MORRISON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (MCHS) - Key Persons
Are you interested in an old platform rocker and trunk? I have pictures if you would like to see them. Reply
Ben Hawkinson was born in Bleking Province, Sweden, near the village of Carlson in the year 1865. He is the son of Hokan Olson and Hanna Swanson.
Hokan Olson was born in 1817 in Bleking Province. He owned a large tract of land, equal to 500 American acres. This was not all farm land for cultivation. Much of it was covered with timber and wasn't even good for pasture. However, a large share of the land was used for pasture. Hokan and his family, Ben remembered, had about thirty head of cattle, six horses and 75 head of sheep. Hokan was badly injured once when the team he was driving ran away. His hip was broken and his body bruised. In 1893, two years after this accident, he passed away.
Ben Hawkinson attended the Lutheran school and was confirmed when fifteen years old. He then worked on his father's farm until he was twenty, and learned much about farming. He farmed for himself from 1885 until 1894, when he decided to come to the United States.
"I don't know why I came here. I had it better at home than I ever did in America. Yes, I had it as good in the old country as anybody could have it. I only intended to stay in America four or five years and then go back to Sweden, but I never did and never will, I guess. I'd like to go back all right, to visit. I don't think I'd ever see America again if I would go back to the old country. My brother was in America for five years. He went home, to Sweden, for Christmas and stayed until the next spring. He then came back to the United States. The next year my sister and I came over to find him and to get work. I didn't find him until forty years later. He had gone to Minneapolis and we had gone to Chicago. We didn't recognize each other when we did meet, so I guess I wouldn't know anybody in Sweden either. Forty years is a long time and makes quite a difference, even in people's appearances" Ben related.
Ben and his sister, Ida, went to Chicago in 1896 from Sweden, in search of his brother, Swan. In Chicago Ben got a job in the Pullman car shops. Most of the ten years he spent there, he was assembling trucks for the cars. Of course, he has helped to make many cars ‘from bottom to top'. Workers were paid by the piece and made as high as six to seven dollars a day, during rush seasons. Ordinarily, a ten hour day's work brought about two-fifty to three dollars. Just before the year 1906 the scale was reduced, so Ben decided to leave the city for Western Kansas. There he took a homestead of 160 acres, which he and his children farmed for twelve years. In 1918, he rented the farm and moved to Little Falls township, Morrison County, Minnesota. Four miles south of the city he bought a farm and took up farming again. It was then that he found his brother, Swan.
In the fall of 1925, Mr. Hawkinson sold his farm and retired, moving to his present home on 11th street, which he bought. To keep in good health, he saws and splits his own wood and then piles it in the shed. He also tends a large garden.
I found an old image of a Pierz street scene, about 1900-1910. I posted it on the SHare History Facebook page if you'd like to view it. or, send me an email ad I'll send it along. Reply
Dennis Mosman says: August 21, 2015 at 3:31 pm Hi, I was reading about the old Jefferson Highway routes in Minnesota, but it looks like the links at the bottom of your Jefferson Highway article are broken. Thanks, Dennis Reply
Hello. Spoke with Amy today. She suggested that I let you know that my sisters and I will be in Little Falls on September 22nd and 23rd. We hope to do some research on our great grandfather, Adalbert Czechowicz and his wife Mary. We do have a lot of information you provided several years ago, but hope to dig a little deeper. We will be traveling from both the west and east coast specifically for this purpose. Therefore, it would be appreciated if you would let us know should your Friday and Saturday hours change. Many thanks, Carol Petricka Reply
I would love to connect with you! My name is Carole Pigman, my Father Calvin D Pigman Reply
Hi, not sure where you live but I have access to a copy. We live in NW Ohio. Reply
Clara Gustafson was born in Ostergotland, Sweden, in 1874 and was reared on a farm. An only brother and two sisters, of Clara's, remained in Sweden. The sisters died in 1910. An older sister came to America some years before 1888 and settled in Boone, Iowa. She married Oscar Olsen. She died recently. Clara attended Lutheran school in Sweden and was confirmed when fourteen years old. That year, 1888, she came to America with some friends. She joined her sister in Boone, Iowa, and soon found work in private homes, there. She worked in Des Moines, Iowa, for a number of years and then went to Chicago. There she worked until her marriage. She bore four children in Chicago and two in Kansas. She was a very thoughtful mother and influenced her children greatly. She is now, unfortunately, in a state sanatorium in Larned, Kansas.
Hello, I would like to know the name of the one room school house my father and his siblings attended and where it was. He didn't remember the name and passed last March. He was from the Swanville area. His name was Norman Drews and he was born in Fall of 1925, so maybe he started school in 1930? I don't know what age children started school back then. He graduated from Swanville High School circa 1942? He even attended a HS Reunion from there. But I am most anxious to find out about his grade school, who his teacher, classmates were and any photos the society might have of that school. I would be so grateful. Thank you, Cindi Drews Shubert Reply
I have my great grandmothers home made dresses from approximately the early 20th century. She passed away in 1918. These were from the Stegora Farm in Harding Minnesota. Do you have any interest in them? We would like to donate them if so. Reply
I have a photo that I was told be of the Pierz Journal office in Sept. 1907. I was wondering if that can be verified and who the two gentlemen might be? I don't know how I can attach a copy of this photo for you to view. Please let me know Reply
Nelson Photography took pictures in Little Falls. I have an old photo of a wedding party -groom, bride, best maid and maid/matron of honor probably about 1890-1920. I was wondering if there are records from Nelson Photography? I would like to check my genealogical data names with the names against Nelson Photography pictures taken. I also don't know how to attach the photograph in case someone in Morrison county might recognize the persons in the photography in case there are no Nelson records. Reply
I know Nelson Photography had a studio in Little Falls and other locations and took wedding and also area photos. I hope to do research if the Society can help me regarding his archived photos. I heard that the society might be able to help me, I hope when I visit the area this summer I will be successful in my research . hope springs eternal Reply
On August 27th at 9:30 AM, the city of Pierz will be dedicating a trail to Dr. Raymond J. Stein. Dr. Stein practiced medicine as…
Thomas Joseph Carroll - I think you and I may be of the same generation of Pigman descendants, then. If I am looking at the family history correctly, I, also, would be a great, great, grandson of Alonzo. My grandfather, Earl Clinton Pigman, was the son of William, who was the son of Alonzo D. Pigman. Reply
Job Titles:
- Founder of Little Falls Granite Works
Both my great grandfathers (Morrill Bryant and John J Clark) were members of the Grand Army of the Republic Post 31 (Workman) that met at Maurin's Hall on 1st Street in Little Falls from 1883-1912. I have a picture of them standing sitting with their GAR Brothers on the steps of a building (I assume it is this Maurin's Hall), probably around the turn of the 20th Century. My Great-Great grandfather Morrill Bryant is holding a flag and I actually have what is supposedly that flag too. I am looking to find out information on the GAR Post 31 in Little Falls and Maurin's Hall (if it still stands or any old pictures of them). I also would like to know where my grandfathers are buried. Reply
My Great Aunt Barbara Timock the former Barbara Sophia Perowitz turned 99 years old last week .She is the last of eleven children and the only survivor of John and Magdeline Perowitz of Flensburg Minnesota.She is amazing and her memory is as sharp as a tack. God bless the Perowitz and Wozniak family in and around Morrison county.I was last there in 1969.The Twins had a helluva good team that year.Aunt Barbara resides in Traverse City Michigan and I sent her flowers. Gerald James Thibeaut in Davison Michigan. Reply
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Assistant, Check
- Museum Assistant
- Museum Manager
Our museum assistant Grace recently wrote an article about Jane, which you can find here: https://morrisoncountyhistory.org/?page_id=7328
I have a number of photographs of the Abraham K. Miller family who lived in Little Falls and are buried in the cemetery there, as well as family information. The people in the photos have been identified; are they something you would be interested in. They date from late 1890's and early 1900's Reply
My Name is Jeff Bartheld, and I am a collector of Bricks, (Yes that's right people are now collecting Bricks) In any case, I have been trying to find a marked M.Scott Brick from little Falls, I have been searching for a while now, and thought I had hit the Jackpot when I called the courthouse, and the lady told me there were pallets of them in the county garage. It did not take me long to be in the rig and heading up to Little Falls from Princeton, Sadly, when I got there, there were pallets of Scott Bricks and none with the name on them, then a supervisor came in and told me they could not sell me one as they had to be saved for the Historic Buildings in town (Rats) as I was leaving a city worker who heard my plight, Gave me an unmarked one so my trip was not in vain. But I am still looking for a Scott with the name on it, I have a copy of "Lost Minnesota," and in it they talk about the O.A. Churchill Store that was at 55 Bay Street, the Book goes on to say that the Building was made of Scott Bricks with the names facing out. My question for you is where was the Rubble hauled to when the Building was tore down? Even if I had to do some digging it would be worth it to me to find one or 2 good ones (Or even 5 or 10) for trading. If anyone can help me please feel free to contact me at stillsparkycush@windstream.net, I would even be happy to purchase some if anyone has any available. I currently have 100 bricks in my collection, From Minnesota I have a Shakopee, Chaska and ACO Springfield (From Springfield MN) I am also looking for a Pangborn From Sauk Center MN, along with any other Minnesota made brick that I can Find. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me in my Quest. Reply
John Pigman arrived in what would later become the United States of America sometime prior to 1692. The British colonies in 1690 were "a mere fringe of coastal settlements" (E. James Ferguson, 1974). The population was less than 250,000 settled along the Atlantic coast. I am among the many thousands of descendants of John Pigman now living in the United States. I am the fortunate recipient of the work of four genealogists who compiled information on the Pigman family. The book, John Pigman and His Descendants, leaves much unanswered and some information in question. That is the nature of genealogy. In fact, it is the nature of all historic research. It is always a work in progress while more material is unearthed. Nevertheless, the Pigman history is fascinating. It is a thrill to know that one's ancestors were among the founders of the country.
I will be in your area on Monday, April 3 and hope to stop in to your Historical Society to do some research on James McDougle. He moved to Todd County some time in the 1900's and lived in and around the area until his death in 1984. Will anyone be around to help me in my research? Reply
I am doing some family research and trying to locate an obituary for Harriet Nelson Fitzgerald, originally from Spicer, MN, the death date I have is 11/25/1994. I'm also looking for one for her husband, Jack Fitzgerald who death date is perhaps 9/30/1998. If there are other bits of information, I would be interested in receiving them. Thank you very much! Reply
Do you have information, specifications, serial numbers, manuals, etc. for Larson boats from the 1960s? Would you have any suggestions as to who or what organization might have such information? Thanks, Reply
Wondering if your historical society has any pictures or information on the Freedhem Elementary School? My husband was a student there from around 1962 to 1966. He has many fond memories and would like to share some of them with our children & grandchildren. Reply
Good morning. I'm presently working on research for a book of church architecture in the U.S. I'm trying to find out who the architect was who designed the Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Sobieski at 9366 Church Circle in Sobieski. It was built from 1896 to 1897. The builders were Alex Wochnik, and W. Wolke. Thank you for your time. Reply
I found a 1944 photo of the Little Fall's football team at an estate sale. It says they were undefeated and has all of their names listed on the back! Are you interested in it for your museum? I would like to donate it to you, but could I get a receipt for it? If so, where would I mail it to? Thank you, Kelley Reply
The township building was moved and inside it were papers related to township business. A 1908-1911 register of births was included. How much of this information would be wanted by your Society if any? Most from the early 1900's through 1950's. Reply
Tammy says: February 28, 2016 at 3:01 pm Hi. I am trying to get information about an abuse case that happened in LF in 1978. I was told that the little falls transcript would be the place to look. Is there anyway you could assist me with this search? Reply
Hi! I am currently writing my family history. Their origin is Harding, Minnesota. Part of the history is about their school days. I have made of list of teachers from 1913 to 1958. Most of the information came from report cards and some facts my mother wrote down. The school district was 123. Is there information collected from the country schools that I could check to make sure my list is correct? And are there photos available maybe of some of the teachers? When my writing is done, I plan to submit a copy of the story of the Bieganek and Deering families to the historical society. Still have a ways to go, but hope to have everything done by the end of the year. Thank you! Reply
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Interim Executive Director
- Museum Manager
- Our Executive Director
I have photos of the John Baptiste LeDoux (born 1856) family. I also have a photo of his Mary St Onge (born 1864) that lived in and farmed in Morrison County. They are buried at the Holy Family Church Cemetery just north of Little Falls. Would you please give me a email address to send these photos as attachments.
Our Executive Director, Mary Warner, also published a book about Richardson and the early history of Morrison County! It's called "A Big Hearted Paleface Man" and can be purchased from our store if you're interested. You can also read some excerpts on our website at this page if you want to get a taste before committing to the book: http://morrisoncountyhistory.
I am researching my paternal grandaunt, Mary Ellen Rowan aka Sister Mary Oderica (or O'Derica??) who worked at St. Francis Hospital, Breckenridge MN, in the X-Ray laboratory in the 1930s. She was born 7 September 1887 in Minnesota and died 8 November 1959 in Little Falls, Morrison County, Minnesota. Any assistance you can provide will be appreciated. I will gladly pay for research time and copies.
I was referred to you by the Morrison County Record. I am looking for a public notice in an old paper. 1985 to be exact. I am looking for the public notice for Aug to possibly Oct 1st. There was a Notice to township resident and it was printed for 3 weeks. I was wondering if you would still have something like that. The record does not. Reply
Nathaniel Pigman, grandson of John I, son of John II, entered the American Revolution September 12, 1777. He was commissioned a Captain in General John Murdock's Regiment of the Middle Battalion of the Militia. On Oct. 4, 1777 he led his men in the battle of Germantown. On February 3, 1778 he took the Oath of Fidelity class #1 Officer of the 7th Company, Montgomery Co. Militia. Nathaniel eventually rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
While Nathaniel was fighting for freedom it was wife, Nancy, and 12 year old son Joseph Waters Pigman who would tend the farm. Young Joseph was no match for the task at hand. The farm was 191 acres located in part of what is now Washington, D.C. After many years of growing tobacco the land was depleted of nutrients. By the time Nathaniel returned to his farm it was bankrupt.
Almost beyond belief is the fact that this hero of battle and once prosperous farmer now faced debtor's prison. He did win a lawsuit, with the help of young son Joseph, but did spend time in prison. Nathaniel died in 1801 or 1802. Nancy died in 1810.
As far as I can determine, Pigmans have fought in every war in which the United States has been engaged. Once again, the Pigman family history points to the importance of museums, archives, courthouses and family records to tell us who we are. Are you throwing out something that future generations might find valuable in telling their story?
My late stepfather, Alan Owen Nelson, was born in Little Falls (in 1940), but his parents, Norman Nelson and Ruth Hall Nelson, were from Randall. Norman's first cousin was the Little Falls High English teacher Norma Nelson, who died in 2012. I saw her obituary in the Morrison County Record yesterday. It mentions a book she wrote about Randall, "Little City with Big Heart." Do you know what year it was published and where I can find a copy? Also, Norma Nelson's brother, George C. Nelson, put together a two-volume family history completed in 1996. It covers both the Nelson side of his family and the side of his mother, Ida Schwanke Nelson. It's subtitle is "A Pound of Nails, Two Pounds of Herring, and Two Quarts of Sauerkraut." We have this family history in our possession here in Sacramento, California. Does the MHS have a copy? If not, would it be interested in one? Of course, Lyle Nelson, George and Norma's brother, probably has a copy. He lives in Little Falls, as I understand. Thank you. Nick Alexander Sacramento, CA 916 743 1720 Reply
I'm looking for a photograph of a John T. Hoblitt, who worked for the newspaper in Little Falls, MN just prior to 1902, when he purchased the Morrison County Democrat newspaper. In 1909, after seven years with the ‘Democrat', Hoblitt moved to Silverton, OR, where he purchased the Silverton Appeal newspaper and ran it until his death in 1946. Reply
RE: Una Pigman, was the 3rd oldest daughter of Martin & Alpha Pigman. She was my aunt, I never met her, but have been doing some geneology, & if you find Martin & Alpha Pigman, you will also find some interesting facts & pictures of her. My father was Joe Pigman, her youngest brother. Reply
My great-grandfather was a physician postmaster and mayor of Little Falls around the 1880s I would greatly appreciate if you have any information on him especially a picture thank you Patrick Chance Reply
Do you know where I could find pictures of the merry wildwood school district 113 in Morrill township? Reply
Perry Stith, Roland Stith, Odessa Como, Lucille Young, and Marie Tesch.
Note the last names of Perry and Roland. They are not Tonn. I don't know whether this indicates step-children or something else.
We have an obit for William Tonn, Sr., whose wife is listed as Wilhelmina Krieger in his obit, but is listed as Fredericka on another document. I'm not sure why there is a discrepancy. Their children are listed as Louis, Alma, William Jr., Elmer and Lulu. This is the William who had the Tonn block built. He was a saloon keeper.
Could it be that the first William I mentioned, father of Odessa and John, is actually William Jr. listed in William Sr.'s obit? I don't have enough information in the file to figure that out. Perhaps what I've provided here will make sense to you.
Job Titles:
- Little Falls' Coach & World War I Hero
My name is Rick Prieston Brodkorb. My great grandfather Joseph Brodkorb (1848-1922) immigrated to Little Falls in 1871 with his wife Franciska (1849-1921). He was a mason and a farmer and settled in the Bowlus area. His son, my great uncle, was Frank Brodkorb(1895-1955) was married to Victoria Tillman (1891-1956) and they lived in Little Falls where he ran a store. My wife and I will coming to Lttle Falls from Alberta, Canada, on May 9&10 and I am looking for any information you may have on them. perhaps I could meet with somene there who can help me locate farm, residences, graves etc. Reply
Very recently I discovered my family's American Story back to my Great-Great Grandfather, Mathies Eisel. He along with his wife and 5 children immigrated to Pierz from Austria in 1869. This discovery along with articles from the Pierz Journal has helped me to learn more about my Father's side of the family than I have learned in my 65 years. In fact, with the help of an article in the Pierz Journal dated December 1, 1910 titled, Drowns in Eddy, I was able to locate my Great-Grandfather Joseph's Farm and view it from Google Maps. Joseph Eisel and his wife, Mary Girtz Eisel had eleven children. My Grandfather John Peter Eisel was either their first or second child. This discovery along with the location of Mathies' grave in St. Josephs Cemetery and Josephs in St. Mary's calls to my heart. I believe there are many of my distant family still possibly residing in Morrison County. Along with my three brothers, son, nephew and nieces we are planning a trip to Morrison tentatively scheduled in June 2017. Certainly the highlight of our trip would be a visit to the Historical Society. I also wonder if St. Joseph's would have information on my family? I have never scheduled such a an event and would appreciate any guidance you can provide. Are you aware of the Eisel family? Is there someone at the Historical Society who could meet with us and guide us through whatever information you may have? Do you have land records? Reply
Stephen Eisel, Thank you for your comment. We would be happy to have you visit the museum! Staff at the museum are always ready to help researchers, pulling sources and guiding you through the process. It sounds like you have an exciting adventure ahead. The Eisel name is a familiar one in Morrison County. We would have a number of research resources you could check, including a probate of estate for Mathias, and the St. Joseph Cemetery has been indexed. We look forward to seeing you. Staff at MCHS
Do you have information on the death of John Eisel in October 1885? He was the son of Mathies and Juliana Eisel who lived in Pierz. His cause of death was listed as Pneumonia but I believe there were other circumstances leading to his death at age 22 Reply
I am trying to find out information about a county dentist that practiced and lived I Little Falls by the name of Dr. Robert Vickerman Gibson .We know that he lived there during the time frame of 1890's-1900's. He had 5 children, children were Evalina, Almina,George,and the twins Nutah and Osver, and his wife's name was Sarah. For some reason, which my family is trying to figure out, he uprooted the family and his practice and moved to Roseau. Would you have any information about him or his family, I would appreciate it. Thank you , Susan Lambert Reply
Following is the 1949 W.P.A. Biography of Valentine Kasparek. He was one of the founders of the Morrison County Historical Society and was in charge of collecting W.P.A. Biographies of area residents.
I thought I read somewhere that (this is always the question, isn't it that the Iron Range extended down as far as the northern portion of Morrison County. Am I correct or do I eat crow? Reply