Pocahontas County
Iowa

IAGenWeb Queries
January 1999 through December 1999

Update:  Non-working emails are removed and in russet ~Karen 4 May 2017

Will be emailing for a response and if none received, those emails will also be disabled.  18 years is a long time for an email to work!

Name: Rick Beck
E-Mail: Rick Beck
Location: Atoka TN
Date: Sun, Dec 12 1999
Comments: Looking for Simonson in Rolfe, Pocahontas, Iowa. Grandfather Herbert Andrew Simonson bn. 10/13/22. His father was Thomas M. Simonson and his mother was Hazel Iren Kilbourn (Simonson). I know little to nothing about his family. He had several sisters and poss. a twin brother. Later lived in CA, and joined the Navy. He had children by a first wife (daughters I think) and the wife ran off with a Church Order. Any info will be helpful.

Name: Delores Straight
E-mail: Delores Straight
Location: Loganville, GA
Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1999
Comments:A movie was just released about an ALVIN STRAIGHT who lived in Laurens and went to Wisconsin on a John Deere lawnmower to visit his brother, Lyle Straight. An article I have from a newspaper, I believe from 1994-5, said his brother's name was HENRY STRAIGHT. ALVIN died in 1996, according to the movie. Does anyone know where he is buried or any of his relatives who might not mind some answers. I do genealogy on the Straight family, and am trying to determine the ancestry of Alvin and Henry to see if they are related to our branch of Straights. By the way, we really enjoyed the movie, it is just a good heart warming story.

Name: Tonia Shelley
E-mail: Tonia Shelley
Location: Texas
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999
Comments: I have HARROLD, KREBS & FOREY lines in Pocahontas County. Especially searching for information on Patrick HARROLD, b December 1834 in Ireland, d ? In Pocahontas County, IA; m. Ellen MARKEY. His father was ?, b ?, Ireland?, d. ?, m. ?. Is anyone researching these families? Am looking for ancestors. But will also like information on decedents. Thank you in advance for any HELP.

Name: John & Carla Struthers
E-mail: John Struthers
Location: Unknown
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999
Comments:Any information about William, George and Natalie, or Virgil and Margaret would be appreciated. William homesteaded land in Sec. 13, Des Moines township in 1856.

Name: Peggy Perry
E-mail: Peggy Perry
Location: Wisconsin
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999
Comments:Looking for birthplace of Florence Emily MAIDEN bd 2-Sep-1886 in Pocahontas County. Her parents were George A. MAIDEN and Elizabeth TYNER.

Name: Ruth Blume
E-mail:Ruth Blume
Location: Wisconsin
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999
Comments:RODDA, KAISER, SALASEK. John KAISER b.1819 in Bohemia, (1st wife unknown, 2nd wife Barbara ?) immigrated to US about1870, settled in Cleveland, OH about 1880, moved to Sac Co., IA in 1877. Daughter Mary KAISER m1. John RODDA Sr. abt. 1861,m2. Mr. ? RAMSEY abt 1883, m3. Frank SALASEK abt 1887 in Pocahontas Co., IA. Frank SALASEK's daughter Anna SALASEK b. 1867, m. James Simon RODDA (John RODDA's son) b.10-28-1862, m.5-2-1887 in Pocahontas Co., IA Does anyone out there know the names of 1st & 2nd wives of John Kaiser; Mr. Ramsey's first name; Frank Salasek's 1stwifes name? Ruby Blume

Name: Marilyn F. Vaughn
E-mail: Marilyn F. Vaughn
Location: Kenmare, ND
Date: Fri, 24 Sept 1999
Comments:I am looking for information on August Hansmann b. October 8, 1844 in Hanover, Germany and d.March 24, 1909 in Manson, Iowa. His wife was Marie Louise Minna Gadau b.November 21,1854 in Magdesburg, Germany and d. September 23, 1932 in Manson, Iowa. Minna's father was Wilhelm Gadau who farmed in Pocahontas co. Iowa.

Name: William L. Murray
E-mail: William L. Murray
Location: Kenmare, ND
Date: Sun, 19 Sept 1999
Comments:I'm trying to find out where my great grandmother Mary (Bolan) O'Neill died and is buried. She and her husband John O'Neill came to Pocahontas county from Webster county in the late 1880's, or early 1890's. Their daughter Susan married Joe Cain in Rolfe, Pocahontas,IA in 1897. Mary died Mar.12,1895 in Pocahontas county, I'm not sure what area. Thank you for any information that you can furnish.

Name: Jackie Walstrup
E-mail: Jackie Walstrup
Location: Unknown
Date: Thu, 9 Sept 1999
Comments:Paul Snook born 1896-1963 lived in Pocahontas Co. Iowa. Served on Battleship USS Nevada 1918. The only people I can relate to family was a Dean Stovall married to Jane Snook and had one boy Jack Stovell, and one adopted boy, Harry. Harry was born probably around 1934.

Name: Donene McCartney
E-mail: Donene McCartney
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 1 Sept 1999
Comments:I am trying to find info on the Davis' which migrated from Newton County, Indiana in spring 1893 to Laurens. They had a family reunion at Pickerel Lake, Pocahontas Co. They were brothers Thomas Lacy Davis and wife Marietta Moffet Davis, Albon Cottrell Davis, and Solomon Branson Davis who married Eliza Metz May 6,1896 in Columbia, Tama County. I have newspaper articles verifying this over afew years. I am Donene McCartney, great grandaughter of Thomas Lacy Davis, and I don't know what happened to brothers and family. Any info on ancestors or decendents would be appreciated. Thomas and Marietta had two children who died. One buried in Swan Lake Cemetery. I believe Thomas also owned a farm. I tried to post querie at Tama County and it was returned, user unknown.

Name: Carolyn Kemp
E-mail: Carolyn Kemp
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999
Comments:Joseph STREETER, b. ca 1788, Eng.,d, ca 1860-70, IA; wife, Anna/Jane ?, b. ca 1788, Eng. They were on the 1850 Erie Co., NY, census (Colden) with twins Joseph & Julia, b. ca 1831. Around 1858, the older Joseph moved to Butler Co., IA, with his grandson, Charles Joseph HARVEY. I would like to contact descendants. Need Joseph's d. date. And, did he move to Pocohantas Co., IA, with his grandson C.J.HARVEY?

Name: Carol Lynn Dopp
E-mail: Carol Lynn Dopp
Location: Fulton County, OH
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999
Comments:I have WILLEMAN and STARY lines in Pocahontas County. Especially searching for information on my great grandfather, Oliver Thomas WILLEMAN, b 1874 in OH, d 1918 in OH, m. Margaret STARY. Around 1894 when Oliver was twenty, he made his way to Pocahontas, IA. He labored at the carpentry trade. In 1901, he marr. Margaret STARY. Shortly after, the couple returned to OH.
If anyone has come across these names, or has a source that may hold information into their lives while living in IA. Information would be greatly appreciated.

Name: Erin Macdonald-Grimm
E-mail: Erin Macdonald-Grimm
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999
Comments:In March of 1866 John W. WALLACE, Henry SHIELDS his brother-in-law, James SHIELDS and James CONNORS came together to Lizard Township and secured homesteads of 80 acres each on Sec. 8. They came by rail to Ackley and walked the remaining distance. Each of the first three men named built a sod house and began the work of improving their homesteads. Two months later David WALLACE, a younger brother of John. W. WALLACE, arrived, secured a homestead on the same section and built another sod house. In October of 1866, David WALLACE Sr. and family, which then included three of his grandchildren: Mary J., Josiah W., and Frances H. OSBORNE arrived. Began to occupy CONNOR's homestead and built another sod house on the same section. These settlers on Sec. 8, were among the number of those who had to take the lead in this county in erecting sod houses and planting artificial groves. They experienced no difficulty in getting sod for their houses which were used about one year, but as there were no tree peddlers in those days. They had to go many miles to obtain the little trees or cuttings for the groves. David WALLACE in 1869 served as Superintendent of the first Sunday School in Lizard Township. It met in the Johnson School House on Sec. 4. His wife died in 1871 and was buried in the cemetery in Jackson Township. In 1876 he accompanied Henry SHIELDS and family to the State ofWashington. His family consisted of eight children:. Ellen, who married Frank OSBORNE: died in 1855 Thomas H. married Charlotte CARLISLE in Canada and later located at Fort Dodge, Iowa Eliza J. married Henry SHIELDS in Canada, they later located in Lizard Township. John W. son of David and Mary WALLACE both of whom were natives of the North of Ireland and members of theEstablished Church of England. In 1872 he married Mary E. RILEY. David (1847-1894 ) in 1869 or 1870 married Rosa DEMPSEY, anative of Canada Samuel (1851) married Mary MCLARNEY in 1881 ( This is taken from the life of J.J. Bruce of Rolfe, Iowa)"They went by stage to Iowa Falls where he met several Canadians who wished to locate in Pocahontas County. In company with David Wallace he carried his luggage and walked from Iowa Falls to Sec. 8. Lizard Township, a kistance of 77 miles."I hope this wasnt to much but i felt I should write it as it was given to me.

Name: Larry Goerner
E-mail: Larry Goerner
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999
Comments:Am looking for ancestors of the above named people who resided in Pocahontas from ? to when they passed away, Johann Jacob Hoffert in 1969, Cora Estella Hoffert in 1982?. Both are buried in a cemetary in Rolfe, Ia. Would like any information available. Cora Estella Hoffert was also married to a Monselle, first name unknown before marrying Joahnn Jacob Hoffert.

Name: Judy Bailey
E-mail: Judy Bailey
Location: Unknown
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999
Comments: Ray William Allen Born 6-22-1899 Somewhere in Pocahontas County(possibly Havelock or Pocahontas) Lived in Albert City area all of his life as a farmer. Mother Was Celia Ross. Father was William Allen. Any information on Ray or his family would be appreciated. Trying to find out for sure where he was born and more information on his parents

Name: Kristin Kaminski
E-mail: Kristin Kaminski
Location: Illinois
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999
Comments: I am looking for and information on the SAUNDERS family in Rolfe, IA. My great grandmother was Berthat Belle SAUNDERS b. 10-17-1888 d. 7-1963. Her parents were William B. SAUNDERS and Alma MESSINGER. She had brothers: Mark, Orval, Lloyd, and Frank. They moved west to OK then maybe on to WA or OR. I need any information I can find. I would also appreciate any leads on how to obtain records from Rolfe, IA. Thank you.

Name: Betty Topliff
E-mail: Betty Topliff
Location: Marion, Ohio
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999
Comments: Annis TOPLIFF graduated from Gilmore City High School in 1930. Looking for Parents - Spouse - Children - if still living,how can I contact her or her family?

Name: Janet Page
E-mail:Janet Page
Location: Unknown
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999
Comments: I am looking for LAMPE and KELEHER families--Patrick b. 8/15/1853 in Cork Co. Ireland; Anna Lampe, b. 3/12/1881, Palmer, IA, and Mary, wife of Patrick d. 8/27/1924 at Pocahontas, IA.

Name: Janet Eckman
E-mail: Janet Eckman
Location: Sebeka MN
Date: Fri, July 9, 1999
Comments: I am looking for information on John Christian Stephenson and wife Christina Bella Rasmussen. They moved from Rolfe Iowa in the early 1900's. Oldest son born in Iowa was Harry Omar who moved with them. They moved to Sebeka MN. They were of Danish decent. I have no other information so if you have any information please e-mail with it. Thank you.

Name: Diane Bradner
E-mail: Diane Bradner
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1999
Comments: I have HEATHMAN lines in Plover, Pocahontas Co, IA. Especially searching for information on g grandfather Squire E. HEATHMAN B.1846 in OH, d. 1930 in IA; mar. Pheobe SMITH, 1867 in Attica WS; 12 children (one was killed by lightening when he was 15). Squire was a member of the Methodist Church, he was a G.A.R. Veteran, and he was buried in the Plover Cemetery east and south of Plover. I found a Heathman Genealogy at my mother's (Phyllis FALLINE EETEN) home, she doesn't remember where it came from. Perhaps the person whom put it together would contact me. I am looking for ancestors of the HEATHMAN AND FALLINE families. Thanks for your time.

Name: David Meyer
E-mail: David Meyer
Location: Kingsburg, CA
Date: Wed, 23 June 1999
Comments: Would greatly appreciate information on the Ziegler family. Lulu Pearl Ziegler was born in Fonda, Ia. 12-19-1880. Father was James Ziegler (no birthdate or place of nativity). Would very much like to have information on this family. Other siblings of Lulu are Doris, Grace, and Lena. Do not know their birthdates, or date of death. Any information as to birthdates, places and occurences in their lives is very much needed. Lulu Pearl Ziegler married Robert Weesner (B. c.1880. in Montezuma, Ia.) They lived in Des Moines and died in California.

Name: Duane Poncy
E-mail: Duane Poncy
Location: Portland, OR
Date: Wed, 9 June 1999
Comments: I am searching for information about the families of John Thompson, Thomas Thompson and his wife whose last name was Cool and Jesse Wood, C. 1900 - 1915. The Woods lived in or near Rolfe, IA.

Name: Mary Holdahl
E-mail: Mary Holdahl
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 9 June 1999
Comments: I am searching for information on my ggrandfather JOHN HOLBROOK BARNES b.1852, Dubuque, Iowa, d. 1927, Pocahontas County, Iowa, married PHEBE (PHOEBE) EDITH MILLER b. 1859 d.1942, Pocahontas County, Iowa. His father was GEORGE WASHINGTON BARNES, b. 1824, Nelson, Ohio, d. 1866, Dubuque, Iowa. Anyone researching these families?

Name: Thomas Busby
E-mail: Thomas Busby
Location: Hawley, TX
Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999
Comments: I have ties with the BUSBY, SARGENT, DUMOND, and ROBERTS families in and around Fonda, IA. My grandfather was Theophilus Price (TP or TOM) Busby who married Amanda Grace ROBERTS 9/9/1908 in Fonda. Both are buried in Cedar Cemetary in Fonda. TP Busby was born in 1876 in Fonda and Amanda was born in 1886, location unknown. I have quite a bitof history on Busby and Sargent families, very little on Dumond and none on Roberts families. The extreme southern part of Fonda was at one time known as Busbytown as it was developed by my great grandfather William James Busby. The street running south out of town is miss spelled as Busbee. One of the sidestreets is named Offie or Auffie after my grandfather. I would like to share info with anyone that has knowledge of AMANDA GRACE ROBERTS or any of the other names above. I would also to find info on Cedar Cemetary since so many of my ancestors (including parents) are buried there.

Name: Carol Eby
Email: Carol Eby
Location: Unknown
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999
Comments: Am looking for information on John Elmer HALLMEYER born Havilock, Iowa 7-15-1900. Understand parents Martin and Mary Hallmeyer lived in Iowa just one year and then returned to Illinois. They came there to Mary's brother, John MORSCHAUSER. He may have changed his name to MOREHOUSE. Would like any information on either of these families.

Name: Micheline Day
Email: Micheline Day
Location: Unknown
Date:Fri, 28 May 1999
Comments: GESY, Joseph Henry. Is anyone else researching this family? Joseph Henry GESY was born in Ohio, July 8, 1857. He married Frances Lucinda BURDITT in Indiana on January 16, 1883. They moved to Fonda, Iowa around 1884. They had four children: Henry Joseph, Fred Alexander, Edward and Pearl. Frances Lucinda Burditt died, March 16, 1902 in Fonda, Iowa.Joseph Henry Gesy married Elizabeth Schneider sometime after 1903 and then moved to Saskatchewan, Canada in 1912.

Name: Donna Hamersly Carlson
Email: Donna Hamersly Carlson
Location: Gilmore city
Date:Wed, 26 May 1999
Comments: I am researching my great-grandfather, Neils Jensen who left Jackson County, MN approximately 1883 for Pocahontas County where he lived until death in 1901. He lived in and around the Rolfe, Gilmore City area.

Name: LaDonna Smith
Email: LaDonna Smith
Location: Unknown
Date:Sat, 22 May 1999
Comments: Looking for information on George and Loretta Oleson and descendants who lived in Pocohontas County in the early 1900's. Any information connected to these people would be helpful.

Name: Sandra Clark Christianson
Email: Sandra Clark Christianson
Location: Unknown
Date:Fri, 21 May 1999
Comments: Simon Pratt Boyd, born: Sept 26, 1826 died: July 28, 1902
He is my Great Great Grandfather. I am interested in obtaining information on him and his ancestry. My Name is Sandra Clark Christianson. My e-mail address is: jschristi@minn.net

Name: Karen O'Connor
Email: Karen O'Connor
Location: Unknown
Date:Fri, 23 Apr 1999
Comments: I am searching for information on Patrick O'CONNOR and Ellen DURRIGAN whose first son was Thomas Raymond O'CONNOR b. 7 May 1887 in Fonda, IA. M. Anna Johanna RYAN. Other children of Patrick and Ellen were: Frank, Joseph Alphonso, Valley, Saide, Eidith and Marie O'CONNOR.

Name: Donald Knisley
Email: Donald Knisley
Location: Unknown
Date:Mon, 29 Mar 1999
Comments: Searching for information on Harry Knisley - farmer who lived between Plover and Rolfe area. Son of W. Grant Knisley and brother of George Edward Knisley. Est. DOB between 1885 and 1890.

Name: Robert Nelson
Email: Robert Nelson
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999
Comments: THE FAMILY HAD A STORE IN IOWA. MAURICE WAS AN ONLY CHILD. HEGRADUATED FROM BUENA VISTA WENT TO WORK IN CHICAGO FOR FEDERAL RESERVE BANK. ABOUT 65 YEARS PLUS ALITTLE OLDER MAYBE. OLD FAMILY FRIEND JUST WONDERING WHAT HAPPENED TOTHE FAMILY ETC.

Name: John Fuester
Email: John Fuester
Location: Unknown
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999
Comments: Trying to obtain information relating to the dates/places of birth anddates/places of death of the following people: (1) Frank SCHLENSIG, b. 1892, d. Jul 1971; his wife Madgeline SCHLENSIG(HULSEBUS), b. 1896 in Iowa and d. in 1960.(2) Joseph MILLER, b. around 1897, d. around 1923; his wife Lillie MILLER(HULSEBUS), b. 1900, d. Apr 1966.I am also trying to find out where their children were living at the time ofthe deaths. It is my understanding that at least Madgeline and Lillie wereresidents of Laurens, Pocahontas County. Any information greatly appreciated.

Name: Joan Underwood
Email: Joan Underwood
Location: Atlantic, Iowa
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999
Comments: I am looking for verification of the birthdate of Florence UNDERWOOD, born 6 April, 1892, Rolfe, Iowa. Her parents were F. H. Underwood and Virginia (Duncan) Underwood. I am interested also in birth places of the parents. Virginia Duncan Underwood's parents were C. S. Duncan (Charles?) and Kate M.------------. Any information on them would be appreciated.

Name: Lianne Anderson
Email: Lianne Anderson
Location: Oregon
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999
Comments: I am researching the MILLER and SAYER lines listed on the 1880 census as living in Dover Township, Pocahontas County, Iowa. Also searching for information on the DE MERITT line. FANNIE I. MILLER (b. abt. 1855 in Wisconsin) had a child ROBERT GUY DEMERITT b. Feb. 17, 1873 in Iowa, son of ISIAH DEMERITT. In 1880, Fannie Miller is listed as living with LIONEL SAYER (b. abt. 1847 in IL), his wife MONSEY SAYER (b. abt. 1852 in Iowa), and their children ADA MAY SAYER (b. abt. 1871 Iowa) and NELLIE SAYER (b. abt. 1876 Iowa). Fannie's seven-year-old son Robert Guy DeMeritt is not included with this family on the 1880 census. He ran away from home at about age 9 and went to Oregon, and his father is said to have gone to the California goldfields. Fannie is said to have eventually married a man with the last name Sayer. I'm looking for the ancestors orrelatives of any of those mentioned above. I would love to fill in more of the blanks in our family story!

Name: Dennis Renken
Email: Dennis Renken
Location: Unknown
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999
Comments: My greatgrandfather and mother Michael and Antrim Weber Renken came to Lizard Twp. Pocahontas County in 1867 or 1868 from Marx, Ostfriesland, Germany..They had to work off their boat fare for about two years. I believe a Carstens financed their trip. They homesteaded on 80 acres in section 20 Lizard Twp..A land grant from President Grant is still in the family and also the land..My grandfather was Henry Renken who married Anna Florence Johnson after the death of his first wife Hannah Saathoff. Henry with Anna Florence Johnson had Ben H Renken, Florence Renken Petersen, Mary Renken Schultz and Herman H.Renken.. Ben H Renken married Ferne E Anderson and had three sons Dennis ,Bruce (died 2 days after birth) and Alan Renken..Both my brother and I enjoyed those years on the Iowa landscape and the good people of those times. When I was stationed in Germany in 1962 to 1963.. I was able to visit where my ancestors came from in Ostfriesland.. and visit distant relatives.. The landscape is as flat as NCentral Iowa . Michael was a herdman for a large landowner and came to USA for a promise of a new future of religious freedom and land grants available. Michael was one of the chartered members of the Lizard Lutheran Church.

Name: Nora Doyle Stafford
Email: Nora Doyle Stafford
Location: Unknown
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999
Comments: I am digging for information on Terence Doyle who was born in 1840 inCounty Wicklow, Ireland, he then emigrated to Hazel Green, Wisconsin with hisparents, John and Mary Doyle in 1846. He died in Pocahontas, Iowa, sometimeafter 1904. My records show that he married Elishe sometime after 1860, as he is foundliving at home with his parents and all of his siblings on the 1860 Census. Heis found again on the 1880 census still living in Hazel Green, Wisconsin butmarried to Elishe. She is listed as 31 years of age and Terence is listed at 39years. They had three children listed on the census, Lenard, b. 1875, HenryG., b. 1877, Thomas D., b. 1879. A historical document that I located, states that he was a retired farmerin Pocahontas, Iowa in 1904. I have lots of information to share on Terrance's siblings.

Name: Sally Haverly
Email: Sally Haverly
Location: Unknown
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999
Comments: A Mrs SEIFERT (formerly Mrs H E. BARNES) of Rolfe, Pocahontas County,Iowa attended the funeral of my gguncle Madison HAVERLY in Onida County,SD in May 1903. Am wondering if she is our missing Elizabeth Haverly -sister of Madison. Madison and his siblings lived in Iowa County justprior to the Civil War. Would appreciate any info on the Seiferts.

Name: Marge Kukuwich
Email: Marge Kukuwich
Location: Unknown
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999
Comments: The family of NATHANIAL STEEL ROWLEY, wife Olive Evans lived in DesMOnies Tp, Pocahontas co., Iowa . Nathanial died 2 March 1873, whathappened to his wife Olive. They had 7 children, Emily (DavidBishop), Jerusha (Ackerman?), Edward,Julia (Orron Marsh, child George), Mary Ann (Samuel Umbarger, childrenClarence, Harlton and ?Carlton) George W., and John. If you have anyinformation on these people or their families please contact me. Morefamily information is available and would like to compare and share.Mary Ann "Rowley" Umbarger had a farm of 160 acres and is listed in the1880 census as a widow, and a school teacher. Mary Ann later moved toMinnesota and I think her sons followed. Would like more informationabout her and her other brothers and sisters.

Name: Kimberley Johnson
Email: Kimberley Johnson
Location: Unknown
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 1999
Comments: Sven Magnus SAMELSON / SAMUELSON arrived abt 1890 with family, includingdaughter Selma Susana who married Emil JOHNSON abt 1893 in Laurens, IA. Emildied 1/12/1899 in Laurens, IA. Selma Susana SAMELSON JOHNSON married Hans Lars THOMPSON and are listed in theFed Census of 1900 Swan Lake Township, Pocahontas Cty.Hans Lars THOMPSON arrived abt 1895 in Pocahontas Cty.

Page last updated 24 Oct 2019