Name/Title
Helgeson - Olson GenealogyScope and Content
Twenty two pages of the Helgesen - Olson family genealogy and Norwegian history of those who setteled in the Waupun area. Stapled together in book form with blue card stock quality, front and back covers and standard 8.5" X 11"pages typed. The front cover shows the portraits of Kilbourne (Kolbjorn) Helgesen and Maria (Mari) Klemetson, dates of birth and death.
Pictures of the Helgesen and Olson homesteads and the Norwegian Church are included within the pages of text. The last page contains a Norwegian prayer.
Helgesen - Olson
KILBOURNE - KLEMETSON GENEALOGY
KILBOURNE (KOLBJORN) HELGESEN
1816 - 1913
MARIA (MARI) KLEMETSON
1820 - 1906
GOD DAG
This book, booklet, family tree or love of Norwegian ancestry is the culmination of much research. Anton Overn completed a book about many, many Helgesons years ago. We are taking the liberty of checking out only the Helgesons and Olsons. This is our Great Grand Father and other. After locating enough information to satisfy our curiosity about some of the Great, Great, Grandfathers and Mothers we found a line or lineage had to stop at a point in history.
All of us have some interest in the past. In our case we are lucky to have had the help of Charity (Kjersti) Helgeson Schenke. She of ninety-three years young has had the urge to sustain the quest for a tree set to print. During the late thirties Charity compiled a history of the Norwegians in Wisconsin and the little Kirke east of Waupun, for the Wisconsin State Historical Society. At this time her son Lahron then a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison typed her information. Charity was forwarded some genealogists help from a northern Minnesota cousin. These many years have followed naturally with growth in the family tree. Many of you have contributed with suggestions, information and help. For this we say "Mange Thusan Takki". Last but not least to our Dutch,English,Irish gal, Joyce who Dug,Dammed and typed this whole thing -- it is great. And to those who first look at the cover and say that should be Helgeson, more power to you. As Charity recalls Charles, her father, spelled the name en or on depending which way he felt. With that we say love you all cousins.
Charity Helgeson Schenke Russell Manor
111 Nayparty Drive
Ripon, WI. 54971
Printed by Russ and Joyce
Schenke
Ripon, WI. 1986
More copies are available if desired. Any contributions to printing accepted.
Wisconsin Norwegian Americans
Between 1840 and 1860 a large number of Norwegians came into the state, the first who arrived simultaneously with the Germans in 1839, settled on Jefferson Praire in Rock County. The most important focal points of early settlement were Alskego in Racine County and Koshkonog in East Dane County and West Jefferson Counties. From here the Norwegians spread to southern and southeastern Wisconsin in the 1840's and 1850's and 1860's. During the 1850's and 1860's they moved into western and northwestern Wisconsin. By 1870 their areas of settlement were fairly well marked out; in the south, Dane and the circle of counties sorrounding it; on the west, an area from Crawford County to Polk County consentrated in Vernon, La Crosse, and Trempealeau Counties in the north central section, Portage and Waupaca counties; in the northeast, Mlanitowoc County.
The oldest Norwegian Lutheran Church in America to have a continuous existence was founded in 1843 in Muskego. During the forties, as Norwegian settlements spread other churches were built at Koshkonong, Skaponung and Bergen.
Albion was settled in 1841 by English and Norwegian families. In 1853 Albion Academy was founded by Seventh Day Baptists. it opened and closed intermittenly until 1901. At this time the Norwegian district synod acquired it and made it a Lutheran school. In 1914 the academy closed its doors permanently.
Black Earth - 1850
Lodi - 1st settlers were Norwegians and choose the site because of its many springs. It is located on Spring Creek.
Madison area: In a low hollow and surrounded by a spindling white picket fence is Little Norway or Nissedahle (Nor-Valley of the elves) On the north slope of the hollow several little hewn-oak houses, with sod roofs, bright blue window casements, and massive barred doors, look like a childs candystick village. Rooms are furnished in the heavy, brilliant styl of Scaninavia. This collection was made when Little Norway was founded in 1926 by Isak Dahle, a Norse-American business man of Chicago, who acquired 160 acres here and set a crew of Norwegian Artisians and craftsmen to work making the land look as much as possible like the Valley of the Elves in Norway.
By 1850 nearly half the Scandinavians in America were in Wisconsin.
The man who did more than any other to develope Scaninavian musical experession in Wisconsin was Ole Bull, the great violinist. He resided in Madison, between 1870 - 1880 and gave several benefit concerts to aid the establishment of a Scandinavian Department in the University - West Salem -1858 - a farm trade center Osseo - Norwegians settled the surrounding coulees.
Rice Lake - 1841
Poplar - mostly Norwegian and Swedish
Richland Center - 1849 - Cradle along with Madison of Womens Suffrage in Wisconsin.
Stoughton - 3 of 4 citizens are of Norwegian stock, and many residents speak the mother tongue. The main Norwegian immigration to this locality occured about 1870.
Annual lutefisk suppers are held in the Norwegian churches, and people come for miles to eat the flaky fish. The meal usually starts with fruktsuppe, a soup made of raisins, prunes, grapes and dried apples,thickened with sago and flavored with cinnamon. For those who do not like lutefisk, there are fiskeboller (fish balls) and Kaoppboller (meat balls) new boiled potatoes, lifse,
knakkebrod, and flatbraod are the breads. Lyngon berries are the relish. For dessert there is usually flotegrot ( a cream pudding) risentro grot (a rice pudding) or Kram (fruit custard) with Kringla (coffee cake) and pepperkaker (cookies).
Valders - settled by Norwegians. Among the settlers came the parents of Thorsten Veblen (1857-1939) economist of international reputation.
Viroque - First settled by easterners the region was later cultivated for tobacco by Norwegian immigrants.
Washington Island - between 1830-1870
Westby - anyone who lives in Westby can be recognized by a peculear tang in his speech. The city was named for Ole Westby, a Norwegian pioneer. 95% of its citizens have come from western Norway. Shop doors and windows have names of Iverson, Unseth, Nestingen,Borgen, Thorson, etc. Norwegian is heard on the streets, the theater shows pictures with Norwegian dialogue. Lutefisk dinners in autumn, and Norwegian Independence Day celebrations in May, are established institutions.
Report written by:
Charity Helgeson Schenke
January 25, 1966
Page 5 of this document shows one interior and one exterior picture of the Old Norwegian Lutheran Church. Page 6 has pictures of the Helgesen and Olson homesteads.
NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
A group of people came from Norway before 1850 and many of them settled east of Waupun, Wisconsin. This community was called the Norwegian Settlement. They organized and built the Norsk Evang - Lutherske Kirke in the town of Waupun, Fond du Lac County in 1855. Old wooden railroad ties taken from the North Western tracks were used for rafters in the church.
Records of births, marriages, and deaths have been kept, since April 1867. Dates of services are recorded since 1870 through 1911. A list of 69 members was recorded in November 1875. The last report was made in 1911 with 41 members. Treasurers accounts are recorded from 1885 through 1920.
The first class of thirteen members, averaging fifteen years of age, was confirmed in 1868. The last class in 1915 consisted of one member. A total of 160 young people were confirmed during the 47 years the records were kept.
The oldest grave in the cemetery adjoining the church is dated 1854.
The Norwegian Lutheran cemetery association was organized and recorded with the register of deeds in Fond du Lac County November 3, 1921. This was for the purpose of assessment of lots, and a perpetual fund, to be used for the care of the cemetery lots. The officers meet, annually in June.
The church, which is kept in good condition, has been used since1919 only for funerals and an annual memorial service in May or June.
Two former members of the Norwegian Evang - Lutheran church entered the ministry, the late Rev. Anton Helgesen Overn, and the Rev. Nels J. Evenson.
Pastors who conducted services were Nels Brandt, Erick Homme, J.A. Custedal 1884- 69, C.O. Aubol. 1889 - 93, Wm. Eckman to 1895, then C.E. Tollefsonto 1897, M. Mikkelson to Nov. 1900, and Gudmund Kluxdal preached his last sermon Oct. 15, 1911. The Rev. Thompson and the Rev. 0.I. N. Wilhelmson preached occasionally until Nov. 1918, when the congregation disbanded. Since that time the Rev. Staehling, and the Rev. K.J. Huberner of the Waupun Immanuel Lutheran church have conducted annual memorial services at the Norwegian church in May.
Written By:
Charity Helgesen Schenke
June 2, 1955
Names on graves at the Norwegian Cemetery - copied October 5, 1947.
Johnson
Thompson
Hansen
Dahl
Helgeson
Amunson
Olson
Benson
Knonberg
Knutson
Fieldstad
Sorenson
Mason
Bronson
Evenson
Christopherson
Simonson
Martinson
Fredricksen
Anderson
Ellison
Nelson
Common Norwegian names:
Jonetta, Randi, Thea, Marin, Adrine, Avsti, Kamilla, Jorgena, Aleana, Birgitta, Thurine,Marit, Gunild, Olava, Ingebret, Mina, Gitta, Kirsti, Kjrsti, Saiella,Ottilia, Tinah, Amand, Janetta, Jorgen, Realf, Netta, Getta, Gina, Hedda.
Used now: Karen, Kristine, Anna, Mari.
HELGESEN FALILY TREE
Father Mother
Helge Olson Overn 1780-1890 Ore 1783-
A. Ole 1813-18'78 married Gunnild Sofhia (Gundersdatter) 1830-1898
1. Henry 1852 married
2. Anne Mathea 1857
3. Anton Overn 1858 became minister
4. Albert 1862
5. Adolph 1864
6. Minnie 1866
7. Charles T. born in 1869
B. Kolbjorn 1816-1913 Father Mother
C. Michael Knud Klemetson 1793-1883 Martha Olson, D. Heige died 1880
E.Erie A. Gunild Klentson Benson
F. Asle B. Olea Klemetson Erickson
G.Mari C. Ole Klemetson
D. Martha Klemetson Olson
_______________________
Kilbourne (Kolbjorn) Helgesen married Marie (Mari) Klemetson
1816 - 1913 1843 1821 - 1906
A. Harry 1844-1927 1871 Christine Gulbradsen, 1851-1932
1. Carl 1874-1939
2. Hannah 1877-1894
3. Josephine 1879-1908
B. Henry 1847-1923 1875 Mary Guibrandsen 1890
1. Benny 1877 married Anna Skaaden
A. Irving Harold 1908
B.William married 1915 Helen Fitzpatrick
C. Ella 1883-1904
D. Theodora 1886-1980 married 1886 Anah Trowbridge
C. Knut Christian 1849-1907 married Boletta Christine Sylvester (Solfesten) 1859-1943
1. Mabel Louise married Leslie J. Montgomery
1860-1966 1903 (no children)
2. Clifford Walter married Jane Austin
1882-1963 1912 (2 children)
A. Esther Elizabeth Boletta married Howard Edward Huibregtse
1915- 1946-47
1. Jane Anne married Patrick M. Heffernan
1947- 1967
A. Margaret Elizabeth 1968
B. Thomas Patrick 1970
Jane remarried to Dr. Robert Cotter 1980
2. Thomas Edward married Patricia Ann Meffen
1947 - 1979
A. Jason Roy 1986
3. Howard Roy 1952-1962
4. Mary Jo married Douglas C. Baynton
1953 1979
B. Thomas Clifford married Margaret Dolske
1919 1942
1. Thomas Austin married Debra Parham
1945 1976
A. Jennifer 1981
2. Bonnie Jean married William L. Price
1949 1969
Thomas remarried Shirley Helm
1974
1. Heidi Jo 1975
3. Edith Matilda 1884 - 1964
4. David Christian 1886 - 1944
5. Russell Albert married Margaret Taylor
1889 - 1972 1922 (no children)
6. Esther Geneva married Ellwood B. Moore
1894 - 1972 (no children)
7. Ruth Verona
1899 - 1979
D. Andrew married Anne Grace Phelps
1889 1893
1. Gail married Jean Margaret Gordon Spiers
1913 1922
A. Norman Gordon married Nancy Belle Collett
1931 Mary Louise Hamner
1. Sarah Louise 1965
2. Mathew Gail Phelps 1966
2. Boyd married Gladys Biesmer
A. Phyllis Anna 1924 died in infancy
B. Richard Boyd married Susan
1926
1. Gregory 1954
2. Robert Gail married Susan
1978
A. Sara Lee 1978
B. Heather 1980
E. Maria married Thurston Norgaard
1855 1887
1. Clayton 1889
2. Ralph married Ida Mary Lima
3. Grace 1897
F. Charles Gustav married Olive Helena Olsen
1858-1919 1866 1859-1941
1. Archie Clarence married Lulla Kluegal
1887-1981 1914 divorced 1935
2. Nia Magdeline married Ira Halbert
1890-1967 1902 1887-1962 3. Charity Agnes married Otto Carl Schenke 1892- 1915 1890-1971
A. Evelyn Mercedes 1916 died at birth
B. Lahron Helgeson married Phyllis Langner
1919 1941 1919
1. Pamela Lori married Kenneth F. Hadweger 1945 1936
C. Russell Charles married Joyce Jean Van Alstine
1924 1953 1925
1.Scott Charles married Constance Joan D'Amico 1955 1983 1959
4. Mercedes Jirgena married George Bernard Bracken 1896-1972 1925 1887-1982
A. Thomas Helgeson married Mary Hackner
1929 1952
1. William George married Susan Smith
1953 1979
A. Patrick George 1984 died at birth
B. Magane Kathleen 1985
2. James Patrick 1955
3. Christopher Thomas 1959
B. Barbara Olive married William Ferdinand Walter
1932 1954
1. Karen Jo 1955
2. Patrick John married Kathryn Louise Leonand
1955 1981
A. Nichole Ashley 1984
3. Kristine Joan 1959
4. Gretchen Maria 1963
5. Eva Allegra married Herbert E. Luck
1902 1919 1901
A. Constance Jane married Charles Sicner 1931-1980 1957
1. John Charles married Karen Ann Maffitt
1957 1980
A. Lauren Carmel 1984
2. Katherine Luck married Terry G. Zopfi
1961 1980
A. Constance Luck 1982
B. Ryan 1985
G. Johannah Othilda married Arthur Smith Mason
1862-1946 1890 1894-1947
1. Arthur Helgeson married Florence Pray
1894 1924 died 1953
A. Francis Abbie married Bruce Penwell Jr.
1925 1949 1925
1. Mark Mason married Jean Heisner
1951 1981
2. Amy Adell married Richard David Craddock
1954 1983
B. Adele Mason married Loren Charles Moore
1928 1951 1928
1. John Bradford married Charlene Watts
1959 1978 1959
A. Christopher John 1981
2. Jennifer Adele Moore 1959
In 1960 Arthur Helgeson mason married Margaret B. Richmond Blazer.
Page 12 is a blank page
In a town called Ringerike, Norge in the year 1780 Helge Olsen Avern was born. He latter married Ore Overn in the same town. She was born in 1783. Overn being the name of her family farm. They had six sons and one daughter, born at Signedalen, Ringerike Norge.
Ole the oldest son was born in 1813 and died in 1878. He was married to Gunnild Sofhia (Gundersdatter). They had seven children as follows:
1. Henry born 1852 married Mary Gulbrandsen
2. Anne Mathea born in 1857
3. Anton born 1858 and took family farm name of Overn 1887 and became a
minister.
4. Albert born in 1862
5. Adolph born in 1864
6. Minnie born in 1866
7. Charles T. born in 1869
Other Children of Helge and Ore in order of their birth are as follows:
1. Ole
2. Kolbjorn
3. Michael
4. Helge
5. Erie
6. Asle
7. Mari
Kilbourne (Kolbjorn)Helgesen is the son of greatest concern to us as it is because of him we all exsist. He was born April 1, 1816 and died July 7, 1913. He married Mari Klemmetson, who was born in Signedalen,Ringerike, Norge on October 21, 1821. They were married in Norway in 1843 and came to America on their honeymoon. On their trip here she lost her wedding ring. When they first came to America they went to the town of Lebanon where they acquired 1/4 section of land in Dodge County, WI. They then moved to the town of Oakfield in 1846 where they acquired 80 acres of land and latter added another 20 acres. Kilbourne was a man about 5 foot 10 inches.He was remembered as a very kind man. In their old age they both lived with Charles and Olive. At this time he is remember as walking with his cane saying to the children a norweigan saying. Mari was a short and tiny person weighing about 95 pounds. They had seven children.
The oldest child was Harry Helgesen born in Lebanon April 18, 1844 and died May 30,1927 at the age of 83. He married Christine Gulbrandsen born in Christina, Norge May 29, 1851. She came to America in 1869. She was married to Harry March 6, 1871. She died June 20, 1932. They moved to Waupun in 1916. They had three children : Carl Born June 7, 1874 and died May 26, 1939. He never married and, lived on the family farm with renters in his old age.
Hannah was born 3eptember 14,1877 and died July 6, 1894 of Tuberculosus. Josephine (Josie) was born October 15, 1879, graduated from Waupun High School in 1898. She latter died of Tuberculosus at Colarado Springs September 9,1908.
The second son was Henry Helgesen born April 9,1847. He latter moved to Hancock, Minn. and then to Starbuck, Minn. He died here December 14, 1923. Henry was married to Mary Gulbrandsen who was born in Oslo, Norge and came to America with Christine in 1869. They were married January 1, 1875 and she died January 7,1890. They had four children: Benny C. Born Febuary 4,1877 in Oakfield and became a mail carrier at Starbuck, Minn. He married Anna Skaaden. They had one Son Irving Harold born September 29, 1908 and graduated from St.Olaf in 1930 and is now in Starbuck.
William was born in Hancock, Minn. and married Helen Fitspatrick from Portland Oregon in 1915. He died July 4, 1943
Ella was born February 6, 1883 in Hancock, Minn. She came to live with Uncle Harry and died in the Town of Oakfieid February 13, 1904. Theodore also was born in Hancock, Minn. He lived with Hannah and her brother Ben Brunson. Theodore was married October 15, 1886 to Anah Trowbridge. Teddy died February 7, 1980. His wife, Anah, is still living at the Christian Nursing Home, Waupun, WI. They had no children.
Son number Three was Knute Christian, 1849-1907. He married Boletta Christine Sylvester (Solfestsen - Norwegian name) Knute was born in Waupun, Dodge County,WI. But was buried in Herman, MN. He graduated from Luther College, Decorah, IA. He taught one term in the Norwegian Settlement School which he had attended as a child. He then went into the mercantile business in Hancock, MN. & Herman, MN in 1895. Boletta was born in Black Earth, Dane County, WI and buried in Herman, MN. She was called Christine or Casey, or often Lettie. They had seven children. Bolettas dates were 1859-1943. Mabel Louise was born in Hancock, MN.1880. Died 1966 in Ashville, N.C. She married in 1903 Leslie J. Montgomery in Herman, MN. and they had no children. Clifford Walter 1882, Hancock, MN. and died 1963 in Ripon, WI.
He was married in 1912 to Jane Austin in Livingston, MT. They had two children. Esther Elizabeth Boletta was born in 1915 at Livingston, MT. She was married Noveuber 1946 to Howard Edward Huibregtse in Manhattan, K.S. by Proxy. Remarried March 1947 upon her arrival in Tokyo, Japan. They had four children the first being Jane Anne born Dec. 1947 in Tokyo, Japan. She was married to Patrick M. Heffernan in 1967. They have two children born in Madison. M.argaret Elizabeth in 1968 and Thomas Patrick in 1970. Her second marriage to Dr. Robert Cotter in 1980. Jane had a brother Thomas Edward who was born in 1947 at Tokyo, Japan and married in 1979 Patricia Ann Meffen. They have one child Jason Roy born in 1986 at Towson, MD. Howard was their third child born in 1952 at Lincoln NB. He died at FT. Benning, GA in 1962. Thc last child was Mary Jo Born in 1953 at Lincoln NB. and married in 1979 to Douglas C. Baynton in Leadville, CO. Now Esther had a brother Thomas Clifford born 1919 at Livingston, MT. He married in 1942 Margaret Dolske in Ft. Benning, GA. They had two children. Thomas Austine born in 1945 in Ripon, WI and married 1976 to Debra Parham in
CO. They have a daughter Jenniffer Rose in 1981 in WY. Thomas then had a little girl Bonnie Jean born in 1949 at Detroit MI. She was married in 1969 to the William L. Price of Green Lake, WI. No children. Thomas was married a second time to Shirley Helm in 1974 in Woodruff, WI. They had one child in 1975, Heidi Jo in Ripon, WI. The Third child of Knute was Edith Matilda born 1884 in Hancock,MN. died 1964 in Ashville, N.C. The fourth child; David Christian was Born in 1886 Hancock, MN. died 1944. Number Five was Russell Albert who was born in 1889 Hancock, MN. Died 1972 in Tacoma, WA. Married in 1922 to Margaret Taylor having no children. The sixth was Esther Geneva born 1894 in Hancock, MN. died 1972 in Washington DC. Married Ellwood B. Moore and had no children. The last was Ruth Verona born in 1899 at Herman MN. and died in 1979 at New York City.
Son number four was Andrew who married Anne Grace Phelps. Andrew Helgeson graduated fromWaupun High School and Luther College at Decorah IA. He went into the mercantile business at Hancock and Morris MN. and Milnor N.D. He became a State Senator of ND 1889 and a member of Legislative assembly of N.D. 1890. Moved to Litchfield 1891 and went into real Estate. They had two sons. Gail 1889 married in 1922 Jean Margaret Gordon -Spiers who was born in 1893. They had a Variety Store in River Falls, WI. They have a son born 1931 named Norman Gordon who married Nancy Belle Collett. They divorced and he married Mary Louise Hamner. They have two children; Sarah Louise 1965 and Mathew Gail Phelps 1966. Gail's brother Boyd married Gladys Biesmer. They had a daughter Phyllis Anna in April 1924 who died at infancy. They then had a son Richard Boyd born at Two Harbors,MN. April 6, 1926 and was married to Susan. They had a son Gregory born April 23, 1954. Latter they had another son Robert Gail who married Gladys. April 14, 1 978 they had a daughter named Sarah Lee. Another daughter joined the family called Heather September 24, 1980.
Maria Helgeson born June 1855 and was married to Thurston Norgaard on February 22, 1887. Maria was a dressmaker at Hancock,MN. and a milliner at Morris MN. Her husband Thurston was in the furniture business at Hope ND. and latter at Wheaton, MN. On April 21,1889 they had their first child Clayton, who was born at Hope ND. Clayton became a dentist and then studied jouralism and worked in a printing office. Their second child was Ralph who married Ida Mary Lima. He served in World War I and latter practiced law. The last child a daughter, Grace, became a teacher and then became Sup't of Traverse County Schools and supervisor of schools in Buhl MN. She was born April 9,1897.
Charles Gustav 1858-1919 married on November 30, 1886 to Olive Helena Olsen 1859-1941. Charles lived on the homesteaded farm and then tried his hand at the lumbering business in Northern Wisconsin. Olive Olsen, who was born on a farm two miles north of Waupun, July 23, 1859. She attended school at Waupun, and a short time at preparatory school at Oshkosh Normal. Latter she did dressmaking in private homes in Evanston, Illinois for the McCormick family among others and West Salem, Wisconsin. They both came home to get married in 1886. Olive was abount 5'5"1, dark hair with grey creeping in fast, a thin build and a pleasant face. She had an easy, quiet way of discipline. Charles was about 5'11", dark hair, strick, but kindly and a very religious man. As a family church was important to all. Many picnics of family, friends and church people were held down in the meadow at the edge of the Rock River. Neighborhood dances were held in the family kitchens and barns of neighbors with the lively music of a fiddle. Lawn games were played in the summer also. As young girls Charity and Eva both have a couple of memories to share. Charity remembers making mud pies and had a knife with her so went over to a small cherry tree and got some small pieces of bark to put in the pies. Her father came along about this time and noticed her special pies and asked her to take her knife and go over to the cherry tree and cut a branch and bring it to him. Needless to say she got the smallest and thinest branch she could find. Eva, on the other hand remembers Grandfather Kilbourne always calling her, the youngest, Queen Victoria. He would take his cane and say "come on Queen Victoria, let's go watch the pigs". They remember the Indians camping down near the Rock River and coming to the house for hot coals for a fire, water, and food. Now the begining of their marriage was on Kilbourne's homesteaded farm where one son and four daughters were born. Archie, Nia, Charity, Mercedes and Eva. This farm was sold 120 acres in 1902 and the family moved to Olives family farm as her parents moved to Waupun. This farm was 164 acres and the farm most of them have many fond memories off. Archie was born September 25, 1887. He was married to Luella Kluegal in Nov. 1914. At this time the family moved to Waupun and Archie ran the farm. He was divorced in 1935 with no children. He had moved from the farm in 1922 and worked in farm machinery and automobiles latter working for Fond du Lac County. Nia attended common school and took piano lessons for many years and remained home to help her mother.
She then married Ira Mason in 1902. He had a car agency in Whitewater for many years and latter a paint store. They had no children. Nia received her name from one of the McCormick daughters and Magdeline just came. Charity graduated from Waupun High School, attended Beliot College and Oshkosh Normal. In Feb 1915 she and Otto Carl Schenke were married. He taught Industrial Arts in many high schools setteling in Waupun. They had three children. Evelyn Mercedes born Dec.1,1916, died at birth. Lahron Helgeson Schenke was born Nov. 17,1919. He has his Doctorate and is retired from teaching at South-Eastern IL. State Univ.He was married in 1941 to Phyllis Langner and they have one daughter Pamela Lori born in 1945. Pam is in admissions at the above school. Her husband Dr.Kenneth E. Hadweger is in the Dept. of Speech at the same school. Charity's other son, Russell Charles was born in 1924 and married in 1953 Joyce Jean Van Alstine. They have one son, Scott Charles born in 1955. He was married to Constance Joan D'Amico June 25, 1983. Scott has his NBA and is a Dist. sales manager for Avery Corp. while Connie has her BS and is working in Dairy research Techknowledge. She was born in December of 1959. Russell went to Beliot and Oshkosh University. He had a Variety store for 23 years and a Printing Corp. for 7 years. Joyce is a graduate of Carroll College and had a gift and china shop before her marriage and has helped Russ as needed. Charity received her name from her maternal grandmother. Mercedes Jirgena 1896-1972. She received her first name from the car which her father admired. Her second name came from her maternal aunt. She graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College and taught kindergarten in several schools meeting George Bernard Bracken born Aug. 10,1897- 1982. George had an Electric Supply Store in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They had two children: a son Thomas Helgeson married 1979 to Mary Hackner. Tom has his law degree from the university of Wisconsin and is doing investments with a large firm in La Crosse while Mary is teaching. They have three sons. William George born in 1953 married in 1979 Susan Smith. They live in Oshkosh and Bill is a negotiator, for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. They have two children. Patrick George died at birth 1984. On December 19, 1985 they had Magane Kathleen. Number two son is James Patrick born in 1955. He lives in Arizona and is a sales manager for Phoenix Distributing Co. Christopher Thomas was born in 1959. Chris is in Alabama and is the Director of Sales for Marriott's Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. Then they had a daughter Barbara Olive Bracken born June 1, 1932 in La Crosse, WI. She graduated from St. Teresa College with a BS in education. She was married to William Ferdinand Walter in 1954. He had degrees and became a wholesale beverage dealer. They are now living in Wayzata, MN. They have one son and three daughters. Karen Jo is the oldest born April 29, 1955. She went to Regis College and graduated woman of the year and magna cum laude. Then she went on and got an MA in counseling Psychology in 1983. Patrick John is the one son born December 6, 1956. He too went to Regis College in Denver and was man of the year for two years. He was married September 18, 1981 to Kathryn Louise Leonand from Rockford, Ill. They have one child, a girl Nichole Ashley, born June 14, 1984. Kristine Joan the second daughter was born February 8, 1959 and also graduated from Regis. She has a BS in business and a BA in Philosophy and is working in sales. The last daughter is Gretchen Maria born larch 5, 1963. She is attending Mankato State U. Now we go to the youngest daughter of Charles and Olive Heigeson who was named ... [truncated due to length]Acquisition
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2016.0102Source or Donor
Waupun Historical SocietyAcquisition Method
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