A Smörgåsbord of Stories
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
When I started searching for my great, great grandmother, Caroline “Lena” Hesse, (1863-1914), I made a rookie mistake. I assumed that her parents were the adults listed on the 1870 census and on her marriage record. However, the first sentence of her Pioneer Mother biography … read more
Caroline (car-oh-LEE-na) Hesse (1863-1914), was a Dakota Territory Pioneer Mother. In 1932, her biography was written and included in the Pioneer Mothers Project. Last week we examined that one-page profile and learned a little bit of her life. Who was Caroline “Lena” Hesse? Who were … read more
The North Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs instituted the Pioneer Mothers Project in 1929. They sought to collect biographical sketches of women who, prior to November 1889, lived in the area of Dakota Territory and who were married at that time. The State Historical Society … read more
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