Newspaper Articles About Nelson Adulphus Jesmer and Jenny (Soquet) Jesmer
Newspaper Articles About Nelson Adulphus Jesmer and Jenny (Soquet) Jesmer
Click here to Nelson A Jesmer’s home page
Click here to return to the family history home page
Link to Nelson Jesmer documents Biographical letter by Jesse Johnson How the Jesmers came to Minnesota
Link to Joseph A. Jesmer (Nelson’s Dad)
History of Greenbush township and Milles Lacs County
The following are the newspaper articles of Nelson Adulphus Jesmer. They are derived from newspapers searched for by Nelson Edward “Ted” Jesmer. They were typed in by Kevin Edward Jesmer, Ted’s son. They are from newspapers in Michigan, Minnesota and Saskatchewan. Other documents were included and inserted in their proper position. There are no articles from his boyhood in New York or from his time in Langdon, North Dakota. (Ted Jesmer visited the library in Langdon North Dakota in 2007 and there were no articles there.)
November 14, 1885, “Miss Belle Wood is here visiting her brother J.A.” The Ashland Press.
[Article] History Of Bessemer (One week later she married Nelson A. Jesmer in Ashland)
Dedicated to the men and women who migrated to this vast wilderness and made their homes in the area that was to become our beloved Bessemer.
[A picture of main street Bessemer189?] The earliest places of business were the Dolan Boarding house, Jeffres and Micklesen’s Hardware and General store, Ehrmanntraut Bros. Meat Market, Jesmer and Long, Colby House, Frank Hiffling and G.D. Fournier.
According to Ted Jesmer (grandson), “Nelson A. Jesmer, came to BessemerMichigan, I believe in 1885. He was married in November 1885 and was listed on the marriage certificate as a hotel keeper. According to the book on the history of Bessemer 1885-1894, there was a major financial disaster in mining regions of the area in 1893. Many mines were closed and declared bankruptcy. I believe that the Jesmer family left Bessemer in late 1893 or early 1894. This can not be fully verified, as all newspapers, prior to the middle of 1894, were burned and no copies exist.”
Marriage License of Nelson Adulphus Jesmer and Belle Wood
Wisconsin Vital statistics No. 97 00074
1. Full name of husband…………………………………………..Nelson A. Jesmer
2. Name of the father of husband……………………………..Joseph Jesmer
3. Name of the mother of husband before marriage… Maryan Rubduex (Spelled wrong)
4. Occupation of husband……………………………………….. Hotel
5. Residence of husband…………………………………………. BessemerMichigan
6. Birthplace of husband…………………………………………. New York
7. Full name of wife previous to marriage………………. Bell Wood
8. Name of the father of the wife……………………………… Joseph Wood
9. Name of the mother of the wife before marriage…. Allen McVechia
10. Birthplace of wife…………………………………………………
11. Time when marriage was contracted…………………… Nov 21, 1885
12. The place, town, or township, and county where
the marriage was contracted……………………………….. Ashland
13. The color of parties……………………………………………… White
14. Names of subscribing witnesses………………………….. John McNeil
Mary McNeil
15. Name of person pronouncing marriage…………………Rev Paulinus O.S.F.
16. Residence of person last named……………………………. Ashland
17. Date of certificate or affidavit of marriage……………. Nov 21, 1885
18. Date of registration………………………………………………. Dec 16, 1885
Any additional circumstances……………………………………
The Hibbing Sentinel
June 9, 1894 “J.A. Jesmer returned from his northern trip Saturday night. While absent he bought the relinquishment of a timber claim in 59-60 that has been carefully estimated to contain 22000 feet of splendid standing pine.” The Hibbing Sentinel
July 21, 1894 “Albert Jesmer lost a pocketbook containing $26.00 in paper money and a bank check for $7.35 at the Superior mine last Monday. Several hours later it was found by Charley O’Donnell and promptly returned to its owner. ” The Hibbing Sentinel
Sept 8, 1894, “J.N. Jesmer is making numerous improvements on his residence.” The Hibbing Sentinel
December 22, 1894, “A telegram from Washington states the N.A. Jesmer was appointed postmaster at Hibbing last Thursday, vice J.W. Murphy resigned.” The Hibbing Sentinal
December 29, 1894, “Nelson A. Jesmer’s Christmas present came from uncle Sam and consisted of his appointment as village postmaster.” The Hibbing Sentinal
§ 103. Postmaster General Duties
(1) There is established the Office of the Postmaster General of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Postmaster General shall be appointed by the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, subject to the advice and consent of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia. An appointment shall be for the term of the appointing President, and the Postmaster General shall submit his resignation to the President for his acceptance no later than 30 days after the inauguration of the President or at the time a new nominee for Postmaster General is confirmed by the Congress, whichever is earlier. The President may renominate the same Postmaster General subject to the advice and consent of the Congress.
(2) Prior to the appointment and confirmation of the Postmaster General under subsection (1) of this section, the President shall have the authority to exercise the powers and duties vested in the Postmaster General by this chapter and may appoint an interim Postmaster General to be paid at the rate of $21,000 per annum.
Source: PL 3-13 § 3, modified.
§ 104. Duties and responsibilities.
The Postmaster General shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) to supervise the operations of the National Postal System;
(2) to adopt postal rates and regulations pursuant to title 17 of this code and in accordance with section 108 of this chapter; and
(3) to hire staff and perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Source: PL 3-13 § 4, modified.
http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/code/title39/T39_Ch01.htm#104
Definition of “Blind Pig” : Blind pig
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This page is about a class of drinking establishment.
A blind pig, also known as a blind tiger or booze can, is an establishment that illegally provides alcoholic beverages.
The name originated in the United States in the 1800s, when blue laws restricted the sale of alcoholic beverages. A saloon keeper would charge customers to see an attraction (such as an animal), and provide a “complimentary” alcoholic beverage, thus circumventing the law.
It was during the years of prohibition that blind pigs were most common in the U.S. Estimates of the number of blind pigs in some major U.S. cities in the mid-1920s are:
The blind pig is a classic example of black market economics, and with the end of prohibition in 1933 most blind pigs had to either become legitimate establishments or close shop. Common current examples of the blind pig include the after hours club and the keg party. In Canada, however, traditional blind pigs continue to flourish, although they are usually known as booze cans.
January 5, 1895, “N.A. Jesmer transacted business in Duluth the latter part of this week.” The Hibbing Sentinel
January 5, 1895, “Annual Statement of the Village treasurer of the Village of Hibbing, Minn., for the year ending March 6th, A.D. 1895.
245 G. L. Robinson 2 19
102 Alex McKinsey 9 19
234 N.A. Jesmer 9 62
217 ” ” 2 50
231 Duncan McKennor 2 00
120 P.H. Connell 1 45
158 D.C. Young 3 50
262 A Weller 11 00
284 Wm Barrett 6 00
296 J.B. Conners 25 00
297 N.A. Jesmer 11 50
307 Leggit & Thornton 150 00
299 Hibbing and Trimble 150 00
note on safe 151 30
306 John Meehen 70 00
298 W.G. Reynolds 19 00
306 C. A. Smith 15 00
The Hibbing Sentinel
January 9, 1895, “Hibbing’s Woes. After the School Board Comes The Trouble With the Postmaster. They are having a warm time at Hibbing over the recent appointment of the new postmaster. It seems that Murphy, the original Postmaster, was several months ago brought to a Duluth hospital and after recovering from the fever went on to visit his old home in Canada to regain his strength. Some enterprising individuals quietly got up a petition, signed mostly by men in the outlying timber camps, asking for appointment of N.A. Jessmer on the ground that Murphy had practically abandoned the office, leaving an offensive partisan Republican charge. The scheme worked and Jesmer got the appointment a few days ago.
That made the people mad, for less than two years ago Jesmer was sent to a county jail in Duluth to serve a 90-day sentence for running a blind pig.
The storm center was soon transferred to Washington and Major Baldwin had the appointment hung up. A remonstrance against the issuance of Jesmer’s commission is now being circulated in Hibbing and receiving lots of signatures. (The Commonwealth. Duluth Mn.)
January 12, 1895, “N. A. Jesmer has returned from a trip to Bessemer, Mich., his former place of residence. He was considerably astonished to learn that the bitter guerilla warfare that has been waged upon him by his post office opponent during his absence.”
“The Sentinel, regrets that the opposition to Mr. Jesmer’s appointment find it necessary to resort to down right lying, with a view to poisoning the minds of Washington officials against him, in their struggle for the retention of the Hibbing post-office. A sample of the dirty work employed was the publication a recent number of the DuluthCommonwealth of the charge that Jesmer was once sent to the county jail to serve a 90 day sentence for remaining a blind pig. It was a lie pure and simple and the author and the paper are likely to reap their just deserts for their libel.”
The Hibbing Sentinal
January 19, 1895, “N.A. Jesmer called the Commonwealth’s attention to the fact that the charges made by that paper that he had served a term in jail for running a blind pig were false, and in reply the Commonwealth makes a “cheerful” apology. The paper didn’t say anything condemnatory of the vindictive maliciousness of its lying informant who instigated the charge., however. The slander did its work, just the same, of withholding Mr. Jesmer’s postoffice commission for a time.” The Hibbing Sentinel
March 9, 1895, “A bouncing baby boy was born to Mr and Mrs Nelson A. Jesmer last Tuesday.
Albert Jesmer is here from Grand Rapids, Mich, on a visit to his brother.” The Hibbing Sentinel
Certificate of Birth
Record No. 61/5/1895
This is to certify that Record of Births which occurred in St Louis County, Minnesota, for the year 1895 A.D., as report to this office, by D.C. Rood Registrar, on Jan 30, 1896 , discloses that at Village of Hibbing on the 4th day of March, 1895, a male child was born to:
Father Mother
Name Nelson A. Jesmer Name Genevieve_____________
Birthplace New York Birthplace Wisconsin___________
Age at the time of Age at the time of
this birth 37 years this birth 28 years_
occupation – – – Occupation – – -____________
Attending physician or midwife _________________- – -____________________________
said legitimate child being the _- – -_ child born of said mother; and that the full name of said child as entered in said record is:
____________________ HARVEY HOWARD JESMER ___________________________
Witness My Hand and Seal of office at Duluth, Minnesota
this 29th day of December, 1964
District Court FRED ASH, Clerk of District Court,
“Letoile Du Nord” (signature)
St. Louis County, Minn by, ___Adele. B. Devine ?___________
(official seal) Deputy Clerk
* Recreated on a “word” document by Kevin Edward Jesmer 11/20/07 (not an exact relica)
April 27, 1895, ” Unanimous for Murphy.
Of late there has been considerable talk over a petition that has been quietly circulated with a view to ousting John W. Murphy, the president incumbent, from the post office. It was finally decided to hold a citizen’s meeting and on Friday the following call was issued:
A public meeting will be held in the town hall on Saturday evening, April 20th, to discuss the matter of the a rumored change of postmaster. Every resident is interested and all should come. By order of the Citizen’s Committee.
The chair stated the purpose of the meeting and asked all who had complaints to make against the present conduct of the office to state them.
There were no complaints, but several spoke in the highest terms of Mr. Murphy’s satisfactory manner of conducting the office and hoped for his retention.
The following resolution was introduced by R.F. Berdie and unanimously adopted. “Resolved that we, the citizens of Hibbing, assembled at the village hall, do hereby petition the honorable assistant postmaster if Hibbing, John W. Murphy, as he is given the public ample and good service. And that this request be granted we shall ever pray.”
On motion it was resolved that a copy of the foregoing be forwarded to Hon R.A. Maxwell, fourth assistant postmaster general, Washington, D.C.
In a few well chosen words Mr. Murphy thanked the assemblage for their spontaneous expression of good will on their behalf.
At the close of the meeting a petition for the retention of Mr. Murphy was signed by the following citizens whose names were not upon the original petition, embodying the some 250 names of the patrons of the Hibbing office:
John Meeben, Joseph Johnson, Emil Wallin, Hugh O’Donald, Fred McComber, E.M. Barnes, Thomas Hogan, Louis Ostheff, John Bruce, Wm McGrath, W.A. McCarthy, W.C. Barrett, Robert Maxwell, R.J. Mitchell, Dennis Haley, A.E. Wardwell, John Donaldson, T.H.Driscoll, H.F. Tetzlaff, E. McAnnulty, B.O’Rourke, Ed Benane, And. Hanson, Alex McKenzie, John Campbell, John Malone, D.J. Sullivan, Geo. Dashler, W.J. Marks, Mels Logan, Ole Gennis, ed. Bark.
This ought to settle the Hibbing post office question for some time to come. (The Hibbing Sentinel)
November 30, 1895, “N.A. Jesmer is raising and enlarging his residence.” The Hibbing Sentinel
July 25, 1896,” A pretty girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Jesmer on Saturday the 18th last.” The Hibbing Sentinel
November 14, 1896, “Lillie Martha, the beautiful child of Mr and Mrs N.A. Jesmer, died on November 11 of whooping cough after a short illness. The little one was born on July 18th last.” The Hibbing Sentinel
December 4, 1897, “Albert Jesmer left for Princeton Thursday to spend a month with relatives.” The Hibbing Sentinel
January 15, 1898, “Herbert Jesmer has been unable to attend school the past few days on account of illness.” The Hibbing Sentinel
March 1, 1898, “Annual Financial Statement of the Village Treasurer of the Village of Hibbing Minn., for the year ending March 1st., A.D. 1898. [Official Publication] HibbingMinn., March 1, 1898. To the President and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hibbing. Gentlemen: I herewith hand you a report of the Village Treasurer for the fiscal year ending March 1, 1898, showing the balance remaining on hand March 4, 1897, monies received on the General fund and also the Light and Water fund for the year; the monies paid out on orders from the above named funds, including interest on the same, and the several amounts remaining in my hands. D.C.YoungVillage Treasurer.
F474 N.A. Jesmer Pillsbury Road .43, 60,
E 476 do do .27, 48, 75,
E 474 do do .29 29,
E 472 do do .24 30,
E 473 do do .24 30, etc……. The Hibbing Sentinel
May 14, 1898, “Jesmer Plead Guilty. Nelson A. Jesmer and Joseph Lalone, who were arraigned in the district court on Tuesday on indictments charging them with grand larceny in the second degree, appeared in court and entered pleas of guilty and were remanded to jail. They will probably be sentenced today or Monday. Mrs. Jesmer left for Duluth this morning.
It is rumored in town this morning that a politically influential and financially well-fixed brother who has extensive interests in Princeton, this state, is at Duluth and using every honorable means to save the family name from the odium of a penitentiary sentence on one of it’s members.
Blood is thicker than water and when backed by political and financial influence, cuts considerable fee in any court, even in summer time.” The Hibbing Sentinel
January 7, 1899, “Mrs. N.A. Jesmer and children will soon leave Hibbing and join her husband in North Dakota.” The Hibbing Sentinel
February 11, 1899, “Mrs. N.A. Jesmer and children left Thursday to join her husband in Langdon, N.D.” The Hibbing Sentinel
June 15th, 1908, “ Notre Dames de Lourdes
June, the 15th, 1908
Miss Ida May Jesmer
My dear little girl,
I was very glad when our Mother Superior told me, “You have a letter tonight. It comes from Saskatchewan. I don’t know who it must be. She is an English girl.” “Oh!” I said, “I know who wrote me. Is her name Ida May?” And Mother answered, “Yes.” I told her that you came two months ago to the convent of St Alphonse and that you were gone with your parents in the West.
Dear little Ida, do you remember you told me that you would become a Sister like us? And good girl as you were in the convent? Don’t forget, my dear child to be pious all your life and to pray everyday the Blessed Virgin, who is our dear Mother of Heaven and remember me in your good prayers will you?
I am here, at Notre Dame of Lourdes, since ten months. I left St Alphonse, last year in the month of July to go in the Province of Quebec where I have seen my dear parents and all my family, my nephew and nieces, etc. I am teaching here. We have in all the school, sixty five pupils. We have two little English girls. They are here to make their first communion and they are very studious. The first communion will be next Sunday, the 21st. It will be a nice feast for all. I saw the Father Stephen in my journey. I passed about a month in the village where he were, and now he is gone in another parish. I will give you his address and mine too, if you will write to him, he would be happy. I am sure to receive a letter from his dear little Ida. I think and I hope to go back in the province of Quebec in a few years again.
This is sure that I would not know you now, if you are so tall and so big, that is a good thing, but I wish you to believe always the same. I mean, you know, a good and pious girl, a true child of Jesus and Mary. It is too bad that you are so far of the church, you would be so happy and so glad to got to mass everyday as you did in the convent. Say every night, as you used to do, your beads and when you’ll die, you will be sure to be saved and with your dear parents. You mist be happy certainly, but don’t forget that if Jesus wants you to be religious, you must be faithful to His call. Think often of the death and nothing will seem too hard for God and for your salvation.
Dear little Ida, it is time for supper and I must leave you to go to the pupils. Please excuse me and remember me to your parents. Good-bye dear little Ida. I believe sincerely yours.
Sister Mary Melanice
Of The Blessed Heart Of Mary
Here is the address of the Father:
I mean Father Stephens:
Reverend Pere Etiomme
Cure ‘de Turgeon
Comte Labelle P.I.
Here is mine: Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba
The Wadena Herald
April 16, 1909, “N.A. Jesmer of Grandview Farm just out of town, has received twenty dollars (pri?semtry?) for exhibits at the Wadena Seed Grain Fair of last winter. It pays the farmers to attend the fairs.” The Wadena Herald
June 18, 1909; “Wadena Magistrate Court. Neil Smith was brought before magistrates Jesmer and Field on Monday afternoon on a charge of unlawfully selling intoxicating liquors. The information was laid by Constable Harrup who made a search of Mr. Smith’s premises on Sunday and discovered a keg and a jug of liquor. Charles Anderson was the first witness for the prosecution. He swore that he had asked Smith for a flask of whiskey and paid him fifty cents for it. He did not know where Smith had got the whiskey but considerable time had elapsed before the request and securing the liquor. Nels. Nelson swore he had purchased two bottles of beer but on examination said it was some kind of soft drink. O. Vickund swore that he had also purchased soft drinks from Smith. Constable gave evidence as to the finding of the liquor on the premises and also stated that he (Smith), had given Nelson a gallon of whiskey and had accepted pay for it. Special Constable McNicol who was present when statement was made swore that he had given Nelson money to purchase a gallon of whiskey for him. The prosecution then closed and Lawyer Hearn on behalf of defendant claimed that the information was improperly laid in that it was under the Liquor License ordinance repealed by the Liquor License Act of 1908. The magistrates agreed with Mr. Hearn and the case was dismissed.” Wadena Herald
June 25, 1909, “Miss Ida Jesmer is spending this week with the Misses. Robinsons north of here.” Wadena Herald
October 7, 1909 “The Wadena Fair. Prize Winners.
Vegetables
Field roots
1st 2nd
Turnips H.F. Whaley S.A. Bayley
Magnolias H.F. Whaley T.A. Hart
Field carrots F. A. Miner Miss Milligan
Sugar beets C. Lamont
Potatoes F.A. Miner Miss Milligan
Collection of roots N.A. Jesmer Miss Milligan
Collection of roots B. Pierce F.A. Miner
Garden Vegetables
1st 2nd
Carrots Miss Milligan N.A. Jesmer
Beets T.A. Hart S.A. Bayley
Tomatoes Miss Mellis J Faust
Parsnips Miss Milligan A.P Johnson
Radish T.A. Hart
Cucumbers T A Hart J. Milligan
Onions Miss Milligan N.E. Wilcox
Beets Unknown N.E. Wilcox
Celerg Miss Milligan P. Prouse
Cabbage F A Miner A P Johnson
Cauliflowers T A Hart
Corn Miss Milligan T A Hart
Lettuce J Milligan Miss Milligan
Citrons T A Hart P Hogan
Pumpkins J Tullack T A Hart
Best collection (Bank special) S A Bayley N A Jesmer
Poultry 1st 2nd
Pair Ducks, any breed J. Bole sr.
Pair Geese W.T. Mcpherson
Pair Turkeys B. Pierce NA Jesmer
Pair Barred Plymouth Rocks Mrs. J. Cross
Pair Brown Leghorns ” Cross P. Lindstrom
Pen crower and 3 hens, any breed A. P. Johnson N.A. Jesmer
Pair Wyndottes H.C. Pierce
Swine Any breed
Sow, 1 year or over N.A. Jesmer
Sweepstake Sow N.A. Jesmer
Domestic 1st 2nd
Collection of baking Miss O Pierce Miss Jackson
Bacon, home cured R.H. Nicholson
Ham, home cured Miss Milligan R.H. Nicholson
Sweet pickles Mrs Baer Miss Mellis
Mixed pickles Mrs Baer N.A. Jesmer
Cucumber pickles Unknown Mrs Baer
Tomato pickles, green Mrs Baer Miss Mellis
Tomato pickles, ripe Unknown Unknown
Bread Mrs O’Pierce Mrs Baer
Buns M. Jackson Unknown
Tea Biscuits (Blue ribbon special) N.A. Jesmer Mary Jackson
Mrs A. Thorn
1911, Article about Paswegin, the town in which the Jesmers lived. “Paswegan Shows Great Growth In Five Years. A Herald correspondent walked up on the outside stairway leading up to the apartment of Mr. __ F. Galespie and before entering at the door gazed over the tops of the buildings to the east. He was surprised at the long row of buildings that presented themselves before his eyes. Having been away from home for some considerable time, and when at home too busy to go to the Hamlet, he was not aware that Paswegin had been making such rapid progress in the erection of new buildings. He remembered well in Spetember, 1906, when he first set foot in Paswegin. At a glance he took in all there was of the place; Dunbar and Gillander’s _____, Asailley’s hardware store, Miss O’Shaughnessy’s store; a school house, and the C.N.R water tank. Post Master Gillander was the first man he met who introduced him to school teacher Gillespie and Justice of the Peace Clarkson.
Now there is almost a solid line of buildings from Gillespie’s General store to the residence of Henry Deros a..In this row, among other buildings may be seen Rusk’s Implement building and Severson’s restaurant. All about are residences and stores and shops. Severnson’s livery stable is one of he newest establishments. Then there is the lumber yard, railroad station, stock yards, coal yards, Asailley’s implement yard. The hardware store and the blacksmith shop are still there. A very pleasing feature is Asailley’s garden and house yard filled with various kinds fruit, shade trees, vegetables and flowers. The correspondent remembers taking a walk through this little oasis one day during the summer and helping himself to several kinds of delicious ripe fruit. And we must not forget that the municipal Council holds all of its sessions in this thriving hamlet. And of course there is the towering grain elevator and Smith’s Feed Mill. To show that Paswegin is up to the times I will state that it is no uncommon thing to see two or three motor cars standing in the street.” Wadena Herald
April 13, 1911, “Mr. Jesmer has been suffering for some time with a severe attack of rheumatism and contemplates a trip to Watrous.” The Wadena Herald
September 14, 1911, “W.A. Jesmer has returned home to look after the harvest of his crop. He has had a very successful season with the Petrie Manufacturing Company and has been promoted to the position of general agent and collector. During his stay here he will be looking after the accounts of the company. Mr. Jesmer was this year chosen from a large staff of the Petril Company to take advantage of the companies exhibits at Winnipeg and Brandon Exhitions.” The Wadena Herald
September 14, 1911, “Mrs. N.A. Jesmer went east last week on a visit to friends in St Paul, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago and Green Bay, the latter point being her native town.” The Wadena Herald
December 28, 1911; Advertisement , ” Do You Want? A Magnet Cream Separator on a 3 Year term. A Singer Sewing Machine on a 2 year term. Then drop a line o — N.A. Jesmer Wadena Sask. And have the same delivered at your home. Magnet oil at Beckman’s store.” The Wadena Herald
January 25, 1912, “N.A. Jesmer, accompanied by Geo. Goodhand and another traveler for the Petra Manufacturing Co., went to Saskatoon on business Monday.” The Wadena Herald
May 2, 1912, “N.A. Jesmer just returned from a trip to Prince Albert, Saskatoon and other western points where he was looking after his Magnet Cream Separator agency.” The Wadena Herald
Ida Mae (Jesmer) and William “Bill” Alexander Morton
Ida Mae Jesmer, was born in BessemerMichigan, March 7th 1892. She moved with her family, to Wadena Saskatchewan about 1905. She finished her early education here and then Normal School in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and acquired her teacher’s certificate and taught school for a while until she met William Alexander Morton. They were married in the home of her parents, in Wadena Saskatchewan area, August 8th 1912.
William Morton, was born at Vermillion BayOntario, in 1888. He had come with his family, at a young age, to Western Canada. He was educated at Dauphin Manitoba and started with the C.N. Railways in 1909.
William “Bill” and Ida Morton, lived and worked in different places in Western Canada, but lived in Gilbert PlainsMB for many years where Bill was the station agent for the C.N.R. For the last few years of Bill’s career, they lived in SheridonMB.
Bill and Ida retired to Victoria, British Columbia in the early 1950’s. Bill and Ida had four children, Hazel, William “Bill”, Bruce and Edwin “Ted”. Ida Mae Morton died August 10th, 1977 in Victoria B.C. Internment was at the HatleyMemorialGardens in Victoria, B.C.
(Written by Nelson Edward “Ted” Jesmer. Ida’s nephew)
September 5, 1912, “N.A.Jesmer of Wadena and Peter McLarin bought the Royal Hotel at Howell and have taken possession. Mr. McLarin will run the hotel and Mr. Jesmer will still travel for the Petrie Mfr. Company and will make it’s headquarters at Howell in the future instead of Wadena. Mr. Jesmer, who has considerable experience in the hotel business and coupled with Mr. McLarin should have a good prospect before them and we wish them every possible success.” The Wadena Herald
Place Names: Prud’homme formerly named Howell, Saskatchewan
Resource: Life as it was Prud’homme,Sask. 1897-1981″ ISBN:
Contains info on the formation of Prud’homme formerly called Howell as well as numerous family histories with names dates and other info. 550 pages
http://www.rootsweb.com/~sksaskat/newlookup.html
Picture of Howell in 1912:
February 1, 1912, “Miss Ida Jesmer who is teaching school near QuillLake was in town Saturday. Miss Jesmer is an old resident of the district and recent developments have impressed her so favorably with Wadena prospects that she decided to invest some of her savings here and accordingly purchase some lots. There is little doubt in the minds of anyone familiar with Wadena and district but that the investment is a good one and other wage earners would do well to fall in line.” The Wadena Herald
August 15, 1912, “One of the prettiest weddings of the season took place on Thursday, the 8th inst. when Miss Ida Jesmer was united in the bonds of holy matrimony to Mr. William Alexander Morton, at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Jesmer. The Rev Mr. Rawlinson of QuillLake, conducted the ceremony.
The bride looked charming in a gown of Brussel net over white silk and wore the customary bridal veil, with orange blossoms, and carried a boquet of orange blossoms. The bridesmaid was Miss Segia Christianson, of Wynard, a former school mate of the bride, who was dressed in a beautiful gown of pink silk, trimmed with Irish lace, and carried a large boquet of pink carnations. The bridegroom was supported by the bride’s brother, Mr. Carl Jesmer. The presents were many and costly, including a cheque from Mr. N.A. Jesmer, the bride’s father, and a $64.00 Singer sewing machine and a $500.00 piano, and a costly set of dishes from her mother. A reception and dinner was held after the ceremony, about twenty guests being present. The happy couple left by the eastbound train for Nova Scotia.
The bride received a handsome diamond ring from the bridegroom and the bridesmaid Miss Christianson, was the recipient of a fine pearl star broach from the bridegroom. ” The Wadena Herald
February 15, 1912, “Blaze at Paswegin. On Tuesday morning the explosion of a small bottle of gasoline caused the destruction by fire of Gillespie’s store at Paswegin. Mr. and Mrs G. Gillespie were also badly burned by the burst of flame. The contents of the post office and the store together with the household effects upstairs were totally destroyed. Mr. Gillespie is seriously injured.” The Wadena Herald
July 2, 1914, “Celebration On Dominion Day. Most successful in every respect – weather ideal for the pulling off of the big sports program. Field events. Following the races the crowd went to the Agricultural grounds, where the remainder of the program was held. The field events as follows with the winners;
100 yard open – 1st H.E. Hartzell 2nd Jesmer
Broad jump – 1st Johnson 2nd Heddington
100 yard, boys under sixteen — 1st R. Frankie 2nd W. Peterson
Hop step and jump –1st L. Johnson 2nd Gray
220 yards, open –1st L. Johnson 2nd Dick Pugh
Shot put, 16 pound — 1st J H Hearn 2nd L M McDonald
440 yards, open –1st Gray 2nd Pugh
Girls 50 yards race — 1st Elizabeth Cameron 2nd Josie Nelson
The prizes for winners of these events were handsome silver and bronze medals suitably engraved. These were given to the winners at the Empire Theater after the football game by Mayor J H Hearn.” The Wadena Herald
March 11, 1915, “N.A. Jesmer, one of our most successful farmers in the Wadena district is leaving to take charge of the Petrie Mfg. Co. office in Montreal as sales manager for the province of Quebec. Mr. Jesmer commenced five years ago as local agent for the Petrie Mfg. Co. in the Wadena district, the second year he was a blockman, the third year traveling salesman and the fourth year as the companies representative through Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Last year he traveled through Manitoba and Ontario as the general representative and now he is appointed sales manager for the Montreal office for the province of Quebec. It speaks well for Mr. Jesmer as a competent salesman to advance from local agent to sales manager in five years time for such a large and important province as Quebec. It is gratifying to know that we have men farming in the Wadena district that are capable of branching out in other lines and Mr. Jesmer is one of them. Mr. Jesmer intends to come back to Wadena next fall to stay with his family for a while. We wish him success and a safe return.” The Wadena Herald
July 22, 1915, “QuillCitySchool Item. (By Charley McMinn). Miss Doris Harman has been visiting at her home at Meadow Bank this week.
Carl Jesmer of QuillCity was very ill with appendicitis on Sunday night, but is reported better now.
At QuillCity school on Sunday, July 18, Mr. Morton christened five babies. Many people attended the ceremony.
We had a good rain on last Thursday, which did much good around here and prevented holding school one day.
Many people from here attended the picnic at Paswegin last Friday in spite of the rainy weather and heavy roads.” The Wadena Herald
August 26, 1915, “N.A. Jesmer, who has spent the summer in Quebec province as sales manager for the Petrie Manufacturing company, returned to Wadena on Monday.” The Wadena Herald
September 30, 1915, “QuillCity — N.A. Jesmer has moved his threshing machine home to start work.” The Wadena Herald
November 4, 1915, “N.A. Jesmer has bought a thirty horse power Rumley engine and the Robert Bell separator, and a set of plows to break and plow with his engine. He has threshed this fall with his outfit and still has 8 or 10 days of threshing to do yet. Anyone having plowing or and breaking to do next spring would do well by seeing Mr. Jesmer, as he has an up-to-date outfit for plowing and breaking. ” The Wadena Herald
December 2, 1915, “Carl Jesmer went this week to attend the WinnipegBusinessCollege. This makes the third winter that Carl has gone to the College, he being a bright young fellow, no doubt by spring he will be capable of carrying on any kind of business. We wish him good luck.” The Wadena Herald
July 27, 1916, “Lost in Paswegin at the picnic Monday July 17th, two good rain coats. These coats were put in a strange buggy by mistake. Will finder kindly send to Carl Jesmer, Wadena, Suitable reward.” The Wadena Herald
July 26, 1917, “N.A. Jesmer left Wadena, yesterday with a carload of choice three year old steers, for Winnipeg. He says if the Winnipeg prices are not suitable he will take them to St Paul or Chicago.” The Wadena Herald
November 15, 1917, “The following delegates were appointed at the liberal meeting held in Peace Hall, on Saturday November 10th. To attend the convention at Hombolt Nov. 17th! Chas Peterson, N.A. Jesmer, D. McKenzie, Sam Evens.” The Wadena Herald
August 8th, 1918, “Donations to the Red Cross. Amount Now $3,014.63.
J Milligan $5.00 F. Jackman 5.00
Violet Lickett 5.00 Mr. & Mrs Ernest Lindstrom 10.00
R. Dephoe 2.00 Mrs. Riner Butter
Mr. Boiko 2.00 Oscar Edlund 5.00
Mr. Mickelsoss 1.00 Russell Hann 10.00
D.A. Mcpherson .10 W. Lundeen 1.00
Fritz Seemenuk 5.00 Mrs Lena Faust 25.00
Tom Toner 2.00 Joseph Perron 1.00
Mrs Porter 2.00 Omer Perron 1.00
Jacob Kerluke 3.00 A. B. Hall 25.00
Wm. Kulyk 5.00 Mr. and Mrs Geo Miller 20.00
W.J. Kulyk 1.00 Mr and Mrs Oscar Gelin Calf
Yoel Parren 2.00 Frank Lindstrom 10.00
Fred Kerluke 5.00 L. Cavalli 5.00
Peter Audenik 1.00 Mr & Mrs Nels Guloien 15.00
G. Berlund 1.00 Mabel Jackson 10.00
W. Miller 1.00 J.J. Olson Ewe
Sam Bilyk 1.00 E. P. Eskilson Calf
N. Perron 1.00 Olans Erickson 10.00
R. Smale 1.00 Sam Anderson 10.00
Mrs R. Smale 1.00 Henry Tolin 10.00
P. Aurell 4.00 Louis Lunde 10.00
Erick Aurell 3.00 Louis Lunde Lamb
P. Carlson 5.00 Mr & Mrs R.H. Nicholson 40.00
Mrs. S. Anderson 5.00 Charles Peterson 25.00
Axel Peterson 10.00
D. Maverik Calf
John Demenuk 3.50
N.A. Jesmer 5.00
Peter Swedberg 5.00
The Wadena Herald
February 21, 1918, “Mr. N.A. Jesmer, Mr. Gelin received by voluntary donation $156 and two sacks of flour for a family living near Paswegin that was in hard circumstances owing to sickness. It speaks well for the people living in Wadena and vicinity for being so patriotic to help out a family in hard circumstances. The name of each that donated and the amount opposite the names are: N.A. Jesmer, Check 5.00
S O Lee, Check 5.00
Oscar Gekin, sack of flour
James Burnett, check 5.00
George Miller, 5.00
Jens Jenson, cash 5.00
E. Atkinson, check 5.00
R. H. McMinn, cash 5.00
W, Hanson, check 5.00
Albert Olson, cash 5.00
P. Youngquist, sack flour
Fred Atkinson, check 5.00
Charlie Peterson, cash 5.00
N. Toline, cash 5.00
Henry Toline, cash 5.00
W. Eyre, cash 5.00
F.B. Jaycock, cash 5.00″ The Wadena Herald
__________________________________________________________________________
DVA. 95-7-Vol.15. WSR 12/ BL
Department of Veterans Affairs
Record Of Service
IN THE
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
Service Rank and/ or Number 3353365 Name Harvey JESMER
1. Branch of Sevice: Canadian Expeditionary Force
2. Date and Place of Birth: 4th March 1897. (correct 1895) Besmer, Michigan, USA (correct Hibbing Mn)
3. Date and Place of Appointment, 25th June, 1918. Regina, Saskatchewan
Enlistment or Enrollment:
4. Unit on Appointment, Enlistment, 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
5. Theaters of Sevice: Canada & England
6. Date and Place of Retirement or Discharge: 26th June, 1919. ReginaSaskatchewan
7. Reason for Retirement or Discharge: “Demobilization”
8. Rank on Retirement or Discharge: Private
9. Medals and Decorations BRITISH WAR MEDAL
10. Remarks Nil
____________________________________________________________________________________
Sex: Male Age: 22 Years 4 Months. Height 5 Feet 7 Inches
Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark Complexion: Dark
Marks or Scars: Nil.
Ottawa, Ont, Canada
(Signature)
10th December, 1953. ___________________________
Director , War Service Records
DVA ?12 (Rev. 7-51)
* Recreated on a “Word” document by Kevin Jesmer 11/20/07
September 26, 1918, “Prizes Awarded At Wadena Agricultural Fair September 16, 1918; (continued from last week) One sheaf of wheat
1st prize A.K. Thorn
2nd prize N.A. Jesmer
One sheaf of oats
1st prize C. Lefevre
2nd prize H. W. Brice
One Sheaf of Barley
1st prize C. Lefevre
2nd prize H.W. Brice
One bushel of potatoes
1st prize J. Gillespie
2nd prize Mrs J. Faust
Half dozen turnips
1st prize, Mrs. George Mitz”
The Wadena Herald
April 24, 1919, “Messrs. Shore and Jesmer are making important changes in the old I.O.O.F. hall and preparing it for the opening of the picture show. Wadena can look forward to a neat, comfortable theater.” The Wadena Herald
May 8, 1919, “N.A. Jesmer is erecting a neat little garage adjoining the Empire Theater on Railway Ave. It will be the home of the Gray Dort.” The Wadena Herald
June 19,1919, “N.A. Jesmer’s Garage and the Empire Theater has been treated to a new coat of paint, which makes a big improvement in that part of the town.” The Wadena Herald
June 19,1919, Advertisement: “The Gray Dort Car. Is a business and pleasure car. The war time demands economical transportation and this demand is being met by the Gray Dort. It is very simple and anyone can learn to handle it in a very short time. It develops forty horse power and has Cauter-lever springs, the best on the market. 26 miles per gal. of gas. I will be pleased to bring a Gray Dort or a Dodge car to your home for demonstration and inspection. N.A. Jesmer Wadena Sask. Look up the New Garage opposite the C.N.R. Station.” The Wadena Herald
May 4, 1921, “For sale – or rent a Garage apply to. N.A. Jesmer Wadena, Sask. ” The Wadena Herald
February 10, 1921, “Messrs. N.A. Jesmer and P.Ottman left on Tuesday’s train to attend the Dairy Convention at Prince Albert. On their return they propose to publish a full report in the Herald.” The Wadena Herald
June 14, 1922, “Snap _for _sale- Second hand Gray Dort Car in good running order. Will exchange for stock. Apply to N.A. Jesmer Wadena Sask. 30-c-tf. ” The Wadena Herald
September 13th , 1928, ” Wadena Agricultural Societies 22nd Annual Fair. Poultry Class XlX
Plymouth Rock male 1st Rankin 2nd Wm. Reynolds
Plymouth Rock female 1st Wm Reynolds
Leghorn male 1st Mrs Geo Millar 2nd (?)
” female 1st Mrs Geo Millar 2nd Melvin Pollock
Buff Orpington female 1st M. Pollack
WWyandotte female 1st Mrs R.H. Nicholson
R.I. Red male 1st A.J. Webster 2nd “” “”(?)
” female — 1st Mrs A.J. Webster 2nd ditto
6. Spring chickens 1st Mrs R.H. Nicholson 2nd Wm Reynolds
Pair ducks 1st Melvin Pollock
Pair Geese – 1st D. Rankin
Turkey male 1st Mrs Geo Millar 2nd Mrs P Tolen
Turkey female 1st D. Rankin 2nd Mrs Geo Millar
— Grains And Grasses
— — Class – XX ——
Western Rye Grass 1st A.G. Carter
Sweet clover 1st Mrs L. Ulberg 2nd Wm Reynolds
Marquis wheat 1st John Birch 2nd Axel Peterson
Garnet wheat 1st R. Yeo 2nd Wm Reynolds
Any other variety named 1st R. Yeo 2nd Wm Reynolds
Oats 1st A.G.Carter 2nd W Reynolds
Barley 1st A. Olson 2nd Mrs P Tolen
Flax 1st A Olson 2nd W Reynolds
Tomatoes 1st P.L. Mclean
Cabbage 1st A.G. Carter 2nd P.L. Mclean
Cauliflower 1st P.L. Mclean 2nd A.J. Carter
Lettuce 1st Mrs W Speirs 2nd A.G. Carter
Rhubarb 1st Mrs W Speirs 2nd A.G. Carter
Vegetable marrow 1st Mrs Jackman 2nd Mrs W.C. Stephens
Watermelons 1st Mrs A Jackman
Cucumbers 1st Francis Kirby
Sweet corn 1st Mrs W. Speirs 2nd A.G. Carter
Broad beans 1st A.G. Carter 2nd Mrs S Knight
Wax beans 1st Mrs W Speirs 2nd P.L. Mclean
Peas 1st John Popoff 2nd A.G. Carter
Garden Fruits XXll
Red raspberries 1st Mrs W.T. Potts 2nd A.G. Carter
Black currants 1st A.G. Carter
White currants 1st Mrs W Speirs
Canned Goods XXll
Strawberries 1 qt 1st Mrs R.H. Nich Olson
Raspberries 1 pt 1st Mrs W. Speirs 2nd Mrs H.H. Kauffman
Currants 1 pt 1st Mrs Kauffman
Wild fruit 1 pt 1st N.A. Jesmer 2nd Mrs H. Kauffman
Citrons 1 pint 1st Mrs W Speirs 2nd Mrs H.H. Kauffman
Apple jelly 1 pint 1st Mrs H.H. Kauffman 2nd N.A. Jesmer
Current jelly 1st Mrs W.T. Potts 2nd Mrs E.G. Bourne
The Wadena Herald
February 2, 1928, “Mr. N.A. Jesmer has installed in his beautiful house south west of town a five tube radio. He says he can now stay at home and get the news from coast to coast, and the local news he can now get at the Wadena Herald. He is well posted now.” The Wadena Herald
August 7, 1929, “Summer Fair. Day Provided To Be Very Successful One In Spite of the Threatening Weather – The Exhibits Were Not So Numerous as Preceding Years, But The High Standard Was Maintained. Good Horse Races – Picture Show and Dance.
Canned Goods
Strawberries; home grown – 1 R. H. Nicholson
Raspberries, home grown –1 Mrs. Potts
Currants, home grown-1 Mrs P. Tolen; 2. A.G. Carter
Wild Fruit, – 1. Mrs Potts; 2. C.H. Hunter
Citron, home made –1, Mrs Potts; 2. Mrs. N.A. Jesmer
Apple Jelly, home made –1. Mrs. Potts; 2 – Mrs. N.A. Jesmer
Currant Jelly –1, Mrs. P. Tolen; 2. Mrs Potts.
Grape jelly – 1, Mrs. Potts; 2. Mrs. N.A. Jesmer
Peas, home grown –1, Mrs. G. Backlund; 2. Mrs Potts.
Corn, home grown –1, Mrs. Potts.
Any other variety of vegetable, home grown –1. Mrs Backlund; 2. Mrs Potts.
Canned Beef, home made – 1, Mrs J. Guest; 2. Geo. Millar.
Rhubarb, canned –1, Mrs Backlund; 2. G.A. Carter.
Canned Chicken –1, Geo. Millar; 2. Mrs. L.C. Wirtz.
Canned fish – 1, Mrs. Tolen.
Col. Pickles, 4. varieties –1, Mrs Potts; 2. Mrs. P. Ottoman.
Specials – Mrs. N. A. Jesmer
Specials – Mrs. N.A. Jesmer
Cattle – Beef Type
Bull, 2 years or over – 1, C.O. Carlson; 2. N.A. Jesmer
The Wadena Herald
December 9, 1929, “A great deal of interest is centered around the election of councilor for division 2. There are three candidates nominated for this vacancy, which is caused by Mr. Smith’s term of office being completed. Mr. Smith is nominated again, also Mrs Lillie Johnson and Mr. Nelson Jesmer. So far the Municipality of Lakeview has never had a lady counselor, and one man remarked, “We’ve never had a woman and don’t want one now.” It must be remembered, however that there are many things which the municipality have to consider besides road work, although that of course, the judicious spending of money allocated for the road work is the principle. There is the hospital and the relief work that it might be benefitted by a woman’s motherly instinct and institution, as they always look at things from a different viewpoint than a mere man. Remarks were made at the taxpayers meeting that the municipality received great benefit from the mature experience of its counselors and it is only when the ratepayers are dissatisfied that they seek a change. It is recognized and understood that there are always men and women who are willing to give their time, ability and energy for the benefit of their fellow citizens, yet there are always some who would serve and are nominated by others whose motives are personal and that they will receive some indirect benefit. No action in life is done without motive, whether we are conscious of it or not. Voting has been keen today and a close result is expected.” The Wadena News
December 16, 1929, “Paswegin. (our own correspondent) Paswegin, December 16 – As was anticipated last week the result of the voting for the councilor of Div. 2 was very close. Mr. Jesmer was elected by a majority of three over Mr. Smith. It is very evident that the taxpayers are not prepared at present to accept a lady councilor and opinion was expressed on election day that if Mr. Johnson had been nominated instead of his wife, the chances would have been better, as he only lost by six votes at the last election for Div. 2. As often happens, a third candidate splits the vote, and if there had only been two candidates we think Mr. Smith would have been returned for another term of office. There was quite a lot of controversy over the voters list, yet we were given to understand that the list was correct and up to date. According to the legal department of the Free Press, those who are entitled to vote at the municipal elections are the resident ratepayers. If that be true the list needs quite a lot of revising.” The Wadena News
December 25, 1929, QuillCity Concert. (contributed) We had the pleasure of attending the Quill City Christmas concert on the evening of December 18. We entered upon a scene of Christmas decorations and starry-eyed children, full of eager excitement.
The program, contributed under the very able direction of the teacher, Mrs Hellny Eskelson, was an outstanding success. The program consisted of several very pretty drills, humorous dialogues and recitations and appropriate Christmas music. Each number was given in a manner which showed painstaking effort on the part of the teacher and pupil alike.
The piece de resistance of the evening was “Silent Night’ a tableaux depicting the coming of the Wise Men to the “Babe of Bethlehem.” The angels were hovering above the strains of sweet music floating down. The effect was greatly enhanced by the use of the use of the spotlight.
Santa arrived in the nick of time to distribute the many gifts, assisted by our witty chairman, Mr. N. A. Jesmer. The generous treat of nuts, candy and apples was enjoyed by young and old alike. The ladies of QuillCity served lunch in their usual, efficient style. After an hour of sociability and fun the happy crowd dispersed to the echoes of “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” The Wadena News
January 14, 1931, “Lakeview Council Met On Monday, Jan. 5. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Council of R.M. Lakeview, No. 337, held at Paswegin on Monday, Jan. 5. Present, Reeve Berven, Crs. Riner, Jesmer, Gray, Guloien, Carlson and Clark. Cr. Jesmer moved that indemnity for supervision and meetings be: for reeve, $4.00 and councilors $3 per day and 15c per mile.” The Wadena News
January 28, 1931, “QuillCity school held their annual school meeting on January 10. Mr. Jesmer, after being on the board for twelve years, was re-elected for the next three years. Mr. A. B. Hall was elected secretary-treasurer.” The Wadena Herald
January 28, 1931, “Mr. Jesmer left for Regina during the week as a delegate to the dairy convention.” The Wadena News
Februrary 23, 1931, “Paswegin. Folks have been busy loading hay this past week. George Johnson has loaded two cars and Mr. Lofgrin has loaded four cars. He has been given free shipping facilities from the government to enable him to sell his hay.
A little excitement was caused on Thursday night just before the passenger train was pulled out of the station. Clare Robinson’s team, with a load of wood, ran away and came over the crossing at the rear of the train, with not very much room to spare, having only just moved up from the water tank. Clare, not being in sight, it was feared an accident had happened as the folks drove out in a cutter to find him. He was quite safe. He went to get his coat and the horses, and all he lost was a little wind.” The Wadena News
April 13, 1931, “Miss Jessie Johnson was a visitor to the school on Thursday and assisted MissLake with the lessons.” The Wadena News
May 6, 1931, “While Clair Robinson was taking a bundle of oats from a stack in his yard on Monday a rat jumped out. He started looking for more and with the help of others had a regular slaughter, and when they had finished there were 55 dead rats, not many escaping. Hard luck, Clair, no bounty.” The Wadena News
May 18, 1931, “There was a successful dance held on Friday night, a good crowd gathering for the occasion. Those who assisted in the orchestra were Mr. Bert Lake, MissJennieLake. Mr. Harvey Leefe, Mr. S. Rutherford and Neil Rutherford, Mrs. Yerex and Mr. Bradley. The evening was marred by an unfortunate incident. One dancer, who put more vigor than wisdom into his dancing, knocked against the coffee boiler which had just been brought into the hall, with the result that Mr. Forrister and Mrs. Lockyer got scalded with the boiling coffee. Apart from this everybody had a good time.” The Wadena News
June 25, 1931, “Carl Jesmer has been busy pulling down the buildings on the Art. Jereusic place, having bought them from the Hudson Bay Company.” The Wadena News
July 8, 1931, “Miss Jessie Johnson is to be congratulated on her success at Saskatoon normal. She received word on Wednesday that she had been awarded a first class diploma for teaching.” The Wadena News
August 12, 1931, “Lakeview Council Met Aug. 8. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Council of R.M. Lakeview; No. 337, held at Paswegin on Saturday, Aug 8, 1931. Present: Reeve Berven, Crs Riner, Jesmer, Gray, Carlson and Clark. Cr. Jesmer moved that the draft of conditions re leasing of crown lands be approved.” The Wadena News
August 17, 1931, “Paswegin. While Mr. Geo. Johnson was bucking hay the jole got caught in some sods and he fell and the bucking pole fell on him. Carl Jesmer, who was on the field, came to his assistance, and a bolt in the pole caused two bad wounds in his back, beside ripping his pants badly.” The Wadena News
August 31, 1931, “We regret that Jessie Johnson suffered blood poisoning from a scratch on her hand and was detained in the WadenaHospital for a few days.” The Wadena News
January 4, 1932, “Mr. Carl Jesmer held a turkey shoot on Friday. We understand that he was the most successful marksman and was able to retain quite a few of the birds. We noticed since that one young lady is doing quite a lot of practicing with the rifle and is going to clean up the turkeys next time.” The Wadena News
January 6, 1932, “Paswegin. The Lakeview Council held their first meeting of the year today. The Reeve, Mr. T. Berven, in his words of welcome to the council, emphasized the fact that the economy must be the watchword for the year and hoped they would all work together for the benefit of the municipality. Owing to the mistake over some of the votes in the last election, Mr. Jesmer resigned his seat, and the nomination meeting will take place on Jan. 18, and the election on Jan. 25. The next Council meeting will be held Feb. 13.” The Wadena News
January 6, 1932, “NOTICE. For nomination for elections. Rural Municipality of Lakeview, No. 337. Municipal elections, 1932. Public Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Electors of the Rural Municipality of Lakeview, No. 337, will be held at Paswegin Community Hall on Monday, the 18th day of January, 1932; from one o’clock to two o’clock in the afternoon (Mountain Standard Time) for the purpose of nominating Candidates for the office of Councilor of for the Division Number two.
Given under my hand at Wadena, this 7th day of January, A.D. 1932. G.F. Gillespie
Returning Officer” The Wadena News
January 11, 1932, “Paswegin. Another successful evening was the result of Wednesday’s social. Two new families came who had not previously attended and enjoyed themselves so much that they are coming again. The prize winners at whist were Miss Burnie and Miss Warne and Messrs, L. Miller and J. Gray. For the concert program, Ruth Kiesow, Elizabeth Drummond and Chas. Atkinson gave recitations.; Louise Johnson, Doris McClure and Mr. L. Miller sang, and the community singing is getting a little more pep. The evening was made more special by the attendance of Mr. and Mrs Noel Harris, and in a few chosen words from Mr. Boyle they were presented with a hamper filled with useful articles from friends of the community. They were completely taken by surprise and both expressed their sincere thanks for the gifts and the kind thoughts which came to them. After the refreshments had been served, Messrs. Miller, Ivor and Harvey Leefe supplied music for a few dances.” The Wadena News
January 11, 1932, “Miss Jessie Johnson went to Wadena on Thursday, returning on Friday. ” The Wadena News
January 18, 1932, “Nomination meeting for councilor for Div. 2 took place today, (Monday), with Mr. G. F. Gillespie, returning officer, in charge. Two candidates were nominated; Mr. N.A. Jesmer and Mr. A. McWhinnie. Polling will take place next Monday.” The Wadena News
January 25, 1932, “Paswegin. The voting for councilor of Div. 2 was very keen. The result was Mr. N.A. Jesmer, 45; Mr. Mcwhinnie, 44.” The Wadena News
February 1, 1932, “Paswegin. The voting for the election of councilor for Div. 2 was brimful of incidents and excitement. The poll was the heaviest recorded and there was more ‘kick’ in it than they get in the big cities. The whole week has been full of stirring events reminiscent of battle valley days.” The Wadena News
February 15, 1932, “Paswegin. On Wednesday morning Aubry Johnson was bringing his father’s team into town when the team ran away and threw Aubry into the ditch. The horses were stopped before any damage was done, and Aubry was not injured.” The Wadena News
February 15, 1932, “Russel Robinson and Jessie Johnson made a trip into the north country during the week, visiting various schools that will be wanting a teacher.” The Wadena News
February 22, 1932, “Paswegin. The social evening on Wednesday was one to be remembered by the outstanding merit of the program put on. The prize winners, in the whist drive were Miss Jessie Johnson and Mrs. W. Tutton, Mr. Clair Robinson, Mr. A. Strictert. Those who took part in the program were Miss Robinson, Mrs. Tutton, Miss Burnie, Doris MrClure and Louise Johnson. Russel Robinson and Ivor Leefe put on a sketch which caused much merriment. Some of the rags of the local celebrities were very effective. It was a real Amos and Andy stunt. After refreshments some dancing was enjoyed, the music being supplied by Miss Burnie, Mr. Miller and Ivor Leefe.” The Wadena News
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April 9, 1932, “Lakeview Council Met Saturday, April 9. The regular meeting of the Council of R.M. Lakeview No. 337, held at Paswegin on Saturday, April 9, 1932. Present: Reeve Berven and Crs. Riner, Jesmer, Gray, Guloien, Carlson and Clark.
Cr. Jesmer moved that the tax sale certificate for the N.W. 16-35-14-w2 be assigned to the Debenture Co. on payment of face value and penalties.” The Wadena News
June 8, 1932, “Lakeview Council Met Last Saturday. The regular meeting of R.M. Lakeview, No. 337, was held at Paswegin on Saturday last. June 8, 1932. Present: Reeve Berven and Crs Riner, Jesmer, Gray, Guloien, Carlson and Crack. Indemnity: T. Berven $11.50; J.H. Riner, $16.87; N.A. Jesmer $13.75; J. Gray, $17; N. Guloien, $14.50; O. Carlson and Clark, $22.50.
Cr. Jesmer moved the application of F. Atkinson re S. W. 13-34-15 be granted. N. ½ 18-35-14-w2, rented to C.T. Jesmer for $15. Cr. Jesmer moved that J. Evanuk be supplied with 70 bushels of oats. A letter was read re-sanitary conditions in Paswegin. This as referred to by Cr. Jesmer for necessary action.” The Wadena News
June 13, 1932, “Paswegin. Miss Jessie Johnson came from Nora on Friday to spend the weekend with her parents.” The Wadena News
” Carl was born in BessemerMichigan. November 14th 1893. He moved with his family to QuillCity district, south-west of Wadena area in 1904. He finished his primary education in Wadena Saskatchewan area, after which he attended school in St Boniface MB where he studied accounting. He farmed with his father, and then started farming on his own and farmed in the QuillCity district all of his life.
He married Jessie Dorothea Johnson, in ReginaSaskatchewan, June 21st, 1932. Jessie was born in Clair Saskatchewan July 25th , 1912. Carl and Jessie had nine children, Genevieve, David, Lorna, Howard, Hugh, Patricia, Barry and Brian.
Carl died in SaskatoonSaskatchewan, December 11th 1972. Jessie died in Wadena Saskatchewan January 13th 2001. The family farm is still being farmed by their two son’s David and Howard.”
(Written by Ted Jesmer, Carl’s nephew…son of Harvey.)
July 4, 1932, “Paswegin. The school examination results show that all of Grades 8, 9 and 10 pupils passed. Betty Harmsworth, Byron Lofgren, 8; Louise Johnson, Rena Lee, 9; Aubrey Johnson, Ruth Kiesow, 10; (honors)”
July 6, 1932, “Paswegin. Lakeview council held their meeting on Saturday and many matters of municipal importance were dealt with. Gopher bounty was reduced to 1/2c. Weeds were discussed and with a view to minimize expenditures. Complaints about weeds have to made to the councilor of the division who will instruct the inspector. Mr. A.J. Lockyer was appointed to do the correspondence and act as the call of the councilor. Binder twine was discussed and it seems fairly certain that the council will supply binder twine to those farmers who are in the position of not being able to buy it any other way.” The Wadena News
July 18, 1932, “Paswegin. Councilor Jesmer was here on Saturday inspecting the progress of the work on the bridge. It will be available for all traffic in a few days.” The Wadena News
July 18, 1932, “Mr. and Mrs. G. Johnson, Louise and Carl Jesmer, went on Saturday evening to Nora to pay a visit to miss Jessie Johnson, who is teaching school there.” The Wadena News
August 31, 1932, “Miss Jessie Johnson left for Nora on Sunday to resume her duties at the school. Louise accompanied here and will continue her studies with her sister.” The Wadena News
September 3, 1932, “Aubrey Johnson left on Wednesday for Saskatoon. He is going to take an electrical course at the university.” The Wadena News
October 8, 1932, “Lakeview Council met on Oct 8. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Council of R.M. Lakeview, No. 337, held Saturday, Oct. 8. Present, Reeve Berven, Crs Riner, Jesmer, Gray, Guloien, represent the Council at the voluntary relief meeting on Oct 11. Cr. Jesmer: That N. E. Harris be charged $10 for coal business.” The Wadena News
October 21, 1932, “Miss Jessie Johnson and Louise came home on Saturday from Nora for Christmas vacation.” The Wadena News
January 9, 1935, “Paswegin. On Friday afternoon a shower was held at Mrs Leefe’s in honor of Miss Louise Johnson, a bride that was, and now a Mann. There were 30 ladies present, and they had a very enjoyable time. The young lady was the recipient of many lovely gifts, some of them being sent by ladies who could not attend. Mrs. Leefe acted as hostess and with the assistance of several young ladies served a dainty lunch.” The Wadena News
January 9, 1935, “Mrs. Raymond Mann is visiting with her sister, Mrs Carl Jesmer, while Carl is in the hospital. We regret to learn that Carl is not making progress that is so imperative following an operation, and we understand the Wadena Doctor suggested getting special advice on the case.” The Wadena News
January 9, 1935, “On Friday afternoon a shower was held at Mrs Leefe’s in honor of Miss Louise Johnson, a bride that was, and is now a Mann. There were thirty ladies present, and they had a very enjoyable time. The young lady was the recipient of many lovely gifts, some of them being sent by ladies who could not attend. Mrs. Leefe acted as hostess and with the assistance of several ladies served a dainty lunch.”
January 30, 1935, “Mrs. Morton of GilbertPlains, arrived last week to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Jesmer” The Wadena News
February 27, 1935, “QuillCity, Feb. 26. The committee and a few others visited at the Springer home last Thursday evening. Those present were Mrs. Atkinson, Miss Guloien, Mr. Olson, Clifford, Alice and Levella, and Johnny, Olive and Myrtle Statland. An enjoyable evening was spent by all. ….Mr. Grant Burnett and Elmer Statland made a business trip to Clair on Saturday evening. We may find out what it is all about later, then we’ll give you fuller particulars.” The Wadena News
March 9, 1935, “QuillCity, Mar. 9. – The dance held in the school was quite a success, although the crowd was not as large as expected, considering the nice weather. Music was supplied by the local boys. George Swanson was the possessor of the lucky ticket for the tea set which was raffled. Miss Myrtle Statland spent last week at the Steffenson home as the guest of Miss Vivian…..Miss Vivian Steffenson was a visitor at the Statland home on Thursday and Friday this week.”
March 9,1935,” Birthday congratulations. Fred Atkinson, March 13. Clifford Olson, Mar. 20., Edwin Statland, Mar. 24. L. Johnson.”
Form B.
This form, if placed in an envelope, marked “Dominion Statistics-Free, Penalty for improper use $300. “and addressed to the Registrar of the Registration Division in which the marriage was solemnized, will pass through the mail FREE.
_________________________________________________
FOR USE OF DEPARTMENT ONLY
PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN Record No. ______747_______ 1935__
_________________________________________________
RECORD OF REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE
Registration Division of ____Town of Wadena____ Municipality No. __________T_________________
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
BRIDEGROOM
1. Full name ____________Jesmer_________________________Harvey________________________
(Surname) (Given name)
2. Trade or profession _____Farmer________ Where employed ___His farm__________________
3. Bachelor, Widower or Divorced ___________Bachelor___________________________________
4. Age ___36___ 5. Religious Denomination _____United Church__________________________
6. Residence _____________________Wadena_____________________________________________
(If in Canada, province, country and Post Office address. If foreign born-country)
7. Place of birth ________________Minnesota, USA________________________________________
(If in Canada, province and county. If foreign born-country)
8. Name of father ______________Nelson Jesmer__________________________________________
9. Place of birth of father ________Minnesota USA______________(correction = New YorkState)
10. Maiden name of mother _______Jennie Eagle_______________(correction = Soquet)
11. Can bridegroom read? _______Yes________ Write? ______Yes_________________________
BRIDE
12. Full name _____________Statland___________________Alice_____________________________
(Surname) (Given name)
13. Occupation __________________Housekeeper__________________________________________
14. Spinster, Widow or Divorced _________Spinster_______________________________________
15. Age ___22_____ 16. Religion __________________Lutheran___________________________
17. Residence ____________________Wadena_____________________________________________
(If in Canada, province, country and Post Office address. If foreign born-country)
18. Place of birth ____________North Dakota, USA_________________________________________
(If in Canada, province and county. If foreign born-country)
19. Name of father ________________Ole Statland_________________________________________
20. Place of birth of father _______________Iowa USA________________________(correction= Norway)
21. Maiden name of mother _________Lenna Bruce________________________________________
22. Can bride read? ________Yes______________ Write? _________Yes_____________________
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
23. When married? _________________30th______________day of ________March_________1935
24. Place of marriage ____________________________Margo_______________________________
(name of church or clergyman’s residence or location of dwelling house)
25. Place of marriage ___________________________Wadena_______________________________
(If outside city, town or village, give section, township and range)
26. By license or bann __________________________7037_________________________________
(If by license, give number)
-Groom ______Harvey Jesmer__________________________________________
27. Signature of – Bride _______Alice Statland__________________________________________
-Name ________Evelyn Burley__________________________________________
28. Signature of – Address ______Wadena______________________________________________
Witnesses – Name ________Fern Pierce____________________________________________
– Address ______Wadena_______________________________________________
I certify that the above stated particulars are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Clergyman ___________Ole Burley_______________________________
Address______________Wadena_________________________________
ReligiousDenomination____United Church of Canada______________
I herby certify that the above return was made to me at ___Wadena_________________________
__________________________________on the______30______day of ___March________1935____
_____G. S. Gillespie____
Registrar
Note. – This form must not be mutilated. All information asked for is to be given, including full Christian and Surnames of all parties, and if for any reason this is impossible, the reason for the omission must be stated.
WRITE IN LEGIBLE HANDWRITING. USE UNFADING BLACK INK. DO NOT ABBREVIATE. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
FOR GENEALOGY ONLY
CERTIFIED A PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT OF THE REGISTRATION ON FILE AT VITAL STATISTICS, REGINA, SAKATCHEWAN, CANADA
Shelly Ann Gibson
THIS 23RD DAY OF MARCH 1998 DIRECTOR OF STATISTICS
Harvey Howard Jesmer was born in HibbingMinnesota on March 4th 1895. He moved with his family to QuillCity area of Saskatchewan about 1904. He completed his education in QuillCity area. He then worked for his father on the family farm and in some of Nelson Jesmer’s various businesses.
Harvey joined the Canadian army. the “Canadian Expeditionary Force” in ReginaSaskatchewan, June 25th 1918 and was sent to England, where he contracted pneumonia. He was sent back to Canada and honorably discharged in Regina Saskatchewan June 26th 1919.
Harvey then worked for is father again for a few years. He then left home and worked all over North America in various jobs. He traveled during the early part of the depression by “riding the rods.” This is slang for catching a ride on freight trains. This was done by thousands of young men all over North America, as jobs were practically impossible to find, as the depression era was just starting.
He returned home and acquired land in the QuillCity area and farmed alone, until he met and married Alice Victoria Statland on March 30th 1935. Alice Statland was born in Wild Rose, North Dakota, Sept 28th 1912. She came to Canada in January 1929, with her mother, at 16 years of age. Sh then acquired work as a house-keeper in the home of Nelson and Genevieve Jesmer.
Harvey and Alice farmed in the QuillCity area for a few years, until they acquired land in Paswegin, Saskatchewan area and moved there in 1940. They farmed there until they retired and moved to Wadena Saskatchewan in 1969.
Harvey and Alice, had six children “Ted”, Shirley, Doris, Doreen, Harvey Jr., and Ronald. Harvey died in Wadena Saskatchewan January 31st , 1988 at the age of 92. Alice had moved to Edmonton Alberta to be near her daughters and died there at the age of 79 years, February 13th, 1992. Harvey and Alice’s ashes were buried in Paswegin Cemetery.
(Written by Ted Jesmer, Harvey’s first child)
June 26, 1935, “Large Crowd at the Picnic June 21. Homemakers Sponsor Enjoyable Event, and Weather Was Ideal. Paswegin, June 24. The picnic sponsored by the Homemakers Club was held on Friday and was a great success. The weather was of the best and a goodly number turned out. The children’s races were looked after by Rev. Burley and there were softball games played by the girls. In the baseball games, Paswegin beat Tiger Lily and Wadena beat Paswegin. Two boys from Montana were present and did a few stunts. There was a big crowd for the dance at night in the hall. The music was supplied by the Maple Leaf orchestra. It was a very successful day. ….
Aubrey Johnson, Ronald Wilson and Harold Kiesow went to Kelvingston to attend the farm boys camp, which was held during the week and was sponsored by the Wheat Pool.”
April 15, 1936, “The many friends of Mrs N. Jesmer will regret to learn she is quite ill and having to receive constant attention……”
Mrs N.A. Jesmer Died on April 15. Passed Away at the WadenaUnionHospital Last Wednesday. There passed away at the Wadena Union hospital last Wednesday, one of the pioneers of this district in the person of Mrs N.A. Jesmer, and a large number of friends will regret to learn of her passing to the Great Beyond. The late Mrs Jesmer was over 77 years of age. A private funeral took place from the Roman Catholic Church last Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. Internment took place at the Wadena cemetery. The bereaved ones will have the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad loss. We regret that more particulars were not available for this issue, but will be given next week.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Died Funeral
At the UnionHospital, Wadena, Saskatchewan, on A private funeral will be held from the Roman Catholic
Church, Wadena, Saskatchewan, on Saturday,
Wednesday, April fifteen, nineteen hundred April eighteenth, nineteen hundred and thirty-
six, at eleven o’clock in the morning.
and thirty six
Genevieve Jesmer Internment will take place in WadenaCemetery
Aged 77 years, 3 Mos, 18 days
Beloved wife of Mr. N. A. Jesmer
______________________________________________________________________________
July 17, 1935 “Sports Day By QuillCitySchool. Weather was ideal and large number attended this event. Single ladies race: Olive Statlund; 2. Nannie Jensen. Married men’s race: 1. Carl Jesmer; 2. Mr. Maxwell 3. Single men’s race: 1. Jas. Maxwell; 2. Chas. Maxwell. Men’s wheelbarrow race: Grant Burnett and Carl Jesmer. Ladies’ three legged race: 1, Mrs. E. Atkinson and Lewella Olson; 2, Fern Nelson and Olive Statland. Men’s 3-legged race: 1, Jas. and Chas. Maxwell; 2, Carl Jesmer and Grant Burnett. Necktie race: 1, Fern Nelson and Edwin Statland; 2. Mrs. Maxwell and Jas. Maxwell. After the races the Paswegin girls played a softball game against the QuillCity girls, the score being 6-5. Then a baseball game was played, Paswegin vs. QuillCity, the score being 18-2 in favor of QuillCity. Some of the boys of the district held a booth and many kinds of refreshments were sold. Everyone reported a very enjoyable time and a successful picnic. After the picnic there was a dance, music provided by the Silvertone Five. The dance was well attended.” The Wadena News
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August 4, 1937, “Mrs. Jessie Johnson and baby daughter came home on Wednesday last.” The Wadena News
August 23, 1937, “Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jesmer and family visited with Mr. and Mrs. George Johnson on Sunday.” The Wadena News
October 20, 1937, “The many friends of Mr. N. Jesmer will regret to know he is confined to the WadenaHospital through illness.” The Wadena News
December 29, 1937, “Death of Mr. N.A. Jesmer. Well known and respected citizen passed away at Union Hospital. Many citizens of Wadena and district will regret to learn of the death of Mr. N.A. Jesmer, who passed away at the Wadena Union Hospital last Sunday, Dec. 26. The deceased gentleman was over 87 years old and was well known in town and district.
The funeral was held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church yesterday at 12 o’clock noon. Rev. Holick, of Kuroki, officiating. Full particulars will be published next week.” The Wadena News
December 26, 1937, “Passing of Pioneer Citizen of District. Mr. N.A. Jesmer, a well known and highly respected citizen, died at Wadena Union Hospital on Sunday, December 26, 1937. As noted in our columns last week, Mr. Nelson Adulphus Jesmer passed away at the WadenaUnionHospital on Sunday, Dec. 26, many friends learning with regret of his death.
The late Mr. Jesmer was born in Hogansberg, N.Y. in October, 1850. He came here with his family in 1902. Mrs. Jesmer predeceased him in 1936.
Mr. Jesmer always led an active life, having been on the Lakeview council for a number of years, was school trustee for many years, and was a great supporter of the agricultural society. He was a staunch supporter of the Liberal party, having served many times on the local executive. He was the justice of the peace for Wadena for ten years.
The funeral was held from the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday , Dec. 28, Rev. Father Holick officiating.
Pall-bearers were J.M. Burness, J.E. Harris, J. Renz, J. Gillespie and N. Guloien.
Those left to mourn his loss are Mrs. W. Morton of Gilbert Plains Man., Carl and Harvey Jesmer of Wadena; two sisters and three brothers all living in the United States.
The death of Mr. Jesmer removes a familiar figure in Wadena, he being very active in all community activities, and his passing will cause general regret in Wadena and community.
Sincere sympathy will be extended to the bereaved ones in their affliction.” The Wadena News
Nelson A. Jesmer
by Jessie Jesmer (Johnson)
______________________________________________________________________________
Died Funeral
At the WadenaUnionHospital, on Sunday, December Will take place from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church
Wadena, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December
Twenty-six, nineteen hundred and thirty seven twenty-eight, nineteen hundred and thirty-
seven, at twelve o’clock noon
Nelson Adulphus Jesmer Rev. Father C. J. Holick will officiate. Internment in Wadena
Aged 87 years, 2 months, 11 days WadenaCemetery
Friends Will Please Accept This Intimation
______________________________________________________________________________
Letter written by Jessie Jesmer, Nelson’s daughter-in-law. “Nelson A. Jesmer, his wife Genevieve and three children, Ida, Carl and Harvey came to the QuillCity area in the spring of 1904. They traveled by a yoke of oxen and wagon from Sheho, the end of the steel. There was no town or post office in the area. At that time it was unknown where the rail would be laid or when. The land here had just been opened for homesteading a year earlier, but already most of the homesteads were filed on. Mr. Child showed them a quarter that was available in what became Harrow area, but Nelson discovered that S.E. of 22-34-14 W2nd was open and filed on it. The nearest land office was Humboldt.
The family spent the summer in a tent and put up some hay. The wild hay was thick and so tall it brushed the bottom of the wagon box. In August it turned cold and there was a bad wind storm. The tent blew down and a great deal of snow fell. The family spent two days lying under the canvas of the fallen tent, under the snow. They ate raw oatmeal.
They returned to Sheho for the winter. The G. Clarksons and Aspenalls and their children wintered with them.
The spring was very early and dry. When the family returned, a fire had swept the area and burned the hay, but the hay-rack left behind the year before, was intact. Everywhere in the blackened ground, white buffalo bones were to be seen.
Nelson and his wife were both very well educated. Genevieve had been a nun. Nelson had been private-school educated and spoke seven languages. He wrote in English, French and German. His parents (Actually his uncle Nelson E. Jesmer- Kevin Jesmer) owned a chain of stores centered in Princeton. As the sons got through school they were sent out to take over stores in outlying areas. However, good Catholics did not marry nuns in those days and Nelson was disowned by the church and his own relatives.
Nelson was a friend of Wilfred Laurier and traveled with him to Humboldt campaigning. He translated either French or English into German for him.
Motherwell, Saskatchewan’s first Premier, was also a friend of the Jesmers and visited in their home. He liked Genevieve’s pancakes.
Nelson had a finger in every pie cooked in the area: school, municipal council, Provincial and Federal elections, hospital board, telephone, agricultural society; Nelson was in it and contributing generously. He organized and bought shares in the local creamery, he owned one of the first hotels in Wadena, the first picture show, the first garage. His gray Dort Car was one of the first in Wadena. He was a magistrate and often brought home boys who were in difficulty and kept them on the farm under his supervision. He formed a syndicate to buy a Belgian stallion and had it shipped over from France. The animal died on the way. The share holders all backed out leaving Nelson to pick up the tab of over $5,000. Nelson was involved in an election campaign and when the candidate he was backing won, it was found the ballot boxes had been stuffed with illegal ballots. The elected member went off to jail and the Nelson again picked up the tab, in this case the would-be member forfeited election deposit.
He made money easily and rapidly and spent it just as fast. He built a very large home on the farm, with six large bedrooms with walk-in closets, huge rooms with twelve foot ceilings, back and front stairs, a big basement. However he did not get the furnace installed. A fortune teller had told Genevieve that she would burn to death in a big house by a large sheet of water. Several other things he told her came true so she flatly refused the furnace and never went to bed until every fire in the house had gone out.
As long as Nelson remained alive he declared he was seventy-eight years old. Everyone else in the family, wife and children grew older, but Nelson remained seventy eight. When he died his records proclaimed him to be ninety two. He must have served on the municipal council and school board when he was ninety. He died on New Year’s Day 1937. (actually 12/26/1937 – Kevin Jesmer) He was not always truthful. His sons Carl and Harvey continued to farm the area, Harvey in the Paswegin area and Carl in QuillCity. Carl’s two son’s Howard and David still farm in QuillCity. Ida married William Morton, an operator for the CNR.
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