Pierce - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-09 22:24:22Z

Good afternoon Ron,
I am so excited. With all the help from you and LGOODING, I have just received a phone call from my distant cousins in Tacoma and yes, they are family. I talked to a gentleman who remembers my grandfather (his uncle). And he gave me another family's number to call who has done some family history, so I should have lots more to go on.
I want to thank you for all of your help, patience, and suggestions. You kept me on track and provided valuable information that was part of getting me in touch with this family.
When I am in Tacoma next spring, I would love to meet you and take you and your wife out to dinner. You deserve a big thank you for being part of this story.
Thanks again, Chris Johnson, Boise

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-09 22:20:54Z

GOOD AFTERNOON L GOODING - I have great news to report!!!! The family you found in the obit on Louis Johnson have just replied to a letter I sent and they are distant cousins! They remember my grandfather and one member of the family has done some work on family history.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I said in the beginning, trying to research "Johnson" with so little info was frustrating. But thanks to your diligence, not only do I have more family history coming my way, but I have found current family.
When I come out to Tacoma next spring, I would love to meet you and take you out to dinner. You can reply back to me personally at footballgrandma@q.com.

Again, thanks for your help.
Chris Johnson, Boise

Re: ALLISON HARRATT of Steilacoom

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-06 01:46:21Z

Answer is in her posting of 5 November, 3:28p.m.

Re: ALLISON HARRATT of Steilacoom

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-06 01:43:46Z

Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery is directly across from the Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, WA, at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, 98499
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=12&Z=10&...

Mapquest: http://atlas.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&...

Info on the cemetery
http://mountainviewtacoma.com/

Now, as to Allison Harratt. She "probably" was at the Western State Hospital in Steilacoom. While being a home for the mentally incapacitated, it also housed those with TB. Back in the 1920's, it "might" have been the most logical course for her, depending on her condition.

"If" she was committed to the facility for mental health reasons, her medical records under Washington State Law are sealed.
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/Mentalhealth/confidentiality.shtml
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=71.05.390

Contact information regarding records:
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/Mentalhealth/medrecords.shtml
I would suggest that you do make contact. If she was not a committed mental patient, they might have information concerning her. If she WAS a committed mental patient, due to the TB, they might not acknowlege her name. Medical records themselves are held by the Washington State Archives. Under State Law they can not release them for public review.

Ron Bestrom
Tacoma

ALLISON HARRATT of Steilacoom

tardad — 2009-11-05 23:28:36Z

Does anyone know whether there was a TB sanitarium near Steilacoom? Allison's death certificate indicates she had Chronic TB.
Thanks - Joan

ALLISON HARRATT of Steilacoom

tardad — 2009-11-05 21:22:05Z

A Washington State Death Certificate states my great aunt Mrs. Allison Harratt was a resident in Steilacoom from 1923 to her death 13 Nov 1926 at Pierce County Hospital in Tacoma. Her husband Joseph Walker Harrett died 13 Jul 1921 in Victoria, BC, Canada. They had no children, however there was family living in Vancouver, BC. The Harretts emigrated from England to Victoria in 1911. Mrs. Allison Harratt was born in Scotland & her maiden name was Spouse.

For several years I have been searching for any records pertaining to the death of my great aunt, all to no avail, then finally I came across the above information. I am mystified as to why, as a 48 year old widow, she moved from Victoria to Steilacoom, a beautiful little town in a rural setting, more isolated from her relatives in Vancouver? On the off chance, I have emailed the Steilacoom museum hoping to locate any other records or papers belonging to my great aunt? She was buried in Mt. View Cemetery, however I am not sure where that is located - can anyone help? The undertaker was Spurr & Dunlap Company of Puyallup, Washington, however there is no information about this company on the internet so perhaps they have closed.

Any assistance or information you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Joan Spouse

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-11-05 05:22:50Z

It was difficult to find this cousin. My grandfather had his mother with his first wife. His first wife married 7 times. My cousin's last name changed after his birth.
I went ahead and got his mother's death certificate. I hated to do that, because it cost me more than $20.00 as she died in California and so I obtained it through vitalchek because it is faster.
It would be better to get an obituary but I couldn't locate one for my cousin's mother.
His name was on his mother's death certificate and his address at the time of his mother's death.
I then got onto peoplesearch.com and looked up his name and address. Then for 95 cents - through people search I was able to get his existing address and phone number.
I then called him up.
I have called up a lot of people. It is weird at times, because these people don't know me. But I have found that it is the fastest way to get information. However, some of these people are quite old - so I will usually call several of them to ask the same information just to make sure it is accurate.
However, I would say in a couple of years from now, it will be more difficult to call people because so many people are getting rid of their home phones and just using cells.

That is too bad about the SUV - hopefully people are okay

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-05 03:10:46Z

Thanks for the quick look. Please don't worry about trying to find any more on the Ritchies at this time. My primary focus now is to find birth info on Harold in Wisconsin and what happened to Anna, his mother. I have someone in Wis checking but he isn't having any luck.

Had a SUV crash into my yard today so I am still dealing with sheriffs, ambulance, and now my insurance company. Lovely! At least no one was injured - the rest can easily be replaced.

I did have a general question for you. You mentioned finding a cousin in Idaho. I understand how we go back in time and find people, but how do we go forward to find living relatives? I think I lucked out in that a family business that was started in 1925 is still being run by the same family and it was mentioned in an obit. With privacy act stuff and all that, how would I go about finding other relatives - how did you find yours?

Thanks, Chris

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-11-05 02:43:25Z

Hello,
It usually doesn't go back that far. I tried it, but no success. I could look it up when I go to the Archive Library on Monday but I am not even sure what newspaper it would be in. Carnation is in King County but Seattle is about 30 miles west of Carnation, but I will take a look.

When I look up Leroy Ritchie on the Wash. State Digital Archives, there was a Leroy S. Ritchie from Carnation that married a Myrtle V Gjersvold on 12/7/1974.
http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/ViewRecord.aspx?RID=535B73...

I am not sure if this is the same person or not.

Another possibility is to contact Carnation Cemetery and ask them if they have any information.
I saw that they were on "Find a Grave"

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSln=R...;

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-04 21:19:22Z

Good morning Ron,
This is so bittersweet to me. If this turns out to be the half-brother of my grandfather, then I am looking into the eyes of a lost relative. The photo says so much more.

Thank you again for taking time to keep me on track. I hope the letter to the candy company in Tacoma and the raogc request in Wisconsin yield good results.

Now I have to sign off because football calls!

Chris

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-04 19:05:33Z

The Tacoma News Tribune has obituaries back to 1995 online.

They have the obituary for Russell Johnson with a photo. The article provided by LGooding must have been a newspaper article versus the obit.

http://www.southsoundclassifieds.com/obits/listing.asp?searc...

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-04 16:54:04Z

Again, thanks! Does this obit program do just a local area or is it national?

I have two other relatives that died in Washington:
Ilia Ritchie (my grandmother), Carnation, WA, 16 Apr 1969
Leroy Ritchie, Carnation, WA, 19 FEB 1987

Thanks again!

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-04 16:49:42Z

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-04 16:45:12Z

Good morning, I feel we are becoming pen pals! Thanks for the offer of helping with the obits. And thanks for sharing how you got started. I can easily become a hunt that is addicting. I guess some people do and some don't. I have very few friends that can even half understand the excitement I have when I find a new piece to the puzzle.
As I mentioned to Ron earlier, I plan on a trip to your area next spring. I want to go to my dad's high school in Centralia and they have a copy of the yearbook for me to read. I also want to go by old residences (if they still exist) and take pictures and go by my grandparents graves. If I remember correctly, one of the places might be Olympia - not too sure why that sounds so familiar.
Thanks again for the help and I certainly hope I have found some cousins in Tacoma!
Chris Johnson

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-11-04 14:37:08Z

Here is Russell Johnson's obituary. Ocassionally I suscribe to Obits Archive it is expensive- it cost $19.95 a month. So usually I just take out a month suscription at a time if I am really looking for a lot of obits. So right now I have a monthly subscription,
So I thought I would just throw in Russell's name and this is what I got.

News Tribune, The (Tacoma, WA) - September 26, 1997

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deceased Name: TACOMA CANDY COMPANY FOUNDER RUSSELL JOHNSON DIES AT AGE 96 LONG AFTER RETIRING, HE MAINTAINED HIS INTEREST IN LANDMARK HILLTOP STORE

"My mother," he once said, "dipped chocolate until she was 75, and she lived to be 99."

Sophia Johnson taught her son, Russell, a secret to a long life.

Years after he retired as founder of Tacoma's Johnson Candy Co., Russell, too, dipped chocolates. Until his eyesight began to fail at age 90.

He died Monday, a month short of his 97th birthday. Johnson had been in a Tacoma nursing home.

Though he grew solitary, his business sense and habits had not vanished.

"He would urge me to keep advertising and be sure to tell the customers we have easy front-door parking; he was always fighting the malls," said his son, Ron, who runs the store at 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

On his daily trips to visit Dad, Ron, even at age 65, was still learning how much his father cared about how well his advertising was working.

"Almost every day, his asked me, 'How's business? How much did you take in today?'" The patriarch of Tacoma confectionery also clung to his passions, including golf and a satisfying swallow of beer.

"He played golf every day until he could barely see the ball anymore," Ron said. "He played until he was 90."

He never deprived himself of his beverage, either.

"I still brought him a daily sip of beer," Ron said. "I poured it into a Dixie cup."

The lone Johnson candy store that Tacomans have treasured since it opened in 1949 evolved from a lunch counter that Russell Johnson operated earlier in the neighborhood.

"When customers paid their bills, they bought candy on the way out," Ron said. "The candy bill got larger and larger over time, so dad decided to expand and just have a candy store."

He bought several recipes from a downtown candy store and went about the task of throwing taffy, cooking caramels and making peanut brittle.

To this day, you also can add a grand bag of cashews or other salted nuts to your confections as you leave the store.

Though he is remembered for the sweetness he added to his customers' lives, Johnson's resilience shouldn't be forgotten.

Though the neighborhood around his store lost many businesses over the years, only to be surrounded by drug dealers and gunplay in more recent years, he remained a loyal and committed merchant on what once was Tacoma's K Street.

"He would say, 'This is where people know we are,'" Ron said. "He said the area would get better, and he was right. I don't think it will ever be like it was in the '20s and '30s, but he was right. The neighborhood is much better."

During his life, Johnson became Tacoma's oldest living Elks member. As a younger man, he and his wife, now deceased, belonged to a couple of Tacoma dance clubs.

A funeral for Johnson is scheduled at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma. Arrangements are being handled through Gaffney Cassedy Allen & Buckley King Funeral Home.

Besides his son, Ron, Johnson is survived by his daughter, Dolores.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News Tribune, The (Tacoma, WA)
Date: September 26, 1997
Author: Jim Szymanski; The News Tribune
Edition: News Tribune
Page: A1
Record Number: 970926TNT706C
Copyright (c) 1997 The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA)

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-11-04 05:57:46Z

I am so glad that you were able to locate all of these people. I have read all of the posts from both you and Ron and have found it all very interesting. If you don't hear from those people re: obits - I can run down to the Archive library on Monday and look up the obits.
So just let me know. I live in Olympia and it doesn't take me long to get to the Archive library. That is how I was able to get that other obit. for you.
I find all of this geneology fascinating. I started researching my own family about 1 1/2 years ago and have uncovered many people. I was able to locate a cousin near Boise, Idaho and last Spring he and his family came out to visit all of us. He was extremely grateful and so I know that Ron will love to hear from you.

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-04 05:02:41Z

Greetings Ron,
My neighbors probably think I'm nuts - but I just waved out my front door and said hello to Chris.
I appreciate your offer to drop things off at the candy store, but I have mailed the letter and it should come from me - hopefully they won't think I'm nuts!
I just sent off the request thru RAOGK. I had tried that weeks ago and never got a reply. I found the individual you mentioned and sent him the request with all the details I have. The previous person is no longer listed on the help list.
FYI: Waukesha is both a county and a town.
Again, thank you for your TIME and your help. I would probably still be running in tiny little circles. You must have been doing this for a long time to have a clear idea of where to go next. Hopefully, I will gain some of this wisdom as I continue my search (and maybe pass it on to someone else).
Chris Johnson

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-04 04:27:23Z

Wow, amazing strategy...

On my behalf and I'm sure for LGooding....GREAT and hope you find all the family you seek.

I was downtown today in fact... Had I ANY clue on this I would have copied all of these posts and dropped them off for Ron

Now, do me a favor... I have a friend named Chris that also lives in Boise. Just give a wave out your door and say hello. I'll tell her in an email you waved to her for me.

Ron Bestrom
Tacoma

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-03 21:56:39Z

I'll repeat findings:

The 1900 Census for Birch Cooley, Renville County, Minnesota. enumerated June 4.
Louis Johnson, born Oct 1869 (30) in "Sweeden" immigrated in 1889, married ONE year
Sophia, wife, born Feb 1879 (21) in Wisconsin to both parents born in Norway. mother of "0".
Harold, son, born May 1895 in Wisconsin to father born in Sweden, mother in Norway.
NOTE: MOTHER BORN IN NORWAY, NOT Wisconsin where Sophia was shown as being born. Yes, the census has errors; but, I could see an error with mother born in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Marriage Index shows a Louis Johnson marriage on 8 April 1899 in Racine. Also married on that date is a Sophia Olson.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/vitalrecords/
also shows this, you can buy the info for $15.00. It might be an image of the marriage certificate...or it might be an image of a listing in a book. I would not order it myself before getting help from a volunteer, see below.

1910 Census in Tacoma.
----Lewis Johnson, age 40, born in Sweden in 1890, Second Marriage for 11 years.
Sophia, age 31, born in Wisconsin, mother of 3/all living
Harlod L. 14, born in Wisconsin

The WWI Draft record for Harold LaVern Johnson:
born in Waukula, Wisconsin, May 27th 1895. I now searched for this town, doesn't exist. Reviewing the handwriting and towns in Wisconsin, it Could be Waukesha. Racine, where he married Sophia is just south.

Based on the evidence, I can NOT see ANY doubt this is the wrong family. I've seen coincidences before, but not to the extent this would have to be to be two different families.

A lodge would probably not have any family history on him. A church might have information on him, but not to the extent of a marriage/child in 1895.

Your search for the mother of Harold is in Wisconsin, not Washington. Your search does include Louis and Harold, but looking for them in Wisconsin.

FIRST, just because Louis remarries in 1899, that does NOT mean his first wife died. It can be presumed, but NOT proven. So, you must not assume that.

Wisconsin: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/vitalrecords/
--Anna C. Johnson, death 1 Dec 1895 in Oneida County
--Unnamed male Johnson, born May 27, 1895 in Fond du Lac County.
----There is absolutely NO proof either is the correct person.

My FIRST search would be in Racine, looking for further marriage information in 1899. First, did they marry in Racine (town) or within Racine (county)? A volunteer could identify if there are City Directories for that location back that far in time. If so, have them look for Louis Johnson in 1895, then back. Most city directories of that time period did not identify spouses, so you might find other Louis Johnson's. Occupation of Butter Maker "might" be found, or Cremery.

I'd also look in Waukesha, again is it town or county, to find the birth of Harold. This is probably THE KEY. The WWI Draft card image is difficult to read, but upon further review it does look like Waukesha.

There are volunteers in Waukesha County, one does Birth/Marriage/Death checks. READ THE GUIDELINES FIRST:
http://www.raogk.org/wisconsi4.htm

For Racine County:
http://www.raogk.org/wisconsi3.htm

I've GOT to run...
Ron Bestrom

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-11-03 08:00:12Z

EXCELLENT WORK LGooding.

I am always skeptical, and prove it. LGooding proved it to me. My 1900 census of him/Sophia, do match the ages, occupation, etc of the family in...

1910 in Tacoma.
----Lewis Johnson, age 40, born in Sweden in 1890, buttermaker/creamery. Second Marriage for 11 years.
Sophia, age 31, born in Wisconsin, mother of 3/all living
Harlod L. (I've heard of typo's but spelling based on a typo??) 14, born in Wisconsin
Russell O, son, age 9, born in Minnesota
Lois R, age 4
Gladys M, age 1 11/12 (census enumerated April 18?, so she was born about May 1908)
Oscar, Brother, age 37, married. Immigrated in 1902.

Tacoma Library obit database:
Ross L. Blodgett, died 7 May 1959 in Tacoma, his obit on page A-8 on 8 May.
Floyd E. Tucker, died 23 Nov 1970, obit page 17, 24 Nov 1970.
Lois Ann Tucker, died 9 Dec 1986, obit page B-2, 11 Dec 1986; and, a death notice on 13 Dec 1986, page A-9.
As posted previously, you can request these obits via the Washington State Library for free via:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx .

The funny thing is on this, I've been doing some health insurance reviews and providers in Tacoma, my wife see's a Blodgett. So, I'd been typing that name all night.

So, it seems you may have some cousins around here to visit next year.

Ron Bestrom

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-10-30 06:09:47Z

Your posting shows a great example how difficult it is to look for common named persons, especially without the date of birth.

Your link to the Washington Death Certificates shows it is page 1 of 224 for the name of Louis Johnson.

Your example of Louis W. Johnson, death 12 Dec 1950, born 1867 to father Peder Johansen. The name "Johansen" is probably more likely to be Norwegian than Swedish.

The problem with looking for Scandinavians born there, died here, is made even more difficult due to the naming system in place in the 1800's. It is called Patronymics. They did not have the "surname" as we know it. If Magnus Johansen had a son Ole, the son would be Ole Magnuson/sen in Norway; or Magnusson/etc. If Ole had a son Sven, the son would be Sven Olsen/Olson/Olsson. So for your example the Louis W. Johnson born in 1867 to Peder Johansen, would have probably been Louis/Ludwig Pedersen while in Scandinavia. A lot of immigrants angelicanized/Americanized their names when they arrived. Some took the "last name" that their father had. Women, when born also had patronymic names. When Lena, daughter of Magnus Johansen was born, she became Lena Magnusdotter/datter. She kept that name the rest of her life. If she came to the USA with her husband, then she took his name, or in this example, became Lena Magnusson/etc.

So, with all those Ole Olsen's, how did the keep them straight? They took the name of their farm, their "address", as their "surname". So Ole Olsen born on the Stenbraaten farm, became Ole Olsen Stenbraaten. When he moved to the Stenbakken farm, he became Ole Olsen Stenbakken. Some immigrants took that farm name as a surname when they came here.

An example of this is also on page 1 is Ludwig Johnson, son of Jonas Swenson. Another example is Louis Johnson, son of O.J. Snartemo and Asgjerd Birkeland, both of these last names are probably farm names. The O.J. "might" be Ole Johanson, etc.

For more info on Patronymics: Look at Naming Practices, farm names.
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~norway/index.html The home page:
> ---Go to and click on "My Articles", You will see 12 articles on getting
> started, Naming Practices, farm names, etc.

Ron Bestrom

Re: Louis Johnson

RBestrom7380 — 2009-10-30 04:43:22Z

Chris,
This posting had little information to confirm a "Louis Johnson", so I looked for other postings about him. I found the search for Harold Johnson, who died in Nov. 1944 in Tacoma. I'm "guessing" you obtained his obit from the Tacoma Library. I apologize for not seeing this search before, you could have obtained his obit for FREE via email from the Washington State Library in Olympia (see below). I'm also "assuming" you identified Harold's father was living in Tacoma in 1944 from that obituary. Does the obit SAY Louis was living at the time of Harold's death?

The Washington Death Certificate Index shows Harold Laverne Johnson died 16 Nov 1944, his wife Ilia, parents Louis and Anna Johnson. Harold was 49 years, 5 months, 13 days of age. So, born about 3 June 1895 (But depends on the accuracy of the person doing the math. The names of the parents are also dependent on the knowledge of the respondent.

The 1930 Census for Tacoma, Pierce Co
Harold L. Johnson, age 34, born in Wisconsin to father born in Sweden, mother in Wisconsin. Single, Dairy Worker. A roomer at 315 1/2 S. 11th Street.
--This "appears" to be the correct person, but not proven. "IF" correct he identifies a father born in Sweden, mother in Wisconsin.

The 1920 Census for Lewistown, Fergus Co, Montana, enumerated 26 Jan.
Harold L. Johnson, 25, born in Wisconsin to father born in Sweden, mother in Wisconsin, fireman/locomotive
Hulda W, 23, born in Sweden
Johnny, 1 6/12. Based on enumeration date, born about June/July 1918.

The World War I Draft Registration Card Image database:
Harold La Verne Johnson, born May 27th 1895, at the Grabino?? Hotel, Livingston, Montana, born in Waukula, Wisconsin, locomotive fireman but not employed. Married. Was a fireman in the Navy for 3 years, 7 months and 12 days. Under remarks, "Have been in Canada over 6 months, left Canada 3 days ago and reported for registration" Registered on Nov 2, 1917. The National Registration Day was on June 5th, his date to register based on his date of birth.
--Interesting. WHY was he in Canada for over six months? Did his father move to Canada? A lot of Scandinavians moved there for the land grants being given, just as they moved to Washington State for the same reasons. My own Grandfather and Grand Uncle ALMOST went there for the same reason. Could this be the reason they weren't found in the census after 1900? I did check the 1911 Canadian Census, without success.

The 1900 Census for Birch Cooley, Renville County, Minnesota. enumerated June 4.
Louis Johnson, born Oct 1869 (30) in "Sweeden" (as written), immigrated in 1889, naturalized, a butter maker. married ONE year
Sophia, wife, born Feb 1879 (21) in Wisconsin to both parents born in Norway. mother of "0".
Harold, son, born May 1895 in Wisconsin to father born in Sweden, mother in Norway.
--So, "IF" this is the corrrect Harold, his mother had died, leaving the question on her name. He is the only Harold in the 1900 Census being born in Wisconsin, plus/minus 2 years of 1895, with a father Louis or mother Anna. His May birth also matches that of Harold in the WWI Draft image database.

The Wisconsin Marriage Index shows a Louis Johnson marriage on 8 April 1899 in Racine. Also married on that date is a Sophia Olson.

I looked at the Death Cert Index for Louis and Sophia, nothing found.

All I can do on this right now. Questions:
1. Did Harold have any siblings? Who else was identified on the obit.
2. Does the census data found on him match with known info?
3. It "appears" the 1900 census family in Minnesota might be the correct one; but the new bride is Sophia. Is there any family known facts on Sophia? Harold's Death Certificate identifies his mother as Anna, do you have the DC? If so, who is the respondent?
4. As above, does his obit clearly identify his father is surviving and living in Tacoma?

What can be done. If the answer comes that Harold's father WAS surviving, as well as Sophia, the City Directories can be checked. These yearly publications show residents in a populated area. The Tacoma (Polks) Directories show alphabetically by last name, first name, sometimes the middle initial, the (spouse) in parenthesis, they type employment, sometimes the place of employment and the address. Harold should be found in the early 1940's. Only problem is the publication during the war years was limited.

Oh...For Free Washington obits, newspaper research, etc:
The Washington State Library has a free research service, the ask-a-librarian program, where they will look for information in the archives, in this case the newspaper microfilm for an event, such as an obituary. They will look up to an hour and send you the results. Contact them at: http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx .

Ron Bestrom
Tacoma

Re: Newspaper lookup

RBestrom7380 — 2009-10-28 18:44:48Z

It appears Charlie was NOT in Pierce County, WASHINGTON, but in Pierce County, GEORGIA.

I find two family trees having Charlie Lester Durrance, born 28 August 1922, died 10 August 1982 in Duval, Florida. This family tree shows his marriage to an Enrica Anna Pontecorvi, Residence in Bacon, Georgia. SSN issued in Georgia. Burial in Ramah Cemetery, Pierce County, Georgia. He entered the military in Augusta, GA, on 30 January 1946. I sent a contact letter to both to read this thread and help if possible. Perhaps one of these two has more information on his war record, or a possible parade. Or possible information from Enrica.

He is buried here,
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/pierce/cemeteries/ramah.txt

Yes, a lot of records were destroyed in the fire:
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-197...

And, many researchers have been given that as a reason for not finding records. But, as you have said, I have read where several found the records through the VA.

Alternate Records Sources:
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/alternat...

Ron Bestrom
Tacoma, WA

Re: KENNETH STYLE

RBestrom7380 — 2009-10-22 03:32:45Z

I checked the online obituaries of the Tacoma News Tribune:
http://www.southsoundclassifieds.com/obits/listing.asp?searc...
No obituary found.

I checked the Tacoma Libaries online database of obituaries:
http://search.tpl.lib.wa.us/obits/
They show his name, date of death 6 February 1997, with a (D) after his name which means "Death Notice", printed on 12 Feb 1997, page B-4.
This means there was no obituary published, only his name on a list of deceased.

The Pierce County Auditor shows four recorded documents in his name, all were for Mobile Home Tax.

There was no information on any other family member.

Ron Bestrom

Re: Newspaper lookup

RBestrom7380 — 2009-10-27 19:07:36Z

You have some research to do first. Finding ONE individual soldier returning from Korea for the full period of 1950 to 1952 would be impossible for an Army base paper.

The Korean War itself ran from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. But, soldiers have been there on one year tours since.

I checked the Washington State Libraries catalog of microfilmed newspapers. The Fort Lewis RANGER is available on microfilm from January 4, 1951 to Dec 31, 1953, on one microfilm. There are further papers on additional microfilms.
http://cals.evergreen.edu/search~S8?/dfort+lewis/dfort+lewis...

The first thing you need to do is research the soldiers record to determine period of his overseas tour. If you know the unit, that would help. If he was a POW that would help.
If the serviceman is still alive, he can get his records free, or if you are next-of-kin.
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ge...

For the news report in a specific area, if it is a small town, and that town has a newspaper, once you get his date of return, that paper may have an article. If it is a large town, i.e. Tacoma, the local Tacoma News Tribune might have information about a unit return, "possibly" something on an individual soldier. But, the paper might have something on an individual soldier from a local area ANYTIME during the war. For example, "Pvt Steven Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jones, is in Korea during the Christmas Holiday."

Once you get the dates:
The Washington State Library has a free research service, the ask-a-librarian program, where they will look for information in the archives, in this case the newspaper microfilm for an event, such as an obituary. They will look up to an hour and send you the results. Contact them at: http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx .

There are also military buddy lists online, as well as military member finders.

I'd also suggest posting his name and information online, on this board if applicable. Someone "might" recognize his name. Someone searching the archives might find it also.

Ron Bestrom
Tacoma

Re: KENNETH STYLE

Myssi10 — 2009-10-22 17:50:31Z

THANK YOU FOR LOOKING. i APPRECIATE IT. ALOT.

KENNETH STYLE

Myssi10 — 2009-10-20 17:11:02Z

KENNETH STYLE BORN 2-9-1920 AND DIED 2-6-1997 IN PIERCE CO., WA. I DON'T KNOW HIS PARENTS NAME.I BELIEVE HE IS MARRIED TO DOLLIE VIVIAN GILBERT BOGART, THE DAUGHTER OF LESTER AND AUDREA MARLAR BOGART. WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL HELP. THANKS.

Re: Harold Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-10-20 01:01:34Z

You are very welcome. Let me know if you need anymore assistance. I actually live quite close to Tacoma.

Re: Harold Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-10-18 14:27:09Z

Go to: http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#...

Harold Laverne Johnson - died 16 Nov 1944 - Tacoma, WA
born 1895
married to Ilia Johnson
parents: Louis and Anna Johnson

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-10-30 01:19:25Z

Try clicking on this link to see the Louis Johnsons that have died in Tacoma.

There is one who had a father named Peder Johansen that sounds like a Sweden name.

http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#...

Then after you find the person - can go to this link and possibly see if there is an obituary for that person. The Tacoma library will send you the obituary for a small fee.

http://search.tpl.lib.wa.us/obits/browseobits.asp

Re: Louis Johnson

LGooding184 — 2009-11-02 23:01:26Z

I have found your Louis Johnson

He died 21 Jun 1958 in Tacoma

Below is the obituary:
Former Tacoma Confectioner Dies

Louis Johnson, 88, of 1009 So. 10th St., died this morning in a local hospital. He was a native of Sweden and lived in Tacoma 52 years. He worked many years as a buttermaker for various creameries, later operating a confectionery store on K Street. He retired in 1948. Mr. Johnson was a member of the First Methodist Church; East Tacoma Lodge No. 89, and East TAcoma Encampment No. 53, IOOf; East Tacoma Rebekah Lodge No. 89; Fairweather Lodge No. 82, F&AM: Vita Chapter No. 35, OES; and Modern Woodmen of America Lodge No. 5208. He was also active in the K Street Businessmen's Club.

He is survived by his wife, Sophia; a son, Russell O. of Tacoma; two daughters, Mrs. Ross Blodgett and Mrs. Floyd Tucker, both of Tacoma; a sister in Sweden; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be announced by the Buckley-King Co.

I also found a 1910 census in which Louis was living in Tacoma and one of his sons was spelled Harlod L. Johnson. It was misspelled.

Re: Re'What Pettet or Pettits we have

dapavlik — 2009-10-18 17:59:00Z

Do you have any updates on the Pettet line. My husband's ggg grandfather was John William Pettet (f Jeremiah Pettet; m Lydia Sprague). Caroline (Carrie) Pettet Jones was his great grandmother. Anything you can share would be much appreciated - I'm new to this branch of the tree.

Newspaper lookup

jd391_1 — 2009-10-27 16:58:04Z

Anyone able to do a Newspaper lookup for an event Korean War Returning Soldier spent over a year in Korea I believe from the early part of the war not sure if covered in local newspaper, Army base newspaper or other media , exact date unk.
Can anyone tell me if there is an index for local newspaper or base newspaper for that period 1950, 1951 and 1952.
Thanks in advance for any help

Re: Newspaper lookup

jd391_1 — 2009-10-28 14:51:38Z

Thank you for all your help and information provided.
I tried requsting copies of military records several years ago for my father response from archives was all his military records destroyed in a fire no military records available however I feel this information is not correct I believe military records or copies transfered to VA since he received 100% disability VA check for military service in WWII and Korea from VA at time of his death in 1982 retired in 1967 broken military service from 1941 to 1967. I remember my father telling me that there was some kind of parade or celebration of some type for my father Charlie L. Durrance and an Officer upon retuning to the US would be nice to have a copy if covered by any of the area newspapers.
Best regards
Jimmie Lee Durrance Jacksonville,FL

Re: Newspaper lookup

jd391_1 — 2009-10-29 14:10:04Z

Yes correct Pierce County Georgia is the birth and burial location for my Dad but he had been stationed at the Army base in Washington State during the Korean War with my mother and sister he returned to Washington State upon returning to the US from the Korean war not a mistaken location lookup request he had even been in Washington State and Oregon prior to entering the US Army prior to WWII.

Obit Please

mbhjk4 — 2009-10-17 21:52:55Z

If anyone could please find the Obiy for Robert R. Sweet. He died in Tacoma, Pierce Co., Washington 16 Feb 1934.
I have been looking for this person for 20 years, and today found out is real name was Robert not Ransom. I have located his death record, but now would like to see if I can find his Obit and maybe place of burial.

Thank you so very much,
Melissa

Re: Oakwood Hill Cemetery, Tacoma, WA

mbhjk4 — 2009-10-17 21:43:53Z

Robert Sweet, Born 1856 died 16 Feb 1934

Thank you
Melissa

Re: HOPWOOD brothers

Tami_Kelley — 2009-10-31 18:02:15Z

Just found this hope you are still active have lot's of info on the Hopwood's Please contact me at t2kelley@sbcglobal.net

Re: Harold Johnson

barbdale_1 — 2009-10-18 23:47:16Z

Look in the Tacoma Public Library Obituary index - they have an obituary indexed for Harold. They will send it to you for a small fee.

Re: Obit Please

judyartley53 — 2009-10-28 03:36:42Z

Hi,
You can request a copy of an obit from a volunteer at Random Acts Genealogical Kindness. Go to www.raogk.org, read guidelines, choose Washington, choose Pierce Co. and choose one volunteer.

OR
Washington State Library, www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx . They will search the newspaper microfilm for up to 60 minutes at no charge. They will email you the obituary or where they looked for it if they can't find it. Takes about two weeks. Successful Searching!

Not Available:

jesisjob — 2009-10-19 19:31:30Z

Not Available:

Re: Harold Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-19 18:28:58Z

Thank you so much for the info. I have already found this record and it started off the entire search for my family history - Johnson is so common and I had so little to start with. Thanks for taking the time to check into this and reply back to me.

Chris Johnson
Boise, ID

Re: Harold Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-19 18:25:39Z

Barb,
Thank you so much for the info. I have already printed off their form and will get it in the mail today. I am so new at this and I didn't know libraries had these things indexed.
I am planning a trip to the Tacoma area next spring and would like to have gathered as much info as I can prior.

Thanks again, Chris Johnson, Boise, ID

Harold Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-18 03:26:25Z

Looking for any help finding info on my grandfather. In Tacoma from 1932-1944 (death). Born 1895, possibly in Wisconsin

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-03 22:02:37Z

Ron, again thank you from the bottom of my heart in helping with this hunt. As a result of the obit I received from LGooding yesterday, I have been a busy girl. I googled a confectionery store on K street and found JOHNSON CANDY COMPANY. I called and talked to an employee (very helpful). It is currently owned by a Mr Ron Johnson who is the great-grandson of Louis and grandson of Russell. This store has been in the family since 1925. She asks that I write a letter to Ron and ask him for any information he might have. This may be the first relative I will find in the area. I am so excited!!!! and I owe it to a couple of hard researchers in the Tacoma area!!!!! thanks!!!
Chris Johnson

Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-29 20:46:52Z

Looking for death info on great-grandfather Louis Johnson. Lived in Tacoma in 1944. Born in Sweden, prob 1860-1878.

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-31 00:50:34Z

I wanted to put this away for at least a few hours - but when the hunt is on - it is hard to tell the brain to forget about it for a while. Here are a few notes/replies to your response:
Yes, Harold Johnson Sr's obit says his parents Mr and Mrs Louis Johnson in Tacoma.
I do have HJ Sr's death cert(lots of wonderful info): birthdate is May 27, 1985. Louis is from Sweden and Anna is from Minnesota. (Of course my grandmother supplied this info and she may have the Anna/Sophia - Minnesota/Wisconsin thing mixed up. Death cert said they lived in Auburn. But a recent obit said tho they lived in Auburn, he stayed at a boarding house in Tacoma where he worked.

HJ Sr had a first marriage - unknown who, where, when, had a son Clayton. I saw the marriage certificate for Clayton in 1938 with my grandmother's and grandfather's signature -so assuming this is right on.

HJ Sr married my grandmother, Ilia Gamblin Lockyer sometime before my dad was born in 1932 in Tacoma. This was also my grandmother's second marriage. Her first marriage was in 1916 to Sam Gamblin in Idaho. There was a son James Gamblin.

My dad, HJ Jr was an only child from this present marriage. I always assumed he had two half brothers. Clayton from dad's first, and James from mom's first marriage. HOWEVER, the obit messed me up a little as it listed "surviving three sons, Harold Jr of Auburn, Clayton and James, bother serving in the US Army overseas." There were also two grandchildren mentioned (no names) who I assume are Donald and Ronald from Clayton's marriage. My confusion is who is this other James? Did Harold Sr have a son named James Johnson or is he James Gamblin????? YIKES????

Thanks for the info on the land grants in Canada. If Louis moved there for this purpose, then he still ended up in Tacoma in 1944.

Anna - have no idea if she died or did they divorce back then? If she died, she did it before the 1900 census and where did she die. I did find #10 Anna Johnson's who died in Wisc during that time, but there is no spouse info, etc.

So all this rambling to your final questions:
1. I do not think Harold Sr had any siblings, wouldn't they be mentioned in the obit (even if they were deceased?).
2. The 1930 census seems to be him. The 1920 for Lewiston mmay be him but until I can figure out who Johnny is, then... The 1900 census may be him, but until I know what happened to Anna, etc....
3. We have no family info on Sophia or most of these characters. That is why this is so hard, I'm the only "historian" and there is no one else left. I was certainly hoping for a thread to be established on someone else (Clayton's family maybe) having some more pieces to the puzzle.
4. Yes the obit says Mr and Mrs Louis Johnson are residing in Tacoma. I have done some preliminary city directory search, but with such a common name, nothing is glaring yet - I will continue.

Again, I sure appreciate the help on this.

Chris Johnson
Boise, ID

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-10-30 23:17:05Z

Ron,
WOW! Thank you so much for all the information on all 3 replies. I feel a little overwhelmed, will print them out, and reply back if I can answer with a more coherent reply. Yes, it is very difficult trying to track my family. I just actually subscribed to ancestry.com this morning and have found a little, but just that (already knew most of it). I'm coming to the point of realizing my ancestors were either gypsies and never stayed in one place very long or else they were on the run from the law. Hopefully, I can start to make some sense of this history. I just wish there was more info to start with - but I am hopeful.

Am also planning a trip to Washington state next spring but I would like to have a pile of good questions to research and not just wander around.

Again, thanks for taking so much time to reply back to me and educate me on various points. I will thoroughly compare what I have and get back with you.

THANKS!!!
Chris Johnson
Boise ID

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-03 03:44:03Z

Good evening - wow did you come through!!! I'm almost speechless. I've been working all evening on developing a spreadsheet with all the possibles from many genealogy indexes. This was one of the possibles that I was going to research thru Tacoma Library. My only fear is that it is not him - since I have no trail to get him to Tacoma that early, but this definitely gives me a whole lot to go on - especially the 1910 census info. I just wish it had mentioned that he had a son (Harold) who preceded him in death.
This sounds like a Louis I found on a 1900 Minnesota census with a new wife, Sophia, and a young son Harold that matches my grandfather's age. But his mother was listed as Anna (on his son's Harold's obit/death cert) so she probably died and Louis remarried this Sophia. I need to press on to that thread and see where it goes.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE TIME YOU HAVE GIVEN ME - I SO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP.
Chris Johnson
Boise, ID

Re: Louis Johnson

cj20899 — 2009-11-03 16:34:48Z

Good morning Ron, I am continually amazed at the info you and others keep finding. Are you addicted genealogy hunters or what? I sure do appreciate each and every one of you.
I, too, am a skeptic. I do wish I had a better connection from the Anna mother to the new step-mother Sophia. It seems doubtful there were two Harold Johnsons born in Wis in 1895, but do I throw all caution to the wind and accept that this new family (with Sophia) now as the mother is the correct one? I would love to jump both feet onto that and press on in that vein. But I would hate to do so if it is not the correct one. I was up most of the night trying to figure out (in my limited knowledge of what is out there) how to resolve this. 1. Do I track down Sophia relatives and see if someone has marriage info? 2. Do I continue to try to find Clayton Johnson relatives and get more info?
I will contact the funeral home for the Louis Johnson funeral today and see if they have more info than what was indicated on the obit. I have also started to contact some of the lodges to see if they have membership info on Louis - is this a worthwhile thread to chase - do they ever have anything?
I sure appreciate all of you.
Chris Johnson
Boise