Past Queries

Although we are no longer using this query system, past queries are provided in case they have any helpful clues.

Past Queries 1997 - 2007

LEW SKAVLAN 1997
I'm looking for the Norweigan roots of John Skavlan. He was born March 17, 1883, near Snasa, Norway. He came to the USA about 1903. While a resident of Berg, North Dakota, in 1915, he filed for a homestead in McKenzie county. He was Register-of-Deeds for McKenzie county from 1918 to 1928. He married Ellen Elizabeth Vandegrift on August 4, 1920, and they lived in Schafer. He had two sisters in North Dakota. Anna married a man named Vinje and lived in Bottineau and later Minot. I don't have the other sister's first name, but she was Mrs. Gust Jorgenson and lived in the Watford City area. John moved his family to Grand Forks in 1931. He died there in 1939.

CHARIDY BELL Oct 1997
Looking for information about Anton and Malla (Winden) Simonson. They came to established a home in the Watford City area. Malla was born in the late 1870s.

CHARIDY BELL Oct 1997
I'm looking for any info on the RIEDELs that came to McKenzie Co. and settled near Fairview. I'd appreciate any help, info or advice on this family. Thanks!

Candy Grubb Aug 26 1997
Searching for any information on Robert Willard GRUBB, married to Nora Ann BARNHART. They had Donald Neil GRUBB in McKenzie County, ND in 1934, other children are: Dale, Dean, Joyce, Patricia, Delane, Gail Ann, Shiela, Daniel and David. Any info greatly appreciated. Robert's parents may have been Milton GRUBB and Della ?.

Pam Hystad Sep 20 1997
FRAZEE, Morris b. 1864? d. 1960 Married Pearl ?Finley?Findley? (no information) Children: Morris (m. Olga ?) Alice (m. Perrin ?) Esther (b. 1912, d. 1993, m. Carl Hystad) Vance (?) Owned(?) dept store in Watford City, McKenzie Co. Morris Sr. (my great-grandfather) lived well into his 90's, I would appreciate any info about his family, and especially about his wife Pearl's family. I have some info about the family of Nils and Karoline Hystad (I believe they lived in the Arnegard area), son Carl married Esther Frazee (my grandparents). I've been in touch with a third cousin in Norway (great-grandson of Nils Hystad's brother). Any additional info about Nils, Karoline, children, siblings, would be very welcome.

Barb Hoepner Mar 8 1998
CATLIN, James. He lived in Arnegard during the late 1800's and/or early 1900's. His brother was my GGrandfather, Jedediah Canfield Drake Catlin, b. 27 May 1857. James and his place of residence was mentioned in Jedediah's obituary in 1920. Up until just before his death, Jedediah Catlin lived near Arnnegard, ND in Scout Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. I am interested in exchanging any and all information about this family with another researcher. 3-8-98

Townsend Mar 8 1998
I have homestead papers from 1910-12 from my ancestor, Tena Burtness, that show a residence in Catlin, ND. This homestead was located in McKenzie County near the Little Missouri River. The papers were filed in Schafer (which is now defunct). Does anyone know the exact location of Catlin?

Alan Sheldon Mar 27 1998
Jesse Wickham, McKenzie county, 1880 to 1928.

Kelli Barrett April 16 1998
I am seeking information on the Hays family from the Grassy Butte area. Any information would be welcome. Kelli Barrett

Mary Lindbo Sun, 29 Nov 1998 19:01:03
I'm looking for information about NILS HALVORSEN ROLFSRUD (born October 6, 1878 in Sigdal, Norway and died July 5, 1920 in Keene (McKenzie County) North Dakota). He immigrated to the US in 1900 and homesteaded in McKenzie County in 1903. He was married to Rebecca Johanna Heide (born October 11, 1875 in Lundenes, Norway and died May 9, 1935 in Keene (McKenzie County) North Dakota) in Minot in January 1905. They had five children Halvor (born March 21, 1906 in Keene, ND), Agnes (born September 8, 1908 in Keene), Ragna (Rena) (born March 2, 1910 in Keene), Erling Nikolai (born September 3, 1912 in Keene) and Hanna (born February 28, 1915 in Watford City). I have information (unconfirmed) that there was a Rolfsrud Hotel (possibly in Watford City?) but am not positive that is correct. Any information would be appreciated.

Carol Stevens Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:55:23
WILBUR, Dow and his wife Ada reportedly lived Cartwright, McKenzie County, ND. They reportedly had 2 children, Ralph who married Marie Talbot and Ruth who married William Scrivner. Looking for descendants. Thanks, Carol

Sadi01@aol.com Tue, 23 Feb 1999 11:59:52 EST
Researching my mother's uncle Gus Hansen a Lutheran minister. He was called to a church in Arnegard. Gus' family emigrated in 1882, but don't know how old he was at that time so it is hard to date when he would have been in Arnegard. His son died and is buried there. Any information would be appreciated. I have information on this two sisters.

Shirley Price Mon, 19 Apr 1999 22:50:52 -0400
I'm looking for family information of my g-aunt and g-uncle. Margaret Ann Arledge Green b Oh 1853 d. McKenzie Co. 1953 Ezra S. Green b. oh 1851 d. Mckenzie Co. 1934. They went to ND Territory around 1880-90. I know of 1 daughter. Mary M Green Carmin b. Oh 1879 d. 1978 McKenzie Co.,ND. I would appreciate any help, obituaries to find children, will ,deeds or anything. Thank you so much. Shirley Price e-mail rprice@scioto.net

Libby Saxby Wed, 28 Apr 1999 12:39:10 -0700
My grandparents, CHARLES SCHUMAN and CATHERINE (CASSIE) nee LACEY, are listed in the Knipe Precinct in the 1910 census and Hawkeye Township in the 1920 census. Are these the same place? My grandfather, Charles, died in Charlson in 1916. Can anyone tell me where to write for his death certificate? I think he is buried in Riverview Cemetery. There is no birth certificate for him. I would like to find an obituary or death certificate for him. Also, Cassie was postmistress in Keene for years. After she retired, my aunt Nell was postmistress. When she retired, my uncle, Tommy Lacey, took the position. Can anyone tell me if there is a history written about Keene? I would like to find out the years they were there. Thanks for any information. Libby Saxby :)
libby1@san.rr.com

Sweitzel Mon, 11 Oct 1999 00:00:28 -0700
JOHNSON family settled in WATFORD CITY, MCKENZIE CO. GGrandparents were IVER and CLARA JOHNSON both from NORWAY. CLARA was a midwife. Their children: GJESTREFIELD IVER( Jess, my grandfather), EPRIAM, HERMAN, RALPH, FRANCES, CHARLOTTE, RUBY, and VESTA. Any info would be helpful.

SMcdon9686@aol.com Fri, 31 Dec 1999 18:13:09 EST
Looking for information on the EMLY family. Moses Peter EMLY and Lillian SCHOENBERG had at least 1 child in McKenzie Co. in 1930, Milo EMLY. Any help appreciated.

Eugene Braget Thu, 3 Feb 2000 20:29:23 -0600
I am looking for anyone who might have any information about a Peter B. Fossum. He was married to my Aunt, Mathilda Ovidia Braget in 1906 at Twin Valley,Mn. From there they moved to the area around Arnegard,N.D. Mathilda died in 1910. They had three children. One girl and two boys. I just can't seem to find out anything about Peter. Where he came from etc.. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Eugene Braget

Shirley Farone Sun, 06 Feb 2000 19:12:46 -0500
RICE --
Looking for descendants of Nathan and Ida Lingenfelter Rice who lived in the Rothie Voting Precinct/Berg Voting Prescint in 1920. They had two sons who lived near them: William and George. Nathan and Ida also had a son, Millard C. and a daughter, Ida May Rice, both New York born. Am seeking deathdates for Nathan, Ida, and the rest of the family. Would appreciate any information that one might have. Thank you sincerely. Shirley
twigs@bright.net

Judi Hedegaard Tue, 7 Mar 2000 09:07:15 -0700 (MST)
We're asking about a Kristian Mahlum, birth place, and burial of Ragnhild, Gladys Mahlum. Sincerely, Judi Hedegaard-great granddaughter.

Eileen 6 Aug 2000
I am looking for information in regard to the Eheler families. Daniel, Margaret Emma, Roy Leighton, Benjamin Franklin Garvey. These are a list of some of the names who lived at Watford City, McKenzie Co., ND Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Eileen

Irene Clough Hahn 6 Aug 2000
Would like information on three BEA brothers:
James, William and Robert Jr all bought land in McKenzie county ND between 1910-1937.
If anyone has this name in your family lines I may have more information for you. Ella E. BEA AMES my great grandmother was the BEA brothers sister. Thanks, Irene Clough Hahn

Betty Jo Cummings 16 Oct 2000
I am looking for Geneology for George McKenzie who was born in North Dakota in late 1890's or early 1900's He passed away in Great Falls Montana about in 1948,49 or 50. I don't have much information.

Deborah 16 Oct 2000
SHIDLER, Newton and Elizabeth
I'm looking for descendants of Newton Shidler (1875-1946) and his wife Elizabeth Curtis. There were from Pierceton, Indiana and moved to the Williams-McKenzie Counties area after 1910. I am a descendant of one of his siblings and would love to exchange information.

Patrice Hartman 9 Nov 2000
I am looking for information on the Charles & Annie (English) Baldwin family.They were married in 1885 and then went to live on his sheep ranch at Tobacco Gardens.

Helen Houlihan 9 Nov 2000
Looking for info on my grandparents, Tom & Louise Krause Dunbar and Merril Dunbar who lived in Cartwright. Also seeking info on other Krause names who owned property in McKenzie County according to the Bureau of Land Management Records.

Jim King 17 May 2001
I am in search of relatives of Charles K. Goldwood of McKenzie County, ND. He is the son of Charles Goldwood b. Ohio and Death in Ingham County, Michigan. Mother was Mary Ann King of Ingham County Michigan.
Charles K. Goldwood was visited by his parents, his parents also purchased land in McKenzie County also about 1912. I will be glad to furnish any info I have and would like to hear from any source.

Elaine Nelson Holman 10 June 2001
I particularly am interested in a David, Julia, Noah, Leonard (possibly even Noah Leonard) Almira, or Charles Beauchamp.
I see by the BLM listings for this county that a Leonard and a Charles were here between 1900-1920's. I have lost the trail of my husband's Beauchamps in Rapid City SD around this time. This is a long shot, I know but I have no idea what state they went to. Some of the family stayed in RC SD.... my husband's line; some went to CA. But the parents and 1 or 2 sons have disappeared. David was born 1835 in IN, his son Noah in 1857IN and he and his wife Almira had a son Charles in Rapid City apr. 1887. Maybe they moved north with Noah's parents in tow.
This would give me much pleasure if I can find them in ND! I have strong ties to Ward, Mountrail, and Wells Counties, and graduated from Minot HS in 1969. My brother and several cousins still live in ND but I seldom get to travel there. My husband never wants to go to ND with me..... but now, if I can find his relatives......!
Elaine Nelson

Shirley Cook 18 Sept 2001
I am trying to find out where my GGGrandmother, Nancy Smith is buried. She died in April, 1907 and was living in Alexander at the time. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

hpykeh@aol.com 3 Dec 2001
I seek information concerning the Steiner family during their years in the Watford City, Keene, and Crawford communities 1900-1930.
I also seek info concerning the family of Crele Hastings in McKenzie County during its early years of settlement. I seek information concerning where he came from when he settled there, who is parents were and any info concerning his wife Gertrude Smith

Breon 1 Jan 2002
Can anyone inform me how to find the marriage record of George Washington Chapin and Minnie Alice Auran from 1914? This event supposedly occurred in Minot, but I've been unable to document this. Since George and Minnie are on the McKenzie County 1900 census, I'm wondering if they didn't marry near Charlson???

CHASE, Homer Benton and Reda 3 Nov 2006
I'm looking for information on Homer Benton Chase, his wife Reda, and any dec. He lived in Charbonneau around 1917. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jim McBride james.mcbride@mchsi.com

GRIGNON, Angus Eugene 20 May 2007
Hello! If you have any information whatsoever concerning Angus Eugene Grignon
who lived on and off, in or around Elidah between 1912 and 1936 or
perhaps later, please email me at roygwencarr@yahoo.com. We would also
appreciate any information concerning Maud(e) Grignon/Waite/Olson; Alma
Waite/Olson; Claud(e) Waite; George Throop; Crystal Raze Grignon;
Gertrude Waite/Voight, and James Raze. Thank you so very, very much. Roy Carr, Jr. roygwencarr@yahoo.com

Heisler, William Grant 4 Mar 2007
I am looking for any information on William Grant Heisler and the possible marriage to a Catherine Unknown. He was the Post master at Cathmere when it was est. May 12, 1914. He left for Ca. in 1920. Mr. Heisler was said to have stated he never married but there is a story that he named Cathmere after his wife Catherine. His father was William Heisler and the family had moved from Arizona Territory after the turn of the century. Thank you. Cher Ramsden gusram2727@frontiernet.net

JANSON, EVANS 14 Nov 2006
Name: Carol Carreau
Email: carol.carreau@turner.com

My grandmother taught in a one room school in Watford City. I'm told she served in the N.D congress. Her name: Pearl Evans. She married a young surveyor... William Janson. He went west to count wolves in Yellowstone for T. Roosevelt... afterward helped draw state lines. He met Pearl in Watford City, married her and had 5 children there. Her poor health forced the family to move to a gentler climate. Do you have any records.

Kokkin, Martin Feb 26 2008
Martin Kokkin in 1914 homesteaded land in twp 154 N, range 97 W, sections 34 and 35 in McKenzie County according to Bureau of Land Management records. Was this Marius Kokkin born in 1882 in Aasnes, Norway? If it is, he may fit into a family I'm researching.
Bernhardt Kokkin and Albert Kokkin were in township 149, range 102, section 19. Their sister Emma Kokkin and her husband Frank Rozelle were in township 155 N, range 96 W, section 7. Information about Emma and Frank Rozelle is from the June 21, 1917 issue of the Ray Pioneer newspaper in addition to BLM records.
They had cousins Marius, born in 1882; Svend, born in 1879; and Peter, born in 1874, who came to the United States and I'm trying to find them.
I do not know if they used Kokkin, Olsen or Pedersen for a last name.
Einar Olsen Kokkin (brother of Marius, Svend and Peter) was in the U.S. but returned to Norway. They were sons of Ole Pedersen, born in 1848, who came to the U.S. Their mother, Anne Marie Einersdatter Kokkin, born in 1849, stayed in Norway.
Because Bennie, Albert and Emma Kokkin were in that part of North Dakota,
I'm wondering if this Martin Kokkin in twp 154 N is their cousin.
Can anyone help me? Thank you in advance. Carol Harper hcharper@clear.lakes.com

Nonne, Michael and Haugen, Selma Sat Dec 22 2007
I am searching for a marriage record for a Michael NONNE and a Selma
HAUGEN, probably married about 1917-1919 or later near Charbonneau,
McKenzie County, ND.
Does anyone have any access to the county records in McKenzie County that
could do a lookup for me?
Thanks for any help! Debbie beaktobeak@msn.com

Norby, Harold D 19 Feb 2007
I adopted a grave at the American Cemetry in Margaten in the Netherlands. The grave belongs to Harold D Norby who was born in Mc Kenzie county in 1926. Mr Norby was a soldier of the 194th gli infantry regiment of the 17th airborne division and died at 04-28-1944 in Germany. I'm looking for all kinds of info as exact date of birth, relatives, foto's and so on. Maybe someone can help me. Sincerely, Pieter Lenting p.lenting@wanadoo.nl

Skjei, Ann W. 14 Sep 2007
I am trying to find an online map showing the tracts and names of property owners in McKenzie and Williams county as my mother, Ann W. Skjei, owns some land there. Our land manager has a big atlas showing these. Thank you! Karen Skjei kskjei303@hotmail.com

Trotter, Lee (Francis Leighton) and Margaret 13 Feb 2007
Looking for information about Lee Trotter (Francis Leighton) and Margaret Trotter they lived along the little Missouri. Lee started a Post Office at Trotters N. D. in the early 1900's He past away 1908 I would like to know where he was buried. Jackieburton541@aol.com

Wakefield, Frederick 8 Jan 2007
Looking for any information about the Wakefield family-I believe the father's name was Roderick. A son, Frederick(Fredrick) transferred to the Watford City high school as a senior in 1944. They came from Washburn. Vivian Merkel vmerkel@westriv.com