A Smörgåsbord of Stories
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
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