered the certificate mentioned above from the Meeker County Treasurer in Litchfield, Minnesota. Maybe the actual certificate will help us to clarify.

18.)  "R.I. Emerson Will Mark 50th Year," article, The Seattle [WA] Daily Times, 30 Jun 1948, page 12, newspaper clipping digital image, held in Edwin J. Ostrom family research papers.

19.)  "Mrs. Reinert Emerson," obituary, The Seattle [WA] Daily Times, 12 October 1965, page 52, newspaper clipping digital image, held in Edwin J. Ostrom family research papers.


CREDIT(S) --

I would once again like to thank Randy Seaver of Genea-musing [http://www.geneamusings.com/] for his good work at writing about his genealogy.  His ideas on formatting, page layout, etc. have been so helpful to me while I work on improving my skills at blogging.

We have now seen and learned of the records for Dora, check back in with me next week as we explore Dora Nilson Emerson's story. Hope you have a good week.

--  --  --

The URL for this post is: http://homefolktales.blogspot.com/2016/09/7-dora-elisa-nilson-1877-1965.html.

Please comment regarding this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then use the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Or contact me by email at dsteff4246[at]gmail[dot]com. Thank you. I am glad you stopped by today.

Copyright (c) 2016, Darlene M. Steffens

Amanuensis Monday - Warren Haner & Anna Ostrom, Part 2

Dear FOLKS,

Here it is the beginning of a new work week for many people and I want to start this week off by transcribing a document that is important to my family research.

Amanuensis Monday is a weekly blog theme that was started by John Newmark, the author of TransylvanianDutch blog. John defines Amanuensis as "A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another." I also appreciate the good work and format examples of San Diego genealogist Randy Seaver of the blog Genea-musings. Thanks guys.

Transcribing helps me to learn what a document contains. I have learned over time that I have a tendency to "skim" over an item; a bad trait for a researcher who needs to learn even the smallest details documented records contain. Transcribing helps me to slow down and "smell the roses."

The document I am transcribing today is the Marriage License, Certification and Return document for the marriage between Warren Warner Haner (1873-1938) and Anna Ostrom (1877-1959). 

This is a form, where blanks are primarily filled out by handwritten information. I will present the handwritten information in bold-italics to help provide clarity. Fields that are left blank on the original will also be left blank on the transcription. My comments will show with square brackets [ ].

IMAGE: Marriage record for Warren Haner and
Annie Ostrom that occurred on 10 February
1897 in Wheaton, Traverse County, Minnesota. [1]

-------- transcription begins --------

171
========
PIONEER PRESS CO., Printers, Stationers and Blank Book Manufacturers, St. Paul, Minn.

Warren Warner Haner to Anni Ostrom

State of Minnesota,                        }SS.

DISTRICT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF TRAVERSE. }

To any Person lawfully authorized to solemnize Marriages within said State:

   KNOW YE, That License is hereby granted to join together as Husband and Wife, Warren Warner Haner of the County of Roberts,SD

and State of South Dakota and Annie Ostrom of the County of Traverse, and State of Minnesota, being satisfied by the Oath of said Warren Warner Haner that there is no legal impediment thereto.

   Therefore, This shall be your sufficient authority for solemnizing the Marriage of said parties, and making return thereof as provided by law.

   In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said District Court, at Wheaton, Min this 10th day of February 1897

H. G. Marshall Clerk,

By -------- Deputy.

---------------

State of Minnesota,   }SS.

COUNTY OF TRAVERSE    }

I Hereby Certify, That on the 10th day of Feby. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven at Wheaton in said County, I, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace did join in the holy bonds of matrimony, according to the laws of this State, Warren. Warner Haner of the County of Roberts and State of South Dakota and Anie Ostrom of the County of Traverse Roberts, State of Minnesota South Dak.

A. E. Ludwig

Justice of the Peace

IN PRESENCE OF

M.J. Jackson  } Witnesses.

Enola Horsman }

---------------

   A copy of my Credentials of Ordination is recorded in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the County of _____ State of Minnesota.

   [blank]   

[ hand-stamped on reverse side of original ]

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF TRAVERSE

Certified to be a true and correct copy of the

original on file and of record in my office.

LeAnn Peyton

County Recorder

By LeAnn Peyton

Dated 9-16-16

-------- transcription ends --------

Source:

1.) Traverse County, Minnesota, Marriage Licenses and Returns, no. B-171, Haner-Ostrom, 1897, County Recorder's Office, Wheaton.

As you may recall, I recently transcribed a Marriage Certificate for this same couple, Warren Haner and Anna Ostrom. This document/certificate was obviously the decorative-style and there were instructions on it to "Deliver to Parties Married." In question was, that on this certificate the bride's name was written as Anna OLSTROM, instead of Anna OSTROM.

My curiosity was piqued because I had seen on the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) marriage record index provided by the Minnesota Historical Society, an entry for Warren Haner and Annie Ostrom. I was interested in seeing (1) if  there are indeed two different records and (2) how was Grandma Anna's written on this second one, if it existed.

So I immediately sent a Marriage Certificate Request off to the Traverse County Recorder's Office in Wheaton to see what they had on file. I can report too, that I really like the MOMS record ordering system. While I was online at www.moms.mn.gov, I actually placed my request then with the County Recorder's office. That gives this office time to pull the record and make my copy in parallel with my check traveling to their office through regular mail. The fun part of this is that my copy arrive to me only 11 days after I had sent a check off to them and most of that time can be accounted for as postage-travel-time. I thought this system to be very expeditious.

End results: there are indeed two different records of Warren and Anna's marriage. The one I initially transcribed for you on September 12, and another completely different document that is a combination Marriage License, Marriage Certificate and Return. On this second version, from the recorder's office, her surname is definitely written as OSTROM. So it is now clear, and as it should be, the MOMS index was generated from the county recorder's copy of this marriage document.

Yes, we see great-grandma's first name written as Anni, Annie and Anie, but that is for another day.... well, actually... I am not too concerned about that. I suspect it is just folks being in a hurry and writing her name in varying spellings.

I hope you enjoyed today's post and that your week is going well for you. Thank you for joining me here.

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The URL for this post is: http://homefolktales.blogspot.com/2016/09/amanuensis-monday-warren-haner-anna.html.

Please comment regarding this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then use the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Or contact me by email at dsteff4246[at]gmail[dot]com. Wishing you a good day and a great week. Thank you for stopping by today.

Copyright (c) 2016, Darlene M. Steffens. All rights reserved.

Goodbye to Reinert Emerson

Ed's Day Wednesday

Dear FOLKS,

On Wednesdays I continue to share the stories and family research provided by my late cousin Edwin J. Ostrom. Some time ago I introduced you to Reinert I. Emerson, Ed's maternal grandfather. Lately I have been sharing the stories that were written by the children of Reinert and his wife Dora. There were many stories to share, making for several weeks of enjoyment. A complete list of those articles:

• Ruby's story by clicking here
• Geneva's story by clicking here
• Lola's story (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two) by clicking here
• Ole and Alice's stories were combined here
• Ivene's story (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two) by clicking here
• Vivian's story (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two) by clicking here
• Verola's story (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two by clicking here
• Ray's Interview (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two) by clicking here and (Part Three) by clicking here. 
• Ole's story (Part Two) by clicking here. 
• Estelle's story (Part One) by clicking here, and (Part Two) by clicking here. 

This week, I want to visit with Reinert one last time so we can properly say "goodbye" to him and prepare to move on to the next individual on Cousin Ed’s Ancestor Chart. I earlier shared with you Reinert’s records and timeline and that can be reviewed here. You can also review Ed’s genealogy through this link.

Reinert Immanuel Emerson was the son and second child of Raymond Reinert Emerson and Inger Tobine Tallachsdatter. Reinert was born 18 December 1870 on the family’s farm in Irving Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.

On 23 July 1898, Reinert would marry Dora Elisa Nelson who went to the same Lutheran church in Irving. Their wedding was held on the bride’s family farm in Union Grove Township in Meeker County, Minnesota, roughly eight miles away from where Reinert lived.

After Reinert and Dora were married, they were invited by Reinert’s oldest brother Ole Emerson to come and live with his family until they could find a place of their own and they accepted Ole’s invitation as they were enumerated there in the 1900 U.S. Census. Their parents are immediately next on the census. They soon bought a nearby 80-acre homestead and built their first house.

The weather in Minnesota at that time was poor for farming, so Reinert began to look for a different area to farm. He first tried Canada by heading up there alone but returned a few months later after living in a shack in the north country during the winter. It is thought he had decided the farming opportunities were no better than what he had, and he missed his family.

Reinert next traveled with friends to Minot, North Dakota where they heard homestead land was available. The local Indians had moved to nearby reservations and were no longer a threat. The friends he traveled with were Olaf Langseth, Peter K. Person, and Christian Hansen. They were looking for land to the south of Minot, still in Ward County but Reinert thought most of the good land was taken so he bought a relinquishment for $130.00. A relinquishment is a homestead that is being returned to the Land Office when the original homesteader no longer wants to keep their section. Reinert had to “prove up” this land by living there for five years and make improvements, before he would own it outright. This relinquishment already had a house and some out buildings on it, so Reinert was pleased as he was closer to being able to have his family with him.

IMAGE: Advertising blotter for the Chicago Great Western

Railroad passenger trains, Copyright 1906. Digital image

provided by George Mead, Chicago and

Wikimedia Commons.

Reinert returned to Minnesota and paid for return passage on an emigrant carload for himself, the animal stock and farm equipment that he wanted to move west to his new homestead. An emigrant carload was a special rate offered by the railroad. Passengers traveling this way were provided a train coach with minimal accommodations, they brought their own bedding and food. In this case, Reinert arranged to have his animals moved and he had to leave much of their furniture behind as there was not enough room on the portion of the train he was allotted.

Soon his wife and children joined him in Torning Township, Ward County, North Dakota. By then the Emersons had four children. Dora and the children would also travel on an emigrant coach. Their youngest was 15 months old. Along with them were their good friends Christian Hansen and his wife and two sons. The train was crowded and it was difficult to find room for the children to sleep.

IMAGE: Interior of a railroad car similar to that used by the

Emerson family in 1906 to travel from Elbow Lake, MN to

Ward County, ND. Digital photo provided by the Library and
Archives of Canada and Wikimedia Commons website

In April 1906, the Emersons started to prove up their homestead. They would work hard to add improvements, adding new siding to the existing house that had two rooms on the first floor and one room upstairs. Reinert was soon able to plow and seed a few acres of land and Dora planted a garden. There was a well but it soon went dry. So they made do by hauling their needed water when the dry season came about. Then after 10 years of farming they had a deep well dug and at 101 feet good, cool, clear water and plenty of it was found. Life got easier once they had plenty of water.

As we know, their family continued to grow in numbers until they had 13 children. The last two children were identical twin daughters, who were born in 1920. Their older daughters became married and three of their sons left to homestead for themselves in northern Alberta, Canada.

    PAPPA

    Mama said, "Now pa look here,
    Too many kids we have I fear,”
    Papa said “Oh, pshaw, that’s good,
    We’ve plenty room, clothes and fud,”
    Ten kids came then another one,
    Mama thought she was all done,
    Because of age, mom sang a song,
    And that’s how come we came along!
                by Verola Emerson Ralston
               (one of twin daughters, babies 12 & 13)

During the 1930s the Emersons along with so many others in the Midwest, found it very difficult to farm because of the drought and the low prices gained from their crops due to the depression; this kept them from prospering. Others of their children had relocated in the Seattle, Washington area and had reported back how good life was there, with lots of works, better climate and more. The elder Emersons, now in their 60s, wanted to retire, but the current economic situation dictated they couldn’t retire in the normal sense. So they decided to accept the invitation of their daughter Geneva and started the process to move to Seattle.

In in the latter part of August 1936 they held a farm goods sale and invited everyone near and far to purchase what wouldn’t be needed in Washington state. They sold almost everything and then rented their farm to their daughter Alice and her husband Edwin “Tom” Ostrom. On September 12, 1936 they arrived in Seattle. All of the Emerson children, except the twins were on their own by then and the twins made the journey with them, finishing high school in Seattle.

The Emersons were comfortable in their retirement. At first they stayed with Geneva and her family. Then soon they bought a half-acre lot right behind them. Martin Meyers (Geneva’s husband), built a modest house for his in-laws; it was located behind Martin and Geneva’s property, it still stands today.  In the first part of November the work started on the basement of their new house; Martin, Reinert, and the Emerson's son Oliver (who had also relocated to Seattle) began to erect the walls and by January 1937 it was ready enough to move into. In May 1940, Reinert and Dora Emerson would sell their homestead in Toring Township, Ward County, North Dakota to Clifford Zethren, a young fellow from the local area.

IMAGE: Dora and Reinert Emerson, ca 1940. From the family

photograph collection of Edwin J. Ostrom.

Reinert worked part of the time on WPA projects. The Works Progress/Projects Administration (WPA) was a government agency that put people back to work while recovering from the Depression. The projects included construction of public building and roads. This is where Reinert would learn to work with concrete, yet we have to wonder how he got to work as he never drove. He owned cars but someone else always drove. He would do odd jobs around the house and help Dora with her garden. Life was good and there were several of their children and grandchildren who would come visit.

Just three weeks shy of his 80th birthday, Reinert’s appendix burst and he died from peritonitis on 24 November 1950 after a short stay in a Seattle hospital. There were many of his family who gathered for his funeral and Reinert was put to rest at the Acacia Memorial Park cemetery in Seattle soon after. Reinert is now resting in peace.

    A POEM IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER

    “I have no father,” someone said,
    A year and more since he’s been dead,
    He’s gone from us, no more to know,
    We miss him now, we loved him so.

    But not my father, he’s not dead,
    A Saint, was he, a friend has said,
    So somewhere up above the sky,
    There walks a man, his head held high.

    He was not just a loving dad,
    Who taught his children good from bad,
    He lived the virtues, every one’
    From early morn, to setting sun.

    He was so gentle, kind and good,
    He laughed at jokes, was never rude,
    He had such humble ways,
    That followed him throughout his days.

    He loved his neighbor, bad and good,
    Just the way a Christian should,
    His quiet ways, his shaking hand,
    He took these not to that Fair Land.

    We never lose the ones we love,
    Although he’s gone to live above,
    He’s still right here, now can’t you see
    I keep him always close to me.
               by Verola Emerson Ralston

Summary of Reinert’s funeral notices:

• Name: Reinert I. Emerson
• Age at death: 79
• Birth place: Paynesville, Minn.
• Address: 12547 17th Av. N.E. [Seattle]
• Occupation: Retired farmer
• History: In 1936 came to Seattle from Minot, N.D.
• Survived by: wife, Dora; eight daughters, Mrs. Morris Baarstad, Mrs. Martin Meyers, Mrs. Ivene Yonaka, Mrs. Douglas Ralston, and Mrs. Harry Cowe, all of Seattle; Mrs. Stuart Ditch, Grande Prairie, Alta.; Mrs. Edwin Ostrom, Woodburn, Ore, and Mrs. Ray Olson, Kathryn, N.D.; five sons, Oliver Emerson, Seattle, James, Raymond and Ole Emerson, all of Eagleshaw [sic], Alta., and William Emerson, Minot, N. D.; two brothers, Ole Emerson, Paynesville, Minn, and Chris Emerson, La Porte, Minn.; 37 grandchildren and one great-grandchild
• Funeral Service: Wednesday [November 29, 1950], 1 p.m. Mittelstadt’s Lake City Funeral Home, 14828 Bothell Way
• Interment: Acacia Memorial Park

This information is combined from an undated, unidentified newspaper article and the funeral notice from The Seattle Daily Times, Seattle, Washington, November 25, 1950, page 10. If anyone researching the Emerson family would like a copy of these articles, please contact me by email.

See you next time and thank you for stopping by.

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The URL for this post is: http://homefolktales.blogspot.com/2016/09/goodbye-to-reinert-emerson.html.

Please comment regarding this post by clicking the URL above and then use the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Or contact me by email at dsteff4246[at]gmail[dot]com.

Copyright (c) 2016, Darlene M. Steffens. All rights reserved.