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

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Josephine (Hagen) Cole

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

Today it is Josephine (Hagen) Cole

My Great-Great-Great Grandmother

Josephine Marie Hagen was born July 1, 1851 in Vågan, Nordland, Norway.  Which is within the beautiful Lofoten islands. In July of 1864, she came to the United States with her family (her brother Adolph was born during the voyage!) and the family settled in Wisconsin, before coming to what is now Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.

She married Delivan W. Cole and they lived in New London, Minnesota before moving to Cass County in Northern Minnesota. Josephine would give birth to 10 children, but sadly bury 4 of them in childhood. Later she & Delivan moved to North Dakota with their younger children.

Josephine returned to Cass County to live with her daughter Minnie & family in her final years, where she died 1922 from chronic valvular heart disease.

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!

TBT- Photos from Yesteryear- Grace Weerts Schultz

Spotlight photos from my extensive photo archive

Today it is Grace (Weerts) Schultz

My Great-Great Aunt

Grace Weerts was born January 22, 1890 in Petkum, Ostfriesland, Germany and came to the United States with her parent & older brother (my Great-Grandfather) and sister in 1892, settling in Butler County, Iowa. 

After 10 years of farming in Iowa, the Weerts family moved north to Minnesota where they operated a dairy farm. 

Grace married Fred Schultz in 1911 and they farmed in rural Fairmont, Minnesota where they raised their 3 sons, until eventually moving into town.

In 1957, Grace died from complications of stomach cancer.

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Sally "Essie" Crosby

Spotlight photos from my extensive photo archive 

Today is it

Sally Estella "Essie" (George) Bruce Crosby [1879-1958]

My Great-Great Grandmother

Essie Crosby in front of the Winnebago School- 1930s

Sally Estella "Essie" was the first child born to Myron George & Viola Jewell. Raised in Central City, Iowa by her Father & Grandmother Elmira Jewell, following her mothers death.

Essie was first married to Owen Rutherford Bruce, and after a tumultuous 16 year marriage they were divorced. The day her divorce from Owen was granted, Essie married LeRoy "Roy" Crosby and they immediately after moved to Minnesota.

Essie raised a total of 5 children and was an important figure to grandchildren as well. After many years living in Winnebago, Minnesota, Essie & Roy moved out West to California where their daughter was living.

Essie died after suffering a stroke on September 2, 1958. 

North Star 2016- Minnesota Genealogical Conference

Alright Minnesota Area Genealogists, it's time to plan for the Fall genealogy conference that is sponsored by the Minnesota Genealogical Society.

9th Annual North Star Conference

Friday September 30th & Saturday October 1st 

The Minnesota Genealogical Society always puts on a terrific workshop! The speakers are some of the brightest & most knowledgeable in our field. 

If you're like me, Summer is flying by at break neck speed... already nearly August, and I haven't accomplished 1/10th of the things I'd hoped to... and my genealogy has been no exception. The mini research trips I'd hoped to take & the massive organization projects are all still pending.

However, we all have plenty of time to schedule & plan for the upcoming genealogy conference! Coming after Labor Day & the hubbub of the previous months, it will be a wonderful way to cap off our "Summer Adventures" and maybe even give us some genealogy direction for the upcoming Midwest Winter we will be enduring! 

• Have you attended genealogy workshops before? If not, it's a wonderful way to expand your genealogy education AND meet fellow genealogists!
• Are you a member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society? If not, you should consider it. The price is reasonable, you get access to many resources AND members get a 'discount' for conferences.
• Might you have other genealogist pals who'd enjoy this too? If so, share this with them. Gather a group & carpool. 
• Think you're too much of a novice? Or too much an expert? Trust me. You aren't either of them. There's always something to learn in this great hobby of ours! No one knows too much or too little to find the conference a great time!

You can view the itinerary for the conference & speakers bios right on the MGS website.  Please check it out, there look like some great topics!

Points I should mention:

• Early bid registrations ends on August 23rd. 4 weeks. Don't delay.
• Apparently Minnesota is hosting the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament. If you need lodging, don't delay. 
• The Edina location of the conference is very easy & very accessible.
• Support your hobby & support your fellow genealogists.

See you there! Make sure to say 'hi'

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Stephen Luther Nelson

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

Today it is

My Great-Great Grandfather's older brother

Stephen Luther Nelson [1863-1933]

Stephen Luther Nelson was born just outside of Twin Lakes, Minnesota, the third child born to Ole & Mary Rosetta (Grinolds) Nelson. His mother died of cancer when he was just a teenager.

He was married to Inga Isaacson and eventually they, along with their 3 children, moved to South Dakota. 

In 1933, just shy of his 70th birthday, he died from complications of heart problems