Mons Schanke Monson EIKUM

Notes:

The father of Thomas Munson is listed as Mons Monson in Thomas and Susan’s marriage record.

In Mons’s confirmation record in the church book, he is Mons Monsen Schanke Eikum.

In the 1865 Norwegian census, he is the owner of the Eikum indre farm (68-2) in Hafslo. This seems to be a relatively prosperous farm with 3 horses, 20 cattle, 55 sheep and 4 pigs.

Birth:
birth and death information from the bygdebøk

Mons married Brithe Olsdatter LIE on 7 Nov 1837 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. Brithe was born on 20 May 1820; died on 20 Aug 1849 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Birthe Torbjornsdatter TEIGHE. Birthe was born in 1817 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; died in 1889 in Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mons married Kari Larsdatter LIE on 1 Jul 1852 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. Kari was born on 18 Jul 1827 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; died on 9 Jan 1887 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 21 Oct 1838, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 10 Feb 1856, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

In the 1865 census, he was the Husmand med jord on Eikum indre hagen with his wife Anne Larsdatter and their 3 children.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 19 Jun 1859, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

On Eikum indre with her parents and siblings in the 1865 Norwegian census.

According to the out-migration records, Anne came to the U.S. with Thomas, or at least is listed together with Thomas and the Bolstads in their April 4th entry for 1867. The church book lists her right after Thomas as “piga Anne Monsdatter Eikum, age 23.”

Couldn’t find her in the U.S. 1870 census.

According to the bygdebok, she married Elias Jacobson i Vedviki. She died in 1910, he died in 1914.

Perhaps she chickened out of actually emigrating or else she returned to Norway. The 1875 census shows an Anna Monsdatter, b. 1844 in Urnes, Hafslo, as the wife of Elias Jacobsen, b. 1844, Gaardbruger, Selveier. They have a son, Jacob Eliasen, b. 1874 in Urnes, Hafslo. The live on the Vedviken farm, no. 69 (179). However, Anne Monsdatter, the half-sister of Thomas, was not born in Urnes. She was born on Eikum.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 27 Dec 1846, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
• Confirmation: 15 Jun 1862, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

He was shown in the 1865 census as 19 year-old unmarried Mons Monssen living on the Eikum indre farm in Hafslo with 60 year-old Mons Monssen and his wife, 39 year-old Kari Larsdatter.

He may be the Mons Ekum, operator of grocery store and saloon in Soldiers Grove, who is listed in “A Few Good Men of Crawford County.” That Mons Ekum came to the U.S. in 1873.

Settled in the Cornell, Wisconsin, area. Living in Colburn, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, in the 1920 census, just down the road from Albert Mercier (#8007).

Living as Mons Ekum in the town of Clayton, Crawford County, at the time of the 1880 census. He was a farmer, age 32, his wife Martha was 25, and his sons were Martin C., 3, and Lawrence, 1.

Still living in the town of Clayton in the 1900 census. The family consisted of Mons, 53, Martha, 46, Martin C., 23, Lawrence, 21, Mabel B., 19, Stina, 17, Grace, 14, Carie, 12, and Tressa M., 9. Martha had borne 8 children, only these 7 still living.

In the 1905 Wisconsin state census, the family lives in Colburn Twp, Chippewa County. Mons is a farmer.

According to an index published on the internet for the book "The First 100 Years - A History of Soldiers Grove" by W. M. Ward, Published June 1964, a Mons Ekum reference is on p. 45.

From a message board on Rootsweb in 2004:

I've been tracking the Mons and Martha Ekum family of Cornell, Chippewa County, Wisconsin. They had several daughters - Mabel, born in 1880; Stina, born in 1883; Grace born in 1886; Carrie in 1888. In a check of the name Ekum, two death notices popped up in Minnesota. Carol Jean Perry, Mower county, died in 1990, mother's maiden name was Ekum and Wilber George Hendrickson, Hennepin county, died in 1996, mother's maiden name Ekum. Would anyone have a way of finding out who the parents were of Carol and Wilber -- am I looking at daughters of Mons and Martha? Thanks!!!

With the reply from someone in Norway:

I read with great interest that you have been tracking the Ekum family of Chippewa Co., WI. Then you may be aware of the fact that Mons Schanke Monsson Ekum (1846-1928) was a native of Hafslo parish in Luster Co., Norway. He emigrated in 1871 and married Martha Johnson (1854-1920) of Vernon Co., WI, a daughter of former goldminer Christopher Nitter Johnson, also known as "California-Johnson" (1826-1875), who had emigrated from Luster Co., Norway in 1847.

As far as Mons and Martha Ekum's daughters are concerned, only Stena (1883) appears to have left children. She married Peter Helgeson of Eau Claire, WI, and they had three daughters, Myrtle, Olga and Hazel.

Off hand, I don't know the background of Carol Jean Perry, but Wilber George Hendrickson appears to be a son of George Hendrickson and his wife Caroline Ekum. They lived in Minneapolis, MN. Caroline was born in 1885, and her father was Thomas Monsson Ekum (1850-1905) of Vernon Co., WI and of Siskiyou Co., CA. a halfbrother of Mons Schanke Ekum!

Birth:
birthdate per confirmation record

Family/Spouse: Marie Andersdatter EIKUM. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mons married Martha JOHNSON about 1876. Martha (daughter of Christopher Nitter “California” Johnson REESE and Gunnilda Torgersdatter FORTNEY) was born in Dec 1854 in Wisconsin; died in Dec 1920 in Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 25 Mar 1849, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
• Confirmation: 12 Jun 1864, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

Seems to have gotten favorable comments on her performance in confirmation classes or tests. She is unmarried and on Eikum indre with her parents and siblings in the 1865 Norwegian census.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 6 Oct 1850, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
• Confirmation: 18 Jun 1865, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

Shown as Tomas Monssen, 16 years old, in the 1865 census, a “tjenestekarl” living on the Eikum indre farm with Mons Monssen and Kari Larsdatter.

Raised by Nels (d. 11 Oct 1890) and Rognild (d. 10 Oct 1880) Bolstad. {Neither of these deaths are included in the index of Vernon County deaths, either as Bolstad or as Ekum (see below).} Came to the U.S. when he was a year-and-a-half old. {No. See below.} There were several Bolstads shown in the Town of Franklin in the 1910 census but none in the 1870 census. Neither Thomas Munson nor Nels Bolstad is shown in the 1870 census for Wisconsin.

A Niels Sjursen Ekum, age 50, of Hafslo, and a Ragnhilde Ekum, age 48, also of Hafslo were on the boat “Claus Heftye” that sailed from Bergen on April 23, 1867, and arrived in Quebec on May 28, 1867. Thomas Monsen Eikum, age 17, of Lyster, was also on that boat. In the 1865 census, Niels Sjurssen, 50, husmand med jord, and Ragnilde Botolfsdatter, 48, were the only two people on Eikum indre bakken.

From the Sogn og Fjordane emigration records, we learn that four people from the Eikjum indre farm in Haflso moved out of Haflso, destination Amerika, on April 4, 1867. Those four were Nils Sjurssen, b. 1819; his wife Ragnhilde Botolphsdatter, b. 1819; Thomas Monssen, b. 1850; and Anne Monsdatter, b. 1844. (The date for the Bowes is April 9th.) Also leaving on April 4th were Andrea Johannesdatter Vadvig, age 19. (Andrea was born 31 Jan 1848 to the unmarried Johannes Christophersen Bjørno or Bjørnethune and Sophie Monsdatter Eikum.)

In the 1865 census, Niels Sjurssen, 50, and Ragnilde Botolfsdatter, 48, were the only two people living on the Eikum indre Bakken farm in Hafslo. Both were born in Luster. Niels was a husmand with land.

Thomas and Susan were married in a civil ceremony witnessed by J. H. Layne and Claus Bowe.

In the 1895 Wisconsin state census, Thomas Monson and family live in the town of Franklin, Vernon County. The household consists of seven people, five of whom were born in Wisconsin and 2 in Scandinavia. Four are males, 3 are females.

Thomas moved his family, which included six (?) children, to California because of his health. He died in California and his two surviving sons went to work in a factory making fruit boxes to make a living for the family. (The story says that Albert was 17 and Martin was 10 at that time. But that would put the date at about 1899, well before Tom died. Albert may well have started at the box factory in 1899.)

Because Susan and family is living with her parents in the 1900 census, Thomas had moved to California by that time and sent for his family later. In the 1900 census, Caroline, Albert and Tom “Munston” were living in Butte Township, Siskiyou County. Caroline was in school. Albert was working in a box factory, Tom had no occupation listed.

While they were living in northern California near Mt. Shasta, the family experienced an earthquake in 1906. This was probably the great San Francisco earthquake on April 18th. "They could feel it but weren't damaged by it too much." The family moved back to Wisconsin in either 1907 or 1909.

According to Dorothy's family story, Tom brought a bible with him from Norway, dated 1848, that Martin kept.

Census-taker O.K. Fortney visited the Munson farm in the Town of Franklin, Vernon County, on June 6, 1880, and found Thomas, age 29, and Susan B, wife, age 19. No children at that time, apparently.

In the 1896 Vernon County plat book index, Thomas’s land is listed as being record #3415 in Franklin 12, Section 31, R4.

Couldn’t find a separate Thomas Munson or Monson household in the 1885 Wisconsin census. The Thomas Monson household in the 1895 Wisconsin census consisted of 4 males and 3 females, of which 5 were born in the U.S. and 2 in Scandinavia. That mix is not consistent with other family information.

Died:
Date from the California Death Index images on FS. Thomas died in county #47, age 55, state file number 12258 for 1905.

Buried:
As Thomas M Ekum. He shares a gravestone with his daughter Theresa. CW block 31, lot 3, space 5.

Thomas married Susanna Clausdatter (Susan) BOWE on 8 Mar 1880 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Susanna (daughter of Claus Sjursen BØE (BOWE) and Kari Andersdatter MAREIM) was born on 18 Dec 1860 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; was christened on 30 Dec 1860 in Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; died on 9 Aug 1943 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried on 12 Aug 1943 in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 28 Aug 1853, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

She is age 13 in the 1865 Norwegian census.

Her mother was called Kari Sjursdatter in the Baptisms in Hafslo database.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 2 Aug 1857, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

She is age 9 and living with her parents and siblings on Eikum indre in the 1865 Norwegian census.

In the 1910 census she had had 7 children, all still living.

Baptism:
Urnæs subparish

Family/Spouse: Hans Bugge Johannessen EIKUM. Hans was born about 1859 in Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; died on 12 Mar 1925 in Nicollet County, Minnesota; was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 2 Aug 1857, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

He is not listed in the 1865 census and there is a later son with the same name who is. Thus, it is likely that this Lars died before 1861.

Birth:
Urnæs subparish

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 1 Apr 1861, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

Shown as age 5 in the 1865 Norwegian census.

Baptism:
Urnæs subparish

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 7 Apr 1872, Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

Baptism:
Urnæs subparish

Notes:

Or Martin Christopher.

Single and living at home with his parents and siblings in the 1905 state census.

Also referred to as Christopher Martin as he did, for example, on his draft registration. In that registration he was described as tall and of medium build with dark brown eyes and dark hair. He was a self-employed farmer and gave his nearest relative as Knute Nelson of Boyd.

As Christopher M Ekum, he was a farmer in Colburn Twp, Chippewa County, in the 1920 census. He was a widower in the 1930 census (indexed as Ekrem).

Birth:
from his draft registration

Christopher married Susan NELSON on 16 Sep 1908 in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Susan was born in 1880 in Wisconsin; died in 1924; was buried in Big Drywood Lutheran Cemetery, Cadott, Chippewa County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Single and living at home with his parents and siblings in the 1905 state census.

In his draft registration he gave his nearest relative as Birtha Ekum of Cornell. Lawrence was of medium height and build with blue eyes and dark hair.

In the 1930 census, he and his family lived next door to or with his widower brother Christopher and sister Tressa in Colburn Twp.

Lawrence married Bertha QUALLE about 1910. Bertha was born about 1881 in Minnesota; died about 1935. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 26 Jun 1881
• Confirmation: 4 Jun 1899, Soldiers Grove, Crawford County, Wisconsin

Notes:

She is not listed in the 1905 in the household of her parents.

Notes:

Single and living at home with her parents and siblings in the 1905 state census. Her occupation is shown as domestic.

She is probably the “Christina Eckum” in the Wildwood Amusement Park photo that Martha sent as a post card.

Stina married Peter Martin HELGESON about 1909. Peter was born on 19 Jul 1873 in Freeman Twp, Crawford County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Single and living at home with her parents and siblings in the 1905 state census and 1910 federal census.

In the 1913 and 1914 and 1915 St. Paul city directories, Carrie and Grace lived together at 217 Spruce. Both were waitresses.

In the 1917 St. Paul directory, Carrie lived at 238½ West 4th and was still a waitress. Grace lived at 544 Wabasha, no occupation.

In the 1918 and 1919 St. Paul directories, Grace was the only Ekum in St. Paul. She roomed at 544 Wabasha and her occupation was “furn.”

Notes:

Single and living at home with her parents and siblings in the 1905 state census and 1910 federal census.

In the 1913 and 1914 and 1915 St. Paul city directories, Carrie and Grace lived together at 217 Spruce. Both were waitresses.

In the 1917 St. Paul directory, Carrie lived at 238½ West 4th and was still a waitress. Grace lived at 544 Wabasha, no occupation.

In the 1918 and 1919 St. Paul directories, Grace was the only Ekum in St. Paul.

She also had a cousin Carrie (see #13622) who married Oliver C Lee in Nicollet County on 21 Jun 1916.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Wisconsin Death Certificate: 009625

Notes:

Single and living at home with her parents and siblings in the 1905 state census.

In the 1930 census, she is Tressa Ekum, 37, living next door to or with her widower brother Christopher in Colburn Twp.

Notes:

Appropriately named after her father’s mother.

Included because Susan is shown in the 1900 census as having borne 8 children, 5 still living.

Albert’s obit says that he was preceded in death by 4 sisters and 1 brother. Therefore, this unnamed sibling of Albert must be a sister.

Susan’s obit shows that she had 5 daughters, one of them named Bertha.

Not listed in the Vernon County Death Index.

The bygdebok has her born in late 1880 and dying at an extremely young age.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V24, P559 As Albert M. Ekum

Notes:

Perhaps named for his little aunt Albertina who may have died at about the time he was born. Albertine had probably been named for her brother Albert Bowe who died while Albertine was in utero.

It’s possible that his middle name was Mons.

He placed the following advertisement in the Vernon County Censor, 9 Aug 1911 edition, and for two more weeks after that: For Sale: My stock and tobacco farm of 86 acres located 3 miles west of Readstown, known as the Hendrickson farm. Albert Munson Ekum, Readstown, Route No. 2. The Kickapoo Scout’s 4 May 1916 edition noted that Albert Ekum had sold his farm to Adolph Anderson.

The Kickapoo Scout’s 22 Jun 1916 edition noted that Albert Ekum had traveled to Minneapolis for medical treatment.

Registered for the draft on September 12, 1918, as Albert Ekum. He listed his home address as Route 4, Viroqua. He claimed to be 35 and born on November 26, 1882. His occupation is illegible. His nearest relative is listed as Bertha Ekum. Albert is described as of medium height and slender build with blue eyes and light hair.

The Kickapoo Scout’s 14 Nov 1918 edition noted that Albert Ekum had started to build his large store buildings in Liberty Pole and would soon start to sell all sorts of things that the people in the area needed. Albert advertised in the 26 Mar 1919 edition of the Vernon County Censor that he has opened up his new store in Liberty Pole and had on hand a full line of groceries.

The Vernon County Censor’s 9 Jul 1919 edition had a For Sale advertisment from Albert: My property at Liberty Pole consisting of 3½ acres of good tobacco land, garden and orchard, good house and barn, new store building, blacksmith shop.

The 27 August 1919 edition of the Censor had a brief article entitled A New City on the Hill: Albert Ekum, who has conducted a grocery at Liberty Pole, will take a change of base. He has purchased two acres of land from Ole B. Fortney and founded a new hamlet, which is christened “Mason City”, named for the early owner of the Mason farm. The store and residence is in course of erection on the country site, opposite the farm residence of Solfest Solverson, in the Franklin area.

The Censor’s 5 Nov 1919 edition said: Six miles south of Viroqua, on the Readstown state trunk highway, nearly opposite that farm home of Sylvester Solverson, looms up a fine combined business structure and dwelling. The place also has a full basement. It will open for business Saturday, November 8. At this favorable location, Albert Ekum has established a new trading place where he will dispense general merchandise to the people, carrying a complete stock. He invites all within his territory to call and inspect his goods, assuring them of new and good purchases at live and let live prices. A gasoline tank is established. Mr. Ekum is well known and has experience. The favorable location ought to insure success to the new merchant.

The Censor’s 9 Feb 1921 edition noted that Albert Ekum had hired a tutor to instruct him in the method of driving his new flivver.

Changed name to Ekum because, according to Dorothy's family stories, there were so many Munsons in the area (after they moved back in 1907) that delivering mail was confusing. Some relatives in northern Wisconsin convinced Albert and other members of the family to change their name to Ekum, similar to the original family name in Norway.

Albert and Bertha ran a grocery store and cabins many years in Mason City, "a small place south of Viroqua." They moved to Viroqua in 1946. After moving to Viroqua, Albert sold corn and was a janitor of Immanuel Church until he died in 1952.

In his obit, it was noted that Albert was the proprietor of a Mason City store for 27 years, an assessor for the Town of Franklin for 22 consecutive years, and treasurer of Immanuel Church for 12 years.

Not shown as living with his mother at the time of the 1900 census (June 12th). He and his father and sister Caroline had gone to California by that time and were living in Butte Township, Siskiyou County. Albert had a job as a laborer in a box factory.

The 1920 census-taker was Douglas Nelson who found the Ekum family on January 21st:

Albert, 31, home-owner but with a mortgage, store-keeper of a general store working on own account. Bertha, 28, born in Norway and immigrated in 1908 or 1909, naturalized in 1911, can read and write (probably Norwegian) but cannot speak English. {Which may be why her age is incorrect.} Children: Earnest T, 6, who has attended school, Selma Margaret, age 4 years and some months, Theresa Caroline, age 2 years and some months, and Archie Bennet age 1 year and some months or less.

Shown as Albert Elsum in the 1930 census index. According to the census, Albert and his family were living on the “Viroqua and Readstown Road” in Franklin Twp, Vernon County, in a $2500 house that Albert owned and that was not a farm. They did not have a radio. The household consisted of Albert, 47, Bertha, 38, Theresa, 12, Archie, 10, Walter, 8, Dorothy, 4+, Selma, 2+, and Thomas, 3 months. (Ernest is not listed.) Albert and Bertha were 29 and 20, respectively, when they were first married. Bertha emigrated in 1909. Albert’s occupation is shown as “Merchant, Country Store.” Albert was not a veteran.

Albert’s store and filling station was robbed in September of 1939 by a “gang” of three Minneapolis men who had staged several other holdups in the area. The three were captured in Michigan. They had raided Albert’s cash register for about $15.

In the 1940 census, Albert, Bertha, and their six youngest children, lived in Franklin Twp. Albert was the operator of a rural store.

In the 1950 census, Albert and Bertha lived 419 S Washington in Viroqua. Albert is a janitor at a church as well as a seed salesman. Living with them at the same address is the Adrian Sherry family.

An article in the December 19, 1951, edition of the La Crosse Tribune:

Viroquans Mark 40th Anniversary

“Friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ekum, 419 S. Washington Ave., honored them on their 40th wedding anniversary December 16th. A reception was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church parlors. Mrs. Ekum, the former Bertha Oren, came to this country from Norway when she was 17. She was 20 when she was married to Albert Ekum at Readstown by the Rev. L. C. Jacobson, then Immanuel Lutheran pastor. Their attendants were Mrs. Ida Anderson and Martin Ekum, sister and brother of the couple. Both were at the Sunday reception.

“In a brief program, the Rev. Peder Nordsletten, Immanuel pastor, reviewed the lives of the celebrants. Daughters of the couple participated in devotions and the reading of anniversary poems.

“Before coming to Viroqua to reside in 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Ekum operated a general store and tourist camp at Mason City on Highway 14 between Readstown and Viroqua for 26 years.

“Their children are Mrs. Floyd Clements, Mrs. Arnold McKittrick, Mrs. Adrian Sherry, all of this vicinity; Ernest, Mason City; Arch, Birmingham, England; Tomas, U.S. Army stationed in Virginia; Walter, Monroe, Wisconsin.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ekum never have seen the two children of Arch, who served overseas during World War II and married an English girl. Nor have they seen a grandchild living in the south. The other six grandchildren are in the area.”

In his World War II draft registration, he gave his address as Route 5, Viroqua. He was self-employed.

Ernest Ekum, in the Vernon County 150 years book, wrote:

“In the year of 1920, Albert Ekum bought two acres of land from Mr. Ole B. Fortney to build a grocery store and living quarters combined. They moved to the store from Liberty Pole on October 31, 1920. Behind the store on the north side were hitching posts for the customers’ horses.

“They sold groceries and later added clothing such as jackets, shirts, gloves, shoes, etc.

“There was no electricity then so they used two aladdin lamps to light their store.

“For a time, they bought fresh cream from the farmers around for Swift & Co. who came and picked it up.

“Later, when people started buying cars and there were better roads, the Ekums tore the porch off the front and put in gasoline pumps. They also tore out the hitching posts and built a place to drain oil from cars.

“The Ekums then built a few tourist cabins which was a good business.

“In 1946, the Ekums sold their store to Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Olson of Madison and they then moved to the city of Viroqua.

“The store was then run by the Olsons until the roads got better and the people were shopping more elsewhere. Later the state road was rerouted from the store location and the Olsons closed their store and business.”

According to the obit in the La Crosse paper, he died suddenly at his home in Viroqua on Tuesday afternoon, March 4th. Visitation was at the home on March 7th, and the funeral on the 8th was from the home and at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

That obit also says: “Before coming to Viroqua six years ago, Ekum operated the Mason City general store and tourist cabins in the Township of Franklin, Vernon County, for 27 years. He held many township offices including assessor, and was treasurer of the Franklin Lutheran Church for many years. He remained active in church work in Viroqua.”

Died:
Died at 2:30 PM according to Cora’s diary. Died suddenly at his home on South Washington Avenue according to La Crosse obit.

Buried:
Rev. Borgen conducted the funeral according to one source, Rev. Peder Nordsletten according to another.

Albert married Brita Eriksdatter (Bertha Malina) ØREN on 19 Dec 1911 in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Brita (daughter of Erik Pedersen NUNDAL and Malene Ovesdatter ØREN) was born on 21 Dec 1891 in Årdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; died on 11 Feb 1960 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MN Death Cert Checked: Y
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1945-MN-005814

Notes:

Caroline accompanied her father and brother Albert to California in advance of Susan and the rest of the children traveling out there to join them. In the 1900 census, Caroline, Albert and Tom were living in Butte Township, Siskiyou County. Caroline was in school.

Clara, Caroline, and Dorothy visited Cora at her Minnehaha Avenue home on July 17, 1944.

Services held at Richfield Baptist Church, 2:00 PM, on Thursday, February 22, 1945, Rev. Royal Bowser officiating. Funeral arrangements by Joe Billman House of Flowers.

Her obituary said that her residence was 6605 1st Avenue South and that she was 58 years old. She was survived by her husband George, daughter Mrs. Mildred Pratt, sons Chester, Wilbur, and Richard, one sister and two brothers.

According to her death certificate, she died of sudden complications of gall bladder disease and stone which led to “lumbar arrest.” This may mean cardiac arrest occurring during or as a result of spinal anesthesia.

Birth:
April 1885 according to the 1900 census. 13 April 1886 according to her death certificate.

Caroline married George HENDRICKSON on 9 Mar 1910 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. George (son of Karsten Henrik (Charles) HENDRICKSON and Mary ERICKSON) was born on 1 Jan 1886 in Minnesota; died on 27 Jun 1955 in Hennepin County, Minnesota; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died as an infant. Not listed in the Vernon County Death Index.

The bygdebok calls him Kelley. He should have been named after his mother’s father.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Social Security Number: 394-07-9077 issued in WI before 1951
• Baptism: 15 May 1890, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Martin registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, in the town of Franklin by registrar Carl B. Fortney. He claimed to be 27, born on March 6, 1890, in the town of Franklin. His home address is shown as Rural Delivery route 4, Viroqua. He claimed to be a self-employed farmer. Regarding anyone “solely dependent on you for support,” he listed “mother and invalid sister.” He is described as tall and of slender build with blue eyes and brown hair.

Changed name to Ekum because, according to Dorothy's family stories, there were so many Munsons in the area (after they moved back in 1907) that delivering mail was confusing. Some relatives in northern Wisconsin convinced Martin and Albert and other members of the family to change their name to Ekum, similar to the original family name in Norway.

Operated on at the Viroqua hospital for a ruptured appendix in November of 1921.

No children. Seven years younger than Albert.

In his obituary, it was noted that Martin “for many years operated a filling station in Viroqua.”

Pallbearers at Martin’s funeral: Leonard Erickson, Richard Hagun, Robert Miller, Maynard Wedwick, Leland Ekum, and Larry McKittrick.



According to Cora’s diary, she, Ron, and Don R. visited Martin during their trip to Viroqua on June 19, 1966.

Martin Ekum is shown in the 1910 census as a single, 20 year-old hired man on the Ole Solverson farm.

Census-taker Douglas Nelson visited the Anderson/Nundahl/Ekum farms (they were contiguous, apparently, which is consistent with Cora’s memory) on January 11, 1920, and found:

Martin Ekum, 29, owner of mortgaged property, farmer in general farming, an employer. Susan, mother, 51, [that must have been 59 or 61] widow, immigrated in 1870, naturalized but no date shown. Rhoda, sister, 24, single, born in Wisconsin, no occupation.

At the time of the 1930 census, Martin, 40, his mother Susan, 69, and his sister Rhoda, 33, were living at 165 West Maple in Viroqua in a $3500 house that Martin, presumably, owned. The household did not have a radio. Susan is shown as not being able to read or write and having come to this country in 1866. Martin’s occupation is attendant, service station, and he is employed. Martin was not a veteran. Rhoda and Susan have no occupation.

In the 1940 census, he (indexed as Marlin Ekrem), lives with his mother and sister Rhoda at 165 Maple Street in Viroqua. He had a 7th grade education and worked as an attendant at a gasoline filling station.

In his World War II draft registration, he gave his mother Susan, 165 Maple Street, as the person who would always know his address. He was employed by Steenson Bros, of South Main Street, Viroqua.

In the 1950 census, Martin and Esther lived on W. Maple Street in Viroqua. He is an attendant at a gasoline filling station.

In a typed letter to Cora dated December 7, 1968, Theresa Clements says about Martin: “Uncle Martin hasn’t been too good either. He was in the hospital three weeks ago, from Saturday night until Thursday. His heart acted up again and guess it was worse this time. A nurses aide said to Sally that three doctors worked over him for two hours that night and that it was a coronary. But, if it had been that, he wouldn’t have gotten home so soon. He did have oxygen from Saturday night until Tuesday morning but he told me Sunday night that he was feeling fine then. He hasn’t gone back to work though. He tried it a couple of times but didn’t feel good again. He doesn’t work so hard at the station -- just tends the pumps -- but I think he started back too soon and put in too long a day and got over-tired. Then a week ago today he was feeling so good he went out and trimmed some bushes in front of his house and had to have a doctor again. I think the work he does at home is much harder on him. And this past year he has had such an obsession about his lawn that he was mowing it almost every day all summer. He didn’t go to the funeral parlor today {for Carl Nundahl} either but he went up to the funeral parlor last night.”

In her Christmas letter of 1973, Theresa said, “Uncle Martin is doing pretty good but his legs bother him a lot. He says they don’t pain him but get so stiff and bothers him to walk some.”

In her birthday card to Cora dated Thursday, February 28, 1974, Theresa said, “Uncle Martin just got home yesterday after spending 24 days in the hospital. He had an abscess on a toe and didn’t go to the doctor right away -- he had it several days before he told me about it -- so he ended up with a badly infected foot. Then, after a few days in the hospital he got real sick from all the antibiotics he was getting. His stomach got real upset, he had diarrhea for over two weeks, and had hiccups almost steady for three days. He got so weak, and just didn’t get his appetite back, so we did get a little worried as it hung on so long. He was going to go home on Monday but then he was so dizzy and nauseated again. I think now that part of it was weakness and a lot of it was homesickness. He said he had never been away from home this long in his life. And when I talked to him last night he said he felt stronger already. His foot is fine. As far as that was concerned he could have gone home weeks ago.... I just talked with Uncle Martin and he said he had been weak and dizzy this morning but was feeling fine. He isn’t going to try and drive his car until he gets stronger, though, so Floyd is going to take him to the bank tomorrow.”

In a note to Cora after Martin’s funeral, Dorothy McKittrick said that Martin had been in the hospital for a little over a week but had gone back to the nursing home the day before he died. “He had gotten quite thin and was very weak.”

The casket-bearers at his funeral: Leonard Erickson, Richard Hagen, Maynard Wedwick, Leland Ekum, Robert Miller, and Larry McKittrick.

Cora had two addresses for Martin in her address book:

165 West Maple Street, Viroqua 54665, and
Norseland Nursing Home, Room 114, Westby 54667

There was no house at 165 West Maple Street, just a vacant lot, as of August 17, 2003.

Baptism:
Franklin Lutheran Church

Died:
Norseland Nursing Home

Buried:
funeral Viroqua United Methodist Church

Martin married Esther Leona HILTON on 28 Jun 1944 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Esther was born on 22 May 1911 in Iowa; died on 6 Mar 1970 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried on 9 Mar 1970 in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V25, P19 As Clara Munson

Notes:

Never married. Lived with her aunt Louise. Is shown in the 1920 census and the 1930 census and 1940 census as living with Louise and Martin in Viroqua.

In the 1950 census, she is living in Viroqua with her aunt Louise. Also in the household is the Halvor Allness family.

Her obit says that Clara died suddenly on “Tuesday morning” at a Madison hospital after a lingering illness. That would mean that Clara died on July 1st, the date on her Vernon County death record. The obit said that she had been in failing health for about a year.



May have been the only one of her family to _not_ change her name to Ekum.

Clara, Caroline, and Dorothy visited Cora at her Minnehaha Ave. home on July 17, 1944.

Clara “and Mildred and kids” visited Cora on Minnehaha on July 18, 1947.



According to the obit in the La Crosse newspaper, which had her age as 58, Clara Munson died at a Madison hospital after a lingering illness. “Since childhood she had made her home with an aunt, Mrs. Martin Larson. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Allness. The Rev. Alf Romstad officiates. Survivors include one brother, Martin Ekum, Viroqua, her aunt, and several cousins.”

Died:
Cora’s diary said July 3rd, probably the day Cora heard

Buried:
4NE3

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V19, P335 As Rhoda Ekum

Notes:

Never married. Lived with her mother and brother Martin according to Cora. Her obit noted that she had been “in poor health nearly all of her life.”

Martin referred to her as his “invalid sister” when he registered for the draft.

Her obit says that she died on September 8th as does the Vernon County death record.

Census-taker Douglas Nelson visited the Anderson/Nundahl/Ekum farms (they were contiguous, apparently, which is also consistent with Cora’s memory) on January 11, 1920, and found:

Martin Ekum, 29, owner of mortgaged property, farmer in general farming, an employer. Susan, mother, 51, widow, immigrated in 1870, naturalized but no date shown. Rhoda, sister, 24, single, born in Wisconsin, no occupation.

An article in the Vernon County Censor, 5 Jan 1921 edition, said “Miss Rhoda Ekum, who has been spending the summer at Minneapolis, returned home for the holidays, accompanied by her brother-in-law, who returned the first of the week …” She had been, apparently, staying with Caroline and her family and George had accompanied her back to Viroqua,

At the time of the 1930 census, Rhoda and her mother were living with Martin in Viroqua.

In the 1940 census, Rhoda lives with her mother and Martin in Viroqua. She had a sixth-grade education.

Died:
Died in a hospital in La Crosse. Cora’s diary says September 9th.

Buried:
Rev. D. T. Borgen conducted the funeral

Notes:

Died from spinal meningitis at age 4.

According to FS’s California Death Index images, Theresa died 14 Mar 1906 in county #47, age 3, state file number 7596 for 1906.

Buried:
As Theresa M Ekum. She shares a gravestone with her father.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1955-MN-009582
• Baptism: 10 Jun 1889, Solvorn i Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

She is listed in the 1914 Mankato city directory as a clerk for C J Zotalis. She lived at home with her parents and siblings at 433 Belgrade Ave in N Mankato.

Carrie married Oliver Carl LEE on 21 Jun 1916 in Nicollet County, Minnesota. Oliver was born on 13 Jun 1888 in Minnesota; died on 23 Mar 1965 in Olmsted County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living with her parents in the 1910 census. She was employed as a milliner in a millinery shop.

She is listed in the 1914 Mankato city directory as a clerk for L Blum & Co. She lived at home with her parents and siblings at 433 Belgrade Ave in N Mankato.

She was living with her parents in the 1920 census. She was a sales lady at a dry goods store.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1979-MN-007587

Notes:

Called Johnnie in the 1910 census. He was living at home with his parents and siblings. He was employed as a stripper in a cigar factory.

In the 1930 census, he is John Eikum (indexed as Eckam), a post-office clerk in Mankato, Minnesota. He was born in Norway and came to the U.S. in 1901.

Died:
other sources say 17 Mar 1979 in Moose Lake, Carlton County, Minnesota

Johannes married Daisy Genevieve NORD on 29 Jun 1919 in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Daisy was born on 18 May 1895 in South Dakota; died on 25 Aug 1981 in Carlton County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living at home with her parents in North Mankato in the 1920 census but she had no occupation.

Notes:

She was living at home with her parents in North Mankato in the 1920 census. She was a sales lady at a dry goods store.

Monsine married William Joseph HOLTZ on 9 Dec 1954 in Nicollet County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living at home with her parents in the 1920 census. She was a teller at a bank.

Lukris married Carl T RUDBERG on 4 Sep 1943 in Nicollet County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1901-24992

Notes:

He was living at home with his parents in North Mankato in the 1920 census. He was a truck driver for a furniture store.

He and Helen and Kenneth still lived in North Mankato in the 1940 census. He was a truck driver doing general hauling. Also living with the family was the 40 year-old Frances Dennison, sister-in-law.

In the 1960 Mankato city directory, he was the supervisor in charge of the North Mankato Water Works.

Family/Spouse: Helen L HEISER. Helen was born on 14 Apr 1910 in Nicollet County, Minnesota; died on 4 Oct 1986 in Nicollet County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Wisconsin Death Certificate: 021578

Notes:

The Hellands ran a bar in Cornell.

Alvina married Lewis Wilhelm HELLAND on 9 Dec 1937. Lewis was born on 9 Jan 1914; died on 22 Feb 1975 in Marshfield, Wood County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Social Security Number: 391-10-6806 issued in WI before 1951
• Wisconsin Death Certificate: 030081

Notes:

Nytar married Martha Ann KVAPIL on 21 Apr 1947, and was divorced on 29 Oct 1976 in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. Martha was born on 11 Aug 1929 in Colburn Twp, Chippewa County, Wisconsin; died on 18 Jul 2010 in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin; was buried in Big Drywood Lutheran Cemetery, Cadott, Chippewa County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He and his sister Marie farmed in Colburn Twp, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, in the 1940 census.

Notes:

She and her brother Harold farmed in Colburn Twp, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, in the 1940 census.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bookkeeper, town clerk, farmer
• Social Security Number: 393-10-1662 issued in Wisconsin before 1951

Notes:

Graduated from Ole Torger School in 1927. His wife’s obit said that she and Ernest farmed in the town of Franklin from 1941 until 1990 when they moved to Viroqua.

According to Dorothy Fish Ekum's letter of March, 1983, Ernie, Susanne, and one of Susanne's sons visited Norway and the relatives "five years ago."

In her Christmas card of 1986, Dorothy Fish Ekum tells Cora that Ernest intended to retire from his town clerk job, "and 25 years of aggravation," in the spring of 1987.

Ernest’s obit said that he was a bookkeeper for the Wadhams Oil Co. for 7 years, Clerk for the Town of Franklin for 25 years, a member of ASCS board for 15 years, treasurer for the Ole Torger School Board, a member of the church council at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club.

Not listed in the 1930 census. Was not listed with Albert’s household.

Ernie and Dorothy’s address in the country was Rt. #4, Viroqua 54665. The 1948 Vernon County plat book shows that Ernest owned 160 acres in Section 27: three of the four quarters of the SW corner (Carl owned the SE quarter of that corner) and the SW corner of the NW corner.

In the 1950 census, he and his family lived a couple of farms away from the Carl Nundahl farm in Franklin Twp, Vernon County.

Birth:
date confirmed in SSDI

Died:
date confirmed in SSDI

Buried:
funeral at Immanuel Lutheran Church

Ernest married Dorothy Mae FISH on 16 Oct 1937 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Dorothy (daughter of Harvey Herb FISH and Erma Furl OSBORN) was born on 8 Nov 1915 in Viroqua Twp, Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 26 Oct 2003 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried on 29 Oct 2003 in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V12, P202 As Selma Margrete

Notes:

Her obit noted that she “passed away suddenly, having been ill only a few hours.”

Birth:
“near Readstown”

Buried:
Rev. Borgen conducted the funeral, buried with her parents 1NO25

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 25 Oct 1931, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Cora pronounced her name as Ther-ess-a, second syllable rhyming with dress.

Graduated from Ole Torger School in 1931. She was a very good student according to her 5th grade report that is included in the VCHS records for the Ole Torger school.

She attended high school in Viroqua and graduated in May of 1935.

She was reported to be ill in several newspaper accounts from the later 1930s. The family had a large celebration for her 19th birthday. Perhaps there was some doubt that she would have much longer to live.

She was still living at home at the time of the 1940 census. She had had 4 years of high school.

At one point, perhaps in the mid-1950s, Theresa and Floyd lived at 122 North East Avenue in Viroqua.

Theresa had diabetes, apparently, and gradually lost her sight. As early as the mid-1960s she was corresponding with Cora via a typewriter because she could no longer see to write. By 1975, she implies in her Christmas letter that her sight wasn’t much better than distinguishing between dark and light.

In her birthday letter to Cora dated February 28, 1974, Theresa says that she had had a “siege” in the hospital in December of 1973, apparently from the flu.

Cora kept several letters from Theresa, with whom she apparently corresponded fairly regularly. Theresa’s birthday was the only one from Viroqua that Cora noted in each of her diaries.

Theresa typed this letter to Cora (dated only "Thursday P.M.") apparently sometime after Cora, Ron, and Don R. had driven down to visit on Sunday, June 19, 1966.

Dear Cora,

Got your letter Tues. morning and was so glad to hear that you made it home O.K. and that you all enjoyed your day with us. Floyd and I enjoyed it a lot, too, and we both say that you have a couple of real nice grandson's. Am glad too, that you came when you did, as now my eyes are hemorrhaging again, so I am in a dense fog again. Had such terrible dizzy, headaches the last couple of days but have felt better today. Of course, it cut down on my activities again, but I do go out and water the flowers every day, to get my excercise. I know the landmarks real well, and can see a little bit, so when I take my time I get around pretty good at home.

Uncle Martin found the original deed to the farm and the homestead was approved in 1874. Of course, they had to live there three years before it was approved. He said he didn't know just when the house was built, as when they first came there they lived in a basement, which was up behind the house--said he thought the markings of that old basement still showed up.

I also found out that the farm has been sold. the fellow who bought the Lewis Hanson farm near Mason City bought it. Uncle Martin said that he'd heard he paid seven thousand for it.

All for now--hope I haven't made too many mistakes so you can read this, as I sure can't see what I'm writing. Come again when you can--

Much Love Theresa

Theresa typed this letter to Cora, dated Wednesday, April 22nd, 1970 (postmarked April 23 from Viroqua), and Cora had marked it "Keep this letter":

Dear Cora,

I'm sorry I've been so long answering your letter, with the information you asked for. But with the confusion of Esther's death I didn't ask Uncle Martin for awhile, and then when I did he kept forgetting to get the deed out. So last night we went up there, and Floyd read the deed -- and good thing we did as Uncle Martin was a little mixed up on it. Anyhoo, the homestead was applied for on May 20, 1862 and was approved June 15, 1874. They must have applied for the homestead rights, right after they came over here. As my grandma was around a year and a half when they came over and she was born Dec. 18, 1860. Uncle Martin says that they lived at Liberty Pole for awhile where Grandpa Bowe was a shoe maker. Oh yes, Grandpa Bowe was born in 1833 in Vaas (I don't know if that is spelled right -- it's pronounced V-aw-s) it is in Bergen, Norway.

Uncle Martin is feeling pretty good now. Thea is still there, but he is letting her go the first of May -- says he can't afford to keep her on. We tried to talk him into keeping her on, as we will worry about him there alone, but when he makes up his mind, that's it. Don't say anything, but I have a sneaky suspician that he is afraid people will talk. He is terribly lonesome I think, and wont eat like he should either.

This sure is some weather -- it stays so cold and everything is so behind. Was down to 26 degrees here this morning, and has been drizzling all morning. Guess maybe you have been having sime snow this week, tho -- were a few flurries here yesterday. And seems like we have so much wind, too -- April hasn't been near as nice as March was.

I have a man here checking my refrigerater this morning. I don't know if he can fix it or now--may have to get a new one, if the unit is shot. They sure don't make them as good as they used to -- I had my Coldspot for 15 years and it was still running pretty good when we traded it off, and we have only had this one eight years. We sure weren't planning on this extra expense right now. As Floyd just got a new pick-up, and they don't give them away either. This is the first brand new one we've ever had -- but the old truck was getting to where he hardly dared take it out on the road, so we decided to get a new one instead of buying someone elses troubles.

My eyes are a little better so I have been trying to get some baking done up-- it's not easy, but I struggle along and manage pretty good. I should be cleaning house, but just can't get in the mood in this weather. I have been "reading" some books lately, so am afraid i spend a lot of time with my record player.

Guess I don't know too much news. Talked to Bennetta and Selma (Olson) just a minute at Esther's funeral.

Richard and Willie Hendrickson and Mildred were down for Esther's funeral. It had been 25 years since I had seen Willie -- about 30 years since he had been down here.

All for now--thank you for the nice Easter card--I didn't get any sent out this year. And hope you will forgive me for being so slow with this information.

Much love Theresa

Theresa had the May 20, 1862, part wrong. That was the date that Congress passed the Homestead Act. Reference to that date is included on the original land patent. How she thought that Susan was a year-and-a-half old when the family moved to the U.S. is a mystery and a perpetuation of the myth of the early-1860s emigration. We know that Claus and his family were still in Norway as late as 1865. Maybe Theresa was confused with Susan’s husband Thomas who supposedly came to the U.S. when he was a year-and-a-half old. (Which, as it turns out, is not true either.)

Confirmation:
Immanuel Lutheran

Died:
“in a La Crosse hospital” according to her obit

Theresa married Floyd Albert CLEMENTS on 14 Oct 1944 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Floyd (son of George CLEMENTS and Elsie SMITH) was born on 16 Apr 1914 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 15 Jul 1994 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A note in the Vernon County Censor’s 17 Dec 1919 edition noted that Mrs. Albert Ekum and baby are spending a few days at Viroqua where the little one is under the care of a doctor.

Graduated from the Ole Torger School in 1933.

He lived at home with his parents and siblings in the 1940 census. He was a farm laborer and had been educated through the 8th grade.

He was discharged from Fort Sheridan in Illinois in August or early September of 1945.

Archie’s obit in the Viroqua paper listed his date of death as October 30th.

Was in the service in Birmingham, England, and, apparently, stayed.



Archie’s enlistment record:

Name:Archie B Ekum
Birth Year:1919
Race:White, citizen
Nativity State or Country:Wisconsin
State:Wisconsin
County or City:Vernon
Enlistment Date:25 Oct 1940
Enlistment State:Wisconsin
Enlistment City:Milwaukee
Branch:Coast Artillery Corps
Branch Code:Coast Artillery Corps or Army Mine Planter Service
Grade:Private
Grade Code:Private
Term of Enlistment:Enlistment for Hawaiian Department
Component:Regular Army (including Officers, Nurses, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Men)
Source:Civil Life
Education:Grammar school
Marital Status:Single, without dependents
Height:67
Weight:131

An article in the La Crosse Tribune’s September 6, 1945, edition reported that Pfc Archie Ekum was “home from the European thater of operations and was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.” No mention is made of whether or not Archie was married at that time. However, his first child was already under way at that point.

Archie married Margaret Irene WOOLOFF in 1944 in Birmingham, England. Margaret was born on 18 Jun 1922; died in May 1988 in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor
• Social Security Number: 393-18-4593 Issued In WI Before 1951

Notes:

Graduated from the Ole Torger School in 1935.

In the 1940 census, he was a senior in high school.

Graduated from Viroqua High School in 1940. Graduated from UW-Platteville in 1947.

In the 1943 Madison, Wisconsin, city directory, Walter is a “sub clerk” for the post office. He lives at 109 West Johnson.

In the 1950 census, he and Marjorie were living with her mother, Edna Schmid, in Monroe.

In a typed note to Cora from what appears to be December 11, 1965, Theresa Clements mentions that she and Floyd had spent Thanksgiving with Walter and family in Monroe. “They had just moved into a beautiful new home and it sure was nice -- our place looked pretty tacky when we got home.” Theresa and Sally and family (Floyd stayed home) also went to Walter’s for Thanksgiving in 1968.

Had an abstract office in Monroe. Lived in Monroe but wintered in Florida.

He resigned from his position as city engineer of Monroe on 31 Jan 1961 “to take over his newly-acquired abstract business.” He had been city engineer from 1951 to 1952 and was rehired in 1955 or 1956. In the intervening period he was a mining engineer with a company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Licensed Land Surveyor in Wisconsin, #650. The license was first issued November 22, 1957, and expired on January 31, 2000.

Walter’s enlistment record:

Name:Walter R Ekum
Birth Year:1921
Race:White, citizen
Nativity State or Country:Wisconsin
State:Wisconsin
County or City:Vernon
Enlistment Date:8 Aug 1942
Enlistment State:Wisconsin
Enlistment City:Milwaukee
Branch:Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code:Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade:Private
Grade Code:Private
Term of Enlistment:Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component:Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source:Civil Life
Education:4 years of high school
Civil Occupation:Engineering Aide (Designated Field) or Sales Clerk
Marital Status:Single, without dependents
Height:66
Weight:131

Wally and Marjorie donated a 1.63 acre parcel in Monroe, located along 3rd Avenue north of the Moose Lodge, as a city park. The Ekum family also donated a 40’ diameter octagon shelter that was to be constructed in the park in the spring of 2006.

From the Monroe Times as published Saturday, June 26, 2004:

Walter Raymond Ekum, age 82 of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2004 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital.

Wally was born September 20, 1921, the son of Albert and Bertha Ekum, in Viroqua, WI. In 1941, after graduating from high school in Viroqua, WI, he served in the United States Army. Wally graduated from the school of Mining and Engineering in Platteville. He married Marjorie Schmid in 1948 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, WI. He was employed as an engineer in lead and copper mines in Wisconsin and the upper Michigan Peninsula. The family located in Monroe in the mid-fifties when Wally was employed as City Engineer. He then began his Abstract & Land Surveying Business known as W. R. Ekum Abstracts. In conjunction with his abstract and land surveying business, he served three terms as City Mayor. Wally served on numerous city, county and state committees and organizations.

Wally is survived by his wife, Marjorie; daughter, Nancy (Richard) Maliszewski; son, Eric (Anne) Ekum; four grandchildren, Ryan, Jeffrey, Nicholas and Elizabeth; a brother, Thomas (Gwynn) Ekum, of Kansas; sisters, Dorothy (Arland) McKittrick of Richland Center, and Sally (Adrian) Sherry, of Onalaska.

Wally's pride, dedication, and interest in the city of Monroe was never ending.

A celebration of Wally's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 27, 2004 at the Union Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Paul Ketterer, family member, of the United Methodist Church in Lake Mills, will be officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family following the celebration of life at the Peppercorn Cafe. Memorials may be made to the Union Presbyterian Church of Monroe, or the Chicago Shriners Hospital for children. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.

He received a military burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Birth:
“a twelve-pound boy” as reported in the Vernon County Censor

Walter married Marjorie Lois SCHMID on 4 Jul 1948 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin. Marjorie was born on 1 Dec 1927 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin; died on 3 Dec 2009 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin; was buried on 6 Dec 2009 in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Librarian

Notes:

Dorothy and Arland were living in Soldiers Grove at the time of Albert’s death according to his obit.

Clara, Caroline, and Dorothy visited Cora at her Minnehaha Avenue home on July 17, 1944.

Dorothy was a student at the University of Wisconsin at the time she married Arland.

Her obit:

Dorothy Marie McKittrick, 94, of Viola passed away at Creamery Creek Assisted Living in Viroqua Friday, July 10, 2020. Dorothy was born in Vernon County to Albert and Bertha (Oren) Ekum on October 30, 1925. She graduated from Readstown High School and Vernon County Normal School. She married Arland McKittrick June 30, 1948. They spent most of their married life farming in Sylvan Township in Richland County. Dorothy had several careers in her life, including teacher, CNA, and librarian. She was very active with her church, Sugar Grove Church of Christ, her community, and her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Ellen (Bob) Miller of Viola; and her son; Tom McKittrick of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Ryan McKittrick, Josh (Elizabeth) Miller, Stephanie (Aaron) Joyce, Todd McKittrick, Kyle (Sara) McKittrick, Will (Katie) Miller, Tim (Nicole) McKittrick, Anna McKittrick, Grace McKittrick, Sam McKittrick (Carolena); and her sister-in-law, June McKittrick. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren; other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arland; her daughter, Arlana Merry; her son, Larry; and daughter-in-law, Sara McKittrick; as well as her siblings, Ernest, Selma, Theresa Clements, Archie, Walter, Sally Sherry, Tom; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

A private family service will be held at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua, with burial in the Sugar Grove Cemetery.



Started working as a librarian at the Viola Elementary school in the early 1980s.

Dorothy married Arland J MCKITTRICK on 30 Jun 1948 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Arland (son of Ernest Melvin MCKITTRICK and Matilda J BORLAND) was born on 10 May 1924 in Crawford County, Wisconsin; died on 26 Aug 2015 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Clayton Twp, Crawford County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Almost certainly named after her sister who died in 1923.

She had perfect attendance in high school: neither absent nor tardy during the entire four years.

Living in Readstown at the time of Albert’s death according to his obit.

Living in Des Moines, Iowa, at the time of Archie’s death according to his obit.

Living in Onalaska at the time of Ernest’s death.



She was a vice-president and regional director of Stanley Home Products from 1981 to her retirement in 1991.

Her funeral services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse.

Selma (Sally) Sherry, 79, of Onalaska, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 13, 2007.

Sally was a devoted wife for 59 years, loving mother and a wonderful grandmother. Sally Sherry was born March 2, 1928, at Mason City, (rural Viroqua) Wisconsin, the daughter of Albert and Bertha Ekum. Upon graduation from Readstown High School, she worked in the offices of the J.C. Penney store in Viroqua. Sally was united in marriage to Adrian Gerhard Sherry on December 4, 1947, in Viroqua. She and her husband lived and farmed at Kickapoo (rural Readstown) for 12 years prior to moving to Viroqua. In 1953, Sally began her work for the Stanley Home Products Company. During her illustrious career, Sally rose through the ranks from sales person to V.P., regional director, a position she held for 10 years before retiring in 1991. Sally made many lifelong friends during her Stanley career. Sally was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse, where she devoted much of her time to volunteer work. Sally cherished her time spent with and caring for her grandchildren. She enjoyed travel, reading and taking care of her home and garden.

Survivors include her husband, Adrian of Onalaska; two children, Cynthia Wendel (David) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Karl Adrian Sherry (Joyce) of Minnetonka, Minnesota; grandchildren, Mathew Weirauch of Manhattan Beach, California, and Elizabeth Weirauch (Mark Haley) of Ecuador; a sister, Dorothy McKittrick (Arland) of Viola; a brother, Thomas Ekum of Hutchison, Kansas; several in-laws, nieces and nephews and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Sally was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest Ekum, Walter Ekum and Archie Ekum; two sisters, Theresa Clements and Selma Margaret Ekum. Sally will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onalaska. The Rev. Roger Grow and the Rev. Liberty Lausterer officiated and burial was in the Viroqua Cemetery.

Died:
SSDI’s “last residence”

Buried:
4S22

Selma married Adrian Gerhard SHERRY on 4 Dec 1947 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Adrian (son of Gerhard SHERRY and Mabel Caroline SVIGGUM) was born on 26 Feb 1926 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 20 Jan 2014 in La Crosse County, Wisconsin; was buried in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Meat inspector

Notes:

Graduated from Viroqua High School in 1948.

In the 1950 census, Thomas was a lodger with the Kalstadt family in McPherson, Kansas. He is employed making ice cream at a dairy.

At the time of his father’s death, Tom was “in armed services at Fort Eustis, VA.”

Tom and Gwenn lived in McPherson, Kansas, for many years where they ran a chicken and ice factory.

In the 1954 McPherson, Kansas, city directory, Thomas and Gwynn live at 831 N Barber. Thomas is plant manager for Mid-Kansas Hatchery and Produce.

In the 1962 McPherson city directory, Thomas is a meat cutter for Mid-Kansas Produce. He and Gwynn and their four children live at 819 E Euclid. The directory lists their children as Rick, 10, Kristi, 7, Kimberly, 5, and Craig, 4.

From the November 9, 2000, Hutchinson (KS) News:

Thomas and Gwendolyn Ekum, Hutchinson, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Branson, Mo., this month. They will celebrate with their family in December.

Ekum and the former Gwendolyn Roth were married Nov. 12, 1950, in McPherson. He is retired from Western Ice and Poultry, McPherson, and United States Department of Agriculture - Food Safety Inspection Service, Springdale, Ark. She is retired from Western Ice and Poultry, McPherson.



Thomas R. “Tom” Ekum, 85, of Hutchinson, Kan., died Oct. 26, 2015, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Vernon County, Wis., to Albert and Bertha (Oren) Ekum.

He graduated from Viroqua High School, Viroqua, Wis., in 1948. Tom was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He was a past commander of the McPherson American Legion Post 24, is a member of the Eagles and the Elks Lodge, and is a lifetime member of the VFW. Tom was owner and operator of Mid Kansas Produce and worked later as a federal poultry inspector in Arkansas. He was and a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

On Nov. 12, 1950, he married Gwendolyn Roth in McPherson, Kan. She died Feb. 1, 2006.

Survivors include children, Kristi Ekum, Dodge City, Kan., Kimberly Ekum-Anthony Harris (Michael Harris), Kansas City, Mo., Craig Ekum (Joleen), McPherson, Kan., Richard Ekum, Wichita, Kan.; sister, Dorothy Ekum McKittrick, Viola, Wis.; sister-in-law, Barbara Roth Unrein, Great Bend, Kan.; brother-in-law, Paul Roth, Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Michelle Shelton, Eric Ekum, Jessica Anthony, Haley Cowan, Benjamin Anthony, Jay Harris, Kylie Koehn and Cody Ekum; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwynn; parents; and six brothers and sisters.

Funeral service were held Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, Kan., with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Burial followed at McPherson City Cemetery, McPherson, Kan., with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Thomas married Gwendolyn Osa (Gwynn) ROTH on 12 Nov 1950 in McPherson, McPherson County, Kansas. Gwendolyn was born on 22 Aug 1931 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa; died on 1 Feb 2006 in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas; was buried on 6 Feb 2006 in McPherson City Cemetery, McPherson, McPherson County, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1910-43720
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 2010-MN-008023

Notes:

In the 1930 census, she was living at home in Richfield with her parents and brothers. She had no occupation.

Cora had H. C. Pratt’s address as 503 Freemont St., Anoka, MN.

In her note to Cora after Martin’s funeral (March 6, 1978), Dorothy said that Richard Hendrickson had come down for the funeral and had said that Mildred had just gotten married.

Her obit:

Funeral service for Mildred S. Giddings (Pratt), 99, Anoka, will take place Saturday, April 17, 11 a.m., at First Congregational Church of Anoka. Rev. Chris Fazel will officiate.??Giddings died March 12 at Lyngblomsten Health Care Center, St. Paul. She was born Oct. 9, 1910 in Minneapolis to George R. and Caroline (Munson) Hendrickson. She was a retired teacher in Anoka-Hennepin School District 11.??She is survived by her sons, Curtis Pratt (Pat Norton), Tom Pratt (Fran Olivera), Devin (Zoe) Hazenson, Jim Pratt and Jon Pratt (Deborah Clemensen); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard (Betty) Hendrickson.??She was preceded in death by her husbands, Hazen Pratt and Ralph Giddings; and brothers, Chester and Will Hendrickson.??Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka. Arrangements are by Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, Anoka.

Another obit, per Find A Grave:

Memorial service for Mildred S. Giddings (Pratt), 99, Anoka, will take place tomorrow (Saturday, April 17), 11 a.m., at First Congregational Church of Anoka. Rev. Chris Fazel will officiate.

Giddings died March 12 at Lyngblomsten Health Care Center, St. Paul. She was born Oct. 9, 1910 in Minneapolis to George R. and Caroline (Munson) Hendrickson. She worked at Sears and the YWCA, then after her first husband died in 1958, she returned to college and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in education and for the next 17 years taught at Washington Elementary School, Anoka. She was a member of Anoka Philolectian.

She is survived by her sons, Curtis Pratt (Pat Norton), Tom Pratt (Francisca Paz de Olivera), Devin (Zoe) Hazenson, Jim Pratt and Jon Pratt (Deborah Clemensen); stepchildren, Hugh Pratt, Betty Stewart, Bill (Dana) Pratt, Tom (Sharon) Giddings, Marilyn (Roger) Sawyer and Dick (Lyrlette) Giddings; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and great-step-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and brother, Richard (Betty) Hendrickson.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Hazen Pratt and Ralph Giddings; and brothers, Chester and Will Hendrickson.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka.

Arrangements are by Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, Anoka.

And another obit, in the Star-Tribune:

Giddings, Millie Pratt age 99, of Anoka, passed away March 12, 2010 surrounded by her loving family.

Millie was born in 1910 in Minneapolis to George and Caroline Hendrickson. She attended Wood Lake School, a two-room schoolhouse, in Richfield, graduated from Minneapolis Central High School a year early and completed two years at Saint Cloud State Teachers College before the financial crash of 1929 interrupted her college career. She then worked at Sears and the YWCA.

Millie was an active athlete, a hiker, a golfer and a skier. In the 1930's she and her friends went on many hiking expeditions, including one by automobile to Glacier National Park. In 1941 Millie married Hazen Curtis Pratt, a fellow founding member of the former Nob Hill Ski Club in Minneapolis. Hazen was a talented engineer trained at MIT, and the principal original designer of the Hoffman electrical enclosures still manufactured in Anoka.

After Hazen's unexpected death in 1958, Millie, with five boys ages 6-16 to raise and support alone, returned to college and graduated from the U of M with a degree in education in 1960. For the next 17 years, as a dedicated teacher, she inspired and encouraged the fifth graders at Washington Elementary School in Anoka.

In 1978 Millie married Ralph Giddings and they enjoyed retirement together with a lot of traveling. Millie was active in her community as a member, volunteer and officer of many organizations, including the First Congregational Church of Anoka and the Anoka Philolectian Society. Millie loved all social events, sending and receiving letters and phone calls, traveling, and learning new things. Millie was a loving and devoted wife and mother and a very good friend to all fortunate enough to know her. She was very talented at appreciating the best in people.

Millie was preceded in death by husbands Hazen Pratt and Ralph Giddings; brothers Chester and Will Hendrickson. Survived by sons, Curtis Pratt (Pat Norton), Thomas Henry Pratt (Francisca Paz de Oliveira), Devin (Zoe) Hazenson, Jim Pratt, and Jon Pratt (Deborah Clemmensen); step children Hugh Pratt, Betty Stewart, Bill (Dana) Pratt, Tom (Sharon) Giddings, Marilyn (Roger) Sawyer, and Dick (Myrlette) Giddings, 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and brother Richard (Betty) Hendrickson. Memorial Service Saturday, April 17, 11 AM with Visitation 1 hour prior at First Congregational Church of Anoka at Main Street and Third Ave. South. Memorials preferred to Franklin School in Anoka. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

Died:
Lyngblomsten Care Center

Mildred married Hazen Curtis PRATT, Sr on 9 Aug 1941 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Hazen (son of William Henry PRATT and Elizabeth D (Bessie) DEVIN) was born on 9 Mar 1896 in Mt. Vernon, Knox County, Ohio; died on 24 Jun 1958 in Hennepin County, Minnesota; was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka, Anoka County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mildred married Ralph Aranda GIDDINGS in 1978. Ralph was born on 8 Dec 1906 in Anoka County, Minnesota; died on 12 Nov 1990 in Anoka County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1913-40815
• Social Security Number: 472-05-0034 issued in Minnesota

Notes:

In the 1940 census, he and Oriet lived at 2826 1st Avenue South in Minneapolis. Each had had an eighth-grade education. Chet was a sheet metal worker for a metal manufacturing company.

Living in or near Glendale, California in February of 1953 when Cora and Maurice tried to visit them.



Chester and Oriet live in California, at least they did at the time of the October, 1987, earthquake. (St. Whittier?)

They lived at 11911 Dalwood Ave., Norwalk, California (near Long Beach, apparently), in December of 1992.

Chester married Oriet Laverne SOLEM on 6 Apr 1940 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Oriet was born on 31 Jan 1919 in South Dakota; died on 21 May 2005 in Norwalk, Los Angeles, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1917-40501
• Minnesota Death Certificate: 1996-MN-031105
• Social Security Number: 475-10-7138

Notes:

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 25 Jun 1945 at Fort Snelling. He had three years of high school and his civilan occupation was truck driver.

His address was 8747 Portland Avenue in Bloomington at the time that he and Lorraine were married.

Wilbur married Lydia Grace RASMUSSEN on 5 Oct 1940 in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and was divorced. Lydia was born on 28 Mar 1921 in Hennepin County, Minnesota; died on 6 Sep 2006 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona; was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Wilbur married Lorraine Katherine GESSNER on 14 May 1966 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Lorraine was born on 15 Jan 1923 in Stearns County, Minnesota; died on 5 Jan 2011 in Roseau County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Minnesota Birth Certificate: 1928-10640

Notes:

“George R.” in the 1930 census. Referred to as Richard in his mother’s obituary.



He, with his wife Betty, survived his sister Mildred.

A George Richard Hendrickson married an Elizabeth Ann Boquist (b. 3 Sep 1931 in Hennepin County) on 30 Sep 1950 in Hennepin County. They had three children.

George and Betty lived at 6941 Jersey Ave N in Minneapolis in 1992 and 1993.

Lived in Las Vegas as of February of 2011.

An obit:

Hendrickson, George ‘Dick' Died Sept. 21, 2011. Born Feb. 21, 1928. Enjoyed all of His 84 years. Born in Richfield, MN. Mechanic for over 35 years and also while serving in Korea and Japan. Commander for Post 494 Crystal MN. Last few years living in Vegas. Preceded by wife Betty. Survived by daughters, Sue Sewell, Jan Blaisdel; son, Rick Hendrickson; several grand & great-grandchildren. Burial will be at Boulder City National Veterans Cemetery.

According to his burial record, he was a Tec 4 in the U.S. Army in World War II.

FInd A Grave has him buried in Boulder City Cemetery.

Died:
last residence Tonopah

Buried:
Section AB, Site 840

George married Elizabeth Ann (Betty) BOQUIST on 30 Sep 1950 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Elizabeth was born on 3 Sep 1931 in Hennepin County, Minnesota; died on 10 Sep 2010. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
SSDI last residence

Notes:

He was a Marine Sergeant in the Korean War.

Died:
SSDI last residence

Family/Spouse: Shirley Ann FECHTER. Shirley was born on 11 Jun 1935; died on 21 Jan 1991 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan; was buried in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]