Jackson County, MN
OLD QUERIES

(seeking general information on people, places, etc)

• Posted Jan 2008-
  I am seeking information on my great grandfather, Frank {Francois} Benoit who lived in Lakefield, Mn a few years in 1877, 1878 where they had 2 children born then moved to Sioux Valley Township. While in Sioux Valley they had 7 more children, 3 of whom died in a house fire on 6 May 1886. My question is this- was Frank's father and mother living there by them? I believe his name was Jean {John} Benoit, born in France and came to Canada in 1835. Would the town have newspapers for any of the mentioned years?
  If you can help or have information:
  please email: Ken McColm

• Posted Feb 2003--
  I am seeking information about Matej DOBES and Mary KORBEL DOBES who I believe were buried in Jackson County. Matej was a Bohemian, so might have been buried in the Bohemian cemetary in Kimball township. Hoping someone can help, I will be grateful for any information.
  Cheryl (Dobesh) Moore

• Posted Jan 2003--
  I am interested in learning more about my great-grandfather. His name was Jens JOHNSON (JOHANNESON). He was born in Vestfossen, Norway on July 21, 1842 and died in Windom, MN on July 13, 1914. I believe he was sheriff of Jackson County, but am wondering if anyone can verify this.
  Nancy Leiser

• Posted Jan 2003--
  I am looking for information on my ancestors, Jens Jacob JOHNSON and Sarah (SYVERINE) JOHNSON (JOHANSDATTER). I have information about who their parents and grandparents were. I was told that Jens Jacob JOHNSON was once sheriff of Jackson County; I'm wondering if anyone can authenticate that information or not.
  Anne L. Nelson

• Posted Mar 2003--
  Searching for information on the family of Dr. C.R. KELLAM in Heron Lake, MN. He and family are found on 1880 Census. Wife Mary, and known children are Albert Clayton (married Susan NELSON of Heron Lake), William, and Alice.
  MaryEllen

• Posted Mar 2003--
  I would like to know if anyone has access to the marriage records for 1953? I am trying to find the marriage of my grandfather and his second wife who was his sister-in-law. Therefore it would be listed as LOVERINK and LOVERINK. His name was Tom LOVERINK and hers would be Bertha LOVERINK. I've been searching for this marriage for years now and any help would be very deeply appreciated.
  Margie M. Buckmaster

• Posted Jan 2003--
  I am interested in finding information about the SABATKA surname. The family lived in Jackson around the turn of the century. My great grandfather was Martin SABATKA, Louis was my grandfather. I have very little information concerning the several SABATKA families who lived in the area.
  Rich Sabatka

• Posted Jan 2003--
  I am looking for more information on the following family from the 1880 MN census. They may have been in Lyra township, Blue Earth County, MN in 1875.
  Edward SCHMIDT, 49, PRUSSIA, Farmer, PRUSSIA, PRUSSIA
  Wilhelmine SCHMIDT, Wife, 40, PRUSSIA, Keeping House, PRUSSIA, PRUSSIA
  Herman E. SCHMIDT, Son, 19, PRUSSIA
  Emma W. SCHMIDT, Dau, 17, PRUSSIA
  Census Place: Christiania, Jackson, Minnesota, Family History Library Film 1254624, NA Film Number T9-0624, Page Number 497A
  Ron Davis

• Posted Mar 2002--
  Searching for Lakefield family, unknown name. My name is Vince Ash and I live in Buckley, WA. I recently came across two old diaries- 1886, 1887. They are not from my family, but what I can gather a woman who lived in a town near Lakefield in 1886-1887, unfortuneatly at no time does she mention her name or the name of the town. She does however talk about taking the train to Lakefield occassionaly. However, they ran a gristmill on a river south of Lakeview, and were fairly well known and well to do from what I can gather. Further in 1886, she ran for the Senate so perhaps she is someone well known or known of in your area. I realize I have given you very little to go on, however as I continue to read the diaries I may be able to send you more information. I do know that her brother or cousin came out west on the narrow gauge railroad in 1887 to Spokane Falls, WA and finally settled somewhere near Ferndale,WA. His name was W.H. GILBERT. I would like to return these diaries to someone who is a descendant of hers as I am sure they would like to have them. Any assistance you can give would be appeciated.
  Vince Ash

• Posted Jun 2002--
  I am interested in information regarding my grandparents, Taylor Arthur ALEXANDER and Jennie Kane ALEXANDER who lived in Heron Lake in 1895.
  Rosalie Alexander Loveland

• Posted Nov 2002--
  I am searching for some of my ancestors from Jackson County with the following surnames: ANDERSON, GRANTZS, HRUBYS, SCHLAGERS. I would greatly appreciate any information, as I am just beginning my search. I have also posted a photo of my grandparents Irene GURITZ and George TUSA (and classmates) taken at the one room school house that used to stand between our farm and my grandma's (1/4 mile away) which was the home of School District #55 in Middletown Township. Becky Parker

• Posted Jun 2002--
  Lloyd BALCH son of Helma JOHNSON and Benjamin BALCH, b in Heron Lake area graduated from Heron Lake High School in the forties. d 1974 in Portland OR. Seeking info on Lloyds first wife Collen from Windom MN. and his son "Sompoi" BALCH from second marriage to Charileau ? Help appreciated and thanks.
  Mary Balch

• Posted Aug 2002--
  I am looking for information on Heinrich BASTMANN. He came over from Gemrany 1 APR 1906 at the age of 15. He was born in Burg auf Famharn Germany. He came to an uncle Johaunes KLIUOER (or KLIUVER) on a farm at Round Lake, Minn.
  Stan B

• Posted Jan 2002--
  Like a lot of people I have a copy of Lakefield's first 100 years published I believe in 1979. My great grandfather was August BLANKENBURGH was the first veterinarian in Lakefield and one of the first in Jackson country. He moved to Lakefield in 1890 from Minier IL. He emigrated to the U.S. through Boston to the U.S. in 1872. He was born in Rozainen (West Prussia--now Poland) in 1839. My grandfather August BLANKENBURGH (his son) was also a Veterinarian. Both are buried in the Lakefield cemetary as is my father. I am currently trying to trace the West Prussian part of my great grandfather's family.
  Brian Blankenburg

• Posted May 2002--
  I am interested in knowning the family line of Mr. BONTRAGER. The little bit of informatin that I know is that he owns or did own 160 acers of land in Jackson, MN which was purchased/given to him in 1871. We would also like to know who is currently residing on that land if possible. Thanks.
  the Blackwell's

• Posted Jul 2002--
  Researching my gr. gr.grandfather, Vaclav BULINE, who moved to Jackson County, MN in 1885 from Washington County, Iowa. His wife was Annie Lumuel MOLIS BULINE. His son, Frank Rosoce lived with them. Another daughter, Kate married a L. HRUBY and lived in Estherville, Iowa.
  M Hogan

• Posted Sep 2002--
  I am searching for information on these families; 1. James Franklin CASE and his wife Mary Jane MANNING. Lived in Wilder beginning in the 1880's sometime and family rumors say they had a boarding house there. James is buried in the cemetary in Wilder and was a Civil War Veteren. 2. George Case a son of James F. CASE, married Marie/Mary NELSON/NEILSEN, 1882 at the County seat at Windom in 1882. 3. Ole MOE was a brother of Marie/Mary NELSON/NEILSEN and married ? and had children Oscar, Norman, Sara? and Clara and removed to the Dakotas. 4. Christina NELSON/NEILSEN , was a sister to Ole and Mary NELSON, married ? Cajacob and removed at some point to Mille Laks Lake area, MN. I believe before this they resided Heron Lake near Wilder. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
  Pam Leder Marie

• Posted Mar 2002--
  Someone emailed me regarding a lookup in the "Memorial Record of Faribault, Martin, Watonwan and Jackson Counties, Minnesota." Later that day, my computer crashed, and I lost all unanswered emails. The subjects of the lookup request were COHOON/CAHOON and WILLEY, as I recall. Since I don't have the requester's name/address, I will post the findings here in hopes that the person still gets an answer. The findings were very meager unfortunately. No CAHOON/COHOON is mentioned in the book. And only one WILLEY. The entry is within a bio sketch on Perrin M. Marston, and says, "Perrin M. Marston was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, June 30, 1855, the youngest son of the seven children of Samuel and Sarah (WILLEY) Marston." (page 545). I'm sorry I was not able to help.
  K & M Jenstad

• Posted Oct 2002--
  I am looking for information on Frank Joseph DOYSCHER , born abt 1828, and his wife Katherine, born abt 1829 who lived in Petersburg around 1880 after moving there from the town of Hortonia, Outagamie, Wisconsin. I'm particuarly interested in his date of death, where he is buried and how to get a copy of his death certificate. I think that he is from the Dorschner family that immigrated from Austria in the mid 1800's to live in Wisconsin and I'm trying to find the connection. There was also an Anton Dorschner who might be a possible brother that also moved to Petersburg from Wisconsin about the same time as Frank. Any help appreciated.
  Scott Dorschner

• Posted Jun 2002--
  I'm looking for the family line and any other information on Anna EIDHAMMER, born in 1883 in Heron Lake. She married Arthur PETERSON in Heron Lake in 1901. Thanks
  Keith Peterson

• Posted May 2002--
  I have transcribed the biography and obituary of Nathaniel FROST and biography for his son Moses FROST. I would very much like to learn whether there are any descendants of this family still in Jackson Co.
  Lucille Gano

• Posted Jan 2002--
  I'm looking for information on Halvor HALVORSON, he settled in Jackson county, Minnesota in 1864. He came with his wife Alice and children from Kragro, Norway. This would be my great great Grandfather. I'm not sure if he died there, but he did have a homestead there. Any help would be appreciated.
  Jackie Bieniek

• Posted May 2002--
  I am searching for information on Joseph KATTOWSKY and Mary JANASKO.
  Vern Dorschner

• Posted Jul 2002--
  Seeking info concerning, Christ, Anna Marie, Maggie and Sarah Klevberg. I know they were in Jackson County in 1900. Maggie and Sarah were born in the 1870 s. Thank you.
  Jeannette Klevberg

• Posted Mar 2002--
  I am researching the LARSEN surname in Jackson county Minnesota. I have a copy of the 1900 US census for Ewington Township. It has some of my family on it. One of the people listed is Lars OLSON. It appears that he is the father of George LARSEN. I have heard that the family was made to change their name when they emigrated. If this is correct he would be my great great grandfather. I am waiting on more information to confirm this. They emigrated from Denmark around 1884. Other branches of the family include Oscar and Harry LARSEN. I also have a fairly good family tree printout for the Clinton PIGMAN family of the same or a nearby township. It traces the family back to 1661 in Great Pardon, Essex, England. The name there is John PIGMAN. This was done on the family of my great aunt Cordelia FLEWELLING. The FLEWELLING family is also traced back to the 1600's.
  Larry L. Larsen

• Posted Sep 2002--
  My great grandparents (Polly DODGE NICHOLS and Albert NICHOLS) lived in Heron Lake MN in 1880 as their daughter (Emma Eunice NICHOLS) was married in their home on Feb 1, 1880, to Edwin Matthew GREENMAN. Albert NICHOLS was a justice of the peace at the time. I am trying to discover the names of the parents of Polly DODGE and Albert NICHOLS. Emma NICHOLS was born in 1861 and Edwin GREENMAN was born in Quincy Ill on Oct 19, 1853. Any clues would be appreciated.
  Lucy Hornbaker

• Posted Jul 2002--
  I am most interested in finding information on my Grandfather, Joseph Henry NOURSE (or NURSE), My Grandmother Flora Celley NOURSE (or NURSE). They farmed a few miles out of Jackson near the Des Moines river where the railroad trestle crossed (at that time). I guess the Interstate goes near there now. Also, My Uncle Water (Wally) NURSE (or NOURSE) farmed there for many years. My grandfather died in 1971. Any help you could give would be much appreciated. (My mother was Wilma Jane NURSE)
  Everett A. Shogren

• Posted Mar 2002--
  I am looking for Jane SEVERSON OLSON and A. J. OLSON, sorry I don't know what the initials stand for. According to a sister's (Inga SEVERSON BLY) obituary they were living in Jackson in 1949. Previous obituaries said they were living in Mower, Minn. Would like confirmation that they were living in Jackson and possible obituaries.
  Judy Huber

• Posted Oct 2002--
  I have just started to work on the history of the family of Wilhelm SIEHL. His wife's name was Marie SUHL. They came from Heide, Germany in approx. 1884. They had a farm in Sioux Valley which they sold prior to 1910, and thereafter lived in Lake Park, Iowa. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done work tracing this family in either direction.
  a href="mailto:achterm@teleport.com">Chris Achterman

• Posted Sep 2002--
  Jeremiah {Jerry} Sullivan born in Ireland 1851 and died in Eveleth, Minnesota but was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Sept 1907. He was an Iron miner and was killed by a car while at work. His wife was Mary Shea Sullivan 1857-1941.
  Traci Foster

• Posted Jun 2002--
  I am researching my husband's Gr-Grandfather, Henry THIELVOLDT and his wife's brother's family, Jochim PUCK. They lived on adjacent farms in Sioux Valley. Henry served in many capacities in Jackson Co. from 1882 until his death in 1937. He was Township Supervisor, Township clerk, J.P., Assessor, and School Board member. Another surname in Sioux Valley would be Henry's daughter, Amanda SCHOELLERMAN who ran a general store there for many years.
  Jo Westendorf Banks

• Posted Aug 2002--
  Looking for ancestors who came to America from Norway. There was a Carl THORESEN who was born Oct. 4, 1893, and died in Jackson in February of 1982 who might be related to my family. My THORESEN ancestors have been traced to Waseca (Carl THORESEN, born there in late 1890) That family left Waseca and settled in Minneapolis. His mother, Anna, died in Minneapolis in 1927 and his father Andrew (born in Norway in 1854) died in the Armistice Day (Nov. 11) blizzard of 1940. Is there anyone who can help with this family?
  Tormod Thoresen

• Posted Apr 2002--
  Looking for information on Harry WIESE, first wife Caryll THOMPSON, from Sioux Valley. Thanks for your help. Had no luck on the ancestry search engines.
  Lawrence Juell

• Posted Jan 2002--
  I am looking for any information on the WITTSTRUCK family of MN. I found a Clifford M. WITTSTRUCK listed as a pastor who served from 1949-1958 at the United Methodist Church of Lakefield, MN. Would love to get in touch with any WITTSTRUCKs or anyone that knows of them.
  Diana Wittstruck

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