WHATS IN A NAME?

Many of out immigrant ancestors changed their names when they came to America.  This page will attempt to document the name changes affecting the citizens of Webster County.  If you have any name change documentation, please send them in. 

Source of name change will be noted after article

In the district court of Webster County, Iowa, March term, 1884

In the matter of the change of the name of Ole E. Haatvedt to Ole E. Edwards.  Now on this 12th day of March, it being the 9th day of the regular March, 1884, term of the district court.....Ole E. Haatvedt, described as follows, viz: Age, Forty-nine (49) having been born November 21st, 1838, in Norway, Europe; height, five feet and eight and one-half inches; hair black; eyes blue; name of father, Even Aslakson; name of mother, Ingobor Oleson, after lawful publication of this order in the Fort Dodge Messenger, shall on the 1st day of June 1884, be entitled to and shall be known by the name of Ole E. Edwards.

In the matter of the change of the name of Nils E. Haatvedt to Nils E. Edwards.  Now on this 12th day of March, it being the 9th day of the regular March, 1884, term of the district court.....Nils E. Haatvedt, described as follows, viz:  Age, thirty-five years, having been born on August 22nd, 1834; place of birth, Norway, Europe; height, five feet six and one half inches; color of hair, brown; color of eyes, blue; name of father; Even Aslakson; name of mother, Ingobor Oleson, after lawful publication of this order in the Fort Dodge Messenger, shall on the 1st day of June 1884, be entitled to and shall be known by the name of Nils E. Edwards.

In the matter of the change of the name of Thor E. Haatvedt to Thor E. Edwards.  Now on this 12th day of March, it being the 9th day of the regular March, 1884, term of the district court.....Thor E. Haatvedt, described as follows, viz: Age, forty years, having been born October 6th, 1843; height five feet seven and one-half inches; light hair and blue eyes; place of birth, Norway, Europe; father's name, Even Aslakson; name of mother, Ingobor Oleson; after lawful publication of this order in the Fort Dodge Messenger, shall on the 1st day of June 1884, be entitled to and shall be known by the name of Thor E. Edwards.

Source: Webster Gen Soc. Newsletter, Volumn XII Issue II  2000, transcribed with permission KDJ