Father's Day 2014

To all the fathers in the Kocevar-Lidman Family Tree

Whether in Austria, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden or the United States - and from 1650 onward, these men make up the paternal branches in my family tree. I only wish we had pictures of more of them.

Ernest William Lidman
Lars Elofsson
Elof Larsson
Lars Elofsson
Lars Jonsson
Peder Eriksen
Erik Ivarsen
Peder Pedersen
Elof Persson
Halfvard Bengtsson Osman
Jons Jonssn
Pehr Sonesson
Pehr Elofsson
Anders Hakansson
Bengt Olafsson
Mattes Jonsson
Elof Gudmundsson
Bonde Jonsson
Hakan Andersson
Nils Larsson
Gudmund Elofsson
Valentin Kocevar
Francis Kocevar
Anton Zagradisnik

Father's Day 2014

This Week on My Family History Calendar

Kocevar-Lidman Family Calendar June 8 - June 14
Image made with Tagxedo

June 9

Peder Pedersen, Bang/Borstadmyren [4701] (1766-1821), my fourth great grandfather, married Anne Johnsdatter, Opem [5265] (1783-1864) on this date in 1806 in Norway. Peder's parents were Peder Johnsen, Hegre [5245] and Marit Pedersdatter, Hegre [5246] and it was Peder's second marriage. I do not have information about Anne's parents yet. Peder and Anne lived in Stjordal, Norway and raised Peder's son from his first marriage (my third great grandfather) an had four additional children.

Milton Theodore Lidman [920] (1905-1936), my granduncle, was born on this date in 1905 in Seattle, Washington. His parents were Lars Elofsson (named changed to Louis Lidman on leaving Sweden for the United States) [845] and Josephine Eriksen [846]. Sadly for Milton, his mother died a few weeks after his birth. The family had only recently moved from Minnesota to Washington (to be closer to Josephine's sisters). At some point, Louis took his oldest son (my grandfather Ernest Lidman) back to Minnesota with him and left Milton with Josephine's oldest sister Mette Pedersdatter Eriksen (Mattie Mark after her marriage). Mattie was always referred to in the family as Grandma Mattie of Tacoma and she not only raised Milton as her own but when my grandfather returned to Washington he also lived with her. While Ernest was dark like his Norwegian mother, Milton was light like his Swedish father. Both were jaunty dressers with lovely smiles and a love of automobiles. Milton married Vivian LaChappelle [411] (1900-unknown) in 1926 in Washington. Vivian was the daughter of Wilfred A. LaChappelle [1599] and Vina E. Domick [1604]. Milton and Vivian did not have any children and they later divorced. Sadly Milton died at the age of 30 when he suffered a ruptured appendix and collapsed on the street in Tacoma, Washington. He later died at a local hospital. 

June 13

Kjerstin Larsdotter [4292] (1830-unknown), my second great-grandaunt, was born on this date in 1830 in Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, Sweden. Kjerstin's parents were Lars Elofsson [4274] and Anna Halvardsdotter [4275]. Although I have Kjerstin on several Household Examination Records (HERs), the last one I have indicates that she moved out in 1845 and I have not been able to find her on the moving in/moving out register. I am still searching Swedish records to find out where she went and if she married, had a family, where she lived, and when she died. Sooner or later due to the good quality of these records (it just involves lots of searching), I will find Kjerstin - she is on my to-do list!

June 14

Anna L. Elofsdotter [3413] (1863-1942), my great-grandaunt, was born on this date in 1863 in Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, Sweden. Her parents were Elof Larsson [847] and Marit Larsdotter [3412]. In 1883 and when Anna was 20, the family emigrated from Sweden to the United States, settling in Minnesota. Anna married John Nicholas Stevenson [3428] (1856-1948) in 1887 in Minnesota. They made their home and farmed in Roseau County, Minnesota and had seven children. I have not been able to find information about John Stevenson's family although from the census entries it appears that he emigrated from Sweden with his family in 1866 when he was about 10. If you have Stevensons from Varmlands, Sweden who came to the USA in 1866 and settled in Roseau County, Minnesota, please get in touch as I would love to learn more about both Anna and John and their family!  

Do any of these names or places sound familiar? Perhaps we share some extended family. If so I would love to hear from you, share information, and together we can grow our family tree. 

This Week on My Family History Calendar

This Week on My Family History Calendar

Kocevar-Lidman Family Calendar May 25 - 31
Image made with wordle.net - thanks

May 26
Peder Pedersen, Kval [4697] (1798-1860) and Mali Eriksdatter, Skjelstadsveen [4698] (1794-unknown), my third great-grandparents were married on this date in 1825 in Hegra, Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, Norway. Peder's parents were Peder Pedersen, Bang/Borstadmyren [4701] and Gunnil Haagensdatter, Kval [4702]. Mali's parents were Erik Hansen [4699] and Mail Larsdatter [4700]. Peder and Mali had six children.

My great uncle, Edward John Kochevar [904] (1918-2010) and Sara Elizabeth Stinnett [459] (1921-unknown) were married on this date in 1941 in Seattle, King, Washington. Edward's parents were Valentin Kocevar [897] and Antonia Zagradisnik [898]. I have not yet found Sara's parents. Eddie and Sara made their home in California and had three children.

May 27
Peder Zakariasen, Berget [4720] (1802-unknown), my second great-great uncle, was born on this date in 1802 in Hegra, Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, Norway. His parents were Erik Ivarsen, Medkilplass/Hastagjerdet [4269] and Marta Zakariasdatter, Berget [4270]. I have not been able to find Peder on the 1865 census or find any marriage or death information for him. This is another person I need to do additional research on.

Victor Emanuel Mattson [3418] (1883-1942), my first cousin twice removed ,was born on this date in 1883 in Lake Mary, Wright, Minnesota. Victor's parents were Pehr Mattson [3516] and Karin Elofsdotter [3415]. In 1915 Victor married Lena C. Benson [3424] (1890-1973) in Hennepin, Minnesota. Victor and Lena made their home in Wright, Minnesota on the family farm and had three children.

May 28
My great grandparents, Lars Elofsson [Louis Lidman on arrival to the USA] [845] (1860-1926) and Josephine Eriksen [846] (1875-1905) were married on this date in 1902 in Waverly, Wright, Minnesota. Louis' parents were Elof Larsson [847] and Marit Larsdotter [3412]. Josephine's parents were Peder Eriksen, Hastagjerdet [412] and Mali Pedersdatter, Rolfsengbergene [413]. Louis and Josephine made their home first in St. Mary, Minnesota (where my grandfather Ernest William Lidman [825] was born. They moved to Seattle, King, Washington to be closer to two of Josephine's sisters (where my great uncle Milton Theodore Lidman [920] was born). Unfortunately Josephine died from complications of childbirth with her second child. Louis left Milton with Josephine's sister, Mattie (always called Grandma Mattie as I think she served as a grandmother and mother to all the children in the extended family), and she raised him as her own. Louis returned to Minnesota with his oldest son, never remarried, and soon after homesteaded on land in North Dakota, where one of his sisters and his father joined him.

May 31
Britta Persdotter [4314], the wife of my third great-great uncle, was born on this date in 1799 in Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, Sweden. I have not found her family yet. Britta and Per Elofsson [4310] (1789-1838) were married in 1818 and had eight children.

Do any of these names and families sound familiar? We might share family members - and I would enjoy hearing from you and sharing information. Please contact me.

This Week on My Family History Calendar

This Week on My Family History Calendar

Scandia Musings Anniversaries & Birthdays
Week of May 4 - May 10

May 4

Halvard Halvardsson [4299] (1815-1894), the second husband of my third great-great grandmother Anna Halvardsdotter [4275] (1810-1891) was born on this day in 1815 in Eksharad, Varmlands lan, Sweden. Although he is listed as the stepfather to Halvard Larsson [4294] (my second great grandfather’s brother) it is pretty clear that since Halvard Larsson was born in Oct 1840 and his “father” Lars Elofsson died in Aug 1838 that is an impossibility. It also might be one of the reasons why Halvard Larsson immigrated to the USA in 1869. In any event, Halvard and Anna went on to have two daughters, and live in the community (and on the same farm) that Anna lived in with her first husband. Halvard visited the USA and appeared on the 1880 US federal census staying with his “step-son” Halvard and his family (and is listed on the census as Halvard's step-father). The various children from Anna's two marriages remained close. The brothers (actually step-brothers) Halvard Larsson and Elof Larsson settled in the same farming community in Minnesota and shared adjoining farms. I guess there is a little bit of scandal in every family – and I think it is wonderful that both the step-father and step-son were able to stay in touch. From the household examination reports, it looks like Halvard and Anna were together for over 50 years.

May 6

Anton Zagradisnik [915] (1839-1918) my second great grandfather was born on this day in 1839 in Gornji Grad, Austria. This is one of those places that goes back and forth between countries as a result of war. The Zagradisnik family was/is ethnically Slovenian. I have not yet found Anton’s parents. Anton was the husband of Anna Pevec [916] (1840-unk). Anton and Anna had seven children, including my great grandmother Antonia Zagradisnik [898]. Luckily we do have a photograph of Antonia with her parents and some of her siblings so I have been able to put a name with a face for Anton and Anna.

Anton Zagradisnik [923] (1889-1963) my great-great uncle, was born on this day in Nova Stifta, Austria. He was the son of Anton Zagradisnik [915] and Anna Pevic [916] (and in a little twist of serendipity he and his father share a birthday and his father is listed right above!). Anton was first married to Elizabeth Miller [2373] (1896-1972). Anton and Elizabeth had one daughter and later divorced. Anton then married Marja Louisa Strmonik [928] (1902-1979), who was also divorced. Anton and Mary had three daughters and made their home in King County, Washington. Both Anton and Mary are buried at the Black Diamond cemetery in Washington.  

May 9

Marit Elofsdotter [4311] (1793-unk) my third great-great aunt, was born on this day in Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, Sweden. She was the daughter of Elof Persson [4307] (1761-1827) and Kjerstin Andersdotter [4308] (1767-1841]. Although I have “followed” Marit in the household examination records and she is with her family in the 1820-1825 record, she is no longer with the family in the 1825-1829 record. I need to get back to my Swedish research and follow the paths of the extended family members – Marit has just moved to the top of that list! I need to know where she went, whether she married and had a family, and if there are additional family members to add to my tree - inquiring minds and all that. Thankfully the Swedish records are a treat to work with, you just have to put in the time.

How are you doing with your family history research? This calendar meme is really pointing out the people in my family who are calling out for some attention!

If any of these names and/or places sound familiar, perhaps we share some common ancestors. Let's pool our knowledge and share our stories. I would enjoy hearing from you.

This Week on My Family History Calendar

Counting Cousins in SNGF, Part Two

Kocevar-Lidman Cousins' Surnames
made with wordle.net - thanks

What good for the father's side of the family (over at the Keough Corner) is good for the mother's side (here at Scandia Musings). So the mission tonight in Saturday Night Genealogy Fun is as follows:

1)  Take both sets of your grandparents and figure out how many first cousins you have, and how many first cousins removed (a child or grandchild of a first cousin) you have.

2)  Extra Credit:  Take all four sets of your great-grandparents and figure out how many second cousins you have, and how many second cousins removed you have.

HINT:  Make a Descendants Chart with your genealogy software program!

3)  Tell us the grandparents and great-grandparents names, but don't give the name of living cousins unless you want to.  

4)  Are there any of those lines that you don't know all of the cousins names?  Do you care?  

5)  Tell us about them in your own blog post, in a comment to this blog post, or in a Facebook or Google+ post of your own.  Be sure to drop a comment to this post to link to your work.

I describe my methodology over at the Keough Corner but suffice it to say that for this mission and this blog, I choose the Kocever-Lidman direct line (my permanent tag 2). I used my Legacy database program and ran the Relationships report. I printed the report to a csv file and then saved it as a Microsoft Excel workbook so I could filter my report (love, love, love Excel for all kinds of record set downloads, and projects like this). If you are not taking advantage of manipulating your Legacy data in Excel, you are missing out. In this instance, Excel will let you filter your first cousins, your first cousins once removed, your first cousins twice removed, and so on and so on. 

So who are my people and what are my stats - well I'm glad you asked.

My grandparents Ernest William Lidman and Antonia Anna Kochevar had one son and three daughters, one of whom is my mother. I have seven (7) siblings and four (4) first cousins. My mother's side of the family tree is most definitely smaller than my father's side.

Thanks to the Legacy Relationships report (in my handy dandy Excel workbook) which was crosschecked for quality control purposes - I have ten (10) first cousins once removed, four (4) first cousins twice removed and one (1) first cousin thrice removed. I am pretty confident that I have all our family members included, and it is a small number.

I want that extra credit Randy mentioned (and Legacy did all the hard work for me). My paternal great grandparents Lars Elofsson and Josephine Eriksen had two (2) children and my maternal great grandparents Valentin Kocevar and Antonia Zagradisnik had seven (7) children. 

I have sixty-three (63) second cousins - twenty-three (23) are second cousins, thirty-nine (39) are second cousins once removed, and one (1) is a second cousin thrice removed. I also have four (4) third cousins.

I am sure and, in light of the small numbers, I hope I don't have everyone. That is one of the reasons I blog. In answer to Randy's question, I do care about any missing cousins as I want our family history to be inclusive. So, if any of these names are familiar, we might be related - so contact me! 

There you have it, Saturday Night Genealogy Fun, part two. It was much quicker counting cousins on the Swedish, Norwegian and Slovenian side of the family.

Mission Accomplished! 

Counting Cousins in SNGF, Part Two

This Week on My Family History Calendar

April 27
My second great grandparents, Elof Larsson [847] (1833-1922)and Marit Larsdotter [3412] (1829-1906) were married on this day in 1856 in Eksharad, Varmlands lan, Sweden. His parents were Lars Elofsson [4274] and Anna Halvardsdotter [4275]. Her parents were Lars Jonsson [4290] and Ragnilda Persdotter [4291]. Elof and Marit had five children. In 1882 Elof and Marit and their family emigrated from Sweden and came to the United States, settling in Minnesota. 

April 29
Hannah M. Mattson [3419] (1885-1904), my first cousin twice removed, was born on this day in Woodland, Wright, Minnesota. Her parents were Pehr Mattson [3416] and Karin Elofsdotter [3415]. Her parents had arrived in the United States (from Sweden) three years before Hannah's birth.  

Alfred Swanson [879] (1866-1937) and my great great aunt Anna Eriksen [418] (1871-1915) were married on this day in 1891 in Minnesota. His parents were Swan Ingelson [4261] and Ellen Ball [4262]. Her parents were Peder Eriksen [412] and Mali Pedersdatter [413]. Although Alfred and Anna originally made their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, they later moved to and made Seattle, King, Washington their home. Alfred and Anna had three children. I have a soft spot for Anna and Alfred as they took my grandfather Ernest William Lidman [825] (1903-1967) into their home upon his mother's untimely death (Anna's younger sister) in 1905 (complications of childbirth). Although in 1909 my grandfather moved with his father back to Minnesota, he stayed in written contact and remained quite close with the Swanson family. 

April 30
Per Elofsson [4310] (1789-1838) my third great great uncle, was born on this date in 1789 Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, Sweden. His parents were Elof Persson [4307] and Kjerstin Andersdotter [4308]. In 1818 Per married Britta Persdotter [4314] (1899-unknown). Per and Britta had eight children.

May 1
My seventh great grandparents, Erik Olofsson [4914] (1677-unknown) and Ragnilla Halvardsdotter [4917] (1680-unknown), were married on this date in 1702 in Eksharad, Varmlands lan, Sweden. I have not found Erik's parents yet. Ragnilla's parents were Halvard Sonesson [4919] and Karin Persdotter [4920]. Erik and Ragnilla had two children.

Do we share any family members? If so, I would enjoy hearing from you and sharing information. Until next week ... 

This Week on My Family History Calendar

SNGF ~ My Maternal Grandfather’s Paternal Line

This week’s challenge is to try to find a potential candidate for a Y-DNA test in your matrilineal line – There are three steps on this train ride.

Photo by Simon Howden at
FreeDigitalPhotos.net ~ Thanks

·         What was your mother’s father’s name?

o   Ernest William Lidman (1903–1967) was born in Lake Mary, Minnesota.  At a little over one year old, he moved with his parents to Washington.  He had one brother Milton Theodore Lidman (1905-1936).  Ernest's mother died soon after Milton’s birth and their father left the baby with his wife’s sister Mattie and returned to Minnesota with my grandfather.  Although Milton married he did not have any children and he died at an early age.

·         What is your mother’s father’s patrilineal line? (That is, his father’s father’s father’s ... back to the most distant male ancestor in that line.)

o   Ernest’s father was Louis Lidman (1860-1926) christened Lars Elofsson and born in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden.  He was an only son (he had four sisters).  Louis came to the USA with his parents and sisters and lived in Minnesota.  He married in Minnesota, but soon moved with his wife to Washington.  Upon her untimely death, Louis moved himself and his oldest son (my grandfather) back to Minnesota, and finally homesteaded in North Dakota, where he lived with his son and father until his death.

o   Louis’ father was Elof Lidman 1833-1922) christened Elof Larsson and born in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden.  He was also an only son (he had two sisters, 2 half sisters and 1 half brother – different father). Elof came to the USA with his family and settled in Minnesota.  He later moved to North Dakota to live with his son and grandson.  Upon his death his body was returned to Minnesota to be buried with his wife at Hylunda Cemetery in Wright County, Minnesota.

o   Elof’s father Lars Elofsson (1806-1838) was born and lived his life in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden as a tenant farmer.  Lars was one of four sons, his three brothers were:

§  Anders Elofsson (1786-1795) died as a child 

§  Per Elofsson (1789-1838) – he married and had seven sons

§  Lars Elofsson (1797-??) he never married or had children

o   Lars’ father Elof Persson (1761-1827) was born and lived his life in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden.  Elof was one of three sons, his two brothers were:

§  Pehr Persson (1752-)

§  Jöns Persson (1757-1829) who had three sons

o   Elof’s father Pehr Elofsson (1720-1791) was born and lived his life in Nedre Värnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden.  Pehr was one of two sons, his brother was:

§  Lars Elofsson (1725-??) I have not found a marriage or any children to-date.

o   Pehr’s father Elof Gudmundsson (1692-1754) was born and lived his life in Nedre Värnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden.  He was the only child (I have found to-date) of Gudmund Elofsson.

·         Can you identify male sibling(s) of your mother's father, and any living male descendants from those male sibling(s)? If so, you have a candidate to do a Y-DNA test on that patrilineal line. If not, you may have to find male siblings, and their descendants, of the next generation back, or even further.

o   It appears from this exercise that my best choices come from Pehr Elofsson or Jöns Persson (to-date it appears this Persson family remained in Sweden and I don’t have the research done on them yet).

o   Pehr Elofsson’s sons were:

§  Elof Persson (1819-??)

§  Pehr Persson (1821-??)

§  Anders Persson (1824-??)

§  Lars Persson (1826-1911) He was born in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, Sweden, married in Sweden in 1856 and came to the USA in 1869.  He had two sons:

·         Per Larsson (1860-1929)

·         Lars Persson (1845-??) who did not marry or have children

§  Jon Persson (1831-??)

§  Jöns Persson (1835-??)

§  Halfvard Persson (1836-1925)

o   Per Larsson had 3 sons (and two daughters):

§  Oscar Ludwig Larson (1892-1964) who did not marry or have children

§  Frederick Wilhem Larson (1894-1981) who married in 1937 but I don’t have any other information – waiting on the 1940 US Census

§  August Julius Larson (1896-1971) who had two sons both of whom are alive. 

·         Male Larson – living, did not marry or have children

·         Male Larson – living who married and has one son

o   Male Larson – living who married and has two sons and one daughter.

§  Male Larson

§  Male Larson

·         Is this is correct?  Randy since this is Swedish research I think my head will explode!  But, if this is correct, I wrote a post about My Very Best Genealogy Adventure (my summertime serendipity).  I actually met both these boys and their great uncle while cemetery sleuthing in Wright County, Minnesota.  And now I know who would be great candidates for that Y-DNA test for my mother’s maiden name.  Please check my work and let me know if I took the right train and am on the right track.  Thanks Randy.

SNGF ~ My Maternal Grandfather’s Paternal Line

SNGF ~ My Very Best Genealogy Adventure of 2011

Minnesota Historical Society

This past summer I had the opportunity to visit my sister and her family in Minnesota.  While I was there, I went to the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, Minnesota (MNHS) and spent a couple of Saturdays conducting birth and death records research, county history research, and lots of newspaper research.  If you have Minnesota ancestors and have the opportunity to go to St. Paul, you are in for a treat.  You can accomplish a great deal of "recon work " by going online to their website, checking out the marriage index through Minnesota Official Marriage System, and going online with the various local genealogical society facilities.  One of the best facilities is Wright County Historical Society's Library (WCHS).

After I acquired "just the facts ~ birth, marriage, and death data" at MNHS, I followed up with trips to the WCHS's Library in Buffalo, Minnesota.  I made a couple of trips because there was a wealth of material about my Larsson/Lidman, Eriksen, Mattson, and Robertson lines.  My "finds" were due in no small part to the assistance from the volunteers and employees at WCHS.

Wright County Historical Society

My finds included:

• plat books locating various ancestors' property 
• marriage books which showed marriage indexes and certificates for several ancestors 
• probate records for two ancestors which had a wealth of information on spouses and grown children (the heirs), property, and gave a great snapshot of the family's holdings at the time of each person's death
• the church records for Hylunda Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, a group established by Varmlands lan Swedish immigrants (a cluster group) which included my immigrant ancestors.  The annual reports, and records of baptisms, confirmations, marriages & deaths they kept were similar in format and language to their Swedish Lutheran Church records.  Later members transcribed and translated (from the original Swedish) the records.  These records provided fascinating reading about the early immigrants, how they built and kept their church going, some political infighting and the inter-relationship of the various families.  
• burial and cemetery records at the family and private cemeteries in the County (for my purposes I was especially interested in Nylunda, Hylunda and Oster Covenant)
• emigration and immigration records 

With the help of a WCHS employee I looked up the addresses, maps and directions for the three cemeteries.  I set out that afternoon hoping to find whether various ancestors were buried at these three cemeteries and hopefully find their tombstones.  The area where all three cemeteries are located remains quite rural however, it was quite easy to find Oster Covenant's cemetery as the church is still active and the cemetery is located next to the church (with great signs pointing out the Church).   The Nylunda Cemetery was also easy to find as it was located on a corner lot and could be seen clearly from the road.  I took photographs of all the tombstones located at both cemeteries (there are several extended family ancestors located at both these cemeteries) and then proceeded to try to locate the Hylunda Cemetery.

Oster Covenant Cemetery

Oster Covenant Church

Nylunda Cemetery

Nylunda Swedish Lutheran Church Cemetery

Both the plat of the area and Google Maps showed Hylunda Cemetery located at a specific rural address along a 4 mile stretch of a rather bumpy, unpaved rural road.  I drove the road twice slowly (with my GPS chirping "you have arrived at your destination") but could not find the cemetery.  I finally gave up and called it a day.

The following day and after being assured that the cemetery was located on that road, I decided to give it one more try.  I parked my car on the side of the road facing a small rutted driveway because a truck and trailer were parked about 250 feet down the driveway.  I thought I would ask whoever was with the truck if he knew where the cemetery was located.  No one was with the truck but I did notice to the left hand side a small gate with a cross ~ could that be the cemetery?

Hylunda Cemetery ~ well hidden

There was a older gentlemen and two young boys cleaning the area of grass and summer growth.  I asked if I was at the Hylunda Cemetery and they told me they weren't sure of the name but it was their family/church cemetery.  I told them my name and who I was looking for and ~ wait for it ~ discovered that we were related.  Harry Larson is my 2nd cousin once removed and the Larson boys are my 3rd cousins once removed.  Their great great grandmother was my great grandaunt and I was able to tell them why Elof & Mary Lidman were listed on the reverse side of their great great grandparents tombstone (Christine Lidman  & Robert Robertson) ~ Elof and Mary were Christine's parents.  I was able to tell them about Christine's siblings (who later moved from Minnesota to Washington).  The boys and their uncle showed me all the tombstones and pointed out how the more recent individuals were related as well as what extended family remained in Minnesota.  We exchanged addresses and emails and they are now on my list of new-found relatives.

My great grandaunt Christine (Elofsdotter/Lidman) & her husband Robert Robertson

My great great grandparents Elof Larsson & Marit Larsdotter ~ Elof & Mary Lidman

If I had found Hylunda Cemetery that first day I would have missed meeting them and finding out all about the cemetery and my extended relatives.  It was an absolutely amazing afternoon, the boys and their uncle were a delight (I am sure they wondered about me), and it was a true moment of genealogical serendipity.  Without a doubt that was my very best genealogy adventure of 2011!  Cheers.

SNGF ~ My Very Best Genealogy Adventure of 2011

SNGF - My Heritage Pies

If it is Saturday you know that Randy Seaver has another bit of genealogy fun for us.  Did someone mention pie - I'm up for that! (This has been cross-posted to both my blogs.)

My mission (which I accepted) was to find my Sixteen Great-Great Grandparents in my genealogy database (thanks for the hint about using an Ancestors Report ~ after a bit of playing around with the options and then saving it in a text format I was able to add it to this post).  For extra credit I went over to the Kid Zone and used the chart generator to come up with my own Heritage Pies.  (Be sure to check out the original post referencing this cool website.)   Have some fun making your own pie!

Without further ado, here is a little something about my Sixteen Great-Great Grandparents.

16.  James KEOUGH [170], son of Andrew KEOUGH [187] and Catherine AYLWARD [188], was born in Aug 1824 in Plate Cove East, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND and was baptized on 22 Aug 1824 in Plate Cove, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND. I have not yet found his death date but I am pretty sure that he died in NEWFOUNDLAND.

17.  Margaret DOOLEY [171], daughter of James DOOLEY [3924] and Margaret MICHAN [3925], was born on 10 Nov 1832 in Knight's Cove, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND and died on 17 Sep 1919 in Plate Cove East, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND at age 86.

James and Margaret were married [MRIN: 60] on 31 Oct 1849 in King's Cove, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND.

18.  Dennis DRISCOLL [1564].   To-date I do not have any information on his birth and death dates, he may have been born in either IRELAND or NEWFOUNDLAND, but I am pretty sure he died in NEWFOUNDLAND.

19.  Ellen KENNY [1565] was born about 1832 in Saint John's, , , NEWFOUNDLAND, died on 30 Mar 1902 in Plate Cove, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND about age 70, and was buried in Open Hall, Bonavista Bay, , NEWFOUNDLAND.

Dennis and Ellen were married [MRIN: 508] in NEWFOUNDLAND.  I do not have their marriage date.

20.  James Joseph MURPHY [352], son of Patrick MURPHY [891] and Mary McCABE [892], was born on 19 Aug 1819 in County Carlow, Leinster, IRELAND, died on 13 Mar 1882 in Vesta, Johnson, Nebraska, USA at age 62, and was buried in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska, USA (St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska, USA).

21.  Eleanor KILEY [353] was born in Feb 1835 in County Cork, Munster, IRELAND, died on 24 Feb 1913 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska, USA at age 78, and was buried in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska, USA (St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska, USA).

James and Eleanor were married [MRIN: 10] on 28 Apr 1861 in Tecumseh, Johnson, Nebraska, USA.

22.  Michael Daniel O'MURPHY [354], son of Michael Daniel John O'MURPHY [889] and Mary HENNESY [890], was born on 8 Sep 1836 in County Kerry, Munster, IRELAND, died on 19 Aug 1926 in O'Neill, Holt, Nebraska, USA at age 89, and was buried on 22 Aug 1926 in O'Neill, Holt, Nebraska, USA (Calvary Catholic Cemetery, O'Neill, Nebraska, USA).

23.  Honora Agnes BUTLER [355], daughter of Thomas BUTLER [511] and Margaret HENIGAN [513], was born on 14 Mar 1840 in County Cork, Munster, IRELAND, died on 16 Aug 1925 in O'Neill, Holt, Nebraska, USA at age 85, and was buried on 19 Aug 1925 in O'Neill, Holt, Nebraska, USA (Calvary Catholic Cemetery, O'Neill, Nebraska, USA).

Michael and Honora were married [MRIN: 91] on 11 Jan 1861 in New York, New York, New York, USA.

24.  Elof LARSSON [847], son of Lars ELOFSSON [4274] and Anna HALVARDSDOTTER [4275], was born on 4 Sep 1833 in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, SWEDEN, was baptized on 8 Sep 1833 in Fastnäs, Norra Ny, Värmlands län, SWEDEN, died on 22 Apr 1922 in Ward County, North Dakota, USA at age 88, and was buried in Waverly, Wright, Minnesota, USA.

25.  Marit LARSDOTTER [3412], daughter of Lars JÖNSSON [4290] and Ragnilda PERSDOTTER [4291], was born on 6 Jul 1829 in Stakerud, Ekshärad, Värmländs län, SWEDEN, was baptized on 12 Jul 1829 in Stakerud, Ekshärad, Värmländs län, SWEDEN, and died on 5 Mar 1906 in Woodland, Wright, Minnesota, USA at age 76.

Elof and Marit were married [MRIN: 248] on 27 Apr 1856 in Ekshärad, Värmlands län, SWEDEN.

26.  Peder ERIKSEN, Hastagjerdet [412], son of Erik IVARSEN, Medkilplass/Hastadgjerdet [4269] and Marta ZAKARIASDATTER, Berget [4270], was born on 29 Sep 1833 in Hegra, Øvre Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag, NORWAY, died on 5 Jul 1913 in Seattle, King, Washington, USA at age 79, and was buried on 7 Jul 1913 in Seattle, King, Washington, USA (Crown Hill Cemetery, Seattle, Washington, USA).

27.  Mali PEDERSDATTER, Rolfsengbergene [413], daughter of Peder PEDERSEN, Kvål [4697] and Mali ERIKSDATTER, Skjelstadsveen [4698], was born on 6 Apr 1835 in Hegra, Øvre Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag, NORWAY, was baptized on 10 May 1835 in Hegra, Øvre Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag, NORWAY, and died between 1881 and 1885 in Minnesota, USA.

Peder and Mali were married [MRIN: 270] on 23 Apr 1860 in Hegra, Øvre Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag, NORWAY.

28.  Francis KOCEVAR [2390] was born in AUSTRIA.  To-date I have not found his birth and death dates but I am pretty sure he died in AUSTRIA.  The family were Slovenes and their homeland was part of the Austria-Hungary empire during their lifetime.

29.  Jenie PRISEL [4650] was born in AUSTRIA.  To-date I have not found her birth and death dates but I am pretty sure she died in AUSTRIA.

Francis and Jenie were married [MRIN: 748] in AUSTRIA.  I do not have their marriage date.

30.  Anton ZAGRADISNIK [915] was born on 6 May 1839 in Gornji Grad, , , AUSTRIA and died in 1918 in AUSTRIA at age 79.  The family were Slovenes and their homeland was part of the Austria-Hungary empire during their lifetime. 

31.  Anna PEVEC [916] was born about 1840 in Bocna, , , AUSTRIA. To-date I have not found her death date but I am pretty sure she died in AUSTRIA.

Anton and Anna were married [MRIN: 265] in AUSTRIA.  I do not have their marriage date.

So for those of you keeping track here are the birth and death places for my Great Greats:

the birth places for my Great Greats break down as follows:

4 = Newfoundland

4 = Ireland

2 = Sweden

2 = Norway

4 = Austria (Slovenes)

the death places for my Great Greats break down as follows:

4 = Newfoundland

4 = Austria/Slovenia

2 = USA - Minnesota

4 = USA - Nebraska

1 = USA - North Dakota

1 = USA - Washington

And finally ~ here are my Heritage Pies

SNGF - My Heritage Pies

June Birthdays & Anniversaries

Each month I post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during the month. I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns. As you can see Austria/Slovenia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota & Washington) are represented.

June Birthdays & Anniversaries by Wordle.net

Do we share any of the same ancestors? If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1. John Carl LARSON [4301] (Jun 1885, Woodland, Wright, Minnesota, USA)
2. Sadie Edna NUTTALL [3443] (1 Jun 1895,  Minnesota, USA)
3. Mary Louise Strmonik [9238] (2 Jun 1902, Smartno ob Dreti, Nazarje, Slovenia, AUSTRIA)
4. Kerstin ANDERSDOTTER [4903] (4 Jun 1697, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
5. Peder Bang/Borstadmyren PEDERSEN and Anne Opem JOHNSDATTER [1666] (9 Jun 1806, NORWAY)
6. Milton Theodore LIDMAN [920] (9 Jun 1905, Seattle, King, Washington, USA)
7. Kjerstin LARSDOTTER [4292] (13 Jun 1830, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
8. Anna ELOFSDOTTER [3413] (14 Jun 1863, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
9. Lars ELOFSSON [4274] (21 Jun 1806, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
10. Karen ELOFSDOTTER [3415] (24 Jun 1856, Norra Loffstrand, Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
11. Anna ERIKSEN [418] (25 Jun 1871, , Nicollet, Minnesota, USA)

Note: The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program. If there is a word after an individusl's name, it is his/her farm/village as listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call.

June Birthdays & Anniversaries

May Birthdays & Anniversaries

Each month I post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during the month.  I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns.  As you can see Austria/Slovenia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota, North Dakota & Washington) are represented.

May Birthdays & Anniversaries by Wordle.net

Do we share any of the same ancestors?  If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1. Erik OLOFSSON and Ragnilla HALVARDSDOTTER [1550] (1 May 1702, Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
2. Anton ZAGRADISNIK [915] (6 May 1839, Gornji Grad, , , AUSTRIA)
3. Anton ZAGRADISNIK [923] (6 May 1889, Nova Stifta, , , AUSTRIA)
4. Marit ELOFSDOTTER [4311] (9 May 1793, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
5. Marta ZAKRIASDATTER, Berget [4270] (17 May 1796, Hegra, Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
6. Nils LARSSON and Karin ENGELBREKTSDOTTER [1548] (22 May 1726, , Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
7. Anders HAKANSSON [4340] (24 May 1737, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
8. John F. KOVASH [2366] (25 May 1910, Renton, King, Washington, USA)
9. Peder PEDERSEN, Kval and Mali ERIKSDATTER, Skjelstadsveen [1460] (26 May 1825, Hegra, Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
10. Victor Emanuel MATTSON [3418] (27 May 1883, , , Minnesota, USA)
11. Abigail STEVENSON [3429] (27 May 1890, , , North Dakota, USA)
12. Lars ELOFSSON (Louis LIDMAN) and Josephine ERIKSEN [247] (28 May 1902, , Wright, Minnesota, USA)
13. Casper Charles KRAVAGNA [2369] (28 May 1910, , , Washington, USA)
14. Britta PERSDOTTER [4314] (31 May 1799, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)

Note:  The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program.  If there is a word after an individusl's name, it is his/her farm/village as listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call.

May Birthdays & Anniversaries

April Birthdays & Anniversaries

Each month I post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during the month. I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns. As you can see Austria/Slovenia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota) are represented.

April Birthdays & Anniversaries by Wordle.net

Do we share any of the same ancestors? If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1. John N. JOHNSON [4407] (Apr 1861, SWEDEN)
2. Albert E. LARSON [4297] (Apr 1877, , Wright, Minnesota, USA)
3. Erik HANSEN and Mali LARSDATTER [1484] 5 Apr 1774, , Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
4. Ernest William LIDMAN [825] (5 Apr 1903, Lake Mary, , Minnesota, USA)
5. Mail PEDERSDATTER, Rolfsengbergene [413] (6 Apr 1835, Hegra, Ovre Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
6. Jons NILSSON [4356] (8 Apr 1818, Nedre Varnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
7. Elof GUDMUNDSSON and Marit LARSDOTTER [1352] (9 Apr 1716, , Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
8. Halfvard PERSSON [4322] (12 Apr 1836, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
9. Alfred SWANSON [879] (15 Apr 1866, SWEDEN)
10. Rudolph John ZAGRADISNIK [921] (17 Apr 1885, Nova Stifta, , , AUSTRIA)
11. Bengt OLAFSSON [4385] (21 Apr 1737, , Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
12. Hannah M. MATTSON [3419] (21 Apr 1885, Woodland, Wright, Minnesota, USA)
13. Peder ERIKSEN, Hastagjerdet and Mail PEDERSDATTER, Rolfsengbergene [270] (23 Apr 1860, Hegra, Ovre Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
14. Elof LARSSON and Marit LARSDOTTER [248] (27 Apr 1856, , Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
15. Alfred SWANSON and Anna ERIKSEN [324] (29 Apr 1891, , , Minnesota, USA)
16. Reuben E. SWANSON [1024] (29 Apr 1896, , , Minnesota, USA)
17. Per Elofsson [4310] (30 Apr 1789, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)

Note: The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program. If there is a word after an individual's name, it is his/her farm/village as listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call.

April Birthdays & Anniversaries

March Birthdays & Anniversaries

Each month I will post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during that month. I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns. As you can see Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota) are represented.

March Name Wordle made with Wordle.net ~ thanks

Do we share any of the same ancestors? If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1.  Clifford L. POST [1472] (Mar 1881, , , Wisconsin, USA)
2.  Ruth JOHNSON [4428] (Mar 1893, , , Minnesota, USA)
3.  Alice SWANSON [1023] (Mar 1894, , , Minnesota, USA)
4.   Lars ELOFSSON [4313] (5 Mar 1797, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
5.   Elsie STEVENSON [3627] (5 Mar 1893, , , Minnesota, USA)
6.   Kjerstin NILSDOTTER [4355] (11 Mar 1817, Nedre Varnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
7.   Albert Reginal SWANSON [1016] (13 Mar 1892, Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota, USA)
8.   Anna ELOFSDOTTER [4312] (14 Mar 1800, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
9.   Eugenia C. BAKER [1058] (17 Mar 1895, , , Kansas, USA)
10. Edward MATTSON [3422] (18 Mar 1892, , Wright, Minnesota, USA)
11. Josephine ERIKSEN [846] (20 Mar 1875, , Nicollet, Minnesota, USA)
12. Erik IVERSEN, Medkilplass [4269] (Mar 1796, Hegra, Ovre Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
13. Mary Erickson MARK [1466] (31 Mar 1883, , , Minnesota, USA)

Note: The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program. If there is a word after an individual's name, it is his/her farm/village listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call!

March Birthdays & Anniversaries

February Birthdays & Anniversaries

Each month I post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during that month. I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns. As you can see Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota) are represented.

February Name Wordle made with Wordle.net ~ thanks

Do we share any of the same ancestors? If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1.  Ida JOHNSON [4644] (Feb 1885, , , Minnesota, USA)
2.  Marit LARSDOTTER [4293] (1 Feb 1836, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
3.  Anders ELOFSSON [4309] (11 Feb 1786, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
4.  Kristina ELOFSDOTTER [3414] (13 Feb 1869, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
5.  Valentin KOCEVAR [897] (14 Feb 1874, Smartno ob Dreti, Nazarje, Slovenia, AUSTRIA-HUNGARY)
6.  Julianna DERNAC [922] (16 Feb 1889, Zabukovje, , , AUSTRIA)
7.  Antonia Anna KOCHEVAR [826] (17 Feb 1910, Taylor, King Washington, USA)
8.  Jon PERSSON [4320] (21 Feb 1831, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
9.  Lena C. BENSON [3424] (22 Feb 1890, SWEDEN)
10. Doris Marie Mark JONES [1468] (23 Feb 1910, Tacoma, Pierce, Washington, USA)
11. Marit BONDESDOTTER [4344] (26 Feb 1718, Nedre Varnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)

Note: The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program.  If there is a word after an individual's name, it is his/her farm/village listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call!

February Birthdays & Anniversaries

January Birthdays & Anniversaries

January Name Wordle made with Wordle.net ~ thanks

This year I decided to add birthdays and anniversaries to my blog mix.  Each month I will post a "roll call" of those who came before me ~ it is a listing of the birthdays and anniversaries of my Kocevar/Kochevar & Lidman ancestors who were born or married during the month.  I use a cutoff year of 1910 for privacy concerns.  As you can see Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States (Minnesota) are represented.

Do we share any of the same ancestors? If so, I would love to hear from you and hear all about them.

1.  Oscar JOHNSON [4647] (Jan 1896, , ,  Minnesota, USA)
2.  Kjerstin PERSDOTTER [4319] 2 Jan 1829, Fastnas, Norry Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
3.  Frederick Lawrence ROBERTSON [3581] (3 Jan 1898, , Wright, Minnesota, USA)
4.  Peder PEDERSEN, Kval [4697] (Jan 1798, Hegra, Stjordal, Nord-Trondelag, NORWAY)
5.  Anna O. FALL [3587] (7 Jan 1905, Big Lake, Sherburne, Minnesota, USA)
6.  Olga C. STEVENSON [3482] (8 Jan 1898, , , Minnesota, USA)
7.  Pehr SONESSON [4861] (11 Jan 1763, Sodra Loffstrand, Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
8.  Elof PERSSON [4315] (12 Jan 1819, Fastnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
9.  Rudolph John ZAGRADISNIK and Julianna DERNAC [267] (14 Jan 1909, Saint Clairsville, Belmont, Ohio, USA)
10. Ragnilda PERSDOTTER [4291] (18 Jan 1795, Stakerud, Eksharad, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
11. Halvard LARSSON and Christina PETERSON [1335] (20 Jan 1873, , Wright, Minnesota, USA)
12. Per JONSSON [4350] (25 Jan 1795, Nedre Varnas, Norra Ny, Varmlands lan, SWEDEN)
13. Clara Wilhelmina STEVENSON [3431] (25 Jan 1896, Clarissa, Todd, Minnesota, USA)


Note: The number in brackets [ ] is the individual's RIN (record identification number) or the couple's MRIN (marriage record identification number) in my genealogy program. If there is a word after an individual's name, it is his/her farm/village listed in the Bygdebok.

Come back and check out next month's roll call!

January Birthdays & Anniversaries