A Smörgåsbord of Stories
Since my visit with my cousin Chuck last month, I’ve been looking at old photo postcards. In the vintage collecting realm, these glimpses into the past are known as real photo postcards, PRRCs. Kodak first offered postcard printing in 1907. It was an economical way … read more
Filling out a family tree is more enjoyable with photographs to bring the names and dates to life. Ancestors are more than an entry on a chart; their lives have stories to tell. Photos help us to know more about those by-gone days. … read more
Last week’s blog post featured the threshing rig owned by Frank Hesse (1861-1935). When looking at my other Hesse family photos, I came upon this one: Hesse Family, undated My Great Uncle Ed identified all the people in the photo. The adults in … read more
When I began collecting family stories, I also collected family photos. Before each visit to an older relative, I asked them to make ready all of their “old photos.” My grandfather’s brother, Ed Gentzkow (1914-1992), showed me boxes full of photographs and told me who-was-who. … 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
A year ago, I wrote about Milton and Lottie Rector’s marriage. Today, I present another November Nuptial, this time from North Dakota. Edward “Ed” F. Gentzkow (1881-1948) was the eldest son of Matilda Dittrich and Julius Gentzkow. Ed was born and raised in Minneiska, … read more