A Smörgåsbord of Stories
Franklin Hesse (1861-1935) lost his parents at an early age. Seeking opportunity, he filed a homestead claim for land in Dakota Territory (D.T.) under the provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act. The Act granted surveyed public land to adult heads of families for a minimal … read more
In 1857, August Dittrich, his wife Anna and their three children left Schlesien [Silesia or Śląsk]. First they traveled to the port city of Bremen. Then they boarded the Republik and sailed to America. Arriving at Kesselgarten [Castle Garden] New York on April 21, 1857, … read more
About three years ago, I learned about the genealogical value of Homestead Land Entry Case Files. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) houses these original documents. Five of my direct ancestors successfully filed six land claims with the U.S. Government. The completed applications are … read more
Family tradition tells us that Charlie Norenberg [also known as Konstantin or Constantin] was a hard-working man. Let’s look at his work life through written records. Charlie’s Work Life When Konstantin Nörenberg immigrated to the United States in 1909, he listed his occupation as … read more
Mary Mae “Mae” Lydick and Otto Norenberg stood outside the Telephone Office downtown Cass Lake on April 10, 1932. Look at the reflection in the window; you’ll see the Telephone Office sign. Inside this building is where Mae worked as a telephone operator. … read more
Franklin Hesse, son of Magdalena Frees and John Hesse, was born August 11, 1861 in Neenah, Wisconsin. In Frank’s obituary: “He grew to manhood and received a common school education in Neenah, except for a few years in Ohio.” A few years in Ohio … read more
In Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series, we uncovered and identified the parents of Franklin Hesse (Dakota Territorial Homesteader) as John and Magdalena Hesse. Before we take a closer look at Franklin’s father, John Hesse, let me remind you that … read more
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, we uncovered and identified the parents of Franklin Hesse (Dakota Territorial Homesteader) as John and Magdalena Hesse. Let’s take a closer look at Franklin’s mother, Magdalena. Genealogy Question: What is Franklin Hesse’s mother’s given … read more
Last week, I posed the question Who are the parents of Franklin Hesse (Dakota territorial homesteader)? The headline announced the shocking truth. This was my family Here is a quick synopsis of the story: According to … read more
Back in the days before the Internet, genealogy research was slow. I kept my data in a 3-ring binder and worked in pencil. For queries, I wrote letters and included stamped, return envelopes. I conducted interviews with a cassette tape recorder. Everything was slower. Newspaper … read more