TBT- Johannas Weerts WWII Service

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

Johannas Weerts [1902-1975]

My Great-Great Uncle

Johannas Weerts was born in rural Martin County, Minnesota the 8th child to Harm & Elizabeth Weerts, who were German immigrant dairy farmers. They had left their home in Ostfreisland (far NW Germany) a decade before & settled in Iowa before relocating to Southern Minnesota.

Shortly after the outbreak of World War I, Johannas moved to rural He continued to reside in the Amenia area and was later married to Clara Cramer in 1943.

He died in 1975 from complications of pneumonia following a broken hip. 

Lost Photo- David B. Phillips of Ohio

I recently rescued this great cabinet card photo

On the back side in an ancient scrawl, someone wrote 

'David B. Phillips'

After a quick Ancestry search, it appears that there are a couple of potential David B. Phillips who resided in Ohio that are from around the correct era.

Hopefully someone out there has either David in their family... or has a little more research time to devote to tracking down the correct gentleman!

It's really a great photograph and it should be with a genealogist who can treasure it

TBT- Hiram Maine & Loren Maine "Boxing"

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This Week It Is-

Hiram Maine [1904-1979] & Loren Maine [1901-1980]

My Great-Grandfather & His Older Brother

This photo, taken sometime in the early 1910's in rural Cass County, Minnesota was sent by Minnie Maine down to her old neighbors the Hartman's in Southern Minnesota. This fun snapshot of her two youngest sons was likely taken on their farm in Home Brook Township, due to the hats & raised fists, it's pretty much impossible to tell which one is which. 

Hiram would continue to live on that farm the rest of his life, dying in 1979. Loren would eventually move back down to Southern Minnesota and farm in rural Winnebago, later moving into town. He died of cancer a year after his brother. 

Lost Photo- Emery C. Nelson of Clermont, Iowa

I recently rescued this cabinet card photo from an antique shop.

The back states 

"Compliments of Emory C. Nelson Clermont Iowa"

Emery Clifford Nelson was born 21 Jan 1892 in South Dakota

The son of P.H. Nelson & Guri "Julia" Olson.

About 1900, his mother was remarried to Andrew (Paulson) Jahren and the family was living in Iowa. Research also shows that he had a younger brother Carl Nelson 1898-1967

As his Mother & Step-Father moved to Montana and later California, Emery continued to live in the same household as him, up to at least 1930 where he is listed as a single 38 year old laborer.

Since it seems unlikely that Emery has an descendants of his own at this point, hopefully someone from the family of his brother Carl would treasure this great little photograph.

A Blizzard & A Stay-cation.... What to do?

Here in Southern Minnesota, we've definitely been feeling Winter the last few weeks!

We've had snow and then shockingly (even for us!) cold weather. And now, today, as I write this I can hear the roar of neighboring snow blowers as they clear out from yesterday.... while our Blizzard Warning expired in the night, the temperature is currently -10 and we're in a Wind Chill Advisory until at least later today.

Oh Spring... where for art thou?

Lucky for me, I'm on vacation from work for a couple of weeks... enjoying a "stay-cation" even though I wish I was frolicking on a warm sunny tropical beach somewhere, as I was last February. And yesterday, listening to the howl of the wind I just had no motivation to tackle the dull house chores that piled up all week....

So, what did I do??

First, I did some extensive searches on Ebay to see what genealogical books were out their for both my family surnames and locations of interest! Then I headed over to the New England Historic Genealogical Society where they have a huge listing of Used Books for Sale, as well as the personal genealogy page for Dr. Michael Lacopo (Hoosier Daddy) who has an ever changing list of books for sale from the excess duplicates of his own collection.


Of course I found a number of books that I decided I MUST have! And now I'm eagerly awaiting their arrival, hopefully a few of them get here by next week when we're forecast to receive another huge Winter storm (insert some combination of sobbing/angry emoji here).

In addition to the book hoarding that I engaged in, I also took the opportunity to research a number of different societies & associations that I have interest in joining. Some societies have specific renewal dates (often the first of a new year) and I found quite a few that I want to join and organized them based on renewal dates.

I did join The Rhode Island Genealogical Society, The New Hampshire Society of Genealogists, and The Sandwich Historical Society (Carroll Co, NH) right off the bat, with their easy to join on-line application. And also printed off forms for those that require checks sent via snail mail.

Today, I'm going to putter my way through the rest of the list... I have a few family associations I want to explore and they require more in-depth forms as lineage is required. 

I'm still lingering over coffee this morning... stalling in my snow removal responsibilities, and just enjoying the morning. The sun streaming in the windows is misguiding, but still a nice addition to this frigid day.

Time to refill my coffee and then on to tackle the filling in of some paper applications.

What are you doing this Winter Friday? Perhaps you're a lucky one enjoying warm weather someplace?
What genealogical tasks await you this coming weekend?

TBT- Arthur Blair as a Young Child

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

Arthur Blair [1891-1962]

First cousin to my Great-Grandmother Laura (Nelson) Maine

Arthur Blair was born 15 June 1891 in Bancroft Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota, the 5th and final child of William Blair & Sarah Nelson. 

Art and his sister Nellie were the only children to live to adulthood, as the oldest 3 children died of illness before reaching 2 years of age. Their mother Sarah was the oldest child of Ole Nelson & Mary Rosetta Grinolds, who were early residents of Freeborn County, Minnesota. After their 1876 elopement, William & Sarah moved throughout Southern Minnesota before eventually settling in Richland County, North Dakota.

He was married to Bess Brown and they would gone on to have 6 children, and continue to live in rural Richland County.

Sadly, Art & his youngest son were involved in an automobile accident on 3 July 1962, his son dying instantly. A hospitalized Art passed away the following day from complications of his injuries. 

2019 Genealogical "To Do" List vs "Resolutions"

Like millions of people each New Year, I have my own list of resolutions that I craft every year. For a few years, I have specialized in making a number of genealogical specific resolutions that I continually fail to meet… each and every year.

This is actually a source of quite a bit of embarrassment for me, as I recall fondly the time (some years ago) when I was super organized and on top of all my projects. So, for 2019, I decided instead of calling them "resolutions" and dooming them to certain failure, I will call this my "To Do List," which sounds more like something that has a final end date (in my lifetime!).

We're already closing in on the final days of January, so our first month of the New Year is nearly over! Unfortunately, within the first 5 days of January, I came down with a nasty cold/cough/sinus ailment that took nearly 3 weeks to resolve.... so I feel a little behind in my "to do" activities. And now, this week, like much of Northern sections of the USA, here in Minnesota we're pretty much shut down with dangerously cold weather. So, what a perfect time for tackling a few genealogical related tasks.... like finally get this posting published!

My 2019 Genealogy To Do List is comprised of 8 important goals/tasks that I would like to put energy into, in the coming year. Some of these 8 goals are similar in theme, but I still consider them a separate branch of their own

1. Organization~ FINALLY!

Like every genealogist, I battle with getting organized. A long long LONG term problem. Extra frustrating, because I remember the days of being ultra-organized. I've put some big projects & research opportunities on hold, because I am not just sure what I have and what I need yet. And I'm also hesitant to take on something that will add further to my "piles." I've already began sorting paper piles & going through my file cabinet. Making new folders & purging some no longer needed/out dated resources.

2. Photos- Photos- Photos

I'm very fortunate to have a large photo archive of several thousand photographs! But I need to get them scanned, labeled, organized & properly stored. How can one appreciate a great photo that is buried in a big tote of other photos. This is a perfect Winter project and I look forward to getting to it.

3. Documentation

Sadly, I got sloppy with documentation at different times in my research over the past 25+ years. I have many documents that I need to create proper citations for. Related to other goals, such as Organization & Examining Brick Walls, shoring up my documentation will go hand in hand. Also, it is important to stay diligent with it, so I'm not right back to square one before I know it!

4. Coming Certified

I've thought long and hard for some time about applying to become a Certified Genealogist^® , and have decided that 2019 is my year! I have great confidence in my abilities and once I triumph over my battle with clutter & mess, I'll have even more time and space to work on this very important part of my genealogical path.

5. Re-Examine Brick Walls

Like most genealogists, I have a number of Brick Walls... Okay, in all honesty, I have a TON of brick walls. And I'm long over due to revisit some of them. I know that I missed things the first few times around, as well as the fact that countless new resources become available each and every day. Once I'm better organized, I'll know more of what I have and be able to thoroughly and smartly examine each case.

6. DNA

In the years since I took my DNA test, and then subsequently had 6 other relatives tested, the tests I admininster have hundreds and thousands of matches, and it's time to really break down those results and figure out who's who & why. 

7. Writing

In 2018, I got lazy with blogging as well as writing other articles and case studies. Not only do I enjoy it, but it's been a great help in furthering my genealogy research. So, I'm planning on many more frequent blog posts here, as well as beginning to work on some new articles for consideration in other genealogical publications. The genealogy lectures and speaking engagements I partook in during the last year, were a lot of fun! I need to work on presentations for a couple of other topics I've been sketching out, as well as fine tune and update other lectures I've given and continue to present. 

8. Continuing Education

This is always something I strive for each year! And it's probably the one "resolution" that historically I've excelled at. So for 2019, I plan to continue my stellar track record, and keep attending the genealogy conferences I'm able to. I also watch webinars on topics I find relate to my genealogy, as well as enjoy regular podcast listening to keep my in the loop of the news in our field. 

So, this large "to do" list feels daunting at times, but ultimately it's a continuing work in progress. I'm fine tuning where I'm going to focus my genealogy energy the next year, but not expecting any miracles to happen!

What are your Genealogy "To Do's" for 2019?

Happy New Year! It's 2019~

Happy New Year! 

I can’t believe it is 2019--- 

It is mind boggling to me where the last year went to... And with my lack of productivity on numerous fronts, I fear that I may have squandered some valuable time.

Evidenced by my lack of blog activity, I did not have nearly as much time devoted to my genealogy quests as I would have liked! Which is the complete opposite of what I had originally planned for 2018.

Yes, I did speak at the North Star Conference, the yearly Fall Conference put on by Minnesota Genealogical Society And I was able to do some basic genealogy research throughout the year--- as well as continue to analyze and make breakthroughs via DNA.

As has been frequently discussed here in The Dead Relative Collector, having my DNA tested nearly 4 years ago, proved that there was some "biological identity issues" in my pedigree~
So I am NOT exactly who I thought I was...?
I'm STILL Not Who I Thought I Was... Thanks DNA
And DNA results continued to alter my new family as well, as people continued to be just not who I thought them to be.... and that saga will be a 2019 article series.

My biggest research triumph was late in the year, when I finally was able to locate my mysterious Great-Great Grandfather Owen Rutherford Bruce, some years after he was last spotted in the late 1920's. Capping his life story with his death finally lead to a bit of closure in my research, but has also expanded a number of new research avenues! This will also be a follow-up article, as he's made previous appearances here in The Dead Relative Collector.

Getting back into a regular blogging schedule is one of my big goals for 2019! I've already began a huge organizational push in my entire genealogical archive, this 3rd day of the New Year and I'm looking forward to continuing my progress & making the year my most successful yet!

Happy New Year~

Spring Conferences & Educational Opportunities!

It's hard to believe we're four months into 2018! Especially here in Minnesota, where we can't seem to get a start on Spring... much of the state just got yet another significant snowfall and it makes motivation and planning ahead for warmer months difficult!

However, April is a busy month in the world of genealogy! And while the month is half over, there are a number of genealogical education opportunities on the horizon, right here in our own backyard~ And while it's always wonderful to learn new things, it's just as nice to hang out with "our people" and share the mutual love of our craft!

The Germanic Genealogy Society has their Spring Conference this coming Friday & Saturday—April 21^st & 22^nd. Timo Kracke is the key note speaker and the list of other speakers & subject matter looks to make a very fine conference!

If you are in Northern Minnesota, the Stearns County History Museum & St. Cloud Area Genealogists are sponsoring a Family History Conference ‘Trace Your Roots’ by the ever knowledgeable Paula Stuart-Warren. This also takes place on April 21^st.

On April 28^th, the Minnesota Genealogical Society has its Spring Conference “Back to Basics Workshop” which is going to be held at the new MGS location! So if you haven’t been there yet, here’s your chance. And luckily, one of the breakout sessions offered is a ‘tour’ of the new research library!

For those of you who don’t live here in Minnesota, or who are not able to travel to the venues across the state— I strongly suggest you still take a look at the Minnesota Genealogical Societies Event page, as there are many free webinars to further your education.

If webinars are your thing, The New England Historic & Genealogical Society has some amazing free webinars that are open to anyone…as well as other online classes that require payment/membership. They cover some very specific subjects, as well as broad basic genealogical research subjects that anyone will find informative.

There are so many opportunities for further our genealogical education—from conferences, webinars, workshops & classes. Every subject matter under the genealogical umbrella.

I encourage you to take advantage of these great services that are available! And if you know of others, please share~ The more people who know, the more people can participate.

Happy New Year 2018~

The Dead Relative Collector wants to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Hopefully 2018 is full of genealogical successes for us all~

After a break of a few months... times goes SO fast... I'm looking forward to blogging with regularity again! There still remains a large stash of "lost" family items to try and reunite as well as never ending changes & 'news' in our wonderfully diverse hobby to chat about. In addition to sharing my own personal genealogical quests and photos.

The Dead Relative Collector had the luxury of attending multiple genealogical conferences & workshops in 2017. I had great hopes to blog about them all individually... but it seems that time has just gotten away.

Among the highlights were the International Germanic Genealogy Conference in July-- many hundreds of people attended and it was incredible! What an honor to be part of the first ever one!

The North Star Genealogy Conference, sponsored by the Minnesota Genealogical Society was also a great time in October! The Dead Relative Collector was honored to present there for the first time as well.

Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year and looking very forward to interacting with you in the coming year as well continue our never ending genealogical quests!

TBT- Larrie Maine at Stony Brook

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

Larrie Maine [1896-1977]

My Great-Great Uncle

Larrie Maine at "Stony Brook" [Cass County, MN]

Larrie Maine was the first born, of six children belonging to Ralph & Minnie (Cole) Maine. Throughout his life he lived in various places around Minnesota & North Dakota, before settling on his farm near Mapleton, MN where he passed away following a heart attack at 80 years old.

Lost Photo Album- Olaug Kaatorp of Renville Co, MN

Last Summer I purchased a large photo archive at an auction. What a treasure trove of lost family items!

Many of these wonderful family photos are from Norway! It's difficult to figure out what family they are from though there is correspondence from Norway to Olaug Kaatorp, who lived in Renville County, Minnesota and various parts of Minneapolis/St Paul, it seems.

I can't really determine if Olaug was married or had a family- perhaps that is why her family photo collection ended up at auction??

It would be wonderful to return this lovely family album to a relative who would treasure it, along with the various loose photos & memorabilia. If there are no living relatives in the United States, maybe descendants of the Norwegian branch that sent these items over would claim this piece of family history!

TBT- Baby Photo of Aunt Ardyce (Sturm) Reader

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is--

Ardyce Sturm Reader [1934-1994]

My Great-Aunt

A smiling Ardyce --

Ardyce was born in 1934, the 3rd of three children born to John & Beatrice (Mapson) Sturm, older sister Mava Ruth (my Grandma) and old brother Arlo completed the family.

Baby Ardyce

Growing up in rural Granada, Minnesota, she lost her Mother when she was only about 12 years old. Later marrying and moving to Colorado, she would pass away at only 60 years of age.

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!

Lost Heirloom- Gertrude Stefanski Certificate

I recently rescued this framed Communion certificate from an estate sale.

Gertrude Stefanski was born in 1909, near East Chain, Martin County, Minnesota, She was the daughter of Vincent & Hedwig (Charnecki) Stefanski. 

Married to Elmer Schroeder, they would have 2 children who died in infancy, leaving no direct descendants. Gertrude died in 2010, at 100 years of age.


Hopefully, there is someone out there, possibly family from her 2 brothers or 2 sisters, that would treasure & appreciate the piece of family memorabilia

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!

TBT- John Sturm Cabinet Card Photo

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo collection

This week it is-

John Sturm [1869-1921]

My Great-Great Grandfather

John Sturm was born in 1869, in rural Long Grove, Illinois, the son of Johann & Salome (Sturm) Sturm. His parents were both immigrants from Ostheim, Alsace Lorraine.

After marrying and starting a family, they eventually left Illinos and settled for a brief time in Wisconsin before relocating to Southern Minnesota. They farmed here for about 15 years, before John passed away from colon cancer at 52 years old. 

Lost Heirloom-- Esther Meister Baptismal Certificate

I recently rescued this 100+ year old baptismal record for Esther Elisabeth Meister, who was born 6 May 1912, the daughter of Ludwig & Emma (Lorenz) Meister. 

Brief research shows that Esther lived most, if not all, of her life in Dane County, Wisconsin. At some point, she was married becoming Esther Husker.

She died in 1996. At this point it's unclear if she had any children or any siblings.


It would be great to get this heirloom item to a relative who will treasure & appreciate it~

TBT- Hattie (Maine) Hanlon McLaren & Children

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is-

Harriet "Hattie" (Maine) Hanlon McLaren & her children

Onnie Hanlon Rathbone, John Hanlon McLaren
Lyda Hanlon Small, Hattie Maine Hanlon McLaren
-Photo taken in later 1940s, before Lyda's 1949 death

Harriet Maine was the daughter of Erastus & Eliza (Pierce) Maine, born in 1864 in rural Winnebago, the 5th of 11 children the couple would have. 

Marrying twice, first to John Hanlon and later to James McLaren, Hattie lived in Southern Minnesota and South Dakota before settling in Alberta, Canada and later British Columbia.

Her children often used the McLaren name, though any formal adoption seems unlikely.

The mother of 5 children, only 3 lived to adulthood and are pictured above-
Eliza "Lyda" Hanlon Lofthouse Small [1884-1949]
John Hanlon McLaren [1890-1977]
Onnie Hanlon Trott Rathbone [1894-1961]

Hattie died in November 1952, at the age of 88. Three weeks later, her older brother Selwyn died following a stroke. They were the last of the Erastus Maine family.

Lost Heirloom- August Sohre Baptismal Certificate

I recently rescued this lovely framed German baptismal certificate from the 1890's. I'm not fluent in German, but I was able to make out bits and pieces. 

The certificate is for August Louis Hermann  Sohre who was born May 10, 1884 in Horicon, Dodge Co, Wisconsin, the on of August Sohr & Henrietta Wegener [sic]. He was baptized on June 16, 1884.

I did a brief search into August Sohre and see that he eventually settled in Blue Earth County, Minnesota and children & grandchildren. 

I'm hoping that this certificate can find its way home to a relative to treasure it