Saturday, November 4, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: November 4

November 4, 1913 – Paul Medderleigh, custodian of the Thief River Falls jail, became a captive in his own jail this evening while his prisoner escaped.

Three prisoners were in jail at the time, one of whom was C. O. Hanson, who claimed to be from Minneapolis, and who was serving a 10-day sentence for jumping a lodging bill.

Medderleigh had just entered the cell block with the prisoner’s dinner. After unlocking the main door he placed the key back on the wall in the corridor. While his back was turned, Hanson tiptoed past him and slammed the heavy steel door to the cage shut, at the same time springing the lock on the massive padlock. Medderleigh rushed frantically to the door, but arrived too late. The outer door to the building was also unlocked and Hanson easily made his escape.

The escape was made during the supper hour and at a time when only a few people pass the jail. Nearly 15 minutes elapsed before cries of the imprisoned official were heard and he was released. O trace of Hanson has been found.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Jailed Becomes Jailer. Thief River Falls Prisoner Locks Custodian in Cell—Makes Good His Escape.” November 5, 1913; p. 2.




http://www.citytrf.net/vertical/Sites/%7BF0A915C0-82C2-43FC-93FF-B561AD75910F%7D/uploads/sign.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com





Friday, November 3, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: November 3

November 3, 1924 - The last man to be recovered from the Milford Mine disaster was found late this evening. The body of Arvid Lehti, 31, of Cuyuna, was found approximately nine months after the flooding of the Milford property on Feb. 5, when 41 men lost their lives. Rescue work has been going on continuously since the accident. The mine had to be drained, and Foley Lake, which emptied into the mine, was pumped dry. Survived by his wife, Lahti’s body was found in stop No. 7.

The Duluth News Tribune; “Last Body Taken From Crosby Mine”; Nov. 5, 1924; p. 5.




http://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/milford.gif

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com





Thursday, November 2, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: November 2

November 2, 1905 – In the township of Ramsey, three miles west of Anoka, is a phenomenon that is puzzling the local farmers.

Many years ago, according to Indian legends, a big lake covered part of the township. When civilization came the land was found tillable, no water being there. For 50 years crops have been raised with unbroken register.

Today, from the Stein farm to A. E. Merrill’s is one broad expanse of rippling water. Along the railroad tracks the water is six and eight feet deep. Roads that have been passable since the time the old territorial road was laid out and when it was but a trail are now under water.

Where it comes from is a matter of conjecture. Some believe it is caused by springs. Others think it is due to the wet season. Yet all other seasons have been as wet and cellars did not fill or fields disappear beneath a sheet of water.

The Minneapolis Journal
; “Township Is threatened. Water Mysteriously Overflows Most of Land at Ramsey.”; Nov. 2, 1905; p. 10.




Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Nov. 2, 2017,
as long as acknowledgement included.
               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com








Wednesday, November 1, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: November 1

November 1, 1910 – Minneapolis has attained a distinction in favorable mortality statistics; the government statistics announced today show the lowest death rate of any city in the United States. The division of vital statistics of the census bureau places the Minneapolis death rate at 10.66 per thousand. Leading the 44 cities that have more than 100,000 population. The figure is for the 1909 death rate. Until 1910 has passed, no estimate can be made for this year.

St. Paul came in second with 11.4, Cleveland is third with 12.9, and Milwaukee fourth with 13.6.

Cities that have a low death rate have always advertised the fact, as it is conceded by agencies for publicity that nothing makes a stronger drawing card. That Minneapolis would make a good showing was expected by those who are familiar with the mortality statistics of Minnesota, although it was scarcely expected that the figure would go so low. It is granted that the government figures give Minnesota a position of inestimable value from every standpoint. Mortality statistics are considered even more important by the government than those gains that reflect commercial growth.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Death Rate here Is Lowest. Reports Show Minneapolis Has Only 10.66 Mortality Rate.”; Nov. 2, 1910; p. 9.




Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Feb. 15, 2016,
as long as acknowledgement included.

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com



Tuesday, October 31, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: October 31

October 31, 1977 – Rosalie Wahl was sworn in as the first woman justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court on this date.

http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wpp/pdf/case_studies/rosalie_wahl/wahl_case.pdf



Justice Rosalie Wahl
http://alteredfaces.blogspot.com/2013_07_01_archive.html

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com



Monday, October 30, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: October 30

October 30, 1921 – Harry R. Williams, manager of the Fort Wayne Engineering and Manufacturing Company, who has been missing from his Minneapolis home since Oct. 17, was reported found today in Los Angeles, Calif., suffering from memory loss.

Williams was found yesterday by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Waldren, friends of his who are visiting Calif. When they ran into each other, however, Williams failed to recognize the Waldrons, but agreed to accompany them to the Los Angeles Receiving Hospital for an examination.

During the examination Williams said his name was Harry R. Watson and that he could not remember any incidents prior to leaving Chicago 10 days ago.

In his pockets, however, were found papers that definitely identified him.

Mr. Waldron told Det. H.M. Slaughter of the Los Angeles police department that he induced Williams to consent to the examination because he was convinced that his friend was suffering from memory loss.

At home this evening, Mrs. Williams said she had received a telegram from Mr. Waldron that told of his finding her husband.

Minneapolis police have been searching for Mr. Williams since he was reported missing. They were able to trace his movements as far as Chicago, but that was where the trail ended.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Minneapolis Man, Missing Two Weeks, Found in West. Henry L. Williams, Victim of Memory Lapse, Recognized By Friends.”; October 31, 1921; p. 1. 



Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Feb. 2, 2016, as long as acknowledgement included.

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History


Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com   



Sunday, October 29, 2017

On This Date in Minnesota History: October 29

October 29, 1974 – Located in Minneapolis, the Purcell-Cutts House was designed by the firm of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie for architect William Purcell and his family in 1913.

The dwelling is a notable example of Prairie School architecture, featuring a long, narrow floor plan that disregards Victorian concepts about room divisions. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on this date. It is now part of the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art and has been extensively restored. The museum conducts tours on the second weekend of every month.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_S._Purcell_House



Purcell-Cutts House

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_S._Purcell_House#/media/File:Purcell_and_Elmslie_Purcell-Cutts_House_MIA_9092.jpg


               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         


Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com