1869 Letter from Richmond Jones at Walcott, Minnesota, to Asa Bradford Jones & Mary Emery (Tyler) Jones at Turner, Maine

September 1869, or possibly 1867, letter from Richmond Jones at Walcott, Minnesota, to his brother Asa Bradford Jones at Turner, Maine.  A small portion of the paper is missing. Richmond wrote a 7 in another place in his letter, one that doesn't look like the last digit in the year, so I believe he meant 1869.

A transcription appears at the end of this post.

The letter is one of four sent by Richmond or his wife Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones or the both of them together, dating from about 1856 to 1871.

• c1856 letter from Richmond to his mother noting the hard times he'd had after the sudden death of his first wife from lightning and the eventual meeting of his second wife
• September 11, 1865 - acknowledgement of the news of the death of Emily Jane (Jones) Cary in Maine
• September 19 to 26, 1871 - acknowledgement of the news of the death of Richmond's mother Mercy (Bryant) Jones.

The letter acknowledges news from Asa of ill health among relatives, including that of Asa himself.  Both Richmond and Rhoda urge Asa and his family to come to Minnesota where the air is dry during the winter months and would be beneficial for Asa's lungs.  Richmond also speaks of his crops and what they are currently bring at market.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

From brief online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions requested]

Richmond Jones, Jr., was born January 7, 1815 at Turner,  Maine, the son of Richmond Jones and Mercy (Bryant) Jones.  Richmond, Jr., was married twice and had children with each wife.

On June 20, 1840, Richmond, Jr., married Achsah P. Gammon, daughter of Robinson Gammon and Sarah (Parsons) Gammon of Portland, Maine.  They had two children, noted as "the boys" in the letters:

• Ebenezer Pitt Jones, born November 9, 1841 at Portland,  Maine; he died in 1909 in Port Angeles, Washington.
• Charles A. Jones, born January 16, 1846 at Portland, Maine; he died in 1920 in Minnesota.

Achsah died in 1854 in Minnesota; according to her Find-a-Grave memorial, she died on her first day at Medford, Minnesota.  An undated letter from Richmond to his mother Mercy (Bryant) Jones, written in the year or so after Achsah's death, details how Richmond's world had fallen apart after Achsah's death but ends on the positive note that he had found a worthy partner at Janesville, presumably Wisconsin.

This new partner was Rhoda Hannah Beeman, daughter of Solomon Beeman and Mary (Dickinson) Beeman of Vermont.  She and Richmond, Jr., married about 1855 or 1856 and had three children:

• Wallace W. Jones, born about 1857; died on July 5, 1862
• Marian Adelle Jones, "Della", born December 11, 1859 at Walcott, Minnesota; married Samuel Curtiss
• Emily May Jones, born about 1865 at Walcott, Minnesota; see a photograph on her Find-a-Grave memorial; married Charles Christopher Livingston.  She was presumably named after Emily Jane (Jones) Carey, the main subject of this letter.

Richmond Jones, Jr. died in Minnesota in 1883 and Rhoda in 1907.  See a photograph of Richmond on his Find-a-Grave memorial.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Transcription - please leave your comments on missing or misconstrued words - thanks!

Walcott, Rice Co. September 1869  [or possibly 1867]
[from Richmond Jones]
Dear Brother, I received your August 22th the 29 and was glad to hear from you but was sorry to hear that Pelham [Pelham Jones, brother of Richmond Jones, Jr., and Asa Bradford Jones] is ___[ail - ill ?] and also to hear that you are so unwell and Henry wife's death.  [Richmond and Asa had a brother Henry Jones, but his wife, Rosilla Richardson Jones, died on June 18, 1867, unless Henry had a later wife I didn't find, or the year of Richmond's letter is 1867, rather than 1869.  Otherwise, Henry may have been someone else.]  It is sudden news to me.  We are all well for the present.  You was speaking about coming out to Minnesota for your health.  I will tell you what I think about it as it is with you I think it the Best thing that you can, as I have been in Minnesota 15 years and have not seen it rain 15 minutes in the whole time in the Winter season.  The air is very dry during the Winter time always,  no Atlantic fog seen here, never we have snow and rain here but it comes in its own place.  Therefore leaves the air dry during the winter time.

I think it would be well to take your family with you as we have it plenty of house room to make you comfortable.  Your mind would be at ease therefore I think you would gain where you would not if they are not with you.  As for Mother [Mercy (Bryant) Jones] you could make some provision for her for the winter.  I want you should tell Mother for me.  I want she should be reconciled to you coming, in order to get your health back again, if your lungs are not affected and nothing but a cough there is a cure, I think.  Take the change of climate into consideration, when I lived in Portland [Maine] I had a cough two thirds of the time.  I have no cough here, only when I get cold.  Well, Asa, enough of that.  We have had a very cold summer.  Hope this summer corn will be little something.  Potatoes are good.  Wheat crop is very big.  Oats never was Better.  Barley good, very good grass, good fast good.  You had aught ___ [sic - to ?] be here now to take the fall air.  The sooner you come, the better to get as much of the fall air as you can.
Wheat market opens at 1.10; oats 33; barley 75.
The boys Eben [Ebenezer Pitts Jones, son of Richmond Jones and his first wife Achsah P. (Gammon) Jones] and Charles [Charles A. Jones, son of Richmond Jones and his first wife Achsah P. (Gammon) Jones] went west 2 years ago last May and both took up a farm & lease this year.  They harvest 60 acres of wheat of their own.  They went two hundred miles west so you see, I am A [The rest of the page is torn away]
[from Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones to Mary E. (Tyler) Jones, wife of Asa Bradford Jones]
Dear Sister
I cannot write but a few lines for we are in a hurry to take it to the office, but what I wanted to say was that if you and Asa could arrange your affairs so to leave Mother comfortable that you had better come with Asa, then his mind will be more at rest if you and the children are with him and he will gain faster to have his mind at rest and you will feel better to be with him.  Write as soon as you get this so that we will know that you have got it and let us known when he will come and what your minds are about your coming.  Minnesota is called a great place to help a cough.  People are here from every quarter for the same.  We will write within two weeks again for fear that you won't get this.  The children send their love to Gramma [presumably Mercy (Bryant) Jones, mother of Richmond Jones Jr. and Asa Bradford Jones].  My love to you all.  Write soon.
Rhoda Jones.

1871 Letter from Rhoda (Beeman) Jones at Walcott, Minnesota to Asa and Mary Jones at Turner, Maine

March 19 to March 26, 1871 letter from Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones, wife of Richmond Jones, Jr., to Mary Emery (Tyler) Jones and her husband Asa Bradford Jones, Richmond's brother.  Sadly, a portion of the letter is missing, though there would have been nothing written on one side.

 A transcription appears at the end of this post.

The letter is one of 4 letters sent by Richmond or Rhoda or the two of them together, dating from about 1856 to 1871.  The other letters:

• c1856 letter from Richmond to his mother noting the hard times he'd had after the sudden death of his first wife from lightning and the eventual meeting of his second wife
• September 11, 1865 - acknowledgement of the news of the death of Emily Jane (Jones) Cary in Maine
• September 1869 [or 1867] - Richmond and Rhoda urge Asa and Mary to come to Minnesota where the dry air would be beneficial for Asa's lungs

The later portion of the letter, dated March 26, acknowledges receipt of the sad news that Richmond's and Asa's mother, Mercy (Bryant) Jones, had just died.  Rhoda regrets that she hadn't sent the letter soon after starting it on the 19th, so that it might have arrived before Mercy's death.

Rhoda notes that, sad though the news is, Asa is now free to come to Minnesota for the beneficial effect that the dry winter air there would have on his lungs, potentially giving him many more years with his family.  He had apparently come once before, perhaps a couple winters earlier, to good effect.

She writes of their crops and livestock and mentions that Mr. Soil or Soiley [perhaps she meant to spell Sohley] at Balche's store had been inquiring after Asa.  She also mentioned that Tilden Jones, presumably of Turner, Maine, and family were thinking of making a visit to Minnesota and would consider moving permanently if they could sell their place.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

From brief online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions requested]

Richmond Jones, Jr., was born January 7, 1815 at Turner,  Maine, the son of Richmond Jones and Mercy (Bryant) Jones.  Richmond, Jr., was married twice and had children with each wife.

On June 20, 1840, Richmond, Jr., married Achsah P. Gammon, daughter of Robinson Gammon and Sarah (Parsons) Gammon of Portland, Maine.  They had two children, noted as "the boys" in the letters:

• Ebenezer Pitt Jones, born November 9, 1841 at Portland,  Maine; he died in 1909 in Port Angeles, Washington.
• Charles A. Jones, born January 16, 1846 at Portland, Maine; he died in 1920 in Minnesota.

Achsah died in 1854 in Minnesota; according to her Find-a-Grave memorial, she died on her first day at Medford, Minnesota.  An undated letter from Richmond to his mother Mercy (Bryant) Jones, written in the year or so after Achsah's death, details how Richmond's world had fallen apart after Achsah's death but ends on the positive note that he had found a worthy partner at Janesville, presumably Wisconsin.

This new partner was Rhoda Hannah Beeman, daughter of Solomon Beeman and Mary (Dickinson) Beeman of Vermont.  She and Richmond, Jr., married about 1855 or 1856 and had three children:

• Wallace W. Jones, born about 1857; died on July 5, 1862
• Marian Adelle Jones, "Della", born December 11, 1859 at Walcott, Minnesota; married Samuel Curtiss
• Emily May Jones, born about 1865 at Walcott, Minnesota; see a photograph on her Find-a-Grave memorial; married Charles Christopher Livingston.  She was presumably named after Emily Jane (Jones) Carey, the main subject of this letter.

Richmond Jones, Jr. died in Minnesota in 1883 and Rhoda in 1907.  See a photograph of Richmond on his Find-a-Grave memorial.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Transcription - please leave your comments on missing or misconstrued words - thanks!

Walcott, March 19, 1871
Dear Sister, I will now try to answer your much welcomed letter which should have been answered long ago but better late than never.  Well to begin we are all well which is one of the greatest Blessings that God can bestow on the human family.  We have had one of the nicest winters that we very often get.  I wish it could have been so nice weather last winter when Asa [Asa Bradford Jones, brother of Richmond Jones, Rhoda's husband]was here.  We was so glad to hear that Asa was better.  A great many inquiries after his health.  They say if the climate done him any good while here that he will be better for a year or two.  Then he will be worse again.  Then he will be obliged to come west to save his life.  Mr. Soil [perhaps Sohley] in Balche's store was inquiring about Asa not long since he said that in a year or two his health will run down again and he will be obliged to come west for he said that it was written that it was the climate helped him by his being better.  Asa knows Mr. Sowil [perhaps Sohley].  We had a letter from Tilden Jones a few weeks ago.  He and his family talks of coming out here to make us a visit next fall.  He said if he ever sold there that he should come in this part of the world.  He thought his wife's health is better.  Well, Asa, I kept boarder last fall long enough to come to 28 dollars so that got us things for winter so we was not so hard up for clothes as was that fall that you came out here.  Richmond has got him a new overcoat.  He sold wheat to get that.  He got out 31 dollars worth of ties.  He would have got out more if had the timber.  We shall milk four cows next summer if nothing happens.  We are raising four calves this winter.  We bought one of them.  
March 26 - Well, since I commenced this we got a letter from you which brought the news of Mother's death.  I am so sorry that I did not answer Mary's [presumably Mary Emery (Tyler) Jones, wife of Asa Bradford Jones] letter so she could get it before Mother died.  Delly [Marian Adella Jones, daughter of Richmond and Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones] had got a letter wrote to send to grandmother but we have all got to go sooner or later.  Rich [apparently the nickname of Richmond Jones] said as soon as he saw the letter was from you thought that was to bring him the news of Mother's death.  He said he did not know why he felt so but he did.  Well, Asa, now your Mother is gone.  Now it's seeming as though there was Mother to hinder you coming out, but the trouble of selling and getting ready to come now as you have got weak lungs and it is natural for the family to have weak lungs so you wants go where you are sure of the best health.  If you don't recover your health in fall you may be able to see to your family for a great many years perhaps.  Otherwise, if you stay there you stay there you may be taken from them many years sooner.  You have been...  [missing portion of letter]
Now, Asa, if you have the paper that has got Mother's Death in will you please send it to us if convenient. Now Asa when you get this you and Mary write a good long letter and tell us all about ____ [matters ?]; and things.  Don't wait as long as we all generally do.  The children talk a great deal about Uncle Asa and Aunt Mary and the children as we all do.  Kiss all the children for me.  Tell them I often look at their little pictures and wish I could see them.  Give my love to Lydia [Lydia, Richmond's sister; presumably the Lydia Jones who married Ebenezer Pitts on May 21, 1834 at Turner, Maine; note that one of the sons of Richmond Jones and his first wife Achsah P. (Gammon) Jones was named Ebenezer Pitts Jones] and family.  How much she looks like her Mother in her picture.  I must close.  Write soon.
from Rhoda Jones
 to Mr. and Mrs. Asa B. Jones

1855 or 1856 Letter from Richmond Jones, Jr., in Minnesota to his Parents, Richmond and Mercy (Bryant) Jones at Turner, Maine

1855 or 1856 letter from Richmond Jones, Jr., in Minnesota, possibly at Medford or Walcott, to his parents Richmond Jones and Mercy (Bryant) Jones at Turner, Maine.

A transcription appears at the end of this post.

Richmond described sad times in the year or so after the death of his first wife, Achsah P. (Gammon) Jones, who died in 1854.  According to an entry on her Find-a-Grave memorial, Achsah died from a lightning strike on her first day at Medford, Minnesota.

The letter was found with three other letters sent by either Richmond himself or Richmond and his second wife Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones from about 1855 to 1871:

• September 11, 1865 - Richmond and Rhoda write in response to a letter from Richmond's brother Asa Bradford Jones revealing that Emily Jane (Jones) Cary had died; this letter might also have been the first that Richmond heard that his father had died on September 9, 1865, though where Rhoda didn't mention it, I believe they had found out in an earlier letter or perhaps by telegraph.
• September 1869 [or 1867] letter - Richmond and Rhoda urge Asa and Mary to come to Minnesota where the dry air would be beneficial for Asa's lungs
• September 19-26, 1871 - acknowledgement of the news of the death of Mercy (Bryant) Jones, mother of Richmond Jones, Jr.

From brief online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions requested]

Richmond Jones, Jr., was born January 7, 1815 at Turner,  Maine, the son of Richmond Jones and Mercy (Bryant) Jones.  Richmond, Jr., was married twice and had children with each wife.

On June 20, 1840, Richmond, Jr., married Achsah P. Gammon, daughter of Robinson Gammon and Sarah (Parsons) Gammon of Portland, Maine.  They had two children, noted as "the boys" in the letters:

• Ebenezer Pitt Jones, born November 9, 1841 at Portland,  Maine; he died in 1909 in Port Angeles, Washington.
• Charles A. Jones, born January 16, 1846 at Portland, Maine; he died in 1920 in Minnesota.

Achsah died in 1854 in Minnesota; according to her Find-a-Grave memorial, she died on her first day at Medford, Minnesota.  An undated letter from Richmond to his mother Mercy (Bryant) Jones, written in the year or so after Achsah's death, details how Richmond's world had fallen apart after Achsah's death but ends on the positive note that he had found a worthy partner at Janesville, presumably Wisconsin.

This new partner was Rhoda Hannah Beeman, daughter of Solomon Beeman and Mary (Dickinson) Beeman of Vermont.  She and Richmond, Jr., married about 1855 or 1856 and had three children:

• Wallace W. Jones, born about 1857; died on July 5, 1862
• Marian Adelle Jones, "Della", born December 11, 1859 at Walcott, Minnesota; married Samuel Curtiss
• Emily May Jones, born about 1865 at Walcott, Minnesota; see a photograph on her Find-a-Grave memorial; married Charles Christopher Livingston.  She was presumably named after Emily Jane (Jones) Carey, the main subject of this letter.

Richmond Jones, Jr. died in Minnesota in 1883 and Rhoda in 1907.  See a photograph of Richmond on his Find-a-Grave memorial.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Transcription - please forward your comments on missing or misconstrued words - thanks!

Dear Mother, now I take this opportunity to inform you about how I have got along for a year after my Wife died.  I live with a family for one month and then one of the Boys and I went to keeping house for ourselves.  Ebenezer done my cooking, washing after a fashion.  It had to answer.  Charles help him what he could, the time drug very heavily along here among the wild Indians with a few white people.  At that time, everything look dark to me, every thing seemed to come against me for a wife.  The Boys wanted to come to Maine after their Mother died.  Did they teased me for a long time to go but I reasoned the case with them.  It was a long time before they become reconciled to it as well as myself.  I did not know which way to turn for everything I had was going to Destruction and no one to take care of anything for me.  At last I was obliged to have some one to keep house for me.  I went to Janesville.  There I found a girl from Vermont, and married her the 16th day of July last.  I moved her to Minnesota.  She proves to be a very good housekeeper.  Snug, Prudent, keeps the Boys ___ up well clean.  She is about thirty years old.  She understands farming well.  Father, I will write you a few lines, too. I have not written to you for a long time.  I have enjoyed good health ever since I left Turner except I had a few shakes of the  fever & ague.  I got mad and went to the River and jumped in head ___  [first ?] and by so doing twice took it entirely.  Otherwise than that, I have been well all the time.  The Boys have been well all the time.  Father, I have got me a good farm here and I am satisfied with it.  I come here when there was but only six houses in forty miles.  Where I live the valley is four miles long, the road runs straight the whole length of the valley.  It is settled the whole length and houses on every quarter of a mile now.  We have the ___ [sum ?] of a steam saw and grist mill at our Door.  It sounds grand.  Father, if the People East could only know what's best for themselves they would [sic: go ?]west in a hurry.  I want you to write me.  

[Written diagonally on the left margin]

Mother, tell Sylvia to write to me if she will.  Ebenezer, too. 

[Written diagonally on the right margin]

Emerley [presumably Emily, possibly Emily Jane Jones, daughter of Europe and Orpha Jones, whose death is 1865 is the subject of another letter] too.  Ann, too.  Only three cents.

Richmond Jones

1865 Letter of Richmond & Rhoda Jones of Walcott, Minnesota to Richmond's Brother Asa Bradford Jones at Turner, Maine

September 11, 1865 letter written by Richmond Jones, Jr., and his second wife Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones of Walcott, Minnesota, in response to a letter just received from Richmond's brother Asa Bradford Jones at Turner,  Maine.

A transcription appears at the end of this post.

The letter shown is missing the year, but the reference to the death of Emily and to the sadness of Mr. Cary points to 1865, as Emily Jane (Jones) Carey died on August 17 of that year.  Emily's parents were Europe and Orpha Jones.  Orpha's maiden name may have been Orpha E. Merrill.

This letter was found with 3 others, dating from about 1855 to 1871 from Richmond, and from Richmond and Rhoda, to Jones family members back home at Turner, Maine.

• c1856 - Richmond writes to his parents of his sad state in the year or so after the devastating death of his wife and of the Vermont woman he met at Janesville, presumably Wisconsin, and married.  She was Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones.
• September 1869 [or 1867] - Richmond and Rhoda urge Asa and Mary to come to Minnesota for the dry air that will be more beneficial for Asa's lungs than during the Maine winter
• March 19-26, 1871 - acknowledgement of news of the death of Mercy (Bryant) Jones, mother of Richmond Jones, Jr.

This letter deals with the shocked reaction of Richmond and Rhoda when they receive Asa's letter bearing the news of a death or deaths back at Turner, Maine, that of Emily Jane (Jones) Cary and possibly also that of Richmond Jones, Sr.  It's also possible, since Rhoda didn't mention Richmond Sr., that word of his death had already been received, in an earlier letter or by telegraph.  Rhoda expresses that though she and Emily had never met, she considered her a dear friend through their shared letters.

Richmond's mother, Mercy (Bryant) Jones, would live until March 11, 1871.  News of her death is the subject of another letter in the collection, where Rhoda would encourage Asa Bradford Jones to come west for his lungs, now that his responsibility to his mother had ended.

From brief online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions requested]

Richmond Jones, Jr., was born January 7, 1815 at Turner,  Maine, the son of Richmond Jones and Mercy (Bryant) Jones.  Richmond, Jr., was married twice and had children with each wife.

On June 20, 1840, Richmond, Jr., married Achsah P. Gammon, daughter of Robinson Gammon and Sarah (Parsons) Gammon of Portland, Maine.  They had two children, noted as "the boys" in the letters:

1. Ebenezer Pitt Jones, born November 9, 1841 at Portland,  Maine; he died in 1909 in Port Angeles, Washington.
2. Charles A. Jones, born January 16, 1846 at Portland, Maine; he died in 1920 in Minnesota.

Achsah died in 1854 in Minnesota; according to her Find-a-Grave memorial, she died on her first day at Medford, Minnesota.  An undated letter from Richmond to his mother Mercy (Bryant) Jones, written in the year or so after Achsah's death, details how Richmond's world had fallen apart after Achsah's death but ends on the positive note that he had found a worthy partner at Janesville, presumably Wisconsin.

This new partner was Rhoda Hannah Beeman, daughter of Solomon Beeman and Mary (Dickinson) Beeman of Vermont.  She and Richmond, Jr., married about 1855 or 1856 and had three children:

1. Wallace W. Jones, born about 1857; died on July 5, 1862
2. Marian Adelle Jones, "Della", born December 11, 1859 at Walcott, Minnesota; married Samuel Curtiss
3. Emily May Jones, born about 1865 at Walcott, Minnesota; see a photograph on her Find-a-Grave memorial; married Charles Christopher Livingston.  She was presumably named after Emily Jane (Jones) Carey, the main subject of this letter.

Richmond Jones, Jr. died in Minnesota in 1883 and Rhoda in 1907.  See a photograph of Richmond on his Find-a-Grave memorial.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Transcription - please forward your comments on missing or misconstrued words - thanks!

[Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones writing]

Walcott, Sept the 11 

[no year written, but presumably 1865, as the letter refers to the sudden death of Emily.  An Emily Jane Carey, born April 18, 1820, died on August 17, 1865; daughter of Hugh Carey and Silence (Phillips) Cary and wife of Maurice Cary.  It's possible the just-received letter from Asa with news of Emily's death also contained news of the death of Richmond Jones, Sr., on September 9, 1865, but that news may have come first in an earlier letter or by telegraph, as it would be odd if Rhoda didn't mention it.]

Dear Brother

We have have [sic] just got a letter from you.  We was very sorry to get such bad news and is it possible that Emily is dead.   When I read it, it struck me so.  I thought it must be that I had made a mistake, but I read it over and over and it was so.  I was very much attached to her, although she was a stranger.  Can I have it that Emily will never write to me again, but, Asa, none will feel loss like Mr. Cary.  But she has only got a little the start of the rest of us, a few more years at the longest and we shall be no more but may we all be found ready.  I am afraid that by you and the rest overdoing that you will get sick.  As soon as you can, write all the particulars.  Was Emily aware of her death and was she willing.  We expect the boys home before long, then we will again [sic].  

Rhoda Jones

[Richmond Jones writing - he may be responding to the just-received letter from Asa alone or to the letter and an earlier message of the death of his father, Richmond Jones, Sr., on September 9, 1865.]

I receive your letter in nine days from date.  It opened to something that is hard but it is the common lot of man.  I would like to go to Maine, but the circumstances will not admit of it.  I am alone, no one to leave at home.  The boys take in the army. If the Boys were at home or one of them, I could go there feeling contented to stay awhile.  As it is, I do not, so how I can come and leave my family.  I would like of seen Father before he died.  Emily and her children, too.  I want to see Mother more than ever.

[Rhoda Hannah (Beeman) Jones writing]

I have waited two or three days for Richmond to finish this but he said that he can't write any more now.  He feels bad.  He said he knows it will fit his mother and I am afraid it will.  Write as soon as convenient and as soon as Richmond gets over the excitement of hearing those things so he can know what to write, we will write again.  I must close to send it in the mail.

Rhoda

1878-1882 Autograph Album of Carrie D. Mulligan, or Milligan, of Winona County, Minnesota; married James Granger

Note: Be sure to scroll down to the comments section where a reader has provided information on Carrie's parents, who appear to have been William and Emily (Merrill) Mulligan.  Many thanks!

1878-1882 autograph album of Caroline D. Mulligan or Milligan, "Carrie", of Winona County, Minnesota, from before and after her marriage to James Granger.  Most records show her maiden name as Mulligan, but I found at least one instance of Milligan.

I was able to tease out Carrie's identity from signer Ella Nora Granger, who called Carrie her sister.  Ella was the sister of Carrie's husband James Granger, whom Carrie married on November 21, 1880.

The album measures approximately 5-1/4" x 3" and contains the sentiments of 51 of Carrie's relatives and friends.  An alphabetical surname list and an alphabetical list of the signers, together with any personal information they offered, appear at the end of this post.

From online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions welcome!]

Caroline D. Mulligan/Milligan was born about 1862 in New Hampshire.  Probably owing to the fact that I'm not positive of the spelling of Carrie's maiden name - perhaps it was even Milliken - I haven't found information on her father.  Carrie's mother Emily, whose maiden name, I think, was Merrill, married Almon Sartwell, another New Hampshire native, on December 26, 1865, so apparently Carrie's father died when she was very young.  Emily inscribed a page in her daughter's album.

Carrie's younger half-sister Addie L. Sartwell, born September 25, 1868, signed the first page in the album, on January 30, 1878.  She would marry Bert Thompson.

Carrie's younger half-brother Edgar M. Sartwell, "Eddie", inscribed the last page in the album, on April 17, 1881.  He would marry May Gage.

Before Almon Sartwell married Carrie's mother Emily, he had been married to Susannah (Beall) Sartwell, with whom he had several children, three of whom died young.  Susannah died herself died only a month after the birth of daughter Susan Belle Sartwell, "Susie".  Susie, born October 25, 1863, inscribed a page in her stepsister Carrie's album, on January 30, 1878.  Susie would marry Archie G. Southworth.

On November 21, 1880 at Warren, Minnesota, Carrie married James Granger, son of William and Rebecca (Wood) Granger.  James was born about 1856 in Wisconsin.  James inscribed a page in Carrie's album in April 1881.   As noted at the beginning of this post, his sister Ella Nora also inscribed a page in April 1881.

James and Carrie had a son Robert W. Granger, born about December 1882, and a daughter Gertrude E. Granger, born about September 1885.  James Granger died September 27, 1888 at Winona, Minnesota.  In the 1920 Census, Carrie, who had apparently not remarried after James' death, was living with her daughter Gertrude and husband Arthur Larson at St. Charles, Minnesota.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, or information on any of the signers listed below, please leave a comment or contact me directly.

Surnames in the album

?	F	N	T
?	Flanaghan	Nettleton	Tart/Tartt [3]
A	Floon	R	W
Ashcraft [3]	G	Rafuth	Weed
B	Gage	Reed	Weimer
Blair	Gibbs [3]	Rigdon	Williams [3]
C	Granger [2]	Rollings	Wood
Clausins	H	S	Wright [2]
D	Hill [4]	Sanders
Derousse	L	Sartwell [4]
Duncanson	Linton	Selden [2]
E	M	Skidmore
Ellis	McConnon [2]	Stevens
	Merriman
	Mulligan/Milligan

Signers in the album   [Note: Given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]

?

• Kit ?, signed on March 29, 1879

A

• Maudie Ashcraft, signed at Beaver, Minnesota
• Samuel Ashcraft, signed at Beaver, Minnesota
• Maggie B. Ashcraft, signed at Beaver, Minnesota, on June 30, 1879

B

• Sarah Blair, signed on July 18, 1878

C

• Perena K. Clausins, not sure of given name or surname

D

• Thomas Derousse, signed on February 16, 1878
• Miss Julia Duncanson, signed on March 29, 1879

E

• Adelia Ellis, signed on June 29, 1879

F

• Adaline Flanaghan
• May Floon, signed on July 1, 1879; not sure of surname

G

• Emma Gage
• Etta Gibbs, signed on March 30, 1879
• Florence A. Gibbs, signed on March 30, 1879
• C. Gibbs, signed on March 24, 1880
• James E. Granger, signed at Stockton, Minnesota, on April 4, 1881. Carrie's husband, whom she married on November 21, 1880
• Ella N. Granger, signed at Stockton, Minnesota, on April 6, 1881

H

• Charles A. Hill, signed on March 30, 1878
• F. R. Hill, signed on April 28, 1880
• Della Hill
• Elmer F. Hill, signed on April 28, 1880

L

• Sara J. Linton

M

• Maggie A. McConnon of Whitewater Falls, Minnesota
• Nora McConnon
• Laura Merriman of Enterprise, Minnesota
• Caroline D. (Mulligan/Milligan) Granger, "Carrie", of Winona County, Minnesota; album owner

N

• Samuel Nettleton, signed on February 10, 1878

R

• Anna Rafuth, signed on April 5, 1881
• Scrap of paper with sentiment of Henry T. Reed, signed at Dorchester, New Hampshire, signed on June 19, 1881
• Rufus Rigdon, signed on January 7, 1880
• Josie Rollings

S

• Clara Sanders of Pilot Mound, Minnesota, signed on June 20, 1879
• Carrie's Mother, signed on April 17, 1881.  She was Emily (Merrill) Mulligan Sartwell
• Addie L. Sartwell, signed on January 30, 1878
• Susie Sartwell, signed on January 30, 1878
• Eddie M. Sartwell, signed on April 17, 1881
• W. B. Selden, M. D., signed on July 3, 1879
• Eva Selden, signed on June 25, 1879 at Whitewater Falls, Minnesota
• Mary Selden
• Esther Skidmore, signed on June 29, 187?
• Emma S. Stevens of Warren, Minnesota

T

• Ida Tart of Warren, Minnesota, signed on April 28, 1878; Ida M. Tart
• C. Tart, signed in 1880; possibly a sibling of signer Ida M. Tart of Winona County, Minnesota: Cromwell, Clara or Corinna
• Nellie Tartt, signed on February 22, 1880

W

• Hattie L. Weed of Rockford, Minnesota, signed on October 16, 1879
• H. Weimer, signed on March 28, 1880; intricate sketch of bird
• Mary Williams, signed on July 18, 1878
• Mary Williams of Whitewater Falls, Minnesota
• Miss Abbie Williams, signed on June 30, 1879
• O. M. Wood of Custer, Minnesota, signed on April 29, 1880
• Mr. George S. Wright of Whitewater Falls, Minnesota, signed on June 25, 1879
• Mrs. O. E Wright, signed at Whitewater Falls, Minnesota, on July 1 [no year written]

Winona County, Minnesota



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1909-1911 Autograph Album of Edna Johnson of Bethel, Minnesota

1909-1911 autograph album of Edna Johnson of Bethel, Minnesota.   The album appears to have sentiments from Edna's fellow students, perhaps her teachers and a few others, including her sister Jennie.

Edna didn't sign her name in the album, but, conveniently for me, one signer, who I believe was Mr. L. E. Ridge or Mrs. L. E. Ridge, inscribed a page to "Edna Johnson".

The album measures approximately 8-1/4" x 5" and contains the sentiments of 39 of Edna's friends and sister.  An alphabetical surname list and an alphabetical list of the signers, together with any personal information they offered, appear at the end of this post.

From online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions welcome!]

Edna Johnson was born February 2, 1887 in Minnesota, the daughter of Swedish immigrants John and Johanna Christina (Swanson) Johnson.  It appears that Edna's mother died sometime between 1900 and 1910.

Edna's older sister Jennie inscribed a page as "Your Loving Sister Jennie".

The Mrs. Erickson and Mrs. Norling who shared a page signed on March 13, 1911 at Bethel, Minnesota, may have been Edna's teachers.

On March 12, 1914, Edna Johnson married John Jacob Rathbun.  They settled at Anoka, Minnesota, and raised at least one child, a son.  Edna and John both died in the 1970s.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, or information on any of the signers listed below, please leave a comment or contact you directly.

Surnames

?	J	R
? [9]	Johnson [2]	Ridge [3]
B	L	S
Barcelon	LaDuke	Sam [2]
C	M	Settle
Chandler [2]	Meline	Settle
Chester	Mitchell	Swanson
D	N	Sweigard
Daigle	Norling [3]	V
Day	P	Veith
E	Paradis	W
Emmons	Peters	Widmark
Erickson	Peterson	Y
H		Young
Hvarfven

Signers in the album       [Note: Given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]

?

• M. R. R. signed on August 23, 1911
• A. S. C. or A. S. G., signed on December 30, 1909; mentioned word "brother"
• G. M. C., signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 31, 1909
• N. C. D., signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on June 9, 1911
• N. E. R., signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 19, 1909
• Eunice L., signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on April 8, 1911
• "Dan the fiddler", signed on February 2, 1911
• Alice Meline, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911.  Was Meline a middle name or a surname?
• Hattie C., signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on April 8, 1911

B

• Georgia Barcelon, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on January 22, 1910

C

• Florence Chandler, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on January 22, 1910
• Gladys Chandler
• Emma Chester, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 3, 1910

D

• Minnie Daigle, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1910
• Edna Day, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 3, 1910

E

• Genevieve C. Emmons, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on August 20, 1909
• Mrs. Erickson, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 13, 1911; shared the pge with Mrs. Norling

H

• Esther Hvarfven, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 3, 1910

J

• Edna Johnson of Bethel, Minnesota; album owner
• Jennie, "Your Loving Sister; Jennie Elizabeth Johnson, born August 2, 1875 in Sweden; married Swedish immigrant Ernest Julius Larson

L

• Ethel LaDuke, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on June 16, 1911

M

• Alice Meline, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911.  Was Meline a surname or a middle name?
• Mrs. F. Mitchell, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911

N

• Mrs. Norling, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 13, 1911; shared the page with Mrs. Erickson
• Tillie Norling, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1909
• Mabel Norling, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1909

P

• Ozete Paradis, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1910
• Alena C. Peters, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1909
• Alma Christina Peterson of Bethel, Minnesota, signed on December 30, 1909

R

• Mr. or Mrs. L. E. Ridge, signed on February 2, 1911.  If Mrs., she could have been Lizzie E. Ridge, wife of Howard R. Ridge
• Mary Ridge, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 14, 1910
• Bertha L. Ridge, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on April 7, 1910

S

• John Sam, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911
• Alma Meline Sam, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911
• Mrs. R. Settle, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on December 30, 1910
• Mr. Mory Settle, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911; or perhaps Mr.[s] Mary Settle
• Delia Swanson, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on January 23, 1910; possibly related to Edna, as her mother's maiden name was Swanson.
• Bertha Sweigard, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on March 22, 1910

V

• Jennie Veith, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on February 2, 1911

W

• Ruth Widmark, signed at Bethel, Minnesota, on August 10, 1910

Y

• Mrs. Mattie Young of Bethel, Minnesota, signed there on March 3, 1910

Bethel, Minnesota

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1878-1895 Autograph Album that Perhaps Belonged to Etta Bell Pierce of St. Johnsbury, Vermont

1878-1895 autograph album that may have belonged to Etta Bell Pierce, or Etta Belle Pierce, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont.  Several people in the album mentioned family relationships, but, I believe some of these relationships were in-law or step relationships.

The album is approximately 7-3/4" x 4-3/4" and contains the sentiments of 65 people, including members of the Pierce, Williams, Bradley and Hallett families, members of whom indicated a family relationship with the album owner.  An alphabetical surname list and an alphabetical list of the signers, together with any personal information they offered, appear at the end of this post.

From online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections, additions and clarifications most welcome!]

My theory is that the album belonged to Etta Bell Pierce, or Etta Belle Pierce, who was born October 14, 1867 at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the daughter of Abel Allin Pierce and Rosetta (Ayer) Pierce, themselves both born at St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

The A. A. Pierce who inscribed a page on October 14, 1879, was presumably Abel Allin Pierce.  Rosetta had died by that time.

The C. S. Pierce of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who signed a page at East Barnet, Vermont, on March 3, 1885 and called himself "your little brother", was presumably Charles Sumner Pierce, born November 6, 1859.

Abel Allin Pierce's sister Jacynthia (Pierce) Bradley, second wife of Darius Bradley, signed a page on August 9, 1883 and called herself the album owner's aunt.

Jacynthia's step-daughter-in-law, Nellie C. Bradley, wife of Elon Darius Bradley, and at least one step grandchild, Minnie Calista Bradley, also signed pages in the album.

Another of Etta Bell Pierce's brothers was Edmund Carlisle Pierce, who married Mary L. Williams, daughter of George S. and Louisa (Willey) Williams and sister of Kate S. Williams, who married George F. Hallett.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams and their daughter Nell M. Williams of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed pages in the album.  Nell called the album owner a sister.  George F. Hallett also signed a page and called himself the album owner's brother.

Someone, possibly Etta Bell Pierce herself, wrote the name Lettie on one page and "Little Sister Lettie" on another.  I believe Lettie was Lettie Viola Pierce, daughter Abel Allin Pierce and his second wife Sarah (McGrath) Pierce.  Lettie, born May 29, 1879, died young on October 8, 1882.  See the face of an angel here.

On February 12, 1891, Etta Bell Pierce married Pliny Worcester Chase, son of Amasa and Emma (Skinner) Chase.  Pliny was born 7 March 1869 at Sheffield, Vermont.  Etta and Pliny lived at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and at some point moved to Brattleboro, Vermont.  They had at least two children, a son and daughter.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, a theory as to a different album owner or information on any of the signers listed below, please leave a comment or contact me directly.  Thanks!

Surnames in the album

?     [3[
Bailey
Banfill
Barrows
Blair
Bowman
Bradley    [4]
Byron     [2]
Chamberlin     [2]
Conant
Cook     [2]
Daniels
Dickinson
Dunklee
Frost
Gagnon
Goss
Gray
Hallett
Hancock     [2]
Hardy
Harriman     [2]
Hodge
Hoyt
Humphrey     [2]
Jones
Kinney
Norris     [2]
Norris
Olcott
Palmer     [2]
Pierce     [5]
Prince
Ranney
Risley
Scribner
Severance     [2]
Smith     [2]
Somers
Streeter
Waite     [2]
Willey     [2]
Williams     [3]
Wills

Signers in the album       [Note: Given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]

?

• A Friend
• A Friend
• M. C., signed on February 16, 1879.

B

• Mrs. A. L. Bailey, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on May 23, 1882
• Preston D. Banfill of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on September 29, 1878
• Ermine Barrows of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on February 5, 1882
• Lena J. Blair of East Barnet, Vermont, signed on February 22, 1885
• Frank E. Bowman of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on January 10, 1879
• Aunt Jacynthia P. Bradley, signed on August 9, 1883. She was Jacynthia (Pierce) Bradley, second wife of Darius Bradley; daughter of Abel and Mercy (Allin) Pierce; and sister of Etta Bell Pierce's father Abel Allin Pierce.
• H. P. Bradley of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on February 4, 1879
• Minnie Bradley, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on August 5, 1883. "Your Loving Cousin". She was the daughter of Elon D. and Nellie C. Bradley. Elon was the stepson of Jacynthia (Pierce) Bradley, second wife of Darius Bradley. Jacynthia was a sister to Etta Bell's father Abel Allin Pierce.
• Nellie C. Bradley, signed at St. Johnsbury Centre, Vermont, on August 9, 1883; album owner's cousin. She was the wife of Elon Darius Bradley, stepson of Jacynthia (Pierce) Bradley, who was the aunt of Etta Bell Pierce.
• Henry E. Byron of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on April 2, 1882. I believe he was Henry Edmond Byron, whose wife Florentine Adelaide (Martin) Byron signed the right facing page.
• Mrs. Henry E. Byron of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on April 4, 1882. She was Florentine Adelaide (Martin) Byron, whose husband Henry Edmond Byron signed the left facing page.

C

• Orrin Chamberlin of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on March 2, 1882. His wife signed the right facing page.
• Mrs. Orrin Chamberlin, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on March 2, 1882. Her husband Orrin Chamberlin signed the left facing page.
• Helen M. Conant of Greensboro, Vermont, signed on June 25, 1879
• Lucy A. Cook, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on November 11, 1878
• Lizzie Cook. Her name is on a calling card that is inserted into slits in the page.

D

• Fred S. Daniels of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on September 27, 1878
• Mary Dickinson, signed at St. Johnsbury Centre, Vermont, on November 4, 1879
• Ella W. Dunklee of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on January 31, 1879

F

• C. S. Frost

G

• Mrs. E. E. Gagnon of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on February 12, 1880. Presumably Lizzie (McMullen) Gagnon, wife of Elmore E. Gagnon. She wrote what appeared to be "Gognon", and I did find an instance of that spelling in the records, but usually the records used the Gagnon spelling.
• Helen A. Goss of Lower Waterford, Vermont, signed on February 15, 1886
• Mrs. J. C. Gray of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on September 5, 1879

H

• George F. Hallett of St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont, signed on March 21, 1879; "your brother". He married Kate S. Williams, whose sister Mary L. Williams married Etta Bell's brother Edward Carlisle Williams.
• Alice M. Hancock of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1878
• Nellie S. Hancock of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on November 28, 1878; "after a Thanksgiving dinner"
• Mary W. Hardy of East St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on February 19, 1879; not sure of middle initial
• Lyman P. Harriman. Lyman Patridge Harriman; his wife Anna Catherine (Cook) Harriman signed the right facing page.
• A. C. Harriman, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on November 9, 1878. She was Anna Catherine (Cook) Harriman, whose husband Lyman Patridge Harriman signed the left facing page.
• May L. Hodge of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on "2-7-1879"
• Mrs. C. A. Hoyt, signed at Lyndon, Vermont, on February 4, 1879
• ? Humphrey, signed at E. St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on March 1, 1879. Initials could be F. P. or T. B. or ??
• E. I. Humphrey, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on February 28, 1879

J

• May A. Jones of McIndoes, Vermont, signed at East Barnet, Vermont

K

• A. A. Kinney, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on June 6, 1879

N

• Emily W. Norris, signed at East Barnet, Vermont, on July 11, 1882
• Mamie Norris, signed at East Barnet, Vermont, on August 5, 1882

O

• Carrie Olcott, signed at East St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on March 7, 1879; or Carrie of Olcott, Vermont.

P

• Ella E. Palmer of Lyndon, Vermont, signed in January 1879
• F. W. Palmer of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on February 4, 1879
• Etta Bell Pierce, presumably the owner of this autograph album
• A. A. Pierce, signed on October 14, 1879; presumably Abel Allin Pierce, Etta Bell Pierce's father.
• Lettie. This may have been Lettie Viola Pierce, though handwritten by someone else, maybe even Etta Bell Pierce, as Lettie was too young. Lettie Viola Pierce was the half-sister of Etta Bell Pierce. Lettie's parents were Abel Allin Pierce and second wife Sarah (McGrath) Pierce. Sadly Lettie died on October 8, 1882; see her photograph here: http://www.lurvely.com/photo/8219327312/A_Short_Sad_Story/
• Edna M. Pierce of Olcott, Vermont, signed on October 13, 1895. She was the daughter of Etta Bell's brother Edward Carlisle Pierce and wife Mary L. (Williams) Pierce.
• C. S. Pierce of Minneapolis, Minnesota, signed at East Barnet, Vermont, on March 3, 1885; "your little brother" He was Etta Bell's brother Charles Sumner Pierce, son of Abel Allin Pierce and Rosetta (Ayer) Pierce.
• Katherine P. Prince of Boston, Massachusetts, signed on April 21, 1888; alternatively, surname could be Pierce or Peirce

R

• Mrs. Clara A. Ranney of Lyndon, Vermont, signed on February 12, 1880
• R. Risley, signed on February 14 [or 17], 1879

S

• John A. Scribner of Haverhill, Massachusetts, signed at St. Johnsbury Centre, Vermont, on October 5, 1879
• C. A. Severance of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on March 7, 1879. He was Chandler A. Severance, whose wife Sophronia M. (Chapman) Severance signed the right facing page.
• S. M. Severance of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on March 7, 1878. She was Sophronia M. (Chapman) Severance, whose husband Chandler A. Severance signed the left facing page.
• Mr. Jerome Smith, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on February 14, 1882
• Mrs. J. Smith, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on February 14, 1882; middle initial might be W or G or T or ?
• Maudie Somers of East Barnet, Vermont, signed on April 17, 1885
• Anna May Streeter of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on April 3, 1879

W

• Charles D. Waite of St. Johnsbury, Vermont; his wife signed the right facing page.
• Mrs. Charles D. Waite of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on August 5, 1879; her husband Charles D. Waite signed the left facing page.
• Jennie S. Willey of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on September 21, 1878
• Hattie P. Willey of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on September 19, 1878
• George S. Williams of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, signed on February 21, 1879. His wife Louisa (Willey) Williams signed the right facing page.
• Louisa Williams of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. She was Louisa (Willey) Williams, whose husband George S. Williams signed the left facing page.
• Nell M. Williams, signed at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on October 7, 1878; called the album owner "sister". She was the daughter of signers George S. and Louisa (Willey) Williams; her sister Mary L. Williams married Etta Bell's brother, Edward Carlisle Pierce.
• Abby T. Wills, signed at East St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on February 25, 1879

St. Johnsbury, Vermont

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1870s Autograph Album of Flora Maria Holbert of Homer, Minnesota

1870s autograph album of Flora Maria Holbert of Homer, Minnesota.  Many of the signers were attending Normal School at Winona, Minnesota, as I imagine Flora herself was.  The Normal School is now known as Winona State University.

The album is approximately 5-3/4" x 3-1/4" and contains the sentiments of over 50 of Flora's relatives, friends and classmates.  An alphabetical list of the senders appears at the end of this post.

From online research, hopefully correct:  [corrections and additions welcome!]

Flora Maria Holbert was born 31 December 1857 at Homer, Minnesota, the daughter of George Edward Holbert and Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert, who were born in Pennsylvania and New York, respectively.  No other Holberts signed in the album, but three of Flora's maternal uncles, brothers to her mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert, signed.

William P. Rogers of Homer, Minnesota, signed on May 18, 1874.  He was the older brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert.

An A. T. Rogers signed twice in the album; I believe he was Albert T. Rogers, younger brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert.

Another page, faint and hard to read, was signed by G. N. Rogers, who was presumably George Nelson Rogers, the youngest brother of Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert.

About 1874, Flora Maria Holbert married Reuben C. Norton, son of Howell Buell Norton and Margaret (Cross) Norton.  Reuben, a carpenter, was born 15 February 1838 in Michigan.  He is presumably the R. C. Norton who signed two pages in Flora's album.

Flora and Reuben lived at Rockford, Illinois, and raised, I think, three children.  Flora died at Rockford, Illinois, in 1938.  Reuben had predeceased her in 1920.

If you have corrections and/or additions to the information above, or information on any of the signers listed below, please leave a comment or contact me directly.  Thanks!

Surnames in the album  [Some appear multiple times.]

Alling
Baker
Banker
Barber
Bishop
Bohn
Brink
Castle
Claghorne
Cooley
Curtiss
Dettmering
Doughty
Dudley
Foreman
Garland
Gordon
Gould
Grant
Holbert
Howe
Kempton
Lang
Ledstrand
Markham
McClary
McGregor
McNibb
Nind
Norton
Palmer
Payne
Phelps
Rogers
Sailsbury
Sharpe
Shenton
Smith
Stougton
Tibbets
Tucker
West
Wheeler

Signers in the album  [Note: given names within a specific surname may not be in alphabetical order.]

?

• Henry ? ?, 720 ? Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Joe.  "Within the Mississippi Valley on Minnesota's fertile soil, Was where we learned to love each other, And for each others lives to toil.  And we will not forget our love But will hope to meet above."
• ?, signed at Winona, Minnesota, in April 1874; see Irsinger/Ursinger, below
• ?, signed at Winona, Minnesota, in 1874

A

• Ida Alling of Homer, Minnesota, signed on January 5, 1874

B

• Edward L. Baker of Red Wing, Minnesota
• Anna B. Banker of St. Paul, Minnesota, signed on May 13, 1874
• R. D. Barber of Worthington, Minnesota in Noble County
• Frank Bishop of ?, Minnesota, signed on April 1, 1874
• Anna Bohn, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on January 19, 1874
• James T. Brink of Winona, Minnesota, signed on December 18, 1873

C

• Henry A. Castle of St. Paul, Minnesota, signed on April 14, 1874
• M. A. Claghorne of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
• J. O. Claghorne of Chicago, Illinois, signed on January 1, 1874
• Mary A. W. Cooley of Winona, Minnesota
• C. C. Curtiss, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on April 16, 1874

D

• Alida Dettmering of Pine Island, Minnesota, signed on March 7, 1874
• Lillie Doughty, signed at Lake City, Minnesota
• Alma Dudley, signed at Eyota, Minnesota, on December 27 [no year written]
• Susie A. Dudley of Eyota, Minnesota, signed on January 23, 1874

F

• Josie Foreman, signed on December 18, 1873 at Winona, Minnesota
• Silas E. Foreman, signed on December 17, 1873

G

• Mattie F. Garland of Rochester, Minnesota; G.A.W.J. R.E.N.
• Florence D. Garland of Rochester, Minnesota
• Florence Garland; not sure of given name
• James Gordon
• O. B. Gould, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on December 18, 1873
• Jennie Grant, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on May 13, 1874

H

• Flora Holbert, album owner
• Gracie Howe of Rochester, Minnesota
• Clara B. Howe of Rochester, Minnesota, signed on July 7, 1874; R.P.S.  F.S.N.S.W.

I

• A reader has deciphered a signer as possibly Rouard Irsinger or Ursinger.  This signer inscribed the page at Winona, Minnesota, in April 1874.  "Men apt to promise are apt to forget". Das schreib die hinters Ohr.  Winona, den 30sten April 1874"

K

• Lydia D. Kempton; possibly the Lydia D. Kempton of Winona, Minnesota
• Charles H. S. Kempton

L

• H. D. Lang, signed at St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 1, 1874
• Timie Ledstrand, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on January 27, 1874; F.S.N.S.

M

• D. James Markham
• Fannie McClary or Fannie M. Clary
• Victoria McGregor, signed on March 29, 1880
• Jennie E. McNibb of Medford, Minnesota

N

• Emma Nind, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on January 25, 1874; presumably Emma Aince Nind, born in 1857 in Illinois; moved to Winona, Minnesota
• R. C. Norton
• R. C. Norton
• K. F. Norton

P

• J. C. Palmer
• Nettie A. Payne of Winona, Minnesota, signed on February 26, 1874
• William F. Phelps, signed at the State Normal School at Winona, Minnesota, on January 20, 1874

R

• William P. Rogers of Homer, Minnesota, signed on May 18, 1874.  He was the older brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert
• A. T. Rogers; perhaps Albert T. Rogers, younger brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert
• A. T. Rogers; perhaps Albert T. Rogers, younger brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert
• A. S. Rogers
• Very faint, but appears to be G. N. Rogers; presumably George Nelson Rogers, youngest brother of Flora's mother Mary Jane (Rogers) Holbert

S

• Frances Sailsbury of Winona, Minnesota
• Miss France Sharpe of Winona, Minnesota; not sure of her given name.
• E. W. Shenton of Kasson, Minnesota, signed on December 17, 1873
• Carrie V. Smith, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on January 20, 1874
• Willis G. Stoughton

T

• Allie Tibbets of Dover Centre, Minnesota, signed on December 20, 1878
• Ella Tucker, signed at Winona, Minnesota, on June 26, 1874; F.S.N.S.

U

• A reader has deciphered a signer as possibly Rouard Ursinger or Irsinger.  This signer inscribed the page at Winona, Minnesota, in April 1874.  "Men apt to promise are apt to forget". Das schreib die hinters Ohr.  Winona, den 30sten April 1874"

W

• I. E. West
• Mira Wheeler

Homer, Minnesota

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