Monday, October 26, 2009

Letter from Pål Gihle to Verla Williams (13 Dec 1980)


Letter from Pål Gihle to Verla Williams (13 Dec 1980). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


PÅL GIHLE
TELEFON 60 907
2850 LENA


13. desember 1980

Dear Mrs. Williams!

Webjørn Webjørnsen immigrated to the United States in 1864. He got a certificate from the vicar June 18, 1864, but we have no information that he and his family left the Toten area at that date. Ten years earlier, in 1854, he moved to Toten and bought the farm of Jonsrud at Eina, but sold this farm October 13, 1857 for 1800 Speciedaler = 1800 dollars.

Later on the family lived at the farm of Sangnes. Webjørn was addressed "gaardmand" = farmer in the church register. It may be quite right that he skated across the ice of the Einafjord to get to church. But at that time he had to go to the church of Aas, because the Eina church, who is standing on the farm of Jonsrud's ground, was not built until 1890.

Webjørn Webjørnsen Sangnes was born in Kråkstad 1822: His wife was Pouline Marie Ingebrigt'sdaughter born 1820: (He was 42 years old when he became certificate in 1864, she 44 years.)

children:


Wilhelm Julius born 14/12-1843 confirmed at Aas church 10/10-1858.
Elen Dorthea born 1846 confirmed 10/9 1860, Aas.
Jens Martin born 12/3 1848 confirmed 12/10 1862, Aas.
Anthon Sigvart born 1849 emmigrated before confirmation.
Gunhild Melbe born 1851.
Heda Marie born 1/4-1854 on the farm of Jonsrud.
Laurine Wilhelmine b. 7/1-1855 -"- Jonsrud.
Helmer Otto b. 29/4-1860 -"- Sangnes

I wish you a merry Christmas!

Sincerely,
Pål Gihle.

1870 US Federal Census: Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Family


Detail of 1870 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Webronson Webron / 40 / M / W / Farmer / 700 / 450 / Norway
_____ Mary / 42 / F / W / Keeping House / Norway
_____ Sigwarth / 22 / M / W / Farm Laborer / Norway
_____ Helmer /10 / M / W / Attending School / Norway



Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll M593_426; Page: 178B; Image: 360; Family History Library Film: 545924.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Map of Decorah, IA (1870)


Decorah, Winneshiek Co., IA (1870). Image from back cover of Luther Alumni Magazine 43/2 (Winter 2010). Original in the Library of Congress.

Webjorn WEBJORNSON Naturalization Record (17 Oct 1873)


Citizenship application. Webjorn WEBJORNSON (17 Oct 1873). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Record of Naturalization for Webjorn WEBJORNSON (17 Oct 1873). Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.



Source Citation: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Soundex Index to Naturalization Petitions for the United States District and Circuit Courts, Northern District of Illinois and Immigration and Naturalization Service District 9, 1840-1950 (M1285); Microfilm serial: M1285; Microfilm roll: 173.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. U.S. Naturalization Record Indexes, 1791-1992 (Indexed in World Archives Project) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

Decorah From Bluff Over Ice Cave (1875)


"Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa From Bluff Over The Ice Cave," (Chicago, IL: Andreas Atlas Co., 1875), p. 19. Image courtesy of David Rumsey Historical Map Collection.

1880 US Federal Census: Webjørn and Sigvart WEBJØRNSEN Family


Detail of 1880 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Webjönsen Sigvart / W / M / 30 / Farmer / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Carl / W / M / 4 / Son / Iowa / Norway / Iowa
_____ Paul / W / M / 2 / Son / Iowa / Norway / Iowa
_____ Webjörn / W / M / 58 / Father / Retired Farmer / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Lena / W / F / 60 / Mother / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Helmer / W / M / 21 / Brother / Day laborer / Norway / Norway / Norway




Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll 370; Family History Film: 1254370; Page: 130A; Enumeration District: 346; Image: 0449.

Source Information: Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Original data: Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

1885 Iowa Census: Webjorn and "Mary" WEBJORNSON


Entry from 1885 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1885_279. Line: 19. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Webjorson [sic] Webjorn / Twnshp 98/ Range 9 / Sec. 22 / SE NW /63 / M // M / Retired farmer / Winneshiek / Norway
________ Mary [Pauline] / 65 / F




Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Plat of Glenwood Township (1886)


Plat of Glenwood Township (1886). Image courtesy of Historic Map Works.

Note in the SW quarter of Section 13, W. Webjornson has 50 acres.

1895 Iowa Census: Webjorn and Sigvart WEBJORNSON families


Detail of 1895 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1885_41. Line: 6. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

8 / 11 / Sigvart Webjornson / 44 / M / M / Norway / Farmer / Lutheran
______ Mathilde Webjornson / 30 / F / M / Norway
______ Paul S. Webjornson / 17 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Albert S. Webjornson / 12 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Johan S. Webjornson / 10 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Leonard S. Webjornson / 8 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Martin S. Webjornson / 7 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Walter S. Webjornson / 5 / M / S / Winneshiek
______ Nelly S. Webjornson / 2 / F / S / Winneshiek
9 / 12 / Webjorn Webjornson / 74 / M / M / Norway / Retired Farmer / Lutheran
______ Pauline Webjornson / 76 / F / M / Norway



Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Obituary: Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr


Obituary. Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr. Decorah Posten (2 Jun 1899), p. 7. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Gravestone: Webjørn and Pauline WEBJØRNSON


Gravestone. Webjørn (1821-1899) and Pauline M. WEBJØRNSON (1819-1898). Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery, Glenwood, Winneshiek, IA. Image courtesy of Verla Williams (1993).

When I visited my parents in Dec 2014, we took a drive up to Decorah and visited several area cemeteries. I was able to get another shot of Webjorn and Pauline's gravestone. Unfortunately it is getting difficult to read.


Gravestone. Webjørn and Pauline M. WEBJØRNSON. Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery, Glenwood, Winneshiek, IA. Image courtesy of Mark D. Williams (2014).

On June 3, 2018, Vince and Verla Williams were in Decorah and went out to Glenwood to put flowers on some of the graves. It appeared that some maintenance or cleaning had been done to the Webjørnson stone. Dad took a picture of it and then Mom got a picture of Dad standing beside the gravestone.

 
Left: Gravestone. Webjørn and Pauline M. WEBJØRNSON. Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery, Glenwood, Winneshiek, IA. Right: Vince Williams and Gravestone. Images courtesy of Vince and Verla Williams (2018).

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Family Group Sheet for Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr (1821-1899)

Husband: Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr
Born: 16 Dec 1821
Place: Brekke, Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Married: 11 Apr 1843
Place: Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Died: 15 May 1899
Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, IA
Husband's Father: Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Waal
Husband's Mother: Dorthe ANDERSDTR Alvim
Wife: Pauline Marie INGEBRETSDTR Korsegården
Born: 13 Aug 1819
Place: Korsegården, Ås, Akershus, NOR
Died: 29 Apr 1898
Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, IA
Wife's Father: Ingebret EVENSEN
Wife's Mother: Johanne POULSDTR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Children

1. Wilhelm Julius WEBJØRNSEN
Born: 19 Dec 1843
Place: Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Spouse: Helene ENGEN
Married: 2 Nov 1869
Died: 4 Mar 1931
Place: Winneshiek Co., IA
2. Elen Dorthea WEBJØRNSDTR
Born: 3 Jan 1846
Place: Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Spouse: Unknown
Died: Unknown
3. Jens Martin WEBJØRNSEN
Born: 12 Mar 1848
Place: Karlsmyr, Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Spouse: Pernelle BJORNERUD
Died: Unknown
4. Anton Sigvardt WEBJØRNSEN
Born: 21 Dec 1849
Place: Karlsmyr, Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Spouse 1: Johanna NILSLOKKEN
Married: 1875
Spouse 2: Mathilda HUSEBY
Married: 26 Dec 1883
Died: 31 May 1932
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA
5. Gunild Alette WEBJØRNSDTR
Born: 23 Dec 1851
Place: Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Spouse: Unknown
Died: Unknown
6. Heda Marie WEBJØRNSDTR
Born: 1 Apr 1854
Place: Jonsrud, Eina, Vestre Toten, Oppland, NOR
Spouse: Christian Hansen ENGEN
Married:
1873
Died: 10 Jan 1941
7. Laurine Wilhelmine WEBJØRNSDTR
Born: 7 Jan 1855
Place: Jonsrud, Eina, Vestre Toten, Oppland, NOR
Spouse: Unknown
Died: Unknown
8. Helmer Otto WEBJØRNSEN
Born: 29 Sep 1860
Place: Sangnes, Eina, Vestre Toten, Oppland, NOR
Spouse: Thrine NILSELOKKEN
Died: 30 Jul 1930

Descendants of Vebjorn VEBJORNSON (1821-1899)


Four Generations Descendants chart (c. 1981). Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr (1821-1899). Compiled by Gene Lundy. Image courtesy of Verla Williams via Marian Wilkins. Scanned and composited by Mark D. Williams.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sigvart and Mathilda WEBJØRNSEN


Sigvart and Mathilda (Huseby) WEBJØRNSEN (1883). Image courtesy of Verla Williams. Sigvart had not yet changed his surname to Williams.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Birth Certificate: Anton Sigvardt VEBJØRNSEN (21 Dec 1849)


Certification of Birth and Baptism. Anton Sigvardt VEBJØRNSEN (21 Dec 1849; 20 Jan 1850). Oslo: Statsarkivet, 1981. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

C E R T I F I C A T E

In the parish register No. 1/6 (1848-1857) for Kråkstad, fol. 13b nr. 6, is introduced that

A n t o n   S i g v a r d t

son of farmer Vebjørn Vebjørnsen Carlsmyr and Pauline Marie Ingebretsdatter, was born on 21 - twenty-first - December 1849 - eighteen forty-nine - and christened on 20 - twentieth - January 1850 - eighteen fifty -.

Oslo on 20 October 1981
by proxy
A.-M. Hadland

Digitalarkivet has a copy of the original Kråkstad parish record that contains Sigvart's birth and baptismal dates.


Birth and baptismal record. Anton Sigvardt VEBJØRNSEN. Akershus fylke, Kråkstad, Ministerialbok nr. I 6 (1848-1857), Fødte og døpte 1850, side 14. Image courtesy of Digitalarkivet.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

1885 Iowa Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WEBJØRNSEN Family


1885 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1885_279. Line: 25. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

134 / 150 / Sigvard Webjörnson / Sec. 13 / NW SW / 35 / M / M / Farmer
Mathilda " " / 27 / F / M / Keeping House
Paul " " / 7 / M / S
John " " / 3 / M / S
Johann / 1 / M / S



Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

1900 US Federal Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WEBJORNSEN Family


Detail of 1900 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.


Detail of 1900 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Webjornsen, Sigvart / Head / W / M / Dec / 1849 / 50 / M / 17 / Norway / Norway / Norway / 1865 / 35 / N / Farmer
_____ Matilda / wife / W / F / Mar / 1858 / 42 / M / 14 / 9 / 9 / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Johan / son / W / M / Apr / 1884 / 15 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Farm laborer
_____ Albert / son / W / M / Apr /1882 / 18 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Farm laborer
_____ Leonard / son / W / M / June / 1886 / 13 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Farm laborer
_____ Martin / son / W / M / Nov / 1887 / 12 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway

Webjornsen, Walther / son / W / M / Feb / 1890 / 10 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Farm laborer
_____ Junetta / daughter / W / F / Sep / 1892 / 7 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway
_____ Alma / daughter / W / F / Apr / 1894 / 6 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway
_____ Myrtel / daughter / W / F / Mar / 1896 / 4 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway
_____ George / son / W / M / Apr / 1899 / 1 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway



Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: T623_466; Pages: 9B-10A; Enumeration District: 132.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Plat of Glenwood Township (1905)


Plat of Glenwood Township (1905). Image courtesy of Historic Map Works.

Note the SW corner of Section 13 has Sigvart Webjornson with 50 acres.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Panorama View, Decorah, IA (1908)


Panorama View, Decorah, IA (Decorah, IA: Brunt & Parman, 1908). Original image courtesy of Library of Congress. Edited by Mark D. Williams.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

1910 US Federal Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family


Detail of 1910 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Williams, Sigvart / Head / M / W / 59 / M / 26 / Nor / Nor / Nor / 1864 / English / Farmer
_____ Matilda / Wife / F/ W / 52 / M / 26 / 11 /11 / Nor / Nor / Nor / 1866
_____ George W. / Son / M / W / 11 / S / Iowa / Nor / Nor
_____ Myrtle J. / Daughter / F / W / 14 / S / Iowa / Nor / Nor
_____ Olaf T. / Son / M / W / 9 / S / Iowa / Nor / Nor
_____ Alfred E. J. / Son / M / W / 7 / S / Iowa / Nor / Nor



Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Glenwood, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: T624_428; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 155; Image: 1139.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family


Sigvart and Mathilda Williams family (Decorah, IA: Solberg, c. 1914). Front row from left: George, Olaf, Alfred. Middle row: Leonard, Nellie, Sigvart, Mathilda, Alma, Walter. Back row: Albert, Paul, Myrtle, John, Martin. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family at 302 E. Broadway


Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS family, spouses, and grandchildren at 302 E. Broadway (Decorah, IA: Solberg, 1914). Front row from left: Glendon, Milton, Alfred, Olaf, Carlton, Stella, Clarence, Beatrice. Middle row: Leonard and Olga, Sigvart, Mathilda, Nellie, Ida (Paul's wife). Back row: George, John, Myrtle, Walter and Lillie, Hans Fagerlie, Martin, Paul, Alma, Albert. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

In late Dec 2014, I had the good fortune to be visiting my parents in Iowa City, and we took a short drive up to Decorah. We visited a few cemeteries and took some pictures of gravestones. As we drove by 302 E. Broadway, I asked Dad to stop so I could take a picture of the house for comparison.


302 E. Broadway, Decorah, IA (29 Dec 2014). Image courtesy of Mark D. Williams.

Monday, October 12, 2009

1915 Iowa Census: Sigvart WILLIAMS


1915 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1915_516. Line: 274 to 221. Sigvart WILIAMS. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.



Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

1920 US Federal Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family


Detail of 1920 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

302 / 225 / 232 / Spilde, Helmer / Head / M / W / 26 / M / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Laborer
_____ Alma / Wife / F / W / 25 / M / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Norway
233 / Williams, Sigvart / Head / M / W / 70 / M / 1865 / Na / 1872 / Norway / Norway / Norway / Laborer
_____ Mathilda / Wife / F / W / 61 / M / 1866 / Na / 1883 / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ John W. / Son / M / W / 35 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Cement worker
_____ Martin / Son / M / W / 32 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Cement worker
_____ George / Son / M / W / 20 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Cement worker
_____ Olaf / Son / M / W / 19 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Cement worker
_____ Alfred / Son / M /W / 17 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / illegible



Source Citation: Year: 1920;Census Place: Decorah Ward 1, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: T625_519; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 160; Image: 154.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

1925 Iowa Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family


1925 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1925_1991. Line: 27. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.


Detail of 1925 Iowa Census. Roll: IA1925_1991. Line: 1. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Williams, Sevart [sic] / Head / M / W / 75 / M
Williams, Matilda / Wife / F / W / 67 / M
Williams, John / S / M / W / 42 / S
Williams, Marton [sic] / S / M / W / 33 / M

Williams, Grace / Wife / F / W / 22 / M




Source Information: Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.

Friday, October 9, 2009

1930 US Federal Census: Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS Family


Detail of 1930 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

302 / 12 / 21 / Williams, Sigvart / Head / O / 1500 / M / W / 80 / M / 25 / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Mathilda / Wife / F / W / 72 / M / 25 / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Alfred / Son / M / W / 27 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ John / Son / M / W / 43 / S / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____ Olaf / Son / R / 10 / M / W / 29 / M / 21 / Iowa / Norway / Norway
_____ Cora / Daughter-in-law / F / W / 25 / M / 17 / Iowa / Iowa / Iowa
_____ Melba / Granddaughter / F / W / 7 / S / Iowa / Iowa / Iowa
_____ Ervin / Grandson / M / W / 5 / S / Iowa / Iowa / Iowa



Source Citation: Year: 1930; Census Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, Iowa; Roll: 688; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 675.0.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Obituary: Sigvart WILLIAMS


Obituary. Sigvart WILLIAMS. Decorah Journal (1 Jun 1932), p. 12.

SIGVART WILLIAMS, 82, COUNTY PIONEER, DIES AT HOME HERE

Widow And 12 Children Survive Retired Glenwood Township Farmer

Sigvart Williams, 82 years old, pioneer settler of Winneshiek county, and for eighteen years a resident of Decorah, died at 5:50 A. M. Tuesday at his home at Broadway and Day street. Suffering a stroke on Sunday, April 24, at 11:30 P. M., Mr. Williams never regained his health, although previous to that time he had been well. His left side was paralyzed and he lost the use of voice as a result of the stroke.

Sigvart Williams was born in Norway and came to Winneshiek county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vebjorn Vebjornson. He farmed for many years in Glenwood township, being one of the highly respected and progressive farmers of that part of the county until his retirement in 1914.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P. M. Saturday at the house and 2 P. M. at the First Lutheran church. Rev. T. A. Hoff is expected to officiate and burial will be in the Lutheran cemetery.

Mr. Williams is survived by his sorrowing widow and twelve children: Mrs. Adolph Riste, Mrs. Hans Fagerlie and Mrs. Helmer Spilde; Paul, Olaf, Walter, John, Alfred, George, Albert, Martin and Leonard, all of Decorah except Leonard, Maddock, N. D., and Walter of Glenwood township. A sister, Mrs. Christ Engen of Decorah, also survives. A brother, Helmer W. Williams, Glenwood township farmer, died about two years ago and another brother, Wilhelm Vebjornson, a Madison township farmer, died about a year ago.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Obituary: Mathilda (Huseby) WILLIAMS


Obituary. Mathilda (Huseby) WILLIAMS. Decorah Journal (25 May 1944), p. 5.

Mrs. Mathilda Williams Dies; Ill long time

Mrs. Mathilda Williams, 86, died Monday afternoon at her home on East Broadway. She had been ill several years.

She was born March 10, 1858, in Norway, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arne Johnson Huseby. She came to America with her parents in girlhood and they settled in Glenwood township.

Mathilda Huseby was married December 22, 1883, to Sigvart Williams. Mr. Williams died May 10, 1932.

Surviving are the following children, all of Decorah: Alfred, John, Martin, Leonard, Mrs. Alma Spilde, Olaf, George, Mrs. Myrtle Riste, and Mrs. Nellie Fagerlie.

Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. Anna Erickson, of Spokane, Wash., and a brother, Henry Huseby, of Mabel, Minn.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 P. M. at the First Lutheran church with the Rev. T. A. Hoff officiating. Burial will be in the Lutheran cemetery.



Monday, October 5, 2009

Gravestone: Sigvart and Mathilda WILLIAMS


Sigvart A. and Mathilda WILLIAMS gravestone. Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, IA. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Closeup of Sigvart A. and Mathilda WILLIAMS gravestone. Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, IA. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Family Group Sheet for Sigvart Anton WILLIAMS

Husband: Sigvart Anton WILLIAMS
Born: 21 Dec 1849
Place: Karlsmyr, Kråkstad, Akershus, NOR
Died: 31 May 1932
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA
Husband's Father: Webjørn WEBJØRNSEN Karlsmyr
Husband's Mother: Pauline Marie INGEBRETSDTR Korsegården
Wife 1: Johanna NILSLOKKEN
Born: 19 Feb 1857
Married: 1875
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Died: 28 Oct 1879
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Wife's Father: Christian NILSLOKKEN
Wife's Mother: Randi GUSELIA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Children

1. Carl WILLIAMS
Born: 1875
Died: c. 1881
2. Paul R. WILLIAMS
Born: 15 Aug 1877
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Inga "Ida" ERICKSON
Married: 28 May 1907
Died: 12 Apr 1935
Place: Maddock, Benson, ND
3. John WILLIAMS
Born: 1879
Died: 1879



Wife 2: Mathilda HUSEBY
Born: 10 Apr 1858
Place: Norway?
Married: 26 Dec 1883
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Died: 22 May 1944
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Wife's Father: Arne JOHANSEN Huseby
Wife's Mother: Johanna Margrete JOHANSDTR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Children

1. Johan Wilhelm WILLIAMS
Born: 8 Aug 1884
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Died: 21 Aug 1972
Place: Winneshiek, IA
2. Leonard Melvin Williams
Born: 23 Jun 1886
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Olga MOEN
Married: 30 Mar 1911
Died: 4 Jun 1963
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA
3. Martin Sigvart WILLIAMS
Born: 13 Nov 1887
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Grace ANDERSON
Married: 30 Jun 1923
Died: 6 Aug 1969
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA
4. Walter Didrik WILLIAMS
Born: 3 Feb 1890
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Lillie Viola JOHNSON
Married: 7 May 1914
Died: 13 Feb 1976
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA
5. Junetta "Nellie" Magwelia WILLIAMS

Born: 20 Sep 1892
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Hans C. FAGERLIE
Married: 29 Jun 1911

Died: 6 Jan 1985
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

6. Alma Valmina WILLIAMS

Born: 10 Apr 1894
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Helmer SPILDE
Married: 6 Mar 1918

Died: 30 Sep 1985
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

7. Myrtle Jenny WILLIAMS

Born: 6 Mar 1896
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Adolph RISTE
Married: 30 Oct 1917

Died: 24 May 1984
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

8. George August WILLIAMS

Born: 6 Apr 1899
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Devillo SIBERT
Married: 30 Jun 1923

Died: 14 Jan 1991
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

9. Olaf Thideman WILLIAMS

Born: 3 Sep 1900
Place: Winneshiek, IA
Spouse: Cora FRETHEIM
Married: May 1922

Died: 2 Oct 1966
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

10. Alfred Edgar Jule WILLIAMS

Born: 28 Dec 1902
Place: Winneshiek, IA

Died: 6 Mar 1980
Place: Decorah, Winneshiek, IA

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Paul and Ida WILLIAMS


Inga "Ida" ERICKSON and Paul R. WILLIAMS (28 May 1907). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Friday, October 2, 2009

1930 US Federal Census: Paul and Ida WILLIAMS Family


Detail of 1930 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Williams, Paul R. / Head / M / W / 52 / M / 29 / Iowa / Norway / Norway / Farmer
_____ Inga A. / Wife / F / W / 42 / M / 20 / Minnesota / Norway / Norway
_____ Beatrice J. / Daughter / F / W / 20 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Stella T. / Daughter / F / W / 19 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Clarence J. / Son / M / W / 17 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota / Laborer
_____ Phillip J. / Son / M / W / 15 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Wallace N. / Son / M / W / 13 / S / Montana / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Clifford W. Son / M / W / 11 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Lillian L. / Daughter / F / W / 9 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Walter L. / Son / M / W / 5 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Ardella E. / Daughter / F / W / 1 8/12 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota
_____ Phyllis R. / Daughter / F / W / 1/12 / S / North Dakota / Iowa / Minnesota



Source Citation: Year: 1930; Census Place: Butte Valley, Benson, North Dakota; Roll: 1731; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 210.0.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Paul and Ida WILLIAMS Family


Paul and Ida WILLIAMS family (c. 1938). From left: Ellert Reierson, Stella, Clifford, Olaf Antonson, Walter, Clarence, Wallace, Ardella, Ove Antonson, Beatrice, Phylis, Phillip, Alvin Antonson, Ida, and Lillian. Photocopied image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Paul and Ida WILLIAMS family (Fall 1938). Front row: Stella, Beatrice, Ida, Ardella, Phylis, and Lillian. Back row: Clarence, Phillip, Walter, Clifford, and Wallace. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Paul and Ida WILLIAMS Family (28 Oct 1949). Front row: Lillian, Stella, Phylis, Ardella, Ida, Beatrice. Back row: Clarence, Clifford, Walter, Philip, Wallace. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.