Mystery Photo- Southern Minnesota or Iowa

These 5 unknown young women appear to be having a fun time. Likely taken in Southern Minnesota or Iowa, it would be wonderful to determine their identities!

It is likely they are some how connected to the George, Bruce or Averill families that lived in Southern Minnesota & Iowa. If not relatives, they are at least family friends.

Judging by the age of the other photos this was found with and attire of the subjects, this well worn snapshot appears to be from the mid-1920's. 

It would be so nice to identify one or all of the subjects and determine who/where the photograph is of!

Mystery Photo- Sturm & Mapson Family

This Southern Minnesota photograph was likely taken in the Granada, MN area. 

5 of the 7 subjects are identified. Two remain unknown. 

Left to Right :

Martha Sturm, Hazel Mapson, Beatrice (Mapson) Sturm, Unknown Male, Josephine (Sturm) Mapson, Leathal Mapson, Unknown Female

It appears that this photo was taken in the early 1920's. The Sturm & Mapson families were related to each other by marriage and had many relatives in the area. They were also very involved with their country church so it is possible that the 2 unidentified individuals are either kin or friends.

Hopefully someone out there will recognize either of these individuals!

Mystery Photo- Byron Cole & Sons?

This neat photo is from my own family archive

"Bryon Cole & Sons" was the identification

Byron Cole was an older brother to my Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Delivan Cole. However, Byron only had 2 sons! 

Sadly, I don't know which of the men in this photo would be his sons... who were over 20 years apart in age. 
Nor do I know if the other men are his son in-laws? 
[He had 6 daughters who married!]

Hopefully there are some Cole relatives out there who can help identify these mystery "sons"

Mystery Photo-- Fairmont, Minnesota

This unidentified photo comes from Southern Minnesota

Compliments of a Fairmont, MN (Martin County) photography studio

These two ladies remain unidentified... from a collection a photos connected to the Weber & Krumholz families, it is likely that they are relatives. One of them shows up in other photos as well... also unidentified.

Hopefully someone out there will recognize these ladies so we can give them names once & for all

Mystery Photo- John Cole of Minnesota & unknown?

This photo was most likely taken in Northern Minnesota. Seated in front is John Cole, the two standing gentleman remain unidentified.

John Cole [1882-1962] lived in Cass County, Minnesota his whole life. I really can't recognize either of the men in the photograph with him. 

They could be relatives of the Cole - Hagen - Wilson families... hopefully someone out there will be able to identify these 2 mystery men

Mystery Photo-- Southern Minnesota or Iowa?

This photo came from some old snapshots belonging to my Great-Grandmother. 

Many of the photos appear to be taken in Southern Minnesota... but they also had relatives & friends in Iowa and California... and I noticed a few of the photos were from there. 

It's very possible that this young gentleman is some how connected to the George or Averill families. But I have no way of knowing for sure. He may just be a friend.  Either way, it would be wonderful to identify him!

Mystery Photo- Peoria, Illinois area

This great old cabinet card is from the Peoria, Illinois area

Somehow connected to the Krumholz-Weber-Wernsman-Schmitt families that lived in and around the Peoria, Illinois area.

Possibly a child of Joseph Krumholz, later of Fairbury, Illinois.

Hopefully someone can help identify this unknown child.

Krumholz... What Are They & Where Are They From?

"Krumholz" is not a extremely common surname. Which for researchers of the name (like me!), is a good thing. It seems that most lines in the United States can be traced by to just a handful of immigrant ancestors. Linking those folks is where the challenge lies.

The 2013 Dictionary of Family Names, gives the meaning of Krumholz as--
German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): from Krumbholz ‘bent timber’, ‘mountain pine’, hence probably a metonymic occupational name for a cartwright or wheelwright. As a Jewish surname it is ornamental.

"bent timber" that would appear to be what the name describes

My personal Krumholz lineage is a Catholic family traced back to a small area in Baden, Germany that is nestled along the Alsatian border. The family lived in the area for hundreds of years, where descendants still reside today.

There is also another Krumholz branch that is from Eastern Germany and parts of what is now Poland. These Jewish Krumholz family lines immigrated to large numbers to the United States, and like millions of others were nearly exterminated during World War II. 

In the early days, the name often had an extra 'm'-- Krummholz. Though that appears to have been dropped by descendants today, on both sides of the ocean.

With such a limited number of people with this surname, you'd think it would be link up descendants & figure out how they are connected--- Not So! Though it is a project that would be interesting to undertake sometime in the future.

For social media users & Krumholz relatives- a Facebook page exists to keep us all united Krumholz Family News & Genealogy

Do you have Krumholz ancestors in your family tree?
Have you had luck researching/connecting your unusual surnames?

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Erwin & Vera Bruce

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

Vera & Erwin Bruce

Erwin Bruce, the younger brother of my Great-Grandmother, was born in 1909 in Linn County, Iowa, the last of four children born to Owen Rutherford Bruce & Sally Estella "Essie" George. After his parents 1916 divorce, he moved to Minnesota with his Mother & Step-Father.

He lived in Minnesota and worked for many years as a farm hand for area farmers, later he moved to California where two of his siblings had relocated to. Eventually, in middle age, he was married to Vera Stinson Graves, a divorcee. 

They lived in the Cotati area where Vera died of a heart attack in 1968 at age 61. Just over 2 years later, Erwin also 61, died of a heart attack.

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Ralph & Minnie Maine

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

Today it is my Great-Great Grandparents

Ralph & Minnie Maine



Ralph & Minnie Maine with Larrie & baby Thora
about 1899 in Winnebago, MN



Ralph & Minnie Maine were married on Christmas Day 1895, at the home of Minnie's parents in what is now rural Cass County. Ralph & Minnie frequently moved back & forth from Northern Minnesota to Southern Minnesota over the years.

This photo of the young couple was taken around 1899, when Thora was a baby. By Summer, the family had relocated back to Northern Minnesota and had a new baby in the family- Blanche! Three more children- Loren, Hiram & Vernie would follow over the next 8 years.

Ralph died unexpectedly after suffering a stroke in 1939, at the home of his daughter Vernie. Minnie remained on the homestead until her death in 1953.

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Other "Maine" posts include:

Irving Maine

Ossian Maine

Maine Family

Grace Kottschade Wermter

1950s Maine Reunion

Mystery Wedding Photo- Peoria, Illinois area

This early marriage portrait is from a Peoria, Illinois photography studio

It is very likely that someone in this photo (if not everyone) is somehow connected to the Weber or Krumholz families, who lived outside of Peoria in the Pekin and Metamora areas.

Hopefully someday, we'll be able to identify this mystery wedding portrait

Mystery Photo- Peoria, Illinois area

This photo is from a Peoria, Illinois photography studio.

It is likely that this unidentified gentleman is related to the Weber or Krumholz families that lived in the Peoria - Metamora - Pekin  Illinois area. It would be great to give this fine portrait a name! Hopefully someone out there recognizes him or also has this same photo

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Sybil & James Hooser

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

James & Sybil (Hooser) Hooser

James & Sybil Hooser

Sybil was born outside of Winnebago, MN in 1882-- the first daughter (and 3rd of 10 children) of Charles Hooser & Jessie Maine.

The name Hooser is often spelled Hoosier as well. Some adapted one spelling or another--- while others switched back & forth. 

Sybil spent her earlier years in Southern Minnesota-- growing up around her Mother's family & her cousins, before the family relocated to what is now South Dakota. After a few years the family again relocated to Northern Minnesota.

As a young woman, Sybil was married to a distant cousin- James Theodore Hooser. They would live in the Park Rapids area, until moving to Canada for a few years.

By 1909, the family had returned to Park Rapids.

On July 21, 1914, Sybil passed away from complications of a heart ailment. She was only 32 years old.

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Weerts Brothers

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

The Sons of Herman & Elizabeth (Weber) Weerts

Gerald, Willard, Jame & Donavon Weerts

Herman & Elizabeth (Weber) Weerts lived in Martin County, Minnesota during their married lives. Elizabeth died as a young woman in 1932 and Herman remarried and moved to Winnebago, MN. 

They had 5 sons- Gerald [1918-1988], Willard [1920-2005], James [1922-1990] & Donavon [1929-2001] are pictured above. Lawrence [1927-2007] is missing from this photo.

TBT- Photos from Yesteryear- Jehu Mapson

Spotlighting photo from my extensive photo archive

This week is-

Jehu Mapson [1845-1932]

Jehu Mapson was born in Brinkworth, Wiltshire, England to Robert & Ann (Thrush) Mapson, the second of seven children. As a young boy he moved with his family to the United States, settling first in Cambria, WI and later Winnebago, MN.

After the death of his first wife, Henrietta, he remarried to Kate Sharp and they eventually settled in California where Jehu was a prolific farmer, known for his large citrus groves.

He remained in the San Diego area until his death at age 86.

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Irving Maine

Spotlighting vintage photos from my large photo archive

This week it is-

Irving Clayton Maine [1858-1928]

oldest brother to my Great-Great Grandfather
Ralph Maine [1872-1939]

Irving was the second child [and first son] born to Erastus & Eliza (Pierce) Maine. He was born in Rice County, Minnesota where his family had taken refuge following increased uprisings from local Native American peoples in Faribault County. Later he returned home with his family.

Irving married Emma Thompson, and they had 3 sons-- Glade, Glen & Basil. They lived & farmed north of Winnebago, MN for many years.

In 1928, Irving died unexpectedly from heart problems. Emma remained on the farm until her death in 1941. Today, a Great-Grandson lives on the family homestead.

TBT- Photos from Yesteryear- Anna Weerts Cramer

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is

Anna Weerts [1907-1973] & Frank Cramer [1909-1995]

On their wedding in 1937

Anna Weerts was born in rural Martin County and was the youngest of 10 children, the oldest being my Great-Grandfather, who was 21 years older than her. As a young girl, Anna moved with her parents to Cass County, North Dakota... where she eventually married Frank. They lived there until her death from cancer in 1973.

I'm STILL Not Who I Thought I Was... Thanks DNA

What happens when your DNA test come back with some surprising results?!

Early in 2015, I had my DNA tested... and the results were not exactly as I had expected (hoped for!). The rumblings of paternal questions a few generations back in my pedigree, were proven to be true.

This was disappointing on many levels. 

Not only did I spend over 20 years researching the wrong family lines, but my complete identity was called into question. I would no longer claim to be a large percent Irish, among other things. Besides the years of research I put into that line of my family, I also made it a point to know & care about members of that extended family... people that I now know, I have no blood connection to.

You can see my earlier post about the DNA conundrum here, which I posted shortly after initially finding out the results... Before I'd fully processed what I'd learned... or figured out how I was going to proceed.

And even though many months have now passed. I'm still not entirely sure how I want to proceed.

Unlike many people with "non-paternal events" in their pedigree, I was fortunate enough to know who the paternal possibilities were (yes, there were more than one if I were to believe the rumors). And it was clear to see from DNA matches, which family was actually mine. So I don't have to contend with solving the mystery of "Who was Daddy?".  I just have to process the fact that Daddy isn't who I spent 20 years thinking he was, and of course reconfigure a whole branch of my genealogical research.

This revelation, coupled with a very busy Spring, Summer & Autumn caused my genealogical quests to screech to a halt for the most part. Even before the big DNA upheaval, I was experiencing a large, ongoing shift in my genealogical archive. Mounds of paper, photos, notes, binders, and projects have overwhelmed me for a few years now. (Yes, that's not a typo-- YEARS).

It's an overwhelming endeavor to "redo" 20+ years of genealogy.... especially when the last 5 years or so mostly consisted of "acquiring" vs. "maintaining". 

But, plans for massive reorganization were a huge part of my 2016 New Year's Resolutions... and now I have a new branch to add to the fold.

The DNA aspect of genealogy has exploded in popularity in the last couple of years. I suspect that over the next two months hundreds (or even thousands?!) of people will be getting DNA results from test kits they received as gifts over the Holidays... 

What about you?
Have you had your DNA tested?
Did you have any surprises?
Are you prepared for the possibility of a surprise?

I was aware of the possibility, and it still threw me off.

Mystery Photo... Minnesota or Iowa?

This mystery photo belonged to my Great-Great Aunt... so it very well could even be a relative of mine? But, I can't figure out who it could be.

It's very likely that these 2 young ladies were from Southern Minnesota or Northern Iowa... and could be connected to the George, Bruce, Averill or Burnett families.

To me, it seems that this is probably a photo from the 1930s... but I'm not the best at dating photographs. I hope someday, someone will recognize them and be able to identify them.

William Willis Cole... Grandfather From NoWhere

A number of researchers today descend from William Willis Cole... and because of this, his descendants have been quite well researched & documented... and as a descendant myself, I've done a large amount of research over the years and have connected with some fellow researchers.

William Willis Cole & Family

Much of his early life is gleamed from a rather lengthy newspaper obituary... though, like many flowery death notices from this era, some of it may not be completely accurate. .

What I do know... or claim to is...

William Willis Cole was born 1 May 1813 in Louisville, Kentucky. Though I have seen Virginia given as a location on some records. His parents, are unclear... a John Cole did sign his marriage certificate to verify his age, but that could really have been any older relative.

Marriage Record of William Cole
John Cole signed

He was married on 8 June 1839 to Susannah "Susan" Hindman (spelling of her name varies)... Susannah is a bigger mystery-- as to from whence she came and all that rot.

They do show up in the 1840 census, living Lower Sandusky, Ohio... There is a girl, aged 10-14 living in their household... I have no idea who she could be... perhaps a younger sister of one of them?


By 1850, they are living in Steuben County, Indiana, with 3 of their children. Eventually they made their way up to Hudson, Michigan... and their children included, but aren't necessarily limited to: Byron A. Cole, Anna Marie (wife of Riley Randall), Jennet (wife of John Finn & Milton Welliver), Martha (wife of Floyd Gay), and Delivan.

Sometime in the 1860s, they relocated to Minnesota... settling in what is now Kandiyohi County.

On 17 April 1889, Susan passed away at their home in New London and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. Over the coming years the Cole family branches moved and left Kandiyohi County and William would eventually live with his sons at different times. 

It was at the home of his son Delivan, that William died on 12 Nov 1902, in rural Cass County.

So who was William Cole? 
Who were his parents? 
Where did they come from?

Many questions. Few answers