On This Date in Minnesota History: October 16

October 16, 1880 – “A major blizzard sneaks up on 14-year-old Michael Dowling, who was working on a farm near Canby. Doctors amputate both of his legs and an arm. That's the bad part. The good part: Three years later, Dowling offers a deal to Yellow Medicine County commissioners. If they buy him artificial limbs and pay for one year at Carleton College, he will vow to live independently. They agree and he goes on to become a noted educator, businessman and a state legislator.” 

http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2008/07/150-minnesota-moments-wed-just-soon-forget

Michael Dowling

http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2008/06/councils-sesquicentennial-brochure-highlights-lives-early-minnesotans-disabi

Courtesy of the State Council on Disability

_________________________________________________________

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