Queries

If you have a genealogy query for Polk County, Wisconsin, please email it to polkgen@gmail.com and include as many details as you know and specifically what you want to find out.  

Ancestry has a query board for every county in the USA and much more.  Polk Co Wisconsin is at   https://www.ancestry.com/boards/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.polk    

In the 1980s and 90s there was much activity on Query boards.  This is pre-1999 Polk Co.  

• BRADEN 29 June 1998 bymo@whidbey.com

BRADEN, Samuel Charles and Philomena appear in 1910 Fed Census, and Sam only in 1920, in the West Sweden Area. In 1920 Sam was living with dau. Sadie and her husband A. Tuttle. Can anyone give me ANY information on these people? Would also like info about the area during that period. Is there a local gen/hisroical society? Both Sam & Philomena died there in 1920 & 1919. Is there a local newspaper for the area that might have obituaries? Maureen MacDonald, WA

• KENNEDY 26 June 1998

• 
  I have information to share on the family of Dougald Duncan Kennedy and Rose Enk, Polk County WI. Gloria Richardson (great-granddaughter) - glolin@banet.netCHAMPEAU 14 June 1998 s.champe@ix.netcom.com

I'm researching the following names:
Frank Champeau - Married Louise Germain May 14, 1901
Amable (Joe or Louie) Champeau Married abt 1865 Julie Viellieux. They had two son Delore and Frank or Francios. Thanks, Steve Champeau

• PETERSON - JORGENSEN - OLSON - LINTON June 14, 1998 Sharlene Evans MRESRE@juno.com

I am looking for information on my family and hope my information may help someone else.
My ggrandfather on my mom's side was Laurits PETERSON, b. in 1860 and died in 1938, he married an Anna Marie. They had a daughter named Ruth who married Christ JORGENSEN, my grandfather and grandmother, they lived in Luck. Christ and Ruth had three children Phyllis, Dorothy, and Joyce. I am looing for more information on Laurits, Anna Marie and Christ.
My ggrandfather on my dad's side was Andrew OLSON, b. in 1865 and died in 1954, he married Emma. Andrew and Emma had a son named Oscar, my grandfather, he married Frances LINTON. Her parents were James LINTON and Clara E. Frances and Oscar had two children Dale and Ivan. Dale OLSON is my father, he married Joyce JORGENSEN. They had four children Renae, Sharlene, Marcella and Jodale. They lived in St. Croix Falls until around 1968. My Uncle Ivan still lives in St. Croix Falls. I am looking for more information on Andrew, Emma, James and Clara. Thanks.

• SCOVILL - LOWE 15 May 1998 Chuck Rose. RNRK75A@PRODIGY.COM

Researching Chester/Charles/Henry SCOVILL and John E./Frances L. LOWE all in POLK county, 1880's.

• McKEE 13 May 1998

Does anyone know if the cemeteries of Polk county have been transcribed? Looking for info on any cemetery near Sterling or Laketown. I believe Mary McKEE, wife of Milton McKEE, may be buried there. Hopefully I will also find the missing 3 children of John Carter Wiley McKEE in the same place. The 1860 census shows John and wife, Sara, listed with 3 children we have never heard of. As they moved to Wisconsin in the early 1870s and the children are not on the 1880 Polk County Census, I am hopeful of finding their burial sites in WI. Are there cemetery books for sale? I would be happy to purchase copies of these records if available. Jan Kerrick McKee

• ANDERSON-SALL 4/27/98 - NORMA BLADOW - NORMAGB@AOL

NORMA BLADOW - Seeking information about GUSTAV ADOLF ANDERSON b. 3/8/1863 in Sweden. d. 6/8/1932 in Clayton, WI. Married to HEDVIG KAROLINA SALL d. 1/5/1912 in Clayton, WI. Both are buried in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Clayton, WI. They had 6 children born of this union: FRED, HARRY, ANNA, EDNA, GLADYS, & ELLEN.

• HAGEN 4/12/98 KATHY (LILLEVOLD) RUSH DISP3@PRODIGY.NET

I am looking for information about the Ole Hagen farm in or near what used to be Horse Creek, WI (NW of Star Prairie). My grandmother Lillevold (Anna Pederstuen-Americanized last name from Perstuggu) emigrated in the fall of 1905. She worked off her fare at the Ole Hagen farm. I would like whatever information I can get about that farm, where is it?, is it still standing?, how many people lived there then? etc. She was not related to Ole Hagen, as far as I can tell. How long did she work there? How did she find out about that farm? etc. Any information and pictures, if available would be most welcome. Thank you, Kat

• MELIN-HOLMES 11 Apr 1998

Looking for any information on Ellen C. MELIN, born in Balsam Lake on Sept 27, 1881. She and her sister Teresa married two HOLMES brothers (George & Charles). Thank you for any thing you may come up with, George Holmes, Austin, Tx - http://www.HouseOfHolmes.com

• FLORENCE LILLIAN ? 30 Mar 1998
  I am looking for a girl born in or around Turtle Lake WI on January 2, 1899. She was at some point named Florence Lillian with no known last name. She not too much later went by the last name of Everett who was her step-father. They moved to Pine City, Mn and all half siblings can be found there. We do not know her mother's name either. She died without telling anyone now living.
  Thank you - Barb Dubs - ctflk@eot.com
  MITCHELL 24 Mar 1998
  Danny Mitchell Born 11/6/1918, I have a copy of his birth certificate stating his Father was Thomas Marshall of Frederic, WI. Thomas was 20 years old. Danny's mother was Ruth Mitchell. Looking for family of Thomas. Danny was born in Pembroke Ontario. Ruth and Thomas were not married and Danny was given the name of Mitchell. Ruth was a school teacher for years Please e-mail me if you have any information. Eleanor Mitchell eliejack@gte.net
  ARMSTRONG - HAVENS 15 March 1998
  I am trying to locate information on the following two (2) surnames: ARMSTRONG and HAVENS.
  Harrison Havens of Michigan went to Wisconsin with his family (son of Samuel Havens and Nancy (Brown) Havens). Harrison married Henrietta Armstrong of Wisconsin about 1876/77. First child was born 9/6/1877. The clue I found connecting me with Polk County was that their fifth child, Lula Havens, was born in Cushing, Polk County, Wisconsin on 10/6/1888. We also have an unidentified photo taken in Eureka, Polk County, in 1895. Any help that is out there would be greatly appreciated.
  Jill A. Olney
  Bath, MI
  ANDERSON March 10, 1998, John R. Peterson, jackpete@prairie.lakes.com
  Looking for information on Anders and Christina ANDERSON who emigrated from Sweden in April, 1884, and settled in the Balsam Lake area. It is possible Anders name in the US was Andrew ANDERSON and his wife's first name may have been Christine. Their children's names were Karl August, b. 9-19-1874, Ingrid Sophia, b. 7-15-1877, Bengt Magnus, b. 8-17-1879, Peter Johan, b. 10-25-1881, and Nils, born 9-15-1883.
  BLAIR/BOPP 5 Feb 1998 Delphine Neely
  I am looking for my great-grandmothers brother who settled in Polk County in the late 1800's. I have found him in Sterling twp on the 1900 census. Joseph F. Blair md Elizabeth Bopp Children listed: Alfred S., Clarence,William, Norman and Elias. I am most anxious to find family members in hopes of obtaining additional inoformation on Joseph's parents, my great-great grandparents. It is most interesting that I found this family to be from Polk County as I currently have two aunts and cousins that have lived in St. Croix Falls for many years now from the other side of my family. Any help that you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Delphine Neely
  CONNOR (CONNER), Ralph 29 January, 1998 deebob3@aol.com
  Ralph b. 1901 where?, d. Polk Co. 1966. Any descendants out there? Was in Beltrami Co. Minn. in the 1920's. Had siblings John, Joseph, Violet and ? Violet (married name unknown) had a son John. Any help greatly appreciated.
  HANSEN 25 Jan 1998 Robert Henricksen
  I am respectfully asking for help in locating information about the following persons (ancestors of my great-grandmother):
  CHRISTIAN JOHAN HANSEN : Born 18 Dec 1852 Denmark; Died (about 1920-1922) Luck, Wisc.
  (wife) INGER " MARIE " HANSEN : Unknown birth date / Unknown death date. Died at Luck, Wisc. (Both are buried at the North Luck Cemetery) Would like to get the death date on Christian and the birth/deathdates on Inger Marie. I have written letters to Church and Cemetery, but they will not respond to my letter. Has been several months now, but still no reply, when asking them for help. Could you help me please, or offer any suggestions of who I can go to for help..Thank you so very much. Sincerely, ROBERT HENRICKSEN
  PETERSON 5 Jan 1998 Dian Van Deuren dpeter@direct.ca
  Here is some of my family history. Hope you can use it. I would like any info anyone has on this family. Thanks, Dian.
  Walter William PETERSON, born in Bangor, S.D. in 1888. In 1911, he moved to Centuria, Wisconsin to be postmaster there. He married Edna PFARR there. They had 3 children: One died at birth, The other two were Chester Robt. & Willard. They were related to the McChesney family in Centuria. Edna died in 1934 in Centuria. Buried in Lutheran Cemetry. Walter & 2 boys lived with the McChesneys. Chester Robt. drowned in Bass Lake at 13 years of age in 1941. Walter died there in 1942. The family belonged to the Fristad Lutheran Church.
  FLANUMS/JOSEPHSON/EVENSON 5 Jan 1998 Roxanne White roxw@top.net
  I am looking for any information on the Flanums, Josephson or Evenson family from Polk County Wisconsin. Can any one help me?? Thank you
  NELSON/CHRISTIANSON 28 December 1997; John C. Engel, jcengel@execpc.com
  Looking for information/stories about Andrew John (A.J.) Nelson and Anna Johanna Christianson family. Children included Charley, Dora, Art, Hulda, Maime, Florence, Sid, and Mildred.
  The family was Swedish, arrived in Clear Lake Twp. in 1893, and attended the Swedish Congregational Church. Anna Johanna's older brothers Charlie and (Johann) Emil Clark were already in Clear Lake.
  Andrew farmed and filled various offices in Clear Lake: town treasurer, supervisor, justice of the peace, and a member of the school board. He was also blockman for McCormick-Deering, possibly having some sort of office in Balsam Lake. He was an agent for the Alden-Black Brook Mutual Fire Ins. Co., a director of the Farmers' Cooperative Milling Co., and a Mason.
  Are there any records remaining of these organization?
  Also interested in any recollections of a 1933 incident in which George Nelson (no relation), a National Farm Holiday organizer from Milltown, assembled 300-1,000 farmers to halt a chattel foreclosure sale at A.J.'s farm. Newspapers said it was the first such action in that part of the county. Incidents like this got George Nelson the Socialist party nomination for Vice President in 1936, as the running mate of Norman Thomas.
  John C. Engel
  2359 S. 78th Street
  West Allis, WI 53219
  (414) 545-6853
  http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/e/n/g/Debra-A-Engel/
  ENGEL 28 December 1997; John C. Engel; jcengel@execpc.com
  Looking for information/stories about Geo. J. ENGEL (1869-1943) family, including his wife, Johannna, and children (John or "Jack". Walt, Bertha or "Berb", Wilbert or "Dude", Clifford or "Kip", Evelyn, Elsa or "Elsie", Irene, Robert or "Dutch", George or "Bud." The family came to Clear Lake in 1921, from Covington, Iowa. They bought the A.J. McLennan place in the village, paying a record price. Geo. J. served on the village board for a year or so.
  In 1924 the family moved, bought the Kolrush place in Black Brook. George served as assessor for many years. At times he was also a director and Sec.-Treas. of the Four County Corners National Farm Loan Association. He ran for County Treasurer in 1936 as a Democrat (see the poster in the Clear Lake Museum!).
  Family members believe Geo. J. was a director of the Farmer's Co-operative Creamery at some point in the 1920's or 30's. Anybody have a way to verify this? He was also believed to be on the school board in Black Brook, president of the Black Brook Community Club, and active in the Red Cross. Any records of these?
  TANNER 28 Dec 1997
  Would like to find information regarding the Tanner surname in Polk County. We believe we have relatives in that area. RTanner162@aol.com
  JONES 27 Nov 1997 Meg Lambalot
  Looking for information about John W. Jones, wife's name unknown. He purchased land in Polk County, probably Clear Lake or Black Brook in 1880. 3 sons that I know of Fred, George William b: 09/04/1877 d: 09/28/1957, married 12/06/1900 in Black Brook to Inga Marie Olson b: 08/14/1878 d: 10/07/1965, and John. George is my great grandfather. Know John Sr. came from Smaland, Sweden and name was originally Johan Johansson but nothing else. Any help would be appreciated.
  ENDICOTT 11 Nov 1997 John Chalmers
  I am trying to find anything I can about my grandmother, whose maiden name was Nellie Gertrude Endicott. The only thing that I have is an affidavit from her brother, Charles A. Endicott, swearing that she was born at Wolf Creek, Polk County, Wisconsin on July 2 1881, and that her father's name was James Madison Endicott and her mother's name was Jennie Endicott. Any info or direction to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Thanx.
  GRAY 16 Oct 1997 Sharon Gray
  searching for any information on GRAY, Charles Middle name may have been Wyman.b. 30 Nov 1880 in Clear Lake Wisconsin. sgray
  HEROLD 12 Oct 1997 Ann Herold Jungbauer
  Looking for any information/stories regarding HEROLD family that settled in Osceola/Farmington area in 1850's. Andrew came over from Germany with children Michael and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a mystery after they arrived. Michael was a Civil War Veteran who was a member of the 10th Wisconsin Light Artillery Volunteers. Michael married Gertrude SLEIGER/EARLY from Stillwater, MN in 1860 and had several children, including Michael who married Josephine RIES in 1904. Their children include George HEROLD (my father) and Gene HEROLD, who still resides in Osceola.
  MOBERG 6 Sep 1997 Debbie Boaz
  Searching for any info on John E. and Severina J. MOBERG. John was born Apr. 1859 in Sweden, Severina (MALBURG) was born Mar. 1859 in Sweden. They had four children, Ginnie born Sept. 1888 Polk County, and Robert, born Dec. 1891 Polk County. No info on other two children, who possibly died before 1900. Also would appreciate any info on Ginnie and Robert, marriages, children, etc. Where were John and Severina buried? Severina had 6 brothers and sisters who also immigrated in different years.They lived in Elk County, PA. Would share info on her siblings.
  COWLES/COLES 2 Sep 1997
  Seek info on gr-grandfather, Charles Cowles or Coles. He was a tinsmith in Clear Lake in the late 1800's. He was married to Caroline (Powell) O'Greeley Cowles, who married J.J. Weldon after Charles Cowles'death. I don't have a death certificate, marriage certificate, or any info on his Civil War record (I have part of his uniform). Land records show he purchased 80 acres in Polk County 9-1-1880. Thanks for your help. Sharon Koch
  GOODEL/HOAG 29 Aug 1997
  I am helping Arnold Goodell who is trying to discover the Nationality of his grandpa, John Goodel emigrated from Burnette WI? 1924 to out west. Also his grandma, Mary Hoag married to James Hoag in Polk County or Burnette but most likely Polk as Arnold gave the town name of Clam Falls and thinking maybe it was or is in Burnette Co. James and Mary Hoag had : Delbert, Evelyn, James, Jr. and Myra. I did find a SSDI on a James Hoag, died 1882 but don't know if this is Arnold's James Hoag? Cannot get computer access to Burnette co. Got msg. "You can adopt a county" don't know what that means but sent E mail to the webmaster and awaiting a reply. Thanks any help you may be able to give or pointers on how I can help Arnold in his search. :-) Stephen Harrington
  LARSON 29 Aug 1997 JoLeen Randolph
  Looking for the family of Ed LARSON of Clear Lake Twp. Ed came to the US in 1896 from Sweden. His wife's name was Hilder S. . Children: Einar, Agnes F. , Edna K. and Harold W. JoLeen in Minnesota
  COMER 8/2/97
  We are trying to track what happened to William Comer, who first bought land in Polk Co in 1859, according to land records site on the web - we believe he must have been been a brother of Peter Comer of Juneau Co who bought land at same time - the story has always been that the Comer brothers, how many we're not sure. arrived here in the 1850's and just got separated as they found places to live. We wonder if William married, etc. - any birth/death recordqs to show parents or his wife/children? Thanks, Judy Comer-Schultz
  JOHNSON: 7/21/97
  I am looking for information on "Black" John Johnson. Full name was Johan Frederik Johnson' I believe he came from West Gotaland Sweden. He settled in Deronda, Wi around 1865 and became a farmer, (he was a sailor in Sweden eligible for his Captains papers). He later married his house keeper who had arrived from Sweden with two small children. They had two or three children together. I understand he was a pioneer in the area and taught the local Indians how to catch fish in a different way. Ronald Olson
  WENNERSTROM: July 7, 1997 Tonja Lund
  I am looking for information on the WENNERSTROM family that lived in Amery. The parents were Enoch and Lottie Wennerstrom. The children were Wernal, Hilma, Myrtle (My great grandmother), Melvina, and Hilma. Lottie, Enoch and Wernal are all buried at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, so must have moved to Minnesota at some time. My great grandmother recently died and was buried just north of Amery. (She lived in Crystal, MN.)
  MUNSON July 1, 1997 Tonja Lund
  The Munson family is from Sweden and had some land in Range, Wisconsin. The Munson name changed from Carlson to Munson when they came to the states. One of the farm houses is now a Halloween House after being abandoned in the 1950's. Two of the sons are named Anton and Charlie and they married two Wennerstrom sisters from Amery named Melvina and Hilma. If you have any information on this family, I would love to hear from you.
  TAYLOR 6/30/97 ...I have been searching for information on my grandfather's family. His father was Philander Lee Taylor, who lived in Clear Lakes, WI. ( He was a farmer) before moving to Ca. in the early 1900's. During the Civil war Philander Lee Taylor was suppose to have been a barber/dentist. His wife was Lousia Saunders who died before the move to Ca. He married her blind sister Elisa M. Saunders. Her parents were Dorcus Saunders and Samuel Saunders. My grandfather Amos Lloyd Taylor and his sister Bertha Taylor were born in Clear Lake in Polk Co. Any more information on this side of my family would be appreciated. Thank you so much, Patricia Nita Mc Milon/ Mc NurlanFATHKE 6/28/97...I am looking for John Charles Fathke. I have his civil war enlisted record. He recorded his residence as Osceola, Wis as a farm laborer. He enlisted 8 Aug. 1862. I would like any information you have in your files.

• GRAY. 5/31/97 ....I am researching my husband's family. Have Charles Wyman Gray born in Clear Lake Wisconsin November 30, 1880. Am not sure Clear Lake is in Polk County. Need his Parents and siblings. Actually all I have is His birth date. and the name of his wife. Thank you, Sharon

• SHAFFNER.... I am looking for info on James R Shaffner, who lived in Amery wisc. and is buried in the E. Lincoln cemetery. My father Archie E. Shaffner was born in Amery in 1889 and had a brother James and a sister Grace Thompson of Berkley Calif. James had owned the Shaffner Hotel in that city. any info would be helpful, thank you. Jerry Shaffner

• KENNEDY....I am trying to find information on Dougald Duncan Kennedy, born about 1830 to 1840, married to Cathrine Rose Marie Enk. They had 7 children all born in Polk County. Including Allice Rosalia Kennedy, born 9 Sept. 1870, who married Fred Dinger. Thank you for posting this. Kenneth J. Matheson kenmath@mail.gte.net

• SHAFFNER. ...I am looking for information on my grandfather James R..Shaffner who moved to Amery Wi. in 1875. My father was Archie E. Shaffner born in 1889 in Amery. My grandfather built the Shaffner Hotel. He is buried in the E. Lincoln Cemetery in that city. that is all the info that I have on my family. If anyone can help me fill in the missing pieces I would appreciate it . Jerry Shaffner