Granny's Genealogy

52 Weeks To Better Genealogy – Challenge 6

February 15th, 2010 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | Tools and Information - (8 Comments)

I just had to get in on this week’s “Better Genealogy” challenge: Play with Google Maps. This is a helpful tool for determining the locations of addresses in your family history. This post is also written to fulfill Item 4A and item 5F in the GeneaBlogger’s Winter Games.

After her father, David H. Herrington died in 1931, my Mom lived with a variety of adult caretakers. One was Mable Dickenson, and Mom told me a few stories of life in Brooklyn, New York in the late 1930′s and early 1940′s. Mom was very clear on the address: 256 Decatur. Brooklyn. Kings County. Here is one of only two photos I have of my mother as a child, it shows her with a young man I know nothing about, but who also lived with Miss Dickenson.

I took the challenge and did a search on Google Maps for 256 Decatur, Brooklyn, NY. Lucky me, I got a result.
View Larger Map

There is not a lot about that map that helps me, so I switched to Satellite view, and moved way in close. Hmm. Those houses do look like the brownstones Mom described, stuck together in a row.

I noticed that there was a street view of this particular area, so I switched to that. To use the street view, you grab the little orange man from the directional and distance tool on the left side of the screen. Pick him up by holding your mouse down and drag him to the location you wish to see and drop him down.

After I dropped him, I saw this (click to enlarge any of my thumbnails):

The box in the upper left says, “256 Decatur Street, New York, NY, United States,” and “address is approximate”. Interesting information, approximate. The directional arrows allowed me to scroll the street view, so I “walked up and down the street a few houses each way.

Two houses to the left of the large light colored one, I saw something of interest on the whit house. You can see it in the far left of the photo above, and more clearly below, a house with the right trim.

The darker colored house between the two light colored houses may be 256, and the white one at the left is the house with the trim which matches my photo the house next door.

In the photo above, you see the brown colored house has a wall similar to that which my subjects are standing near. It is four courses of blocks and a cap. I could not make out the trim on the cap no matter how much manipulation I did. I also saw no number painted or marked on the glass like that on my picture. Also, the trees and cars are in the way, and the angles are not quite the same. In spite of that, I believe this is the house that my Mother’s photo was taken in front of ca 1935-40. I wish I had found this before Mom passed away, I know she could have identified the house.

I have used Google Maps to look at aerial views of rural property, and even of my own house, but in those cases, I know what I am looking for, and can identify the property myself.

This experiment in looking for a house pictured in an old photo was very interesting, showing the power of scrolling up and down the street, searching for a certain feature.

52 Weeks to Better Genealogy, GeneaBlogger Winter Games, Herrington

What is Happening in the Genealogy Department

February 10th, 2010 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | What's going On - (1 Comments)

I am lucky enough to have collected a group of internet cousins along the research path. One of them is an especially meticulous researcher, who uses (heaven forbid) older methods and new technology to produce amazing results. Let me say that again, she uses all the avenues available to her to facilitate her research. I like that, since I also combine the newer internet sources with my tried-and-true, library, archives, cemetery and courthouse investigation, letter writing techniques.

I found her on a message board, when she was looking for Mary E. Ackert. Mary was the first wife of James Askey/Askie/Ascha. Their oldest child was William Henry, who was adopted by Platt and Angeline Palmer as Orlando William Palmer. Orlando was my great-grandfather, and the super researcher is a cousin of mine through Mary Ackert, who married again and had another family. The exact description of our relationship is half first cousin, twice removed. I really can not even say it, never mind calculate it.

My cousin and I have crossed paths in amazing ways over the years we have been in touch. I found her message board post about Mary Ackert when I was traveling for my job, and that evening, I was at a hotel very close to Cousins home. (I found that out later). Recently, Cousin ran across my blog, and sent me an e-mail. She had new information on our common relative, Mary Ackert, and a new spelling for James. Even more recently, she sent me a letter containing information on burials for some Aschas, descendents of Mary and James.

Wow, I had almost forgotten I had ancestors to research, as I worked through the information I have amassed for Papa’s family. My nose is to the grindstone again. I have a lot to learn, since I rarely do research in the east. These families lived in Columbia and Rensselaer counties, New York, Rutland and Bennington Counties, Vermont, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts. All my mother’s family is from that area, but I have researched there only in spurts.

Onward and upward, with a big boost from a kind, caring researcher!

Ackert, Asche, Askey, Herrington, Palmer, Winn

Just Keep Looking

December 19th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | Tools and Information - (2 Comments)

Many years ago, I read the films for births, deaths and marriages for Wexford County, Michigan, where my ancestors lived from about 1878 forward. The films were of poor quality, and completely unreadable in some places. I found records for many of my ancestors, including the marriage of my great-grandparents, Jane “Jennie” Johnston and William Kaiser. But, search as I did, I could never find a birth record for my grandmother. I found her marriage record, and later got a copy of her death certificate from the county clerk, but a record from the time of her birth which named her parents eluded me. It was important to me, since my great-grandmother, died when grandma was young, and some accounts name a stepmother as the mother.

Last night, I was fishing around at the new Familysearch record search, and look what I found (click to enlarge the thumbnails):

The fifth record, date July 19, 1885, Winnie L Kysor, female, white, born in the city of Cadillac!

Parents: William Kysor, Jennie Kysor, residents of the city of Cadillac, both born Canada, he a laborer, her no occupation, recorded on June 1, 1886.

The Kaiser’s last name carries a spelling which I have never seen the family use, and the entry was indexed as “Minnie L. Kysor”. I have always know my grandmother’s name as Winnie Alice Kaiser, so the spelling caught me off guard. However, the other information, including the birthdate, parent’s name and birthplace match.

The records early Michigan records on the FamilySearch site are not the same records, or from the same films as I previously read. The films I read were of the local county books. The films on the site are returns, and may be a copy made made from local books. I am able to see that second page which contains the record is page 457, but I don’t know what the ledger name or number might be.

My next step will be to read the records line by line, to see if I can find a birth or death record for my grandmother’s missing sister, and Jennie Johnston’s missing death record. I am also adding a review of the Wexford County films to my to do list, since I know the record is there, I may be able to find it. You just never know.

Johnston, Kaiser

Treasure Chest Thursday – The Service Flag

December 3rd, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | What's going On - (2 Comments)

This entry is part 2 of 9 in the series Treasures and Curiosities

You may or may not be familiar with the Blue Star Mothers, an organization of mothers of service members. I recently read the history of the Blue Star Mothers, and learned that the group was organized in Flint, Michigan. I am a Michigander, and finding the group’s Michigan connection made me proud. I saw the listing for chapter M1, Flint, Michigan, thereby learning it is still active, and saw a listing of the officers and meeting time and location.

I wanted to learn more about the Blue Star Mothers after I found my grandmother’s Service Flag folded into her funeral register book. I wrote about Winnie Kaiser Yearnd’s funeral register in this series, not too long ago. My grandmother died when I was six years old, but I do have wonderful memories of visits to her home. When I saw the flag, I had far off dreams of having seen it before, but I am not sure. I think it may have been displayed at her funeral; if I remember correctly perhaps that is why it was in the book. I do remember seeing Blue Star Mothers marching in the Memorial Day parades of my youth, perhaps the only women in uniform I saw during that era.

D1 sent for a service flag when GS1 entered the Navy; it has been displayed in our front window for three years. This fall, GS2 joined the Army. I remembered that D1 had mentioned needing a new flag with two stars, then forgot about it. Last night, I took the old flag out, pressed it, inserted a wood dowel in the casing at the top, and hung it in the front window.

The stars first represented my father and uncle, who served in the world War II era. Dad was too young for service during the war, but he was in the Marines for a short time after his high school graduation. There are quite a few photos of uncle Bill in uniform, he was older than my father, and served longer. I don’t believe washing the flag would be a good idea, it has no side seams, and is slightly frayed along the edges. However, I am very proud of our grandsons, and think my grandmother would be proud too.

Do you remember being told how lucky you were to live in the United States? I certainly do, freedom was highly valued, and those who served our country were respected and honored. Things were not as friendly when Papa served during the Vietnam era. It is important to remember that a price has been paid for our way of life, and today I am glad that more citizens take pride in their country and the service members who sacrifice for us.

Are members of your family serving? Do you have a service flag for your window? You can leave a comment here if you have memories of The Service Flag. If you would like on to display in honor of your service members, there is information on how to obtain one on the Blue Star Mother’s website. Even if you have no active member of the military in your family, you might enjoy reading about the history and activities of this great organization.

Blue Star Mothers, Kaiser, Service Flag, Treasure Chest Thursday, Yearnd

Family Portrait – William Kaiser and Elizabeth Long Family

December 2nd, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (0 Comments)

William and Elizabeth (Long) Kaiser were my 2nd great-grandparents. This photograph was send to me by my cousin Jan Largent Blake; the names of the subjects were recorded on the back Thanks Jan! I have added the names where they can be seen. You may click this thumbnail to enlarge the photo.

The photo was probably taken about 1886 or 1887.

Below is another photo taken in the same studio, perhaps the same day. The picture is of Mary Ann Kaiser with her husband John Garvin and their son Roy. Mary Ann is wearing the same dress in both pictures. Roy was born on March 31, 1885. I believe Roy looks closer to two in the picture, but it’s all a matter of opinion!

The Kaisers had ten children that I am aware of, three are buried in the cemetery of Knox Presbyterian Church, Cranbrook. The cemetery is in Huron County, Ontario.

The entire family was:

Joseph, 1857-1876
Mary Ann, 1860-1939
William, 1862-1940
Elizabeth, 1864-1938
Cecelia/Priscilla, 1867-1876
Sarah, 1870
Anna “Annie” 1871-1941
Austin Arthur, 1872-1962
Lucy, 1876-1914
Amelia/Millie, 1878-1963

Johnston, Kaiser, Long

The Will of William Kaiser, Sr.

December 1st, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (2 Comments)

William Kaiser, sometimes called William Kaiser, Sr., to distinguish him from his son with the same name was my great-grandfather. He was born in Ontario, Canada in 1862, and died in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan on 10 Oct 1909. William married Elizabeth Long about 1857.

This Will, Petition for Probate, Inventory of Personal Property and Closing letter transcribed from Wexford County Probate Records. Recorded in Liber 17 beginning page 506 of Wexford County, Michigan Probate Court Records and

Will, Recorded Liber 70, beginning on page 464.

I William Kaiser of the City of Cadillac, in the County of Wexford and State of Michigan, being now of sound mind and memory and mindful of the uncertainty of life, do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following, That is to say:

FIRST, I direct that all my just debts and my funeral expenses be paid.

SECOND, I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Elizabeth Kaiser, all my property both real and personal of which I may die seized or possessed wheresoever the same may be situated or found to do with and use the same as I could were I living, EXCEPT, that she may not sell deed or alienate any of the real estate. The true intention and meaning of this article of my will being that my said wife shall have a life estate in all my real estate but shall have all my personal property of whatsoever name or nature absolutely as her own.

THIRD, I direct that at the death of my said beloved wife all my property then in existence, whether real or personal of whatsoever name or nature, wheresoever the same may be found, shall be divided, share and share alike, equally among my children, whose names are as follows: Mary Garvin, William Kaiser, Elizabeth Johnston, Annie Phillips, Austin Kaiser, Lucy Johnston, Amelia Rice.

The executor of this my will is hereby empowered to sell the real estate and personal property at the death of my said wife or as soon thereafter as he may deem proper, under the order of the Court and give the proper deed for the same and then divide the proceeds of said sale or sales equally among my children as above named and directed.

Should any of my said children, at the time of such division of property by said executor be deceased, then the share of such deceased child of mine shall go to the child or children of such deceased child of mine. If such deceased child of mine shall have no living child then her, or his share shall be divided equally between my children who are then alive in addition to their regular share as above stated. I further direct that should a grandchild of mine have a right to inherit their parent’s share under the provisions of this will, that my own children who are alive at the time of my said wife’s death, shall not wait for their share of my property until any grand child of mine may come of age but the Executor of this will shall distribute to my living children their share of my property as soon after my said wife’s death as may be and paying to the guardian or representatives of any grandchild such share as such grandchild or grandchildren may be entitled under the provisions of this will.

FOURTH, I hereby nominate and appoint James Johnston of the City of Cadillac the Executor of this my last will and testament.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal—making my mark—a cross—instead of writing my name this 21st day of September A.D. 1907 William (his mark X) Kaiser (LS)

We hereby attest that the foregoing instrument was at the date thereof, in our presence signed, sealed, and published and declared by William Kaiser, the above named testator to be his last will and testament, and we have at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, signed our names as witnesses thereto, this twenty-first day of September A.D. 1907.

Signed: James E. Henderson of Cadillac , Michigan

Signed: (Mrs.) Martha Gipe of Cadillac , Michigan

Petition For Probate of Will

STATE of MICHIGAN , County of Wexford Probate Court for said County.

To Fred Lamb Judge of Probate for said County

In the matter of Proving the last Will and Testament of William Kaiser Deceased, William Kaiser would respectfully represent to the Court that he is interested in the above matter as son and heir of said deceased, that said deceased departed this life a the city of Cadillac, in the County of Wexford and State of Michigan on the 10th day of October 1919, leaving a last Will and Testament, bearing the date 21st of September 1907, which is herewith deposited and filed to said court, that said will is in writing and signed by the said Testator, and is attested and subscribed to by James E. Henderson and Martha Gripe two competent witnesses, that said witnesses attested and subscribed said will in the presence of the said Testator and at his request, and that the said Testator at the time he executed said Will, was twenty-one years of age and upwards and was of sound mind and under no restraint or undue influence, whatever, as your Petitioner is informed and verily believe.

Your petitioner further represents that the said deceased, at the time of his death, was an inhabitant or resident in said County of Wexford and was possessed of Real and Personal Estate situate and being in said County of Wexford, and elsewhere to be administered, and that the estimated value of the Personal Estate is the sum of One Thousand Dollars and of the Real Estate the sum of Nine Hundred Dollars or thereabout, as your Petitioner is informed and verily believe.

And your Petitioner further represents that the names, ages and residence and relationship to the deceased of the legatees and heirs-at-law of said deceased, and other persons interested in said estate as your Petitioner is informed and believes are as follows:

Elizabeth Kaiser, widow, 73, Cadillac , Mich.

Mary Garvin, daughter, 49, Cadillac , Mich.

William Kaiser, son, 47, Cadillac , Mich.

Elizabeth Johnston, daughter, 45, Cadillac , Michigan

Annie Phillips, daughter, Cadillac Michigan

Austin Kaiser, son, Chicago , ILL

Lucy Johnston, daughter, Cadillac , Mich.

Amelia Rice, daughter, Cadillac , Mich.

Your Petitioner, therefore prays the Court to appoint a time and place for proving said Will, and that due notice thereof be given to all persons interested as the Court shall direct, and that said Will may be allowed and admitted to Probate, and that administration of said estate may be granted to James Johnston the executors named in said Will, or to some other suitable person, and that such other and further order and proceedings may be had in the promises as may be required by statutes in such case mad and provided.

Dated Cadillac, Oct 18, 1909 (signed) Wm Kaiser

State of Michigan County of Wexford }SS

The above named petitioner, being duly sworn, say that he has read the foregoing petition by him signed and knows the contents thereof, and that the same is true of his own knowledge except as to matters thereto stated, on his information and belief, and as to those matters he believes them to be true. (signed) Wm Kaiser

Subscribed and sworn to at Cadillac , Michigan this 18th day of October A.D. 1909 before me Fred C. Breen,Notary Public

Property Inventory

Johnston & Kaiser — GROCERS

(Letterhead of the establishment owned by James Johnston and William Kaiser, 2nd)

Cadillac , Michigan June 14th, 1910

Received of James Johnston, Executor of the last Will and Testament of William Kaiser, Deceased. The following goods and chattels, constituting the personal property of said deceased, and bequeathed to me by the will of said deceased,

1 Land Contract to E.G. Rice	500.00
1 Coal Stove	10.00
2 Couches	4.00
Chairs	5.00
1 Organ	10.00
Carpets	10.00
1 Dining Table and 6 Chairs	7.00
1 Refrigerator	3.00
1 Kitchen Stove and Utensils	6.00
1 Cupboard	3.00
1 Bedstead and Mattress	5.00
Curtains and Portier	2.00
1 Kitchen Table and Chairs	2.00
1 Sewing machine	10.00
1 Bedroom Suite	10.00
3 Chairs and Bedding	10.00
1 Mantel Clock	5.00
Total as appraised	602.00

(signed) Elizabeth Kaiser Widow

Closing letter, transcribed from Probate packet.

Cadillac , Michigan , Michigan , February 7th, 1928 .

To the Probate Court of Wexford County , Michigan .

In the Matter of the Estate of William Kaiser, Deceased.

The will of William Kaiser, Deceased, provided that his Wife Elizabeth Kaiser should have a life interest in the Real Estate of said Deceased. At her death is should be distributed to Mary Garvin, William Kaiser, Elizabeth Johnston, Annie Phillips, Austin Kaiser, Lucy Johnston and Amelia Rice.

The above named Heirs, except Lucy Johnston, wishing to allow Elizabeth Kaiser, their Mother, to enjoy the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the Real Estate made the following provisions.

Under date of May 8 1930, Mary Garvin, William Kaiser and Delia Kaiser His Wife, Elizabeth Johnston, Annie Phillips and Amelia Rice deeded their interest in said Real Estate to Elizabeth Kaiser their Mother, Under date of May 30, 1920 Austin Kaiser and Florence Kaiser, his Wife, signed the same deed.

Lucy Johnston died about October 1st, 1914 . About March 1st, 1924 a hearing to determine her Heirs was held in your Court, and the Heirs determined at said hearing deeded their interest in said Estate to William Kaiser, which closed up the entire Estate.

James Johnston

Executor.

Garvin, Johnston, Kaiser, Phillips, Rice

Honoring My Mother

November 20th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | What's going On - (0 Comments)

Mother left us for a better place on June 6, 2007. I was fine for a while, and the not fine, and then fine. I rode the roller coaster of life and found joy in daily routine, family and friends, my garden and my genealogical research. A year ago today we buried her ashes at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.

In cases where a graveside service is included after a funeral, the death, services and some closure follow each other closely. In this case, more than a year after her death, I had no desire to add another “sad about Mom day” to my calendar. So when S-Dad decided it was time to bury her, I suggested her birthday. It is fitting, Mother loved birthdays and all the fuss that she supposed needed to be included.

I made my first trip up to the cemetery in the spring, and took photos as I have with all the graves I visit. I was later suspired to find a memorial for her on Find-a-Grave, and asked that it be transferred to me.

Today, Papa and I will place a memento on her grave, and pause to remember all Mom was, and did for us.

Herrington, Sherry, Yearnd

Wexford County Deeds

October 23rd, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors | Papa's Ancestors | Tools and Information - (1 Comments)

This entry is part 1 of 8 in the series Land Records

Several years ago I read some deed indices in Wexford County, Michigan, looking for transactions for our ancestors. Papa had to travel to Cadillac, the county seat and our former home, for work, so I just hitched a ride and had him drop me at the courthouse. I did not go just once, I went many times. Land records can help place people in certain locations, or assist in estimating when they arrived.

I went through the indexes, and recorded pertinent data. I had forgotten about the spreadsheet I created of my results.

First, the disclaimer:

They are selected records only, not complete indices. There may be transcription errors. I searched the indices for family names, but many not have recorded every deed for every family. I recorded both the grantor and grantee for each deed, and created a spreadsheet of the results. I may or may not have further information on these transactions, but it won’t cost you anything to ask, and I will share anything I have.

The data is here.

Tomorrow: The next step with the index entries.

Land Records, Wexford Co MI

Jane Johnston’s Locket

October 22nd, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (9 Comments)

This entry is part 1 of 9 in the series Treasures and Curiosities

This locket was given to me on Christmas, by my Aunt Jane Yearnd Devereaux. Aunt Jane was my father’s sister, her full name at birth was Margaret Jane Yearnd.

This note which accompanied the locket describes three items, I will get to the others in later posts.

Inside the locket

Here is a larger photo of Jennie Johnston wearing the locket.

Jane “Jennie” Johnston, who married William Kaiser (b 1862), was actually my paternal great-grandmother, but would have been my Aunt Jane’s maternal grandmother, an easy mistake to make. I wrote a little about Jennie a while back. I do know this is Jennie, and I can date the photo between 1881 and 1888, most likely between 1883 and 1888. Jane Johnston died in 1888.

The date is based on an immigration date for Jane’s only surviving sibling, who arrived in Cadillac, Michigan by 1884.

James and Jane were listed on the 1881 Canadian census, county Huron, South Grey, page 67 line 18: dwelling 274, family 274, Johnston, James, male, 16, born Ontario, religion Canadian Presbyterian, origin Scotch, farmer, going to school; Jane, female, 13, born Ontario, religion Canadian Presbyterian, origin Scotch, going to school; Harbottle, William, male, 25, born Ontario, religion Canadian Presbyterian, origin English, married, blacksmith; Catherine, female, 23, born Ontario, religion Canadian Presbyterian, origin Scotch, married.

James may have been listed first since he was the male heir to his father’s property, John Johnston died 19 January 1881. The other deaths in the family were: John’s wife Catherine on 9 June 1880; and two children, Maggie, 14 Dec 1880; and “Winnie” on 29 December 1880. Katherine “Kate” Johnston married William Harbottle on 20 April 1881; and she died on 31 October 1881. The Johnston family burials are detailed in this post.

James and Jane were in Cadillac by 1884, when he is listed in a directory; and was a witness to Jane’s 10 October 1884 marriage to William Kaiser which occurred in Wexford County, Michigan.

In the early 1980′s I had the locket appraised by an antique dealer. The value is negligible, however, the appraisal did reveal that the locket was beaded steel, popular in the 1880′s. That helps to confirm that the locket existed at the time Jane lived and would have worn it.

I have a daughter who we named Jennifer, who is sometimes known as Jen, but never Jennie. Jen acquired her name long before I knew about Jane Johnston and her locket, but the locket will pass into her possession after I leave this world. If no other grandchildren arrive, I will ask that the locket and letter next be passed to GD1; her middle name is Jane.

If you made it this far, you might want to check out “CanadaGenealogy, or Jane’s Your Aunt“. If you don’t care to read it, you will at least know why I identify with the title!

P.S. I am adding a link to the GeanaBloggers theme for today, Treasure Chest Thursday. I followed the theme without even knowing about it! You can find links to interesting posts about family treasures on the theme page. Have fun reading all of them!

Johnston, Treasure Chest Thursday, Yearnd

Winnie Kaiser Yearnd Funeral Book – 7

October 19th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (0 Comments)

This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series Winnie Kaiser Yearnd Funeral Register

In addition to my grandmother’s wedding book, I also am the custodian of the register created at her funeral. I will also post all the pages, with comments when I feel may be relevant. The ninth scan starts the pages of the visitors register. There are seven of these pages, and they read like a roster of the First Congregational Church membership of my childhood, with some family and neighbors mixed in. I will have something to say about most of these pages.

Floyd and Alice Wilkinson

J. V. Shepherd

Ralph McNeth

Dr.land Mrs Gregory A ALe???

Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Bendle — The Bendles owned the company that sold and engraved cemetery markers.

Kay Servis — My father’s cousin.

Frank Servis — Kay’s husband.

Gerald Carlington

Don Mohl — member of the church, if my memory is correct.

Ray Cunningham — owned a drug store in downtown Cadillac.

Ruth Mills — Mrs. Mills was my grandmother’s good friend. One of her sons was the same age as my father, and there are photos of the boys together. Mrs. Mills was a member of the Congregational Church, and shared stories about my grandmother with me when I was an adult.

Hale and Mary Dickerson — members of our church.

Jack Smith

Monsignor Callahan — from St. Ann Catholic Church, Cadillac.

Sr Mary Teresa RSM — from St Ann Catholic Church, Cadillac

Mr. Eldon Hagstrom — a Hagstrom family owned a flower shop in Cadillac, I am not sure if this is the one.

I recently received this information with regard to Eldon Hagstrom, and received permission to add it here:
Eldon, his wife Emma (nee Anderson), and son Harry Delos Hagstrom were the original owners of Hagstrom’s Flower Shop in Cadillac, Michigan. Eldon was born 21 Dec 1900 in Clam Lake Township, Wexford County to John Gustof Hagstrom and Ingrid Mathilda (Johnson) Hagstrom. He graduated from Michigan State University in Animal Husbandry. Emma Lynn Anderson was Eldon’s wife. Emma’s mothers last name was Bertleson which ended with her, since she had no brothers. All of Emma’s children took the Bertleson name as a middle name as well as their Christian name. Emma’s father owned a lumber camp and a saloon in the area.

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Hill — members of our church.

Kaiser, Yearnd