An unfinished community project
By Coleen Mielke 2013
names of the sturdy, hard working, courageous pioneers, that established our towns, are forgotten. This directory is an attempt to preserve their memory for future generations of Matanuska Valley researchers.
If you want to include your family, the kind of information I'm looking for is:
- Full name including wife's name (and her maiden name)?
- What year did they come to Alaska?
- How long did they live in the Valley?
- What part of the Valley did they live in? Homestead?
- Names of their children?
- General occupation or civic interests?
- Why do you
think this family should
be included in the directory?
You
can reach me at coleen@mtaonline.net
NOTE: I update
this
project at least once a week.
The
last update was May 19, 2013
who have generously contributed to this directory... thank you!!)
ADCOCK,
AHO, Toivo Alfred and Evelyn
(Bowen): In 1940, lived at Lucky
Shot Village in Hatcher Pass. Toivo was
born 1918 in Anchorage; Evelyn was born about
1917 in Washington. In 1940, they had a 10 month
old son named John L. Aho born in Alaska.
Toivo was a bush pilot and was well known for flying rescue
missions. He died in an airplane accident in Canada. (Toivo
1918-1949) (Evelyn 1917-1973)
ALDEMAN, Clifford Francis
“Buz” and Charlotte L. (Nelson):
"Buz" was a WW II Navy veteran. Charlotte
was the daughter of Otto and
Verlie Nelson, and sister of "Wild Bill" Nelson.
Children: Caleb, Charles and Charla. Homesteaded 156 acres, off of
ALEX, Eklutna and Matrona (Nicholi):
Eklutna Alex was a nickname given
to Alex Vasily (probably by early RR workers?);
he was born in 1865 in the Bodenberg Butte area and was the
last official shaman of the Athabascan village of
ALEX, Mike Maxim and Daria
Nellie (Ephim): Mike was the son of Athabascan, Alex Vasily
(Eklutna Alex)and Matrona Nicholi of Susitna Station. He
was the last traditional Chief of
ALLEN, Phil H.: Bachelor,
lived in Matanuska where
he ran a hotel and restaurant and liquor
store next to the hotel. He was one of the
unofficial "mayors" of Matanuska Junction.
ALLOWAN, Tommy: Born 1916 at Susitna, son of Yagu Stephan, married _____ Chickalusion. Children: Moses b.1936 (deaf) and Pauline b. 1939.
ALONGO, Eino J. "Curly"
and Ruby Mildred(McHenry): Received
patent to 80 acres in 1937. Eino and Ruby were
living on Archangel Creek and working for Fern
Gold Leasing Co., on the 1940 US Census. Ruby was
the daughter of Earl and Esther McHenry. (see
McHenry)
ANDERSON, Oscar William: Oscar
immigrated from
ANDERSON,Robert Calvin "Andy" and
Irene (Brookman): "Andy" came to
Alaska in 1940 with the Army. In 1945
he moved to Jonesville and worked in the coal
mines. He and Irene owned the R.R. Avenue
Barbershop in Wasilla for many years. Irene's children
from first marriage to Glenn Hubble were Tammy, Glenn and
Tina. Andy's children from his first marriage were Andrew Jr.,
Sandy and John.
AUREEN, Tom: Lived in Wasilla starting
1920,
did odd jobs and worked as janitor at school.
Born 1851 in Sweden, came to America
in 1868 (divorced).
AXTEL, Allen Barber (1921-1986):
Son of Samuel Axtell. Allen's
mother died in 1936; and he and his father
Samuel came to Alaska in the 1940's. He
worked construction and drove a truck for Betts
Bros. Trucking and he was a longshoreman at Seward.
Married (divorced) Carol Wilson, daughter
of Cecil and Wilma Wilson in 1947. Children
Roxanna Jean b. 1948. His second wife was Ann
Ruth Floyd. (see Carol Wilson) (see Jim Morris)(see
Ed Carney)
AXTEL, Samuel Aaron: Born 1888
in Wisconsin. He and
son came to Alaska in the 1940's after the
death of his wife Ellen Vera (Allen) in
1936.Sam and his son Allen bought the Louis Loberg
cabin from Otto Langel in 1945. Sam was a WWI veteran,
worked construction and was a longshoreman at
Seward. He played many stringed instruments and wrote a
song called "Call of the North" in 1945, as well as many other
songs and poety. Children: Allen Barber Axtell; granddaugher
Roxanna Jean Axtell. (see Carol Wilson)
BAILEY, Ferber and Ruth: Colonists from Lena,Wisconsin, came
to
BAIRD, Charles E.: Arrived in Alaska 1926 (widower) with son Rupert.
BAIRD,
Rupert David and Gronia (Alex): Arrived in Alaska, 1926
Ship Creek. Homesteaded on Baird Lake,
received patent for 160 acres in 1932.
Gronia was the daughter of Eklutna and Matrona Alex. Children: Alice Debbie,
Robert and Margaret June. (see Alex)
BAKER, Ed: Known as "Moose Baker".
BARNES, Glen Warren and
Mary "Renee"?: Lived
mile
BARRY, Earl Octave and Elizabeth
Lee (Cockrum): Earl was the son of Earl and Louise Barry. (Earl 1917-1970)
(Elizabeth Lee 1921-1988) Both
buried in Palmer. Children________________.
BARRY, Earl
William and Louise (Verboncoeur):
Colonists from
BARRY, Francis William "Swede" and
Theresa (Watson): Theresa
was born in Nighmute, Alaska. "Swede" was
the son of Earl and Louise Barry. ("Swede" 1924-2004)(Theresa
1944-1994) Both are buried in Palmer. Received
patent to 158 acres in 1949. Children: Gail, Daisey,
Theresa, David, Archie and Charles.
BARRY, Melvin
Nelson: Son of Earl and Louise
Barry, born 1922 in Oconto,
BARTELL, Johann "Red Jack": Born about 1864 in Germany, he was in the Cook Inlet area by 1904. He had several freight boats, including one called the "Sea Lion" which worked Cook Inlet for many years starting in 1913. Married at least twice: #1 Martha (of Tyonek) they had daughters Sophie and Anna; #2 Minnie (Hicks)b. 1899 (of Tyonek) their children were Johnny, Harry and Lee. Received patent to 80 acres in 1928. Minnie Hick's was the daughter of Harry Hicks (b. abouat 1866 Illinois) and his wife Annie (born about 1873 "Matanooski" according to census); Minnie had a brother named Harry Hicks.
BARTHOLF, Byron Sundlon:
Head of the Bartolf
gold mining family of the Willow Creek
Mining District, came to
BARTHOLF, Charles Andrew:
Son of Byron S. Bartholf. Married Eva _____. Children:
Clarence, Richard and Stanley. Discovered Mabel Mine in 1921 with his
brother John Taylor Bartholf. (see Byron Bartholf)
BARTHOLF, John Tylor:
Son of Byron S. Bartholf. First
wife was Leora Lola Smith and they
had one son
BARTHOLF, Ralph Sundlon:
Son of Byron S. Bartholf and
Amelia Hohanshelt. Married
Mary Kauzlarich. Children:
Byron and Ralph. (see Byron S. Bartholf)
BARTHOLF, William Byron:
Son of Byron S. Bartholf. Married Marie _______.
Died in 1921 after his leg was
cut off in an accident at Lucky Shot Mine.
BARTKO, Dr. Harold and Margaret Doreen
(Mathews): Married in 1942, came to Alaska
in 1961.
The Bartko's lived at Lazy Mountain and
Dr. Bartko made house calls and flew his
plane to attend sick or injured. Mrs.
Bartko taught school in Fairbanks, Anchorage,
Nome and Palmer. Children: Douglas,
Howard, Harold, Ted and Amy. (Harold 1923-1990)
(Margaret 1917-1995)
BAYER, Henry Mathias Franklin
Fitch “Frank”: Born 1882 in
BENSON, Arlene: Daughter of Henning and Irene Benson, Mat-Su Colonists. Married James Lee Bragg in 1957; they had 1 son, James H. Bragg (Fox). Arlene married Charles Leroy Fox in 1963; they had one son, Charles Roger Fox. (see Fox)
BENSON, Richard Roy "Dick" and
Norma Jean: Dick and Norma owned
the Dick Benson Amusement Co. and
operated amusement machines throughout
the valley. Norma Jean was the daughter of
Mat-Su Colonists Joseph and Naomi Loyer. ("Dick"
1915-1990) (Norma Jean 1931-2010) (see Loyer)
BENSON, Henning A. and Irene Josephine
(Johnson): Colonists
from Minnesota 1935, lived on Scott Road
Tract 95. They both worked at the Colony Co-op
and Henning managed the warehouse. They had
one daughter, Arlene. On the 1940 US Census Irene's father,
Louis Johnson of Sweden, was living with the
family. (Irene 1910-1997) (see Fox)
BENTTI, Toivo and Nora (Flamm):
Came to Alaska
in 1947, farmed in the valley. Children:
Larry, Bill and Elaine. (Toivo 1911-1982)
(Nora 1915-1996)
BERG, Charles A.: Of
Matanuska, received patent
to 167 acres in 1931.
BERG, Jacob: of
Matanuska
BERGMAN, Oscar and Jenny
(Lind): Oscar
was from
BERGMAN, Raymond Harold
and Mary (Cadwallader): Mary
was the daughter (a twin) of Charles
Cadwallader and Alexia L. Shaw Cadwallader.
Ray worked for Teelands,
worked at the mines &
was a radio operator for the military during
WWII. In 1943, Ray was in the Aleutian war
zone. Children: Linda & Judith. Bought the Wasilla Bar from the Cadwallader's
in 1946. Ray Bergman 1916-1958, Mary
Cadwallader Bergman 1921-1998. (see Cadwallader) (see Johan
Johnson)
BETTS,Clarence
William "Bill" and Marie “Micky” (Snider): Bill Bett's was the son of Clarence
and Myrtle Betts. Marie
is the daughter of Gerrit and Alice
Snider. Children: Billy, Wiley and Wetzel.
Bill worked for Gold Cord Mine,
had a taxi cab in Wasilla and had a trucking
business with Thurman Betts. (Clarence Betts 1909-1974)(Marie
born in Alaska)(see Gerrit
Snider)
BETTS, Martin C. and Margaret
“Peggy” (Cronk):"Peggy" was
school teacher from
BETTS, Thurman G. and
Jacqueline Mary "Jackie" (Slumburger):
Thurman (1915-1976)(Jackie 1923-2012)Received
patent to 20 acres in 1951 (along with
partner James M. Bryant). Children: Sally,
Judy and Glenda. Jackie divorced Thurman
in 1956 and married David E. Grow in 1957. Thurman
Bett’s second wife was Fannie _____ and his
third wife was Betty Roth who owned the Green Acres
Lounge on
BEYLUND, Oscar and Irene
Mary: Oscar (1895-1970)(Irene
1908-1971) Colonists from Wisconsin, came
to the valley in 1935; lived on
BINGLE, Rev. Bert Jennings and Mabel
Pearl (Morrison): Married 1923, Bert became minister
in 1925 and they moved to Cordova in 1928.
Ministered in Alaska for 38 years
along the railroad, alcan highway, Matanuska
Valley as well as the coal and gold mining
areas. Children: Vella Irene and James Douglas.
(Bert 1896-1970) (Mabel 1896-1986)
BJORN,
Melvin K. and Lois L.: Lived in the house that Joe and
Vi Redington
eventually lived in. He had a mentally
handicapped child. Received
a patent to lot 19 and 20 (.2 acres) in the
original townsite of Wasilla. His
estate also received patent to
22 acres in 1970. Melvin was killed in a one
car roll-over at the corner of
BLACK, Sydney Elkhorn and
Ara Belle (King):
BLACK, William Alfred
and Ella (Higgins): William m
BLODGETT, Victor Voltaire
and Mattie: Living
in Alaska by 1920, children: Deedie
born about 1897. Blodgett Lake named after this family.
Received homestead patent to 134 acres in 1936. (Victor
1860-1941)
BODENBURG, John Henry:
Born about 1873 in
BODIN, Sven R.: Immigrated from
BOGARD, William Jefferson
“Jeff” III: (1865-1931)"Jeff" was born in Missouri
and was a widower by 1910. Homesteaded
in the Valley before 1915 and received
patent to 301 acres in 1919.
He raised cows, sheep, pigs, vegetables and hay
which he sold to locals and Hatcher Pass gold miners. After
he died, his ranch was purchased by A. J. Swanson
in 1936. In 1938, the ranch was purchased by
colonists Earl Barry Sr. and wife Louise (it became
Barry's Resort). (see
Barry)
BORDON, Clarence "Old Cannonball"
and Anna: Elderly man who
couldn’t see very well but owned a Kaiszer-Frazer
car. His wife Anna was a school teacher
who did not drive. He drove the car about
15 miles per hour and she would tell him
where to turn, go slower and when to stop.
They lived in a small house behind the school.
BOUCHER, Herb: Lived
at intersection of
BOUWENS, Wayne: Son
of William and LuluBelle Bouwens,
married ______________
BOUWENS, William and LuluBelle Mary
(Sorenson): (William 1895-1970)(LuluBelle
1896-1964). Colonists from Rhinelander,
BOZENOFF, John Vangle and Emma:
John 1923-2005. Children:
John Jr., Kenneth, Jim, Richard, Carleen,
Linda, Susan and Jo.
BRADLEY, Ralph and Pat:
Lived at mile
BRASSEL, Joseph C.:
Born 1873.Mining on Willow Creek
in 1918, later mined with
BRODHEAD, Thomas Arthur and Catherine
Lucille (Sullivan): Thomas and Catherine
both came to Alaska in 1948 (although they
came seperately); Catherine came to Alaska
in 1948 with her first husband Joe Redington and
their three children (Sheila Jo, Joee and Raymie).
Catherine went by the name of "Gerry" while
she was married to Joe Redington. When they divorced,
she married Frank Smith. After Catherine and Frank divorced,
she married Thomas Brodhead who worked as a heavy equipment
operator. Thomas 1926-1999 Catherine 1923-2000 (see
Joe Redington)(see Frank Smith)
BROWNE, Esther: Daughter
of Neil and
BROWNE, Neil A. Sr. and
Pearl A.: Came to Wasilla in
about 1937, he was the railroad agent
for Wasilla for 10 years.
BROWNE, Neil A. “Bud” and
Jane (Cadwallader): Son of Neil
and
BROWNE, Neil A. III and Barbara Kelton:
Neil was the son of
"Bud" Browne and Jane Cadwallader Browne.
(see Kelton)
BROWNE, Mary Virginia:
Daughter of Neil and
BRUNDAGE, Arthur Lain and Helen (Harvey): (Arthur 1927-2011)(Helen 1930-2002) Helen worked at the Palmer Library from its early days, when it was called "the chicken coop". Children: Willia, Richard and Rodney and Caroline.
BUCHANAN, Millie:
Homesteaded on
BUGGE, John J.: Born
1870 Norway, came to
BURCHIK, John "Russian John":
1893-1979 Born in the Ukraine, veteran
of WWI, came to Alaska in 19 30 and
worked in the Willow Creek gold mining area
until 1943 then he worked at Jonesville
Coal Mine. No known relatives.
BURTCHER, louis
"Jonsey": Married (first?)
to __________ in lower 48 and had at
least one daughter. Second marriage (in
BUSBEY, Harley: 1923-1973
Instrumental in constructing a softball field in Palmer. It is named after
him: Harley Busbey Memorial Field.
BYERS, Harold: 1904-1958.
Married Mae _____.
After Harold died, May married
George Edlund. (see
George Edlund)
BYERS, Orlando L. and
Margaret:
CADWALLADER, Charles
Lee and Alexa J. (Shaw): Came to
CADWALLADER, Jane: 1921-1987
Daughter (twin) of Charles and Alexa
Cadwallader(lifelong resident of Wasilla).
Jane graduated from Wasilla High School
in 1938 and married Neil Browne Jr. "Bud". Jane
worked at the Matanuska Valley Co-op in
Palmer and Matanuska Telephone; she was also past-president
of the Republican Womens Club. Children:
Janeil, Loren and Neil Browne III (see Browne)
CADWALLADER, Mary:Born
1921 in Anchorage,daughter (twin)
of Charles and Alexa Cadwallader. Graduated
from Wasilla High School in 1938
and went to the University of Alaska Fairbanks;
she was an elementary school teacher
in Wasilla, Palmer and Talkeetna. First husband
was Ray Bergman. Children:Linda and Judith.
After Ray died Mary married Johann Johnson,
children: Johan, Don and Maurice. (see Bergman)(see
Johann Johnson)
CANN, Ralph and Elizabeth "Betty"
(Hermon) Onkka: "Betty" was the
daughter of John Henry and Hilda R. Hermon. Her first
husband was Matt Onkka (died 1969). Second
husband was Ralph Cann.
(see Onkka) (see Hermon)
CANNON, Frank B: (1863-1923)He
was living in Knik by 1911. Built the Pioneer Hotel in Knik.
Received patent to 159 acres
in 1922. Appointed U.S. Commissioner and Postmaster of
Wasilla in 1923. He died of natural
causes later that same year (buried in Anchorage).
His ranch was sold to George Zink. It had a
small cemetery on the property.
CARLE, James S.: Manager of the Alaska
Gold Quarz Mining Co. In 1909, his
company donated $2,500 to get a wagon supply road
built and the Bartholf brothers donated another $1,200;
it was called the Carle Wagon Road and connected
to a trail north of Knik called the "winter trail".
The wagon road was 26 miles from Cottonwood to his companies
property on Fishhook Creek. Other people chipped in
as well: Gold Buillion Mining Co. built a horse bridge over
the lower crossing of the Little Susitna River, Robert Hatcher
built a bridge over the upper crossing of the Little Susitna.
In 1912, the wagon road was improved and slightly re-routed
by the ARC and renamed Fishhook Knik Road. By todays landmarks,
it starts at Knik and turns into Wasila Fishhook Road.
CARNEY, Charlene: Daughter of
Charles
and Margaret Carney. Married
Ron Pine. Children:Brian and Ron.
CARNEY, Charles Edward
"Chuck" and Margaret Cecilia "Peg":
Charles (1902-1986) Margaret Cecilia
“Peg” _________ (1909-1997). Received patent to 40 acres
in 1961 and another 120 acres in 1965. Chuck was
a carpenter and Peg was a custodian at local schools. Children:
Pat, Domonic, Doug, Dave, Ed, Linda, Nancy,
Cynthia, Charlene, Shirley and Dan. Chuck and Peg
are both are buried in the
CARNEY, Cynthia: Daughter
of Charles and Margaret Carney.
Maried Harry Buzby. Children:
Anthony and Jesse.
CARNEY, Dan: Son of
Charles and Margaret Carney. Married Lavina Ethyl "Lee" Smith, daughter
of Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein
(no children).
CARNEY, Dave: Son
of Charles and Margaret Carney. Married __________________.
Children:_______.
CARNEY, Domonic “Nick”:
Son of Charles and Margaret Carney.
Married Helen Kay Carter daughter of Thomas
“Pat” and May Carter. Children: Katie,
D.J., and Charles.
CARNEY, Doug:
Son of Charles and Margaret Carney.
Married Florene Neal.
Children: Michelle, Lisa and Christopher.
CARNEY, Edward Eugene and
Carol (Wilson): Edward was the son
of Charles and Margaret Carney.
Received patent to 160 acres in 1963. He married
Carol Wilson, daughter of Cecil “Blackie”
CARNEY, Linda:
Daughter of Charles and Margaret
Carney. Married Neil Thomas.
Children: Patricia, Theresa,
Clint, Matthew, Alicia and Neil.
CARNEY,
CARNEY, Patrick
J. and Barbara
Ann (Rae-Carter): Patrick "Pat" was the
son of Charles and Margaret Carney. Barbara
was the daughter of
CARNEY, Shirley: Daughter of
Charles
and Margaret Carney. Married
Mike Washut. Children: Debbie
and Bethann.
CARPENTER, Earl:
Homesteaded about mile
CARSON, Arnold Robert 1902-1983
and Hortense Branshaw(1906-1969):
They were Colonists from
Minnesota. Children: James (married
Gloryjean Fritzler),Patricia
Ann (married Harold
Newcomb), Michael (married ____),
Sally married _______Karabellnikoff. Arnold's 2nd
wife: Dorothy Nelson, widow of Peter Nelson. (see Fritzler) (see
CARSON, Jim H.: Son
of Arnold and
Hortense Carson. Married
Gloryjean Fritzler, daughter of
Carl and “Vicky” Edlund Fritzler.
Jim worked at the Co-op and B&C;
they divorced in 1958. Children: Candace
“Kay”, Samuel, Joseph and Vicky. Second
wife was Bunny Frolich, they had one daughter:
CARTER, Fred:
Matanuska rancher by 1913, received
patent to 320 acres in 1920. Worked on railroad. 1929
sold his ranch to ________Campbell. Married George
W. Palmer’s sister, Elizabeth, she is listed
on all official records, including her gravestone,
as Mrs. Fred Carter (no first name), she died
in 1928, Fred died in 1930.
CARTER, Thomas L. “Pat”
and May C.
Martin: "Pat" came to Alaska with the military.
He was stationed at Whittier for a while and worked
at the Army Post at Valdez.After the war, Pat worked
as a heavy equipment operator, he managed the
Alcantra Boys Home, he worked for MEA, the railroad
and the ARC. May came to Alaska in 1940 with her 1st husband
Sydney Rae and 2 children (Barnara and Don). After a divorce,
she married Thomas "Pat" Carter in 1943 and moved into Nels Larson house (owned
by Gus Swanson) in Wasilla. May was the
U.S. Commissioner from 1944-1959 and the
CAVANAUGH, Thomas E. : In Knik
1911. Built restaurant-pool
room in Wasilla (next to Wilmoth store).
1928 built a house on
CHASTAIN, _________:
Lived off of
CHASTAIN, Dewey:
CHATWOOD,
: Owned Chatwoods Notion
Store on the corner of
CHIEF WASILLA: See Wasilla, Chief
CHICKALUSION, Simeon Pete and Annie: Simeon's WWII draft registration says he was born 4/10/1881 at Tyonek. He became Chief of Tyonek in 1931. He was the son of Peter Chickalusion of Kustatan. His siblings: Theodore and Agrafena. His wife Annie was from Polly Creek. Simeon had two boats and spoke Dena'ina, Russian and English. He mined for gold in Hope and Sunrise. Well respected by the people of Tyonek. When the Susitna Station villagers abandoned their village and moved to Tyonek, Simeon helped them build homes and buy a tractor and sawmill. Simeon was of the Tulchina Water Clan. Children: Katherine, Annie and Theodore. (Simeon 1881-1957)
CHILLIGAN: Native name was Tsilgi;
he was the older brother of Yagu Stephan. Died about 1920 (see
Shem Pete book page 164).
CHILDERS, James D.:
Received patent to 140 acres
in 1961.
CHILLIGAN, Harry and Matilda:
Lived near
CHILLIGAN, Joe and Doris
(Stephan?):
Children: Doris,
CHURCH,
John
E. and Julia Erika (Nelson):(John
1906-1984)(Julia 1908-2006) Came to
Alaska as Mat-Su Colonists in 1935; they
lived on tract 26 while John worked for the
railroad. Children: John ("Jack"), Donald,
William, Edwin, Lorraine, Rose and Alice.
CHURCHILL, Frank: Born
in Nova Scotia in 1867,immigrated in 1890 and came to
Alaska in 1898 as a gold prospector for the Klondike
and Boston Gold Mining and Manufacturing Co.
By 1900, he was working at the Ladd's Station trading post
near Tyonek. In 1905, he was running a small river boat on the
Susitna River. In 1911, he built a warehouse and in 1913 a
new store building (both for George W. Palmer at Knik). He had three
children with Mary (Stump) Yakashoff: William, Jeanne and Andrew.
He died in 1937 and was buried at the McGuire Cemetery in Knik,
many people attended his funeral. (see Stump) (see Yakashoff)
CLARK, Bob and Gertrude:
Children: Barbara Clark (Taylor)
and Cheryl Clark (Zumbrunnen).
CLARK, Frank and Jennie
Adriana (Kalkman): (Frank
1899-1976) (Jennie 1899-1998)Homesteaded
at the foot of Lazy Mt., above the
CLARK,
ORA DEE: Born
about 1876 in Nebraska. She was the first
school teacher in Wasilla (1917) and
Fairview School 1918-1920. Clark Middle School
in Anchorage is named after her.
CLESTER, Hal Ray and
Ethel M.: Received patent to 59
acres in 1952.
CLOSE, Carroll Charles and Verna
Beatice (Baker): (Carroll 1906-1998) (Verna 1910-1987) Came to Alaska
in 1928; owned the Talkeetna Roadhouse which is now a registered historical
building in Talkeetna.
COBB, Arthur Allen “Tex”:
Born about 1875 in Texas, he was
living at Knik by 1911. He received patent
to 202 acres in 1921. In 1941 he was a watchman
at Goose bay dock. Had a fishing
site on
CODY,
May: First school teacher
at Knik 1912. Married name Woodhouse.
COLLINS, Stanley Richard and
Doris (Chilligan):
Doris was born at Knik in 1929, daughter
of Joe and Pauline Chilligan. Stanley came to Alaska
in 1948. This family lived at Knik, Houston,
Eklutna, Birchwood and Flathorn Lake. Doris' sisters
were Irene and Laura Chilligan and brother Norman Chilligan.
(Stanley 1927-2009) (Doris 1929-2011) (see
Chilligan)
COMBS, Aaron Earl and
Mary: Came to the valley
in about 1947. Started Combs
Insurance in Palmer.
Children: ______, John, Mike, Ron and Valarie.
COOK, Seth P.: Matanuska,
received patent to 80 acres
in 1936.
COOPER, Rev. Jack E. and Judith Ann
(Epply):
Jack (1933-1994) (Judith Ann 1934-2000)
Established the Immanuel Baptist
Church in Palmer and preached there
for 36 years. Children: Timothy, Daniel,
Steven, David, Linda and Deborah.
COOPER, Walt and Gladys
Mae (Mattingley): Came to the
Valley in the early 1940's, ran Palmer
Cold Storage and a cattle ranch on Montague
Island, for the butcher shop. Lived
on Springer System (later lived in Seward,
but Gladys moved back to the old farm in Palmer
after Walt died in 1973). Children:
Harvey, Barbara (married Ralph Pelchat) and Duane.
(Gladys 1909-1998)
COPE, Charles: Half
brother of Worth W. Wade.
COPE, Glenn Dewey "
COPE, Jack and Thelma:
Owned Copes Craft and Photo
Shop. Jack ran the colony barber shop
and Thelma (widow of Wade Worth) ran the
colony beauty shop. Jack was the depot
agent in Matanuska in the early years. Children:
Leanne (Dodd) and Bill Cope. Jack Cope was
half brother of Worth Wade.(see
Worth Wade)
COREY, Jack and Olga (Nickolai):
Jack born about 1900 in
The family lived near Olga's father, Frank Nickolai,
in Chickaloon. (see Nickolai)
CORNELIUS, Frank:
Son of Roy and Mary Marsh Cornelius, thought to
be the first white child born in the
greater Palmer area, in 1917. Worked for the railroad and the Territorial
Police in the late 1940’s to early
1950’s. Married 4 times:
1st wife: Marlys or Marlis
__________ (children:Norris, Frank,
Roy Jr. 2 daughters)
2nd wife: ________________________
3rd wife: Ester Brager
4th wife: Lyla “Jinx”
CORNELIUS, Roy Austin and Mary
Olive (Marsh): Born 1891
COTTINI, James: Son
of Victor and Edith Cottini. Married Pia____________.
Children: Mark and Pio. They also
had a foster daughter named ____________.
COTTINI, Victor S. :
Married Edith ___________. Owned the Little Susitna Lodge.
Children: James. Edith’s 1st husband was Harold
Gershmel. (see
Gershmel)
COTTLE, Benjamin "Benny":
Son of John and Della Ritchey
(Cottle) (Smith). Married Marlene
Jensen, daughter of Colonists Henry
and Edna Jensen. Ben and younger
brother Jerry built Texaco gas station in
Wasilla. Children: Bert, Janet and Henry.
(see Smith) (see Henry Jensen)
COTTLE, Betty Jane:
Daughter of John and Ella
Ritchey Cottle. Married Paul LePors
(see LePors)(see Smith)
COTTLE, John and Della
(Ritchey): Children: Gerald,
Richard, Rodney, Benjamin, Mildred and
Marjorie.(see Vincent Smith)(see LePors) (see Minnick)
(see Teeland) (see Jensen)
(see Gershmel)
COTTLE, Gerald, “Jerry”:
Son of John and Della Ritchey
Cottle (Smith). Married
June Gershmel, daughter of Harold
and Edith Gershmel. Children: Dean
and Duane. (see
Harold Gershmel) (see
Smith) (see Gershmel)
COTTLE, Mildred: daughter
of John Cottle and Della Ritchey
Cottle-Smith. Married
John Minnick.
Children: ______________________________
(see Smith) (see Minnick)
COTTLE, Richard: (see
Smith)
COTTLE, Rodney:
Married Colleen Teeland, daughter
of Walter and Vivian Teeland. Children:____
(see Smith) (see Teeland)
COTTRELL, James: 1916-1997 Came
to Alaska in 1952; worked on the Eklutna
Power Project as a cement finisher
and at Jonesville Coal Mine. Owned a Palmer
dairy and was one of the first realtors
in the valley. Ran for State Senate. First wife
(37 years) Harriette; children: James, Harry,
David and Karen. Second wife (21 years) Joanne;
stepchildren: Doris, Bonnie, Colleen and
Gary.
COUGHLAN, Eugene and Violet:
Worked for railroad and lived
for a while in the "post office house"
in downtown Wasilla, then moved to mile 2
Knik road and lived in the Sager house. Children:
"Skippy", Kathy and Bonnie.
COURTNAY, Ralph Wallace:
Son of Robert Marion Courtnay.
Born in
CROCKER, Frederick M.:
In Wasilla by 1919. Lived mile
CROTHERS, Ralph and Barbara:
Came to the valley in the
1950's?, lived out by
CRUSEY, DAVID L.:
CRUSEY, JOSEPH E.:
CUSTER, Ira: Lived
on the hill behind Frank Smith's
garage (?). Had a sister and was
reclusive.
CUNNINGHAM, Daniel: (1870-1947)Early
homesteader, partner with Jim Felton
on a fur farm on Fishhook Road, north
of Trunk Road.They had a famous falling out
and painted a line down the middle of their
two story frame home. Felton later moved to
Palmer and bought out the White brothers roadhouse
and post office Felton and new partner Ward, reopened the post office under the
name Warton. The name Warton was a combination of
the names Ward and Felton. Ward and Felton moved the Palmer
section house from the east side of the railroad tracks
to the west side of the tracks in the late 1920's and opened
the post office (with a store in it ).
(see Felton)
CURRAN,
DAVID, Leopold and Annie (Karasek): Leopold came to Alaska in 1904 and would become a lawyer and a physician. In 1909 he moved to Susitna Station to become a US Marshal and in 1910 he moved to Knik as the US Commissioner. He lived there until 1915 when he moved his office to the new town of Anchorage where he became the 1st mayor of Anchorage. He married Annie Karasek in Seward; children: Caroline and Leopold Jr. (Leopold David Sr. 1878-1924)
DAVIS, Floyd and
: Namesake
for
DeLAND, Helen Francis: 1906-2006
Came to Alaska as a Colonist with husband
Niles DeLand. Niles didn't like
Alaska and left, Helen remained with her 3 children
and built a homestead and raised her children:
Don, Ted, Evon, Lee and Leola. Helen's other
husbands were Lannah Zoell "L.Z." Scott and
Isaac "Ike" Palmer (see Dow) (see Scott) (see Palmer)
DUFOUR, Horace "Frenchy":
Homesteaded in the area
that is (today) Bushes
Bunches on the
DEHART, Charlotte Harris:
1883-1955
DEIGH, Vida: School
teacher at Wasilla in the 1920’s.
DeLAND,
DePRIEST, Lionel "Skeeter"and
Louise: First wife
was __________, one son named Ray.
Second wife was Louise ___________.
He worked for ARRC or the
Co-op.
DePRIEST, Ray and Rose
Marie “Tiny” Vickaryous.
Children: ____________________________________
(see Anthony Vickaryous)
DeVRIES,
JOHN and Jessie: John (1917-1988)
came to Alaska in 1945. He was
a shop teacher and owned DeVries Enterprises.
Children: David, Andrew, John Jr. and
Marie.
DINKEL, Gene: Son
of Harold and Frances Dinkel. Married Alayne Nelson, daughter
of Peter and Dorothy Nelson.
Children: __________________ (see Peter Nelson)
DINKEL, Harold Charles
and Francis Marion Cowen: They
were in the second group of Mat-Su Colonists
who came to
DODSON, William: Married:
__________ Living in Aureen cabin
in Wasilla 1930. Part owner in Hi-Grade
Mine, Lucky Shot Mine and Alas-Pac Mine.
Using a snowmobile in Wasilla in
1940.
DOHERTY, Dick:
Herning diaries mention him coming
to Knik from Chickaloon as early as
1917.
DOHERTY, Frank: Had
a ranch near the Frank Cannon homestead
in Wasilla in 1918, received patent
to 40 acres in 1925. Worked at the Gold
Cord Mine and working at the Bogard ranch in
1925. He was born in 1869.
DOHRMAN BROTHERS:
DONOVAN, Daniel:
Born in
DOW, Russell W. "Russ":
Came to Alaska in 1933 with the Harvard Mountaineering
Club and worked with Bradford Washburn doing geological
surveys. He married Benzie Ola "Rusty" (Scott) in
1939; they homesteaded near the Butte in 1947. "Russ"
was a photographer and local historian. He volunteered
with the Transportation Museum, the library, the Knik-Wasilla
Historical Soceity, the Mat-Su Historical Preservation
Society and the Palmer Historical Society. His 2nd wife was
Marilyn "Em" DeVine. (Russell 1915-1992) (see Benzie Ola "Rusty" Scott)
DOW, Benzie Ola "Rusty" (Scott):
(1894-1989) Came to Alaska in 1934 to join
her brother L.Z. Scott who was
living in the Matanuska Valley. She ran
a trucking and transfer service in Palmer.
Married Russell W. Dow in 1939. She worked at the
Eklutna Power Plant from 1950-1955. (see Scott)
DRAGSETH, Joe and Velma
Lou (Hayes): Colonists
from
DRYDEN, John: Pre-colony
family. Married twice; first wife ____________,
2nd wife was Clarice (niece of Evan "Jack" Justin Tomlinson).
One daughter Katie (with 1st wife). Brother of Vernon Dryden.
John and Clarice were killed in an airplane accident in the
Lake Clark area in 1959.
DRYDEN,
DUFF, Harry E. and Karla Dora:
The family came to Alaska in 1930 and lived in the
Tri Lakes area on Duff's Pond. Harry opened the first Texaco
gas station in Alaska and was a member of the Elks Club in
Palmer. Children: Bertram and Marguerite June (Bouwens). Harry
1884-1973) (Karla 1895-1972)
DUNCKLEE, Edward A.:
Homesteaded in the Matanuska Valley
pre 1915, received patent to 319
acres in 1919. A 1916 issue of the
DUNLOP,
:
EATON, Fannie: Born in
ECKERT, Virgil and Lillian:
Original colonists from
EDLUND, AMALIE “Malie”:(daughter
of John Fredolph and Lillie
Rosella Edlund). Married Hans
Hugh. Came to
EDLUND, Arnold Anton:
1901-1974(son of John Fredolph and
Lillie Rosella Edlund). Married Canadian
born Hulda Lothrup (daughter of Robert
Bloomfield Lothrop and Hilda Isabelle Gustafson).
Children: Elsie & Maxine. Arnolds
second wife was Mary Olive Marsh-Cornelius,
widow of Roy A. Cornelius. Received
patent to 159 acres in 1931. (see
Roy Cornelius) (see Ralph Moore)
EDLUND, Edith “Dee Dee”
Myrtle: 1903-1983(daughter of
John Fredolph and Lillie Rosella Edlund).
Married Merle David McCambridge.
Children: Margery and Merle Corine.
(see Merle McCambridge).
Edith’s second husband was John
D. Urban. Children: John D. Urban Jr.
(see John D. Urban).
EDLUND,
EDLUND, George Eric: 1906-1989
(son of John Fredolph and Lillie
Rosella Edlund). Married Olga
Finn who died in a car accident.
Second wife, Edith Davenport; one daughter
named
EDLUND, Hedvig Mabel “Vicky”:
1913-1996 (daughter of John
Fredolph and Lillie Rosella Edlund). Married
Gust’a Neilsson, a Swedish immigrant
(nephew of Oscar Anderson) in 1930; they
divorced after 3 years. Married
Carl Fritzler in 1936. Children: Gloryjean
and Carl Mark. (see Carl
Fritzler)
EDLUND, Hilda Vern:
1915-2007(daughter of John Fredolph
and Lillie Rosella Edlund). Married Harry Sears. Children:
Donald, Verne Mae and Rosella. (see Harry Sears)
EDLUND, John Fredolph “Fred”
and Lillie Rosella Mead: Fred came
to Alaska in 1914. Homesteaded in Fairview Loop and
EDLUND, John
EDLUND, Lily May: 1917-1986(daughter
of John Fredolph and Lillie Rosella
Edlund). Married Ernest
Ohlin, nephew of Oscar Anderson.
Children: Ruby, Vonnie, Lois, Janet and Ernest
Jr. (see Ernest
Ohlin)
EDLUND,
EDLUND, Rosalie Francis:
(daughter of John Fredolph and
Lillie Rosella Edlund). Married
Herman Hugh. Children:
Josephine “Lila” and George H. Hugh. Rosalie’s
second husband was Asa “Jack” Wilkinson.
Her third husband was Elmer Tucker.
(see Herman Hugh)
EDLUND, Willie (aka August
Willie Edlund): Son of Sven and
Karin Edlund (not related to John and Lillie
Edlund). He built a beer hall on
EDMONS, Julius B.:
Matanuska homesteader.
EHRHART, Rex Emery and
Violet Lea (McVicker): (Rex 1915-1991)(Lea
1921-2003) Rex came to Alaska
in 1938 and Lea came to Alaska in 1940;
they were married in 1941. Rex worked for
MTA and the Matanuska Valley Co-op Association.
Lea had a dress shop in Palmer. Children:
Jim Ehrhart.
EKLUTNA ALEX: (see
Alex Vasily)
EKLUTNA JIM:
(see Jim Nikita)
EKLUTNA JOHN: Born about 1875, possibly the older brother of Eklutna Alex.
ELLEXSON, Leon Devere "Lee"
and Jessie Grace: Lee
was born 1875 in Kansas, Jessie was
born about 1884 in Oregon, they moved to
Knik in 1919; before that they had a roadhouse
at Happy River on the Iditarod Trail.
Worked as engineer on the boat
“Traveler”. Had Iditarod
mail contract. Received patent
to 129 acres in 1938. Raised pigs, chickens
and berries. Bought one acre of land
for a house in Palmer 1945, but I don't think
they ever did (they always lived at Knik).
ELIASSEN, Robert:
ELLIOTT, William D. “Bill”:
Born 1882 died 1916. In Knik by 1906. He worked
at the mines, piloted boats, hauled
freight and had a roadhouse near present
day Eklutna in 1912.
ELY, Jerry:
Matanuska
ENGSTROM, Carl:
Born in
ENNES, Max and Lila:
Colonists from Tower,
ERICKSON, Allen: Lived
on
ERICKSON, Earl: Married
Edie Ann Olson, daughter of Martin
and Edith Olson.
Children: ______________________________________________________
ERICKSON, Kenny: Lived
on
ERICKSON, Waldo: Married
Thelma ________. Children: Earl,
Richard “Buckshot”, Prudence and Pricilla.
Lived on Edlund Loop.
Had two younger brothers, Allen
and Kenny. Worked at the Experimental Farm on
Trunk Road.
EZI, Benjamin:
(1933-1989) Son of William
and Lucy Ezi, buried at Eklutna.
EZI (also ESI oe ESIA), Simeon and
wife Olga Nicholai: Commonly
referred to as “Old Man Ezi” or "Chief
Ezi" he was the last officially recognized
Chief of Upper Cook Inlet(Chief
Basdut). Olga was from the
EZI, William "Bill":
Oldest son of Simeon and Olga Ezi.The 1930
EZI, Pete and Ruth (Stephan):
The son of
Chief Simeon (and Olga) Ezi,
he was named Pedro Esi at birth, but
his name later evolved to Pete Ezi. Ruth
was named Christina Stephan at birth,
but the people at the Eklutna Vocational
School changed her name to Ruth Ross. Pete
was deaf as an adult. He and Ruth had the following
children on the 1940 US Census: Alberta and Peter.
FABYAN, John “Jack”:
Born about 1886 in Illinois, living in Wasilla by
1929. Driving cat for road commission.
Worked at Thorpe Mine. Was granted a patent for an original
FALK, Victor Gerald and
Gladys E. (Grow): Gladys
was sister to David, Jim and Bill Grow.
FELTON, James W. "Jim":
Early homesteader, partners with
Dan Cunningham on a fur farm on
FERRIN, Ray Cyrus and Helen Mae
(Simpson) Leek: Ray and Helen
came to Alaska in 1935; he ran a bus service
up to the gold mines in the early years. He also worked
in construction and for MEA. Children: Woody Ferrin
and a step-son Lester J. "Jack" Leek. (Ray 1900-1958)
(Helen 1901-1958)
FISHER, Grace: Teacher
at Matanuska Junction.
FISHER, Henry: Old time Knik
resident, died of a stroke in 1929.
FLECKENSTEIN, Dan and Joni: Dan 1940-1996, son of Sharon and Florence (Edlund) Fleckenstein. Avid outdoorsman, huner and private pilot. Children: Dan, Jack, Amy and Camy.
FLECKENSTEIN, Danny:
Son of “Dan”
and Joan Fleckenstein. Fourth
generation to live on the original
Fleckenstein homestead.
Married: __________ Children:_____________________________.
FLECKENSTEIN, Ellen Catherine:
Born in Yreka, California, she
was the daughter of Joseph and Marie
Fleckenstein. Married Floyd Dewey
Smith in 1926 at
FLECKENSTEIN, Eva Marie:
Daughter of Joseph and Marie Fleckenstein.
Married George Stanley
Herning in 1926. Children:
Marie Martha and George Stanley "Buddy". (see Herning)
FLECKENSTEIN, Frank Joseph:
Born 1898 in California, son
of Joseph and Marie Fleckenstein. In Wasilla by 1917. Had a homestead on Cottonwood Creek.
Elected to the school
board of Wasilla’s 1st school in 1917.
He did the concrete work under
the original Herning (later Teeland) store
in Wasilla as well as a lot of the carpentry
work on the building. In 1918, he left to go
to the Army. Frank Fleckenstein was clubbed to
death by a Native man in Dillingham in 1925.
FLECKENSTEIN,
Joseph Bernard and Marie Antionette
Doan: Homesteaded in the
Valley before 1915. (Marie’s 2nd marriage)
Children: Ernest, William Joseph, John
Paul "Jack", Christopher, Frank Joseph, Sharon David,
Lawrence Edward, Ellen Catherine and Eva Marie.
Mrs. Fleckenstein, born 1897, died in 1946.
Joseph B. Fleckenstein born 1870 and
died 1948. Census records say Joseph
Bernard Fleckenstein was born in
FLECKENSTEIN, Sharon David:
1899-1959. Son of Joseph
Bernard and Marie Antionette Fleckenstein.
First wife was Maxine Crocker
(1906-1932), daughter of Wasilla rancher
Fred Crocker. Theirs was the first wedding ever
held in Wasilla. Maxine drowned in 1932
(age 26) after a car, she was riding in, crashed
into Pinnacle Rock (coming out of Hatcher Pass)
and rolled into the Little Susitna River. Maxine
drowned and is buried in the
FLECKENSTEIN, Sharon Daniel
“Dan”: Married Joan Nunley.
Children: Dan, Amy and Jack. Lived on part
of the original Fleckenstein homestead
on
FLINT, Eunice Kathryn (Bouwens):(1920-1989)
Daughter of Colonists William and LuluBelle
Bouwens. Eunice worked as
a cook in the gold mines and was a teletype
operator for the FAA. Children: Jon, Mary
Lou, Judy and Susan.
FONDAHN, Edmund A. Sr. and Maria
Xenia Cleghorn: Edmund (1882-1960) Maria (1900-1977) Maria was born at
Old Tyonek to James and Mary Cleghorn (Cleghorn's in Alaska since about
1892). Maria served
as a translator in WWII for soviet vessels
docked at Seward. Children: Edmund, Karen
and Margaret.
FORD, Bobby: Lived
on Fairvew Loop. Young
man recently out of the military when
he died. His pistol fell out
of its holster (while he was chopping wood)
and it discharged, killing him.
FOSKET, Adin: Worked
at the Experimental Station starting
in the 1920's or earlier. Neighbor to Richard Hyer, John Johnson
and Alex Thorsen. Lived
in Matanuska house.
FOX,Charles
Leroy: Married and divorced
in
FOX, James H. "Jim": Son of Arlene Benson and James Lee
Bragg. Step-son of Charles Leroy Fox. Jim is the
leading authority on the history of the Matanuska Colonists (and south central
FOX, Waldo and Mabel:
Colonists from Michigan.
Children: Norman, Bertram
"Bill" (wife's name Darlene).
(see Kenser).
FRANCE, Grant Clarence
and Bernice Iva Maude (Hendershot):
Came to
Vernon Henry France (1920-1986)
married #1 Lucille O'Donnel Ring in 1940
#2 Karen Bryant
Miles Grant France (1921-2008)
married Donna Jean Durand
June Delores France (1924-1981)
married #1 Wilbur Lloyd Granger in 1944
#2 Al Withey
Norman Edward France (1928-1985)
married Lyla Rapaley
Laura Blanche France (1926-2012)
married Arthur W.Stenberg Jr. in 1948 (see Stenberg)
married
Lester "Murpy" Ellsworth in 2002
FRANK, Darrell M. and Anna Marie
Holbrook: Darrell (1909-1996)Came to the valley in 1935 as a Colonist
with first wife Lois V. He worked at farming and construction. Children:
Darrell Jr., Randall, David, Joanne and Nancy. Darrell Frank Sr. married
Anna Marie Holbrook in 1956 and they were the original owners of D and A
Supermarket in Palmer. Children: Juanita and Leon. (see Hartley)
FREESE, Ed:
FRITZ, Bud and Doris June Hermon:
FRITZ, Harold and Lorraine McKechnie:
FRITZLER, Carl:
Married Hedvig “Vicky” Edlund
in 1936, daughter of John Fredolph
and Lillie Rosella (Mead) Edlund. Children:
Gloryjean and Carl Mark. Carl was
a carpenter and farmer; he helped build
Fort Richardson in the early 40's and on many
buildings around the Valley, including the
Walter and Vivian Teeland house on
GAGNON, Frank E.:
Married Wanda Soper, daughter of Carmen
Soper. Children: Frank, Dottie
and Glenn.(see Soper)
GAIKEMA, Nicholas James:
Born about 1879 in Michigan. Operated
a mail (and freight) boat out of Knik
as early as 1913. The 1940
GARCIA, Eloy E. and Margaret
A.:
GERSHMEL, Allen: Married
Wythel Jourine Heaven, adopted
daughter of Foster and Daisy Heaven. Children:
_________________________________(see
Foster Heaven) (see Harold Gershmel)
GERSHMEL, Harold and Edith:
Replacement Colonists. Four
children: Bob, June, Allen and Carol. They
lived on
GILL, Warren T. and Leslie:
Station Agent at Matanuska,
pre-colony and during colony, died in 1942. After
his death, his wife and daughter, Myrtis
moved to Palmer. They later moved to the
GISLASON, Joe and Myrtle
Irene
:
Children: Joyce,
GOODRICH, Duane L. and Elinor:
Duane came to Alaska in 1940 (son
of Ralph and Vivian Goodrich) and graduated
from Palmer High School in 1951. He was a Korean War
veteran and owned the Palmer Machine Shop from 1948-1989.
Children: Mark, Monte and Kathryn.
GOODRICH, Ralph A. and Vivian (Mellein):
(Ralph 1903-1982) (Vivian 1904-1985)
GOOZMER,
Pedro and Polly (Chuitt): Pedro's WWII military draft registration
said he was born 6/17/1893 at Susitna
Station. He was the son of Goozmer and
Annie he had a sister named
GORE, Robert and Lois: Children Patricia, Don, ________
GRAHAM, Robert Bruce:
Lived near the
GRANGER, Lloyd and June
Delores France Granger: Married
in Palmer 1944. June was
the daughter of Grant Clarence and Iva Maude
France.
GRANTHAM, Henry:
GRAU, Leonard John Sr.:Received
patent to 120 acres in 1927,
mined in the Talkeetna's. Moved to
GREENON, George:
GRAY, Dan: In
Valley by 1923. Worked at Fern Mine,
Mabel Mine, worked at Thorpe’s Mine. Watchman
at
GRIFFITH, R. A.:
GRONWALD,
Hermon J.: In 1940 he lived at Fish
Lake. Born in Germany about 1874.
GROW, David Ernest: (1912-1987)
son of James Alphas and Maud Grow. Jackie
(Slumberger) Betts (1st wife of Thurman Betts)had
3 daughters when she married David Grow: Sally, Judy
and Glenda. David and Jackie had three children together:
David Jr., Gail "Murphy" and Michael. (see Thurman Betts)(see
James Alphas Grow).
GROW, James Alphas and Maude Agnes(Hayes):
James, a resident of the
Palmer area since 1934, was a retired Union Pacific Railroad
worker. Children: Lionel Edward, Gladys Emily
(Falk), James Carlos, William Hayes and David Ernest.
James Alphas (1871-1940)buried in Anchorage and
Maude (1874-1947)buried in Palmer.
GROW, James Carlos: Son of James Alphas anad Maud Grow.
GUSTAFSON, Gustav
Emil “Shorty”: Born 1887 in
HAGEN, Alfred: Former
mayor of Palmer. Built
Playland on
HALLER, Gustav A. and Marie:
Immigrated from
HALVORSEN, Hal and Lea:
Built the Hallea Lodge
aboauat 1947; they sold the lodge
to Herbert "Tuffy" and Mae Frederickson.
HANSON, Henry O. and Esther:
Lived in a quonset hut on
HANSON, Jim:
HARBISON, George Sr. and Katherine
"Katie": George Sr. came
to Wasilla to teach english in 1954, replacing
Louise Potter. He helped form the valleys
first teacher association. They lived
at Knik, near the Joe Redington homestead. Children:
George Jr., Lee Anna, Richard, Becky and
Peter. George Harbison Jr. wrote a book about growing
up in Wasilla, called Homesteaders in the Headlights.
HARDISTY, Robert L. "Red": 1917-1994 Stationed at Fort Richardson then moved to Palmer in 1949. Married Rosie Tost, widow of Jack W. Tost. Owned Tost's Chevron Services in Palmer and worked for the City of Palmer. Rosie had a son from 1st marriage: John Gorc? (see Tost)
HARRIS, Ernest Anadrew "Duke" and
Hazel Ethel (Wise): Worked at
Jonesville Coal Mine 1965-1974 and on Ft.
Richardson 1965-1974. Children: Robert and William,
also had a brother John "Rip" Harris. (Duke 1911-1981)
(Ethel 1913-1986)
HARRIS, Harold and Elaine:
Lived and farmed on the corner
of
HARRISON, Charles R.
In Wasilla by 1916.
Rancher, prospector, grew strawberries.
Built a house next to pool
hall in Wasilla 1927.
HARRISON,
HARRISON, J. H. and Rita:
Rita had several children
from previous marriage: Dorothy Pelletier
(married "Frenchy" Pelletier), another
daughter married Don Cook Sr.
HARRISON, Lee and Annie
(Stickman-Nickolai): Lee Harrison
married Annie Nickolai, daughter of Frank
Nickolai and Balasculya "Mary" Stickman, she was
the widow of Jess Wickersham. Annie (born at Old Man
Lake) had 3 children:(Katherine Mae, Helen
and Jessica Belle "Jessie") when she married
Lee Harrison (in about 1926). Lee was born
in
(see Nickolai)
(see Wickersham)
HARRISON, Louis Raymond and Reta (Hubbard):
Son of Lee Harrison and Annie Nicolai. Children: Tim, Gary, David, Louis
Raymond, Bruce and Penny. Reta's child by another marriage: Donald. Reta's
step children: Mike and Steve Smith. (see Lee Harrison)(see Gary Harrison)
(see Nickolai)
HARTER, Claud Harry "Unk" and Evelyn Elaine (Scheibl): Married 1943 in Palmer. Claud was a WW II veteran. (brother of Louis E. Harter)(see Scheibl) (Claud 1921-1987) (Evelyn 1926-1987)
HARTER, Louis Edward and Willa Faye
(Jones): Louis and Willa Faye came to
Alaska in 1957 at the invitation of
his brother, Claud Harter. Louis and Willa Faye
received a patent to 149 acres in the Huston
area in 1963. Children: Louis, Mary Ann, Charles,
Carolyn and Belva. (Louis 1922-1981)
(Willa Faye 1927-2011) Children:
HARTLEY, James Neil:
Son of Leon William Hartley and
Ruth Marian English. Married:
Eileen Venne daughter of Colonists
George and Irene Venne.
Children: James, Catherine, Joan
and Karen. James married second wife: Joanne Lorene Frank
in 1949, daughter of Colonists Darrel and
Lois Frank. (see Frank)
HARTLEY, Lee William and
Maralyn Jean (Vasanoja): Born 1918
in Anchorage, son of Leon William
and Ruth Marion English. Married
Maralyn Jean Vasanoja, daughter
of Colonist Lawrence and Helen Vasanoja
in 1940. With his brothers
and father, he owned an auto dealership
called Hartley Motors and a fuel and service
station in Palmer called Hartley Bros. Lee and
wife owned Hartley Honda in Wasilla. Children:
Clare, Signe and Brenda. Lee died in
2010.
HARTLEY, Leon
William: Born in Galesburg,
Illinois, son of Kirk P. and Minnie Hartley.
Came to
HARTLEY, Robert Dean and
Inga Marcella (Vasanoja): Robert was born
in Anchorage to Leon William Hartley
and Ruth Marian English. Graduated
from high school in Palmer; worked on the
construction of Fort Richardson and Campbell
Airstrip. Operated Hartley Brothers Garage
(with his 3 brothers) in Palmer. Married
Inga Marcella Vasanoja in 1947.
Children: Kirk, Helen (married Ralph Hulbert),
and Roberta (married Alvin Swick). (see Hulbert) (Robert 1923-2008)
HARTMAN, Earl E. and Nellie____________:
Moved to their new hotel
in Wasilla 1917 and built a 50’ x 50’
log barn. 1919 bought a Ford
automobile to take passengers to the mines.
1923 ran the Fishhook Inn. 1928
leased their hotel to Chas Cadwallader.
HATCHER, Robert L.:
1867-1950, considered the first to
file a lode gold claim on Skyscraper
Mountaian in the
HAVEMEISTER, Annie Lorraine:
(1937-2004) Daughter of Arnold Henry and Emmy Havemeister. Annie was born
in Palmer and graduated from Palmer High School in 1954. She married Virgil
Meehan in 1954 and Charles McCorkle in 1977. Children; James, Steven and
Lenora.
HAVEMEISTER, Arnold Henry and Emmy Sophie (Hansen): (Arnold 1899-1942)(Emmy 1904-2002) Matanuska Colonists, arrived in 1935 from Michigan. Emmy worked as a farmer and did housekeeping for people. Children: Helen, Annie and Bob.
HAYES, Vera C.: (1906-1995) Came
to Alaska in 1949, was the 1st Avon lady
to cover the Matanuska Valley. Worked
at the Alaska State Fairgrounds as head cashier
from 1957-1970. Husband Larel "Slim"
Hayes died in 1981.
HEAVEN, Foster Charles and Daisy Marietta
(Spiesike): 1890-1970. Foster came
to
HEAVEN, Foster LeRoi and
Margaret Ann (Johnson): LeRoi was the adopted
son of Foster and Daisy Heaven. He married Margaret Ann Johnson.
Children:(adopted?)
HEAVEN, Wythle Jourine:
Adopted daughter of Foster and Daisy
Heaven. Married Allen
Gershmel. Children: Brian
Earl, Charlene,
HECKER, William Earl and Kathreen
Estelle Gibson: (William Earl 1889-1947)
(Kathreen 1893-1983)William
Earl and family came to the valley in 1938
(as replacement colonists) and farmed for
several years. William Earl then became the
town barber, but died in 1947. They had
6 children: June, William Jr., Ferne, Alice, Barbara
and Joyce. Kathreen's 2nd husband was Charles
O. Huntley; her 3rd husband was Ted Gladfelder.
HECKER, William Jr. and Bergie Belle
Alexander: William, son of William
and Kathreen Hecker. Married
Bergie Belle Alexander who came to the
valley as a school teacher for the Colonists.
They married in 1946 and had 3 children: Angela,
Patricia and Barbara. Bergie taught 26
years in the Palmer schools.
HEDBERG, John: In Knik by 1906.
Married a “Talkeetna slave
woman” named Anastasia
Nutnal'tna in 1907. Ranching near Knik in 1917.
Some people called him “Moosemeat
John”. Lived in Knik,
HEMMER, John Patrick and
Cora: (John Patrick 1891-1959)
(Cora 1890-1976) Colonists from
HENRY, Francis and Ella Roberta
Black: Francis married
Ella Roberta Black daughter of William and Ella
Higgins Black. Ella
was born in Council, Alaska in 1906 and her
parents homesteaded in the valley in 1915. When
her parents died in 1920 and 1921, Ella was
sent back to Wisconsin where she married Francis Marion
Henry. Francis and Ella applied to be included in
the Matanuska Colonist project and their tract adjoined
part of Ella's parents old homestead which Ella
inherited. Children: Elaine, Ruth, Paul and Opal. (see
Black)
HERMON, Harold "Fritz": Son of
Colonists John and Hilda Hermon who
came to Palmer in 1935. Owned Fritz Hermon Dozer
Service. First wife was Ruth Moffit;they had 3 daughters:
Nancy Connie and Sally. Fritz's 2nd wife was
HERMON, John Henry and Hilda Rose(Wiehr): John H.
Hermon's 1st wife was Opal (Turner). They had 4 children:1.John Thomas
1912-2006, 2.Harold "Fritz" 1912-2006 (wife
1 Ruth Moffitt wife 2 Lorraine McKechnie
Aklestad) 3.Elizabeth "Betty" 1915-1980 (husband 1 Matt Onkka
husband 2 Ralph Cann) and 4.Doris June 1919-1993(married
Bud Fritz). Opal (Turner) died in 1922 in Georgia. John
Hermon's 2nd wife was Hilda Rose (Wiehr). They came to
Alaska in 1935 as Colonists. They had 4 children: 1.
Benjamin (married Eve_____), 2. James Steven 1928-2003(married
Mary Ann Bryant),3. George (wife 1 Evelyn Mellen/Mellin)
(wife 2 Donna McKechnie) and 4.Neil Hermon.
The brothers of this family
formed Hermon Brothers Construction.
Hermon Brothers Baseball
field on the
HERNING, Orville George
and Martha "Mattie" (Rogers):
Herning was born 1868 in Minnesota,
he married Martha Amelia "Mattie" Rogers
in 1894. Herning came to Knik in 1898
as the head of the Boston and Klondike Gold
Mining Company. He helped form the Willow Creek
Mining District organization. Mattie and
their first son Elmer (born 1895) came to
Knik in 1901. A second son, George Stanley was born
in 1904. Herning opened up a small trading post at Knik
in 1906 called the Knik Trading Co. His oldest son, Elmer,
died at Knik in 1906. In 1917, when the railroad tracks
came through the valley, Herning bought the very first public
lot sold in Wasilla (lot 1 block 1) and moved his store to the railroad
construction camp called Wasilla. He and his family
lived at Wasilla until Herning's death in 1947 when the
store was sold to Walter and Vivian Teeland. Orville
died in Anchorage in 1947 and Mattie died there
in 1958. Herning kept a daily diary from his arrival
at Knik in 1898 until his death in 1947. For more information
try this link: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~coleen/herning
1898 cook inlet.html
HYLAND,Myles Sr. and Joanne Byrne:
Joanne born 1898 in England, came to
Alaska with husband Myles in 1928.
They operated a sawmill at Girdwood
until 1935 when they moved to Palmer and opened
the Hiland Hotel which they operated until
1960. Myles died in 1949 and Joanne remarried
in 1950 to Jim Smith (1897-1970). Joanne died
in 2000 at the age of 103. Children: Myles Hiland
Jr. (see Jim Smith)
HJELLEN,
Eghart Bernard "Al" and
Elizabeth "Pat" (Snider): Pat Snider, the
daughter of Gerrit and Alice Snider. She was born in the Ship Creek tent
city (1916) that became
Anchorage. She was a part of the cirst Wasilla
City Council and she was the first female Mayor
of Wasilla. "Pat" had three children when she
married Al Hjellen: Gilbert, Garret "Gary" and
Susan. Al and Pat had three children together: Peter,
Alice and Ida. (Al Hjellen 1915-1986) ("Pat" 1916-2009)
(see Snider)
HODSDON, Charles and
Pansy: Children:
Richard and Max.
HOELDT, Ida Ruth: (1898-1991) Came to Alaska in 1941. Children: Leslie, Shirley, Larry Wayne "Bud", Dorothy, Donna Lynn and Kenneth. Had a brother named Joe Petrie.
HOFFMAN, Frank A.: (1871-1937) Frank was a law officer between Valdez, Knik and Anchorage for 36 years. He was also the personal bodyguard for President Harding when he came to Alaska in 1923. He was in charge of the prison in Anchorage after 1915 and it was nicknamed the "Hoffman Hotel".
HOFFMAN, Milton Albert and Cora Elizabeth
(Frankenfield): Both buried
in Palmer, (Milton 1896-1975) (Cora 1902-1991)
Children: Violet "Vi" (Hoffman)Redington, Thomas
Milton Hoffman and Myrtle Hazel Hoffman. (see
Violet Hoffman) (see Redington)
HOFFMAN, Violet Elizabeth
"Vi": 1924-2006.
"Vi" was the daughter of Milton and Cora
Hoffman. She came to
HOLDEN, H.:
Homesteader near Wasilla 1924. Sold strawberries. Killed
himself because he had cancer; he is buried
on his ranch.
HOLMBERG, Arthur Eugene:
HOLT, George:He was the Alaska
Commercial Co. agent at Knik
and was shot to death (in front of his store)
by a Copper River Indian in 1885. It's quite a story,
if you'd like to read more, try this link: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~coleen/holt
web.html
HORNING, William S. “Bill”:
Married: _________________.
In Knik by 1915 on his way
to
HORNUNG, John J. and Verlie
Inez Crouch: Vegetable and dairy
farmers, married in 1948, Verlie
was the widow of Otto Nelson (replacement
colonists). The family lived on what
is now the
HOSKINS, Bill and Mary:
Lived near the experimental
station. Lived in old Matanuska?
HUGH, Hans and Amalie (Edlund):
Born in Switzerland 1891. Married Amalie
“Malie” Elizabeth Edlund, daughter
of John Fredolph Edlund. Homesteaded in the Valley before
1915. Children: Hans Raymond
(called Danny") and Fredolph Oswald (called “Dolphy”).
“Malie” died about 1915 and is buried
on her parents homestead. Hans Hugh had a brother
named Herman Hugh. (Hans 1891-1969) (Amalie 1897-1915)
("Dolphy" 1915-2003)("Danny" 1913-2004)(see Edlund)
HUGH, Herman: Born 1894
in Switzerland, married Rosalie “Rose”
Francis Edlund, daughter of John Fredolph
Edlund. Children: Josephine Mary(“Lila”) and George
H. Hugh. Homesteaded in the
Valley before 1915. Rosalie’s
2nd husband was Asa A. “Jack” Wilkinson and
her 3rd husband was Elmer I. Tucker. (see Edlund) (Herman 1894-1951) (Rosalie 1898-1970)
HUGHES, Kenneth R. and Vivian Voss (Brockhoff): Came to Alaska in 1934, working with Salvation Army.They moved to Palmer in 1935 and worked as missionaries in the Matanuska Colonist tent city in Palmer. 1938-1947 they worked at El Nathan Childrens Home in Valdez. In 1947, they came back to Palmer and built the Lazy Mountain Childrens Home which they operated from 1947-1958. In 1958 they homesteaded at Big Lake and were flying missisonaries for remote Alaska. Vivian worked as a cook for the Victory Bible Camp. Children: Kenneth and Vosella. (Kenneth 1910-1980) (Vivian 1917-2001) Both are buried out at the Butte.
HUGHES, William:
In
HULBERT, James Hacket
and Francis R. Byrne: James
mined in various parts of Alaska,
mostly in Chicken and the Forty Mile area. Moved
to Palmer in the 1945. Francis taught home
economics for decades. James graduated
from UAF in 1938 in mining engineering and worked
for Matanuska Electric. Children: Ralph (married
Helen Hartley), Kathy, Paul and Janet.
HULKE, Eldor T. and Laura
Marie Smith: Eldor 1921-2005,
came to Wasilla in 1953. Laura Marie
was the daughter of Floyd Smith and
Ellen Fleckenstein,(1929-1996) was born
in Kanakanak, Alaska and spent many years in Dillingham.
She worked at Teelands for over 20
years and was the Wasilla City election judge from
1974-1994. Children: Frieda, Floyd Ernest "Butch",
Virginia, Faith and Jody and Hope. (see Floyd Smith)
HUNTER,
HURD, Frederick M. and Edith:
Fred 1896-1978. Married
Edith Hazel Custer (1896-1990).Homesteaded
on upper
HURLEY,Jim and Katherine "Katie"
(Torkelson): "Katie" Hurley (born 1921 in Juneau). Her first husband
was Joseph Alexander a Juneau photographer. Her 2nd husband was James Hurley
an agricultural chemist, sawmill owner and banker. Katie participated in
the Alaska State Constitional Convention in 1955 and was on the Alaska Judicial
Council; she was an Alaska State Representative and a long time aide to Governor
Ernest Gruening. James and Katie bought the Martin and Edith Olson homestead
on Wasilla Lake. Children: David, Susan and Mary.
HYER, Richard: Disabled
WWI veteran, received patent
to his homestead on the
INDIAN JIM: (see Jim Nikita)
IRWIN, Donald
and Amy Pearl (Gould): First
manager of the Rural Rehabilitation Corp.
in Palmer. Worked at Matanuska Experimental
Station in 1933/1934, then headed
the organization of the
ISAACS, Charles and Florine
"Flo": Worked for Bartholf
brothers in 1906. Worked at Gold Cord,
Old Martin Mine, Fern Mine. Had
a brother Ira. He was a watchman at
the
JENSEN, Dick: Son
of Henry and Edna Jensen. Married Linda LePors, daughter
of Paul and Betty (Cottle) LePors.
(see
LePors) (see Cottle)
JENSEN, Fred and
:
Fred was a carpenter in Wasilla. He was married
to ______ a Native woman and they had
several children. Fred died in 1947.
JENSEN, Henry P. and Edna
E.: Colonists from
JENSEN, Marlene: Daughter
of Henry and Edna Jensen. Married Benny Cottle.
Children: Bert, Janet and Henry.
(see Benny Cottle)
JENSEN, Ray: Son of
Henry and Edna Jensen. Married Claudia Jean Ann Wilson,
daughter of Jim and Claudia Wilson.
Children: __________________________
JENSEN, Ronald:
Son of Henry and Edna Jensen. Married:
________ Children: ___________________.
JOHANSON, M. A.:
JOHNSON, Ed:
JOHNSON, Charles D.:
In Knik by 1911. Later
a rancher at
JOHNSON,
George W. "Ma": (1907-1995)Came to
Alaska with the Army in 1943. Worked
at the Jonesville Coal Mine in Sutton for
25 years. No known survivors.
JOHNSON, Johan and Irene:
Colonists from
JOHNSON, Oscar
and Rose __ :
Lived on
JOHNSON, P. W.:
JOHNSTON, Mrs.: English
woman. Taught school a
JONES,R.
J. and Dorothy Ann (Swanda): Fire Station
in Talkeetna named after R. J.
Jones. Dorothy was the daughter of Matanuska Colonists,
came to the Valley in 1935. She was a Territorial
U.S. Commissioner and help establish the first
high school in Talkeetna. She was a two
term Mat-Su Mayor and owned several businesses in
Talkeetna. Children: Gar Jordan, Dorothy "Dee",
Cynthia and Dawn. (J.R. 1929-1983) (Dorothy 1929-1993)
(see Swanda)
JONES, Evan
William: Born in Aberdare,
JONES, Vivian
Irene: (1911-1997) Daughter
of Evan and Bronwen Jones; came to Alaska
in 1917. Graduated from Anchorage high school
in 1930, married Walt Teeland in 1933, moved to
Wasilla in 1947. She was a very small woman (4'6") with
a huge heart and an even bigger smile. Vivian and Walt
owned a general store at the corner of Knik Road and
Main Street in Wasilla from 1947 until 1972. Children:
Colleen (who married Rod Cottle), Walter and Lawrence.
(see Teeland) (see Evan Jones)
KALWIES,
Martin and Anna Marta: (Martin 1906-1980)
(Anna 1910-1989) Both born in
Germany, came to America in 1952. Purchased a
dairy in Palmer and operated it for 28 years.
Children: Hildegard, Anni, Gerda, Erika,
Helmut and Horst.
KATKUS, Henry and Joan:
Came to the area right after WWII.
Received patent to 160 acres by
KELLOGG, Venie "Louise":
Came to
KELLY, Frank: In Knik by 1908.
In 1940 he and wife Mary were living at
Lucky Shot Village (mining town
on Cragie Creek Hatcher Pass). Frank was born
about 1883 in Pennsylvania and Mary was
born about 1910 in Wisconsin.
KELLY, Milo: Born about 1866 in Wisconsin. In Knik as early as 1911; owned the Milo Kelly Mine on Willow Creek in 1940. Wife Katherine H. Kelly born about 1893 in England.
KELLY, Samuel T. "Sam": In Knik and Wasilla area from 1917-1933; worked for ARC, worked in the mines, clerked for O.G. Herning and was a tinsmith. No family. (Sam 1860-1933)
KELTON, Claud and Lois: One daughter, Barbara who married Neil Browne III. (see Browne)
KENDRICK, Harry and Drusilla (Barnhardt):
Farmed near the Butte in the 1950's, Also lived off of Scott Road
near Palmer. Harry was an airplane mechanic in WWII and was a coal
miner at Jonesville; he was in the Sutton Coal Miners Hall of Fame.
Children: Susan, Kathy, Diane, Christine and Lois. (Harry 1920-2013)
KENNEDY, Jim and
Jesse: Jim trapped and mined. No children.
1944 bought the Liebling house near
Town Hall for $500. 1946 bought Christopher
Fleckenstein homestead at Cottonwood
Creek 1946. Jim died in 1978 and Jessie died
in 1968.
KENSER, Grant and Gertie:
Colonists. Grant (and the Koppenberg's)
helped the Machetanz
family build their cabin on High ridge. After
Grant died, Gertie married ____
Burtcher. (see
Burtcher)
KEPLER, David Chatfield: 1925-2002,
son of Jesse and Harriet Kepler. came
to Alaska in 1927. Married Lois Luan
Gallaher in 1953. Children: Chris, Mark and
Patti. Navy veteran and worked for ARC during construction
of the Glenn Highway.
KEPLER, Enid Kathleen: Daughter
of Jesse and Harriet Kepler. Kathleen
(or "Kitty") married John Jacon
Van Zanten who's family came to Alaska in 1917.
Children: David, Tom, Terry Joe, Jackie, Marlyn
and Celia Beth. "Beth" was murdered by serial
killer Robert Hansen in 1971.
KEPLER, Jesse Townsend:
1896-1960 First wife was Mary
Lenora Andrews (1894-1921). Second wife was Harriet
Elizabeth Foster (1896-1993). Jesse,
Harriet and children came to Alaska in 1927. Children:
Eloise (married Norbert Swoboda),
David Chatfield (married Lois Luan Gallaher),
Rosemary (married _____Carlow) and Enid
Kathleen (married John Jacob "Jack" Van Zanten).
Kepler and
KERTTULA, Elizabeth "Beth":
KERTTULA, Jalmar "Jay":
Married Joyce Campbell,
former high ranking secretary on the
KERTTULA, Oscar Alexander
and Elvi: Oscar
-1902-1965 Matanuska Colonists.
Oscar was an early member of the Wobblies
and came to
KESSINGER, Arlo:
Married to Esther Browne, daughter
of Neil and
KIBBE, Rexford C. and
Georgia Elliott: Bought
the Harry and Hilda Sears homestead
on
KING, Alvin O.
and Ethel: (Alvin 1902-1975) (Ethel
1900-1957)
KING,
KING, John Provolt and
Lucille Mary (Vinecore): (John
1918-2000) (Lucille 1926-2009)Son of
Kent and Clara King. Married Lucille Vinecore
in 1945. John and brother Clyde operated
Palmer Concrete Products. Lived in the Butte
area for 49 years and owned "Mamma's Wood Yard".
Children: Sandi, Susan, Evelyn, Ellen, Kathy, Kent
and Laura.
KING, Kent McCoy and Clara Louise(Provolt):
Came to Alaska in 1932 (with 2 children)
and homesteaded in the area known
today as Kings Lake. Kent died in 1939 and
Clara moved back to Seattle.Children:
Clyde? and John Provolt.
KING, Samuel: Old time trapper,
committed suicide in 1933.
KIRCHER, Emil "Shorty":
Brother of Joe Kircher;
he ran a blacksmith shop for the Matanuska
Maid Co-op.
KIRCHER, Joe and Elsie:
Immigrated from
KIRSCH, Andrew A. and Dawn
F.(Kirschner): Andrew was
the oldest son of John Vernon and Rose Mae
(Ryerson) Kirsch. Andrew and Dawn had
2 children: Andrew B. Kirsch and Cindy Kirsch.
(Andrew 1929-2002) (Dawn 1937-1999)
KIRSCH, David: Youngest
son of Colonists John Vernon
and Rose Mae (Ryerson) Kirsch. David's
first wife was Beverly LaPour.
They had 2 children: Judy and
Billy. David's second wife was Betty
____________. They had 1 daughter, Roberta.
KIRSCH, Ernest Vernon:
Son of Colonist John Vernon and
Rose Mae (Ryerson)Kirsch.
Married Rose ______, they had 5 children:
John, Kenneth, Kurt, Karn and Mitchell.
KIRSCH, James and Elizabeth
(Grub): James was the son
of John Vernon and Rose Mae (Ryerson)
Kirsch. James and Elizabeth had two daughters:
Bonnie and Barbara.
KIRSCH, John Vernon and
Rose Mae (Ryerson):Colonists
from
KLEM,Robert V. and Hazel
E. (Webb): Lived on
KLOCKENTEGER, Bill:
Principal of
KNUTSON, Jack: Son
of Ted Knutson. Married __________________
Children: ____________________
KNUTSON, Ted and Mildred:
Lived about mile 4
KNUTSON, Ted Jr.:
Son of Ted Knutson Sr. Married ________.
Children.__________________.Ted
Sr. and Ted Jr. married a mother and
daughter.
KOPPENBERG, Arthur Siverin
and Lola Elizabeth (Sowers): Married 1925, came to Alaska
in 1950; lived at Lazy Mt.until 1994, then Lola
moved to Wasilla. In 1995, she moved to Big Lake. Children:
Thelma, Jerome, Samuel and Laurie.
(Arthur 1902-1966) (Lola 1906-2001)
KOPPERUD,
Herbert Nels and Claire (Lewis):
Came to Alaska in 1938 and married
Claire in 1940. She was the head nurse
at the Colony Hospital in Palmer. Herbert
bought his first truck in 1941 established a trucking
business (later with his sons)called Kopperud
Transportation. Herbert also had financial interests
in gold mines, coal mines, logging and Alaska's first ice
cream factory.
Children: Leif, Noel, Ross and Karl.
(Herbert 1912-1992)
KOSLOSKY, Janis M. "Jan"
and Isabelle: Son
of Isaac and
("Jan" 1909-1991)
KORTILLA, Bill “Salmon
Belly”: Married Deliah_____________________.
Children: Billy. Bill Sr. worked at the coal mine.
KROGH, Oliver O. and
Georgia A.:
Oliver was born about 1861
in Norway, Georgia was born about 1879
in
KUOPPALA, Eino Leonard and Margaret Rissi: Eino came to Alaska in 1943 to work in the Eska underground coal mine. He left after WWII and came back in 1946 with one of his brothers, they worked at the Jonesville Coal Mine and lived in Sutton. Eino and Margaret were well known in Sutton for their friendly home. Children: Judy and Step-daughter Linda. (Eino 1917-2008)
LAMP, E. C.:
Early settlers in the valley (about
1920). Children: Gerald, Donald,
Leonard and a daughter.
LANDERS, J. Harry “Jess”:
In Knik by 1911. Freighting to
Gold Bullion Mine by 1914. Had a “mountain
home” above Wasilla in 1919,
sold it to Frydeland in 1929.
He died in 1930 in
LANDERS, Richard "Dick":
(son of J. Harry Landers).
Came to Wasilla 1919 after
overseas Army duty, worked for the railroad.
Married ___________Nieminen
(she was hired as a
LANGDON, Roger F. and Leota
F. (Buckler): Roger was born
in
LANGEL, Otto:
In Knik by 1906. Worked
at the mines for Bartholf and Herning.
Built a cabin at the mouth of
the Little
LaROSE,
DONALD LARRIAN and Florence:
Son of Colonists Henry and Clystia
LaRose. Homesteaded in Clark-Wolverine area.
Was in the U.S. Navy 1947-1949 and a railroad
section foreman 1951-1979. One daughter, Norma
Jean. (Donald 1928-2003) buried at Ft. Richardson.
LaROSE, Gary and Rosemary:
Children: ________, Gary Jr., Patty and
Judy.
LaROSE, Henry Clixby "Hank"
Jr. and Clystia Ella "Clysti" (Hill):
Colonists from
LARSON, Erick:
In Knik by 1913. Had a family with
a Native woman, his children were
attending
LARSON, Fred and Laura:
Colonists from Minnesota, farmed
west of the Experimental Station.
Children. Children:
Leonard G., Esther (Haakenson), Gladys
(
LARSON, Jack and Helen:
Lived and worked at the
LARSON, Nels: In Wasilla by 1924,
freighted in the early days and later worked for the
ARC. Built a 12' x 14' cabin on
LaVALLEY, Edward and
LAWRENCE, Charles S.:
Rancher mile
LAWTON,
Lloyd Joseph and Leva "Pat" (Graham):
Came to Alaska in 1947, worked
at the Evan Jones Coal Mine until 1968.
Worked at Matanuska Maid Co-op. Children:
Joe, Jeff and Ginger. (Lloyd Joseph 1914-1991)
LECKWOLD, Martin and Mattie
(Gilbertson): Martin born
1872 in
LEMON, John and
: Lived
near the hayflats off of
LENTZ, Joseph "Joe" and Zuleika (Morrell):
Came to the valley
in 1935 as Colonists. Joseph was brother
of William "Bill" Lentz and Uncle of Dewey
and Arthur Welch. Joe and Zuleika's children:
Jane D., Donavan A., Edwin A., JoeAnn Z., Ramona M.
and Joseph A. Jr. (see Welch)
LENTZ,William
"Bill" J. and Viola E. (Splettstoezer):
William (1905-1987) Viola (1913-1997)
Matanuska Colonists, were married in
1932 and came to Alaska in 1935; owned a dairy
farm (today it is the Musk Ox Farm)until 1970
then moved to Reed Lake. Children: William Jr.,
Robert, Dolores, Barbara, Caroline and Dorothy.
William "Bill" and Joseph "Joe" Lentz (brothers) were
the uncles of Dewey and Arthur Welch. (see Welch)
LePORS, Paul Y. and Betty Jane
(Cottle):. Paul 1917-1992 and Betty 1923-1995. Paul came to Alaska
in 1948 and worked at Jonesville
Coal Mine as well as for the State of Alaska.
Betty was the daughter of John and Della Cottle
(and Step-father Vincent Smith) Children: Linda and Beverly.
(see Cottle) (see Dick Jensen)
LEVAN, Jay Leroy and
Deloris:
LIDDELL, Chauncey:
In Knik by 1906 from Susitna Station.
Hauled freight for Gold Bullion
Mine 1916 and for Robert Hatcher
in 1920. Worked at Lucky Shot Mine
in 1929.
LIEBING, Aaron Grover "Bud"
and June Marie King: Aaron
came to
LIEBING,
LINN, Frank B, and Vera Lucille:
Frank came to
LINE, Ernest “Ernie”:
Married Mavis ________________________ . Teacher in Wasilla
by 1946, replaced Mrs. Fisher.
Later principal in Wasilla and
Fairbanks. Several children.
LOBERG, Johan Anton Loberg
and Torborg Torkelson Loberg:
He came (alone) to
LOBERG, Loritz Konrad Moeller
“Louie”: Louie was born(1903) in
Louie and
Lauritz John “Sonny” Loberg m
Lillian Thordis Loberg m
Louise Swanhild Loberg married
Joseph Bidondo
Lief Leroy
Loberg married Judy Laubenstein
The Loberg family
lived on
LOKEN, John:
Married Eliza Jane
"Ginny" (nee Morrall) Eaton in 1921,
he died in 1928. His homestead (NE Palmer) was
later sold to M. D. and Margaret Snodgrass
in the early 1930's.
LONG, Merritt Carl and
Phyllis M. Erickson: Merritt
came to Palmer from
LOSSING, B. J.: Owned
Louise Kellogg's farm.
LOTHROP, Hulda:
Canadian born daughter of
Robert Bloomfield Lothrop and Hilda
Isabelle Gustafson. Married
LOTHROP, Robert Bloomfield:
Married Hilda Isabelle Gustafson.
Children: Hulda and Ivy. Lived south of Edlunds’ on the ridge
above the hay flats in 1935.
(see Hulda Lothrop)
LLOYD,
LONG SHORTY: See McConahay
LOWE, Fritz: Married Jeannie Thomas, first wife of
Clinton Thomas (see Thomas)
LOYER, Joseph A. and Naomi C,: Colonists from Michigan. Children:
James, Norma Jean, Victor, Kenneth, Gary, Fredrick, Rick,
Dennis ("Butch"), Dorothy, Jan and Rita. Joseph (1907-1985)
Naomi (1912-1976)
LUCAS, Leo and Margaret:
Partners in Shamrock Bakery
in Palmer. Children: Moyene, Leona, Larry,
Elaine and Dan.
LUTHER, Howard: Lived
on a lake near the
MACHETANZ, Fred and Sara:
Fred was a famous Alaskan
artis and Sara was an author. They
had one son, Traeger Machetanz.
MACHETANZ, Traeger:
Only son of Fred and Sara Machetanz.
He married Carolyn Barry,
daughter of Robert Barry. (see
Barry)
MARINO, Benjamin:
1874-1951 Homestead at
MARINO, Charles: Rancher
at
MARION, Patrick Albert
“Paddy”: Born about 1875; his parents
were from Ireland. He served in the Spanish
American War as a watertender. He was in Knik by
1906. Cook at Wasilla Hotel in
1922. Mined in the Willow Creek Mining District for
50 years. Worked at Consolidated
Mine, Lucky Shot Mine and Gold Mint Mine.(Owned Marion Twin Mine along
with his twin sister Ida)and a variety of odd
jobs. Built a house on
MARSH, Clarence:
Son of Samuel and Mary Marsh, born in
MARSH, Mary Olive:
1897-1989, daughter of Samuel A. and
Mary (Emmirson); came to Alaska in 1914.
Married Roy Cornelius.
Children: Frank Robert, Kathleen
Edith (
MARSH, Samuel A. and Mary (Emmirson):
Born 1874
MARTIN, Carl E. and Lucille
(Black): Carl came
to Knik to look for gold in 1909. He carried
the first mail from Seward to Iditarod
by dog team in 1910. Lucille came to
MARTIN, John: Owner
of Johnny's Surplus in Palmer?
Owned land on Trunk road near the college.
Had a sister named
MARTIN, May: Came to
MARTIN, Paul: First
Wife was Winnifred Granger. Children:Phoebe
1943, David 1945 (family came to Alaska
in 1946)and a son Peter born in 1954
in Alaska.Paul and Winnifred bought the
Kindgren colonist farm house and land
which was part of a farm on the SE Springer System
near John Springer's. After 1948, Paul
started working for the Alaska Agricultural
Experiment Station as a Soil Scientist, first
at the Farm Location near the old town of
Matanuska, then mved with the job to Palmer when
the Laboratory and Research Section was built in the
mid 1950's. He worked there until he retired in
1970. Paul and Winnifred divorced in 1964 and he married
Fannie Wirtanen,an original
colonist and widow of Eino Wallace Wirtanen
in 1967.Paul and Fannie lived in Fannie's
Palmer home and their winter home in
MAYFIELD, Benjamin H. and Jennie L.:Benjamin was the U.S. Commissioner in Talkeetna. He was born about 1892 in Washington and Jennie was born about 1898 in North Dakota. They had a daughter named Jean born about 1931 in Alaska.
McCAMBRIDGE, Merle David: Son of David McCambridge
and
Louise E. Mills-Dumas. Married
Edith Myrtle Edlund, daughter
of John Fredolph Edlund.
Children: MargeryLouise and Merle Mercedes.
Merle worked as a baggage handler
for the
McCLARITY, Bert:
In Knik by 1911. Bought candy
store at Knik from ___
McCARTNEY, Ray "Mac" and Margaret
"Maggie" (Snodgrass): Married in
"Maggie" Snodgrass in 1936; she was the youngest child
of M.D. and Margaret Snodgrass. Ray and "Maggie'owned
Mac's Plumbing and Heating store
from 1948-1985. Children: Robert "Bugs",
Sharon, Karen, Jackie and Michael. Ray (1909-1985)
Maggie (1915-1993) (see Snodgrass)
McCOMBS,
:
Lived by Gislason's on
McCONAHAY, Arthur R.: Also known
as "Long Shorty", came to Alaska in 1886. He was
born in Iowa about 1858. Married a Knik woman named
Martha. On the 1900 US Census for Susitna Station, they
had 4 children: Mary born about 1893, James born about 1895,
Martha born about 1897 and Katie born about 1899. Arthur was
listed as a widower on the 1910 US Census for Tyonek. His children
were sent to the Wood Island orphanage at Kodiak.
McDONALD, John W. and
McDONALD, P. J.
“Black McDonald” or “Paddy”: In Knik by 1911.
Had a movie house
in Knik in 1914. Married
Miss ______________Longmire, a teacher. Rented the Zink house in Wasilla in 1921.
Had a fox ranch near
McDOUGAL, Thomas S. and
Margaret E.: Working at
McHENRY, Earl Clifton
and Esther (Lanegan): This family came
to Alaska in 1931 from Idaho. Homesteaded
in Fairview Loop area. Missing his right eye.
Esther did not stay in Alaska. Ester (1884-1977).
Children: James (Darley), Jewel Beth and Ruby
Mildred (see Holstein) (see Church)
McHENRY, Jewel Beth: Daughter of Earl and Esther McHenry.
Married Herbert
Holstein(see Holstein) (see Church)
McHENRY,Ruby Mildred: (1912-1979)
Daughter of Earl
and Esther McHenry. Married Eino "Curly"
Alongo. (see Alongo)
McKECHNIE, Donald Loren and Juanita
Kathleen (Hurd): Son of Loren and
Peggy McKechnie. Mayor of Palmer
in the early 1950's. Worked on the construction
of Elmendorf. Children: Donna and
Bill. (Donald Loren 1915-2001) (Juanita 1918-2000)
(see Hurd)
McKECHNIE, Lorraine Lillian:
(1922-2011) Daughter of Loren and Edna "Peggy" McKechnie. She worked at the
Valley Co-op Store, Matanuska Maid Dairy, she was also a postal clerk and
telephone operator. Her 1st husband was Paul A. Aklestad, 2nd husband was
Harold "Fritz" Hermon. (see Aklestad) (see Hermon)
McKECHNIE, Loren and
Edna G. "Peggy": Loren
1888-1970 Edna 1888-1977
The McKechnie's were part of
a group of 8 Colonist families from Carlton County,
Minnesota (Henning Benson's, Leonard
Bergan's, Pat Hemmer's, Otto Peterson's,
I. M. Sandvik's, Lauren Smith's and Lawrence
Vasanoja's). The McKechnie's farmed south
of Bodenburg Butte. Received patent
to 80 acres in 1944. Children:
McKECHNIE, Raymond Everton and Diana
Salama(Santii): Son of Colonists Loren
and Edna McKechnie. Diana was a charter member
of the Palmer Historical Society. Children:
Gerald, Jack, Russell and Dennis. (Ray
1913-1993) (Diana 1913-1998)
McMAHAN, Charles "Slim"
and Gladys (nee
McNEESE, George and
:
Lived on the corner of
McNEIL, Alex Slivers: Brother
of Blind Nick McNeil and Myrtle
McNeil."Capt. Sliver's" was a raised
by his step-father, Malcolm J. McNeil and his
Dena'ina mother Annie. His WWII draft registration
gave his birth date as 12/10/1886 at Matanuska.
He was a VERY small man, but quite rugged and capable. Reportedly
froze to death in 1942 while walking
back to a moose kill from Wasilla. Buried on a
small hill behind Blind Nick's cabin at mile 1 Wasilla
Fishhook Road. (see Malcolm McNeil)
McNEIL, Malcolm James:
Born 1876(
McNEIL, Myrtle: Dena’ina
(adopted) daughter of Malcolm James
McNeil. Married John Wells in 1927.Also married
to Cliford L. Strickler in 1940.
McNEIL, Nick “Blind Nick”:
Dena’ina. In his younger years,
he lived on Upper Rabbit
MEARS, Lester "Les" and
Betty: Came to the valley in
the early 1950's? Lived on
Bailey Hill in Palmer. He worked at
lived just across the
MEEHAN, O. J.: Built
the Wilmoth store in Wasilla in
1917. Baby died in 1917, first death in
the new town of
MEIER, Alvin L. and
MEIER, Carl and Edith:
Colonists from
MEIER, Edwin L. and Bertha
L.:
MEIER, Robert W.:
MERRIWETHER
: Their house on Main Street in Wasilla was purchased for a Post
Office.
MICHALEK, Leo and Lillie:
Partners in Shamrock Bakery
in Palmer. Children: Mary Ann (married
Barney Anderson)
MILLER, Ira V.: Received
patent to 157 acres in 1920.
MILLER, Neil and Margaret:
Colonists. Lived
on
MILLER, Oliver Cromwell “Forty
Mile Miller”: In Knik
by 1906, received patent to 320 acres
in 1918. Prospector, carpenter,
saw mill, built metal stoves,
mining. Had a cabin and sawmill at mile
MINNICK, John: Married
Mildred Cottle. Children:____ (see Cottle)
MOFFAT, William G. "Bill":
Received patent to 320 acres
in 1920. Commercially sold
hay and strawberries in 1920. Killed
himself in
1923. First person to be buried
at
MOFFITT, Archie Rufus and Sarah Elizabeth Hecker: (Archie 1891-1970) (Sarah 1891-1967)Children: Owen, Leonard, Wallace, Betty, Ann, Clema, alice, Tom and Ruth.
MOFFITT, Leonard Earl and Betty S.:
Came to Alaska in 1937, graduated from
Palmer High School in 1939. In the
Army during WWII and was with the military
police on Ft. Richardson and on the Aleutian
Chain. He and wife were dairy farmers from 1946-1986.
Children: Lisa, Linda, Dianne, Wendy, Steven
and Tracy.
MOMMSEN, Ted and Laura:
Lived in Wasilla townsite.
Railroad agent
and former employee of
MONAGHAN, C. R.:
MOORE, Harold Wright and Dorothy
Mae (Likewise): Children:
Bonnie (Bettine), Doris Mae,
Roger and Karola.
MOORE, Ralph and Edith
Kathleen (Cornelius): Ralph
came to Alaska in 1935 to help clear land
for the arrival of the Matanuska Colonists.
He married Edith Kathleen Cornelius,daughter
of Roy Cornelius and Mary Olive Marsh in
1937. Ralph went to work for M.E.A. in 1941.
Children: Mary, Ruth, Frank and Gene. (see Cornelius)
MOOREHOUSE, Harry:
Lived on Lazy Mt.
MORRIS, Jim: Married
(divorced) Carol Wilson-Axtell (later
Carney), daughter of Cecil “Blackie”
MORRISON, Roy and Mary
Virginia ("MV") Browne: Married
in 1946, to "MV", the daughter of Neil
Browne Sr. Roy and "MV" lived in George
Zink house in Wasilla. Mary Virginia's 1st
husband (1939) was Jack Storm and they had
one son named Floyd "Butch" Storm. Mary Virginia
died in 1956 or 1957.The Morrison's owned the Wasilla
Bar on Main Street, which was later
sold to John & Jean Polis. Mary's son Floyd
"Butch" (who later took the last name of Morrison)
married Judy Betts, daughter of Thurman and
Jackie Betts. (see Browne)(see Storm)
MOSIER, George S.:
Received patent to 260 acres in 1922,
south of the Experimental Station?
MRACK, William "Willy" and Eleanor
(Sagar): The family came to Alaska
in 1948 and owned Mrack Coal Co. in Sutton.
Willy also was the manager of Red Devil Cinnebar Mine
in the 1970's and operated a gold claim in Hatcher Pass.
Eleanor owned a shop called "Ellie's Gold Nugget Jewelry".
Children: Judy, Karen, Kim and Bill. (Willy 1920-2005)
(Eleanor 1922-2002)
MUTH, Albert Peter and Mildred Marguerite
(Miller): Albert came to Alaska in
1934 and Mildred came in 1947. They had dairy
farms in several parts of Alaska and
one on Palmer Fishhook Road. Mildred was a nurse
and x-ray technician. Children: Joseph, George Henry,
John, Jim, David, Catherine, Dorothy and
foster son James Cadden. (Albert 1914-1982)
(Mildred 1912-2001) are both buried in Palmer.
NAGLEY, Horace Willard and
Jessamine (Millikan): Had a store
at Susitna Station by
1908, also had a store at Lake Creek
by 1917 and a store at Talkeetna by 1918, appointed
postmaster of Talkeetna in 1927, retired 1946. Moved to Wasilla, 1928, so their son,
Horace Willard Nagley Jr.could attend
school. The family moved to
Talkeetna in 1929. Horace Nagley Jr. became Postmaster of
Talkeetna when his father retired in 1946. (Horace Willard Sr. 1875-1966)
(Jessamine 1877-1955) (Horace Willard Jr. 1918-2007) All three are buried
in Anchorage.
NEKLASON BROTHERS: Necolaus
Hjalmer Neklason and John Richard Neklason were in
the Matanuska Valley pre 1915. "N. Neklason" is
listed among early homesteaders in a Knik News artical dated
1915. The brothers are also listed as farming in Matanuska
during the WWI draft (they asked for a military exemption
because there would be no one to care for their stock if they
had to serve). John Neklason (born 1889) was granted a patent
to 295 acres in 1920. Necolaus Neklason (born 1888) was granted
a patent to 320 acres in 1922. I assume their homesteads patents
included Neklason Lake. The Neklason brothers were born in Kalmar,
Småland, Sweden.
NELSON, Fred: 1887-1963.
Living
in Knik as early as 1911. Worked for the Road Commission
& Ft.
NELSON, Otto and Verlie Inez Crouch:(Otto 1892-1947) (Verlie 1911-1991) Came to Alaska in 1931 and lived in Seldovia for a while before becoming replacement colonists in Palmer. Children: John (died 1941),Lavon (Reeder), Charlotte (Voek and Aldeman), William (aka "Wild Bill) and Carolyn (Barager). when Otto died, Verlie married John Hornung. (see Hornung) (see Reeder) (see Aldeman).
NELSON, Peter and Dorothy (Hill): 1892-1967 WW I veteran,
came to Alaska married
Dorothy Hill in 1937. Dorothy came to Alaska
as a school teacher for the Jesse Lee Childrens
Home in Seward in 1927; in 1937; she had
a small sewing supply shop in the front
entry to their house and taught school; she was also
the 1st secretary-treasurer of the Wasilla Library
Association (1938).
Peter worked for the Road Commission. Two
children: Allayne and Erling Nelson. Peter was
brother of Fred Nelson. Allayne Nelson won a contest
to name the Wasilla Cemetery, her winning name was the "Aurora
Cemetery".(Peter 1892-1967) (Dorothy 1904-1997)After
Peter died in 1967, Dorothy married
NELSON, William: Born in Palmer in 1937 to Otto Nelson and Verlie Inez Crouch. Well known in the Valley as "Wild Bill". He was quite vocal about his distaste for lawyers and the courts and he painted huge plywood signs (to that effect) that he attached to his many vehicles. Bill was a pilot, inventor, contractor and jack of all trades. His obituary said that he was married twice; his first wife died and he and his second wife divorced. Children: Verlie Michell, John Travis, Valerie, Jason, Samuel Moses and Michael. Bill died 12/25/2004.
NEWCOMB, Harold Sherwood
and Patricia Carson: Harold
came to Alaska with the Army in 1948; he
came to the Valley in 1952; he was Mayor
of Wasilla for two terms and served in the
first Mat-Su Borough Assembly in 1964.Pat
was the daughter of Arnold and Hortense Carson.
Pat came to Alaska in 1935 at the age of 7 days. The Newcombs were
foster parents, and Pat worked for the ACCA Treasure Loft in Wasilla. Their first home was a Quonset hut (owned by
Bill Betts) which was next to the Bordon family.
Harold and Pat had a hardware store for a
while and a real estate company. They donated the land
at the corner of Parks Highway and Crusey Street that
became Newcomb Park and helped establish Wasilla Wonderpark.
Their Children: Kurt, Michael, Randall, Nicola and
Robin.(see
NICKALASKEY: Four children, that
I know of (from the blended family of Little Nikita and
his wife Delia, and Delia's 2nd husband Nick Stephan) had
the last name of Nickalaskey: David (born about 1921), Phillip
(born about 1923), Thelma (born about 1929) and Matrona (born
about 1931). (see Nikita) (see Stephan)
NICKOLAI, Annie Born about 1905, daughter of Frank Nickolai and Balasculya "Mary" Stickman. First husband was Jess Wickersham; second husband was Lee Harrison. (see Frank Nickolai) (see Wickersham) (see Harrison)
NICKOLAI, Frank and Balasculya "Mary" Stickman: Frank was born in Chitna about 1870, and moved to the Chickaloon area in 1918. Three daughters: Mary Nickolai born about 1902 (married #1:John Goodlataw #2: John Shaginoff); Olga Nickolai born about 1903 (married Jack Corey) died in Palmer 1954; Annie Nickolai born about 1905 (married #1:Jess Wickersham #2:Lee Harrison). Annie is the grandmother of Chickaloon Chief Gary Harrison
NOTE:I found a variety of spellings Nickolai, Nicoli, Nicholai, Nicolai. I've used the spelling NICKOLAI from the Shem Pete book.
NICKOLAI, Mary: 1902-1983 Daughter
of Frank Nickolai
and Balasculya "Mary" Stickman. Married
John Goodlataw of Chitna in 1925; they had
1 son Paul Joseph Goodlataw. John died in
1936. Mary married Johnny Shaginoff in 1938. She lived
at Moose Creek in the summers and Eska and Chickaloon
in the winters. She was an expert in Ahtna language
and history. (see Frank Nickolai) (see Shaginoff)
NICKOLAI, Olga: 1903-1954 Daughter
of Frank Nickolai
and Balasculya "Mary" Stickman. Married
Jack Corey. (Frank Nickolai)(see Corey)
NICOLI, Talkeetna and Christiana (Stephan): Talkeetna Nicoli was born about 1860 near Copper River (his mother's name was Ch'anqet)and he died in 1918 at Susitna. His wife, Christina Stephan was born about 1876 in the Matanuska Hills and died in 1951 at Montana Creek. Children: Alexan, Joseph, Tooch, Mytiome, Alexander and Katherine. Alexander married Nina Stephan and had children: Billy, Steve, and Nick. Katherine Nicoli (1915-1990) married Mike Nicoli (1912-1956) who was born at Point Possession.
NIEMI, Rica L.: Born in
NIKITA, Jim: Also known as Eklutna
Jim, also known as Indian Jim. Born at Knik in 1870, he
worked as a guide for an Army exploration expedition at the
turn of the century. He killed Tom Stephan in 1914 and spent
3 years at McNeil Island prison for it. He died in 1938 and was
buried at Eklutna.
NUNLEY, Leo M. and June ____
: Came to the area, from Arizona, in about 1947.
Homesteaded on
NYLEN, George: Owned
a homestead near Matanuska,
just NW toward the Experimental Station.
He had a large glass greenhouse
in 1918/1919 which was very unusual.
OBERG,
OBERG, Gilbert “Gib” and Pearl
(Edlund): Gas engineer
on boats. Worked for the
OBERG, Helmer and Elizabeth
H.: Wife was a Russian Native
from Unga. Moved to Wasilla
in 1927 (from Unga). Worked in the Lucky Shot Mine.
His wife worked as a cook for several
of the mines in the Willow Creek Mining
District. Children:
O'BRIEN, John J. : Early homesteader,
NE of the Black and Edlund family,
granted patent to 330 acres
in 1922.
OHLIN, Ernest and Lily
Edlund: Lily was the daughter
of John Fredolph Edlund. Cooked at Lucky
Shot Mine and other places and was the
nephew of Oscar Anderson. Children:
Ruby Ann, Vonnie, Lois,
OHNSTAD, Henry and Anna (Staxrud): The family came to Alaska in 1931 and lived (according to 1940 Census) on the Palmer Wasilla Road. Henry worked for Army Engineers on Ft. Richardson. Children:Thorvald "Smokey" Ohnstad 1911-1977 and Elizabeth Ohnstad(married Richard Lynch) 1912-2009. Henry died in the Sitka Pioneer Home (1884-1965) Anna died in Palmer 1887-1953. World War II draft registration (in Anchorage) gave Henry's full name as Henrik Nitter Ohnstad born 9/6/1884.
OLSON, Axel Capt. and Mary(Emmirson):
Axel married Mary (Emmirson)Marsh,
1st wife of Samuel A. Marsh.
Received patent to 320 acres south
of 4-Corners in 1919. NOTE: According
to information provided by
Jim Fox, Mary Olive(Marsh)Cornelius-Edlund said
the family loaded all their supplies from
Capt. Olson's boat at Knik onto a smaller one
which they could take up Rabbit
OLSON, Martin
and Edith: Lived on the
south side of
O'MALLEY, John R. "Jack": 1910-2000
Came to Alaska in 1934, surveyed all over
the Matanuska Valley. No known family.
ONDOLA, John
and Olga (Alex): John (1897-1944) (Olga
1911-1965).John was born in the Ahtna village
of Tyone in the Copper River Basin. Olga (Athabascan)
was the daughter of Eklutna Alex(Alex Vasily)and
his wife Matrona. John Ondola's military draft registration
listed his birth information as: born 4/28/1896 at
Copper River. Children: George, Elsie, Marie (married name
Rosenberg), Ellen, Carl, Sophie (married name Gutierrez), Dorothy
(married name Cook), Roy and Gina. After John Ondola died, Ogla
had two more children: Sally and Jerry. (see Alex)
ONKKA, David and Saina
: Colonists from
ONKKA, Karl Melvin: 1922-1997
He came to Alaska in 1935,son of Colonists
Carl and Saima Onkka. He was in the Navy
Seabee's in WWI (wounded). Children: Nancy, Karla,
Jacque, Toni, Jack and step-son John Drasher.
ONKKA, Matt and Elizabeth
"Betty"(Hermon): First
Matanuska Colonists
to marry in Palmer, children: Anna. Matt died
in 1969 and Betty married Ralph Cann.
Children: Matt Arvid Onkka (1941-1942) (see
Hermon) (see Cann)
ONKKA, Oliver Reino and
Dorothy (Bouwens) :
Oliver was born on
OSBORNE, ____and Mirt:
Lived on
OSBORNE, Ronald and Thelma
Wade: Had a farm on the
edge of
Adah (more children?). Thelma
was the daughter of Worth W. Wade
and his 2nd wife Julia. (see Wade).
OSBORNE,
and Myrtle: Lived
on
OSKOLKOFF, Alice: Graduated from
Wasilla High School
in 1942 (only 2 graduated).
OTCHECK, Bill and May:
Lived near Fairview Loop,
south of Edlund Road, came to the area
about 1947. Children: Shirley, John,
PAGE, Vondolee Sheppard and Dorothy: Vondolee was the Superintendent of the
Matanuska Borough Schools and taught for many years. He helped create the
Wasilla-Knik Historical Society and Mushers Hall of Fame. He and his 2nd
wife Dorothy helped establish the Iditarod Dog race and Dorothy was known
as the "Mother of the Iditarod". She
served 4 terms in the Wasilla City
Council and 2 terms as Wasilla Mayor. The
Wasilla Museum is named after Dorothy Page. (Vondolee
1910-2001) (Dorothy 1921-1989)
PALMER, George W.:
Came to
PALMER, Isaac "Ike" and Helen (Cain):
(Isaac 1916-1999) (Helen 1906-2006)Helen
was first wife of Niles DeLand
(see Scott) (see DeLand)
PALMER, Julius B. “Joe”:
Came to
PATCHELL, James and Annie: James came to Alaska in the
spring of 1896; he was living at Cottonwood in 1900
and was in Knik by 1901; he was a trapper,
prospector and rancher. He married
Native woman named Annie or Anna; they had
two daughters by 1910 (Bessie and Grace). James was
a widower by 1920, his children were sent to an orphanage
on Wood Island. James received patent to 159 acres
in 1927 and left for
PATTEN, Vernon Clair and Joyce Margaret
(Berry): Came to Alaska in 1935 as
Colonists. Homesteaded at mile 40
Glenn Hiway; had a dairy farm. One daughter Kathleen
"Kit" Lorain who married James Stewart
in 1952.
PATZACK, A.:
In Knik by 1917. Built a house at
PAULSON, Carl:
PAYNE, Earl Edward and Jane Evelyn:
Earl came to Alaska in 1952 to work on
the Eklutna Power Project, Jane
came to Alaska as a nurse in 1953. Children:
Donald, Ronald, David, Daniel and
Richard. (Earl 1922-2000) (Jane 1920-2006)
PECK, Ernest
Leroy and Olga Marie: Ernest 1890-1982,
Olga Marie (1901-1993)she was born at Pilot Station
and lived in Wasilla for 63 years. On the 1920 US
Census for Fort St. Michael, Ernest & Olga were
married and living at a military radio station;
Ernest was a Prvt. 1st Class with the Signal
Corp. They met at
PECK, Rose: 1915-2004 Rose was born at Pilot Station and lived in Wasilla with Ernest and Olga Peck her whole life. She graduated from Wasilla High School and was a member of the Cathrolic Church. Rose was part of the homemakers group that started the Wasilla Library. She had a brother named John Tellekpalak and a sister named Olga Marie (Peck).
PEDERSON, Everett "Pete"
and Wilhelmina "Willie": Partners in Shamrock
bakery in 1949.Willy came
to Alaska from Wisconsin, to teach in Hoonah,
then to palmer in 1948. Pete worked one job
at
PENDELTON, ______________:
Principal of
PENNINGTON,
PERKINS, Mathew R. "Matt":
Came to the Palmer area in 1944
as a member of the Army Reserves to
mine coal at the Evan Jones Mine. First
wife was Genevieve "Jenny", who he married in
Palmer in 1947; one daughter (born outside of
PERSSON, C. E.:
In Wasilla 1921 working for road
commission. Had a ranch and sold potatoes.
Fired from Marion Mine, called
“crazy”. In the
hospital with scurvy in 1937.
His mine workings are visible in the hills just
south of the
PETE, Shem: Athabascan, born about
1900 at Susitna Station, was of the Nulchina or Sky Clan.He was well known
as an Dena'ina historian, story teller, traditional dancer, geographer and
a preserver of all things Athabascan. He married Inga (her Dena'ina name was
Tulaten) in a double wedding ceremony (1919) in Talkeetna (other couple was
Anderson Stephan and ____); Shem and Inga had two children: Billy Pete in
about 1920 and Mary Pete in about 1922. Inga died of tuberculosis in 1925
at an Anchorage hospital, Shem died in 1989 at the age of 95.
PETERSON, Fred C. J.:
Foreman at Fern Mine. Sold
his mink ranch in 1942 for $20,000.
PHELPS, A. F.:
Married Mary Vail, daughter of Silas
Westley Vail.
Children: _________________________________ In the valley by 1916, working
at the Yago Mine.
PIPPEL, Robert W. and Kathlyn Ruth
(Smith): Robert was son of Matanuska
Colonists Walter and Melva Pipple.
After the Army, he homesteaded 80 acres
next to his parents in Eagle River. In
1949, he married Kathlyn Ruth (Smith) Hamby,
widow of Lamont Hamby. Kathlyn "Kay" opened the
first insurance agency in Palmer and was assistant
to the director of the ARRC for the Colonists. Robert
eventually took over the insurance business
(Pipple Insurance). Children: William, Anthony
and Robert Michael. (Robert "Bob" 1924-2003) (Kathlyn
"Kay" 1917-2001)
PIPPEL,
Walter George and Melva
Ann (Snider): Colonists
from
PLACK,
and
Francis: Francis was a nurse.
Children: Patricia and Phillip.
(see Joe Smith)
PLUMLEY, George H. and Eva Edith:
Family came to Alaska in 1941 and homesteaded
out in the Bodenburg Butte
area (today road called Plumley Road). Children:
Ralph, Lloyd, Robert, Leo, Mary Ann,
Irene, Dorothy, Orfa and Patricia. (George
1898-1992) (Eva 1902-1986)
POISAL,
POLIS, John and Gladys
Jean (nee Sanderson): John, born
in
POPPERT
:
POTTER, Louise: Originally
from Vermont, Louise came
to
POULSON, Carl:
Swedish bachelor, good carpenter,
liked to dance.
PRINCE, Bobby:
PUHL, Joseph and Blanche:
Original colonists from
PURCHES, George:
In Knik by 1906.
Prospector, sold furs, wife worked
in restaurant.
PYLE, J.A. “
RAE, Don S.: In Knik by 1912, built a house
there in 1913. Working at the Rae -Wallace
Mine near head of Sydney Creek in 1916.
Family joined him in 1918.
Worked at Jonesville
Coal Mine 1922. Had tuberculosis
in 1923. Children: Sydney Rae
(see Sydney Rae)
RAE,
REDINGTON, James Wesley: 1885-1963 Came to Alaska with his two sons (Joe and Ray) in 1948; he homesteaded 30 acres. Divorced from wife Mary Elizabeth (Smith)1886-1969. Buried in Wasilla.
REDINGTON, Joseph E. "Joe": 1917-1999 Joe came to Alaska in 1948 with his wife Catherine Lucille (Sullivan)and children, as well as his father James, brother Ray and Ray's wife Violet Elizabeth (Hoffman). Joe and Catherine homesteaded at Knik in 1948 with their children: Sheila Jo, Joee, Raymie. Catherine went by the nickname of "Gerry" while she was married to Joe. After Joe and "Gerry" divorced, Joe married his brother's ex-wife Violet ("Vi")in Wasilla (1953)and they homesteaded at Flathorn Lake for a number of years. Joe and "Vi" had one son together (Keith Eldon 1956-1965) who was killed in a shooting accident at Flathorn Lake at age 9. Joe and "Vi" moved back to Knik after the accident. Joe is known as the Father of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and "Vi" was his ever present supporter. At Joe's own request, he was buried with his favorite dog sled in the Aurora Cemetery at Wasilla. (see Violet Hoffman) (see Brodhead) (see Frank Smith)
REED, Waldo "Ray" and Doris (Spruill): Came to Alaska in 1959, homesteaded near Hatcher Pass (Reed Lake). Children: Naomi, James, Rhoda and Mark.
REEDER, Albert "Bill" and
Lavon (nee Nelson): Lived
on
REEDY, David: Received
patent to his homestead
REMPEL, Aron A. and Susanna (Krause):
Both born in South Russia (they were Germans). They had 12 children
(4 died in Russia). They came to America in 1923 aboard the SS Washington;
in 1944, they moved to Alaska and purchased a farm in the
Springer System area. Children: Maria, Aron, Agatha,
Susanna, William, Herman, Ann and Dietrich (known as "Dick").
After Aron died in 1953 (buried in Palmer),the family left
Alaska. Grandson, Mark Rempel, returned to Alaska and
has had a thriving organic vegetable farm (Rempel Family
Farm)out in the Butte area since 1962. (Aron 1882-1953)
(Susanna 1891-1996).
ROSS, Curtis: Homesteaded
in the valley pre-1915, off of
today’s Farm
RICE, Harry
___________:
Partners in Shamrock Bakery
in Palmer.
ROCK, Duane M.: Rocky
SAGER,Pal and
Lu: Homesteaded
on Knik Road near Carl Paulson. Had a son named Corky.
SAINDON, Edward
and Margaret: Came
to Alaska just after 1910 with sons Edward,
George, Harry and William.
They built a two story, poured concrete house
near Palmer on a road that is now called
SAINDON, GEORGE Henry
and Mildred: Born in 1890, George
was the son of Edward and Margaret
Saindon. He was granted a patent on
160 acres in 1921. His wife's name was Mildred,
she was born in 1903 and died at the
age of 21 (in 1924), leaving Geoerge to raise
their children (all born in
SANDVIK, Chester Arthur and Lula
Alvina (Thorstenson): Came to Alaska in 1944 (brother of Ingolf Sandvik).
Musical family. Children: Neola and Elden. (Chester 1902-1987) (Lula
1903-1998)
SANDVIK, Ingolf and Agnes
(Johnson): Colonists from
Minnesota, arrived in 1935. Children:
Jean Mae, Kent, Mark, Lynn and Peter. (Ingolf Sandvik is brother
of Chester Sandvik)
SCHEELE, August F. "Gus": (1914-1996) Gus worked on the construction of the Alcan Highway in the 1940's and moved to Alaska in 1945. In 1960, he built the first laundromat in Wasilla and owned an excavation business. He and friend Bert Johnson built the Airport Mall in Wasilla and he owned a business called The Electronics Cache. The family lived at Blodgett Lake. Gus' 1st wife was Idellar _____ (died). His 2nd wife was June _____; children: Cherry, David and Kathy; his step-children were Nola and Jervis.
SCHEIBL, Allan Gustave and Rosella:
Son of Colonists Gustave and Aletha Scheibl.
Children: Daniel, Carl, Steven,
Gary and David.
SCHEIBL, Gustave and Alethea
M.: Colonists from
SCHLUMBERGER, Clara P.: Was a
teacher in Wasilla in the 1950's; had a daughter named Jackie and
a one room house on Main Street in Wasilla in 1946.
SCHLUMBERGER, Jackie: Jackie and
Cicil Bryant owned Hilltop Cafe on Main Street in Wasilla. Her first husband
was Thurman Betts, her second husband was David Grow. (see Betts) (see
Grow)
SCHROCK, Cecil C.
and : Seventh Day Adventist
family, homesteaded off of Wasilla Fishhook
road.
When the family lived in the
valley, the road they lived on was known
Swamp Lake Road. In the 1960's(?) it was renamed
Schrock Road (and Swamp Lake was renamed Memory
Lake). The family purchased 50# bags of shelled peanuts
and substituted them for meat. Children: Daniel,
_____.
SCHROCK, James Harvey:
Homesteaded 160 acres
in 1952.
SCOTT, Lannah Zoell "L.Z.":
(1902-1955) Homesteaded at the end
of
SEARS, HARRY and Hilda Vern Edlund:
Hilda was the daughter of John Fredolph
Edlund. Children: Donald,
Verna Mae and Rosella. When Harry and Hilda
were married, Hilda’s father Fred
Edlund gave them a section of the original
Edlund homestead. Farmer in
SELK, Lyle D. and Rosie (Peck):
Lyle came to Alaska in 1945
and Rosie was born in Alaska, the daughter
of Ernest and Olga Peck of Wasilla. Lyle was a mechanic
at Ft. Richardson. Children: Kenneth, Carol Marie
(Theodore), and Kathleen (Waltman). (Lyle D.
Selk 1923-1985)
SENSKE, William Michael
"Bill": Bill's first wife, before coming
to
SEXTON, Allan and Minnie:
Children: Elmer, Alvin,
Frank, Clifford, Agnes, Joyce. Colonist family from
SEXTON, Alvin J. and Roxanne: Alvin (1928-1978)son of Colonists Allan and Minnie Sexton. Worked as a farmer most his life. Children: Danny, Bruce, Sharon, Rebecca and Cathy.
SEXTON, Clifford J. "Skip" and Salley: (Skip 1931-1985) Son of Colonists Allan and Minnie Sexton. Heavy equipment operator in Palmer.
SEXTON, Frank William: 1930-1987 Son of Colonists Allan and Minnie Sexton. Heavy equipment operator. Children: Anne, Andy, Theresa and Frank Jr.
SHAGINOFF, James Louis and Ingrid:
Born 1942 in Chickaloon, son of John and Mary (Nickolai) Shaginoff.
Grew up in the Lazy Mountain Children's Home (1948-1960) and graduated
from Palmer High School in 1960. He was an Elder of Chickaloon Village
and served on the tribal council. Children: Timothy, Sondra, Kari, Cindy
and John Corey. (James 1942-2012)
SHAGINOFF, John and Mary (Nickolai)
Goodlataw: Married 1938 at Palmer.
Children: Paul Goodlataw, Bert
Goodlataw, Donald Shaginoff, James Louis Shaginoff
and Lloyd Shaginoff. Lived near
Chickaloon. (see Nickolai)
SHAW, Russell:
Wife
SHELDON, Donald Edward "Don" and
Roberta (Reeve): Don came to Alaska in 1938 at the age of
17. He married Roberta Reeve and they lived in Talkeetna. On the
1940 US Census for Talkeetna, it listed Don's employer as the Civil Aeronautics
Authority.During WWII he flew 26 air missions and was given the Distinguished
Flying Cross. He was also a legendary bush pilot, famous for making
rescue landings on the glaciers of Mt. McKinley and opened the Talkeetna
Air Service in 1948 with parter Stub Morrison. Don Sheldon died of cancer
in 1975. Children:
SHERROD, Janet
Joyce: Born 1932, she was the daughter of Max and Dorothy
Sherrod. Married
Wendell Lewis. Children: Bradley
Lewis (
SHERROD, Max Hiram, and
Dorothy Alice Brant: Both
registered nurses from
SHORT, Lloyd and Ann Snider:
Ann was the daughter of Gerrit
and Alice Snider, she had 2 children
when she married Lloyd Short (Jo Ann and
James). They had a chicken farm next to the Henry
Jensen family. Lloyd and Ann had two children together
(Lyle and Laurie). (see Snider)
SHOUGH, Harry C.
SIMPSON, Jim and Gloria:
High school teacher. Had
the 1st Henry J. automobile in Wasilla (made by Ford).
SHAGINOFF, Johnny: 1909-2001 Born
in Knik to John Shaginoff and Mary Tyone. Married Mary Nickolai (1938) daughter
of Frank and Balasculya "Mary" Nickolai of Chickaloon. Children: Burt, Don,
Jim and Lloyd. (see Nickolai)
SITZE, Clara Margaret: (1918-2000) Clara moved to Wasilla in 1956; she
owned Top of the World Realty, the Snack
Shack, Green Acres Resort, Clara's
Cafe and the Donut Shop. Children: Kenneth,
Cindy Betts, Michael Fitzgibbon, Edward
Fitzgibbon, Shirley Beldon, Janet Hunter, Clarence
Michaelson and Carol Bragg.
SLIVERS, Capt. Alex: (see Alex
McNeil)
SLUMBERGER, Leroy and Clara:
Parents of Jacqueline Mary Slumberger who married Thurman Betts and David
E. Grow. (see Betts) (see Grow)
SMALL, Frank A.: (1924-1987) Born
in Anchorage to Georg and Ora Small. Graduted from Palmer High School in
1942. Highway road maintenance worker for 38 years.
SMALL, George: Ran
a roadhouse at mile 19 Wasilla Fishhook
in 1916 and a roadhouse at mile
15 in 1917. Married Ora C. _____
in 1921. Children: Frank and Georgia.
SMITH, David Floyd: Born in Kanakanek,
Alaska to Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein.
First wife was Peggy Overstreet, second wife was Maryann Larson.
Children: Michael, Steve, Darrell, Lori, Tim and Teddy Ray. David and wife
Maryann started Wasilla Aggregate in 1969. (David 1933-2013).
SMITH, Floyd Dewey and
Ellen Catherine Fleckenstein:
Married 1926 in Chena. Ellen
was the daughter of Joseph B. Fleckenstein.
Floyd to
SMITH, Floyd: Son
of Joe Smith and Patty Plack. Changed his name to Peter Wilson.
(see Peter Wilson)
SMITH, Frank Marion:
Frank is the son of Floyd Smith and
Ellen Fleckenstein. His first wife
was Catherine Lucille "Kathy"(Sullivan)
Redington, first wife of (dog musher)Joe Redington (she used the
first name "Gerry" when she was married
to Joe). Frank and "Kathy" had no children.
Frank built a house on the east side of
SMITH, Jim: (1898-1970) Married Joanne Byrne Hiland in 1950, then helped her operate the Hiland Hotel until 1966.
SMITH, Joe: Son of Floyd
Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein. Married (divorced) Patricia “Patty”
Plack, daughter of Francis
Plack; they had one son named Floyd.
After their divorce, Patty married Dick
Wilson and adopted Floyd. Floyd's name
was changed to Peter Wilson. (see
Dick Wilson)(see
Peter Wilson)
SMITH, Laura Marie:
Daughter of Floyd Smith and
Ellen Fleckenstein. Married
Eldor Hulke. Children: Frieda
SMITH, Lauren Foy and Hollis M.: Colonists from Minnesota. Lauren known for carving diamond willow. (Lauren 1905-1991)(Hollis 1908-1985) Children: Gloria M., Charlene C., Kenneth, Keith M., Duane L. and Douglas.
SMITH, Lavina Ethel "Lee": Daughter of Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein. Married Dan Carney, son of Charles and Margaret Carney, they had no children. Lavina's 2nd husband was Gerald Skinner, their children were Laura and Patti. Lavina's 3rd husband was Dale Cooper, their children were Renee Lee and Bernard "Bernie" Kieth (twins). Dale Cooper had 2 children from a previous marriage (Angela Marie and Dale Ray).
SMITH, Theron A. and Martha:
Received patent to 160
acres in 1925, farm became north Palmer.
Theron came from
SMITH, Vincent and Della (Ritchey)
Cottle: Step children:
(all Cottle's) Gerald, Richard, Rodney,
Benjamin Mildred and Marjorie Cottle. Lived at
Goose Bay? (see Cottle)
SNIDER, Anna "Ann" T: (1919-2011)
Daughter of Gerrit and Alice Snider.
Married Claude
SNIDER,
SNIDER, Gerrit “Heine”:
Born in
SNIDER,
SNIDER, Marie “Micky”:
Daughter of Gerrit Snider.
Married Bill Betts. Three sons, Billy, Wiley and Wetzel Betts.
(see
Gerrit Snider) (see
Bill Betts)
SNODGRASS, Milton David and Margaret
Jane:Came to Alaska 1907, Milton
was in Wasilla by 1917 mapping ranches
for the government.Founded the Matanuska Experimental
Station
on Trunk Road and was instrumental in
organizing the ARR's Farming Colony effort
in 1929 and the
SNODGRASS, John Roland "Rollie" and
Alice Sachiko (Mikami): (Rollie 1909-1983)
(Alice 1913-2008) Rollie was
the son of Milton and Margaret Snodgrass. He
was a dairy farmer and the State Director
of Agriculture. Alice came to Alaska in 1915,
graduated from Anchorage High School in 1931.
Worked for the ARRC and USDA Experimental
Station, was on the board of directors for MTA,
Territorial Department of Agriculture and committee's
for the Matanuska Federal Credit Union, Mat-Su
Community College and Palmer Senior Citizens.
Children: Jack Snodgrass.
SOPER, Carmen A.:
Married Laura Corbin. Came
to
Pearl Soper born 1912; married
Louie Loberg
Velma Soper born 1914; married
#1 Slim Whinery #2 Mel Gehemen
Glen Soper born 1917 died
1919
Kenneth Soper born 1918;
married #1 Virginia Lillian Grantham
#2 Hazel Shell
Wanda Soper born 1921; married
#1 Frank Gagnon #2 Dwane
Rock
Richard Eugene Soper born
1923 or 1924; never married
Ione Soper born 1930; married
Lewis Shell
James Dale Soper born 1933;
died in 1937 or 1938
Carmen trapped and worked
for the road commission.
(see Louie Loberg) (see Gagnon)
SOPER,
SORENSON, Frank “Swede”:
One son named Jerry. Swede
badly injured in WWII,
periodically had to wear a neck
collar to support his head. Built home at
SPARLING, E. B. “Buck”:
Homesteaded in Valley before
1915. Worked at Lucky
Shot. Died in 1945.
SPAULDING, CHARLES S.
Living at Chickaloon
by 1919.
SPAULDING, Edward and
Eva: Doctor in Wasilla before
1920.
SPRINGER, John August:
Homesteaded on
the southeast corner of
the Springer system pre-1915, received patent
in 1920. The Springer System is named
after him, his cabin is still there.
Had one of the first cars in the valley,
which sat up on blocks because the roads
were no good. Noted for shooting when
unexpected guests arrived, so people had to
yell out their name as they approached his
homestead, so they wouldn't get shot (info from Jim Fox)
SPRINGSTEEN, Flora: Fired
from her teaching job at
STADEM, Peter and Nikoline: Peter came to Alaska in 1928 and settled in Palmer in 1952. He was a commercial fisherman. Children: Norman, Louis and Sonja. (Peter 1901-1989)
ST.CLAIR, James and Nellie:
Homesteaded in
the Valley before 1915. Born 1888 to
STENBERG, Arthur Waldemar:
Died in 1954 (age 68) buried in Palmer
STENBERG, Arthur W. Jr.
and Laura Blanche (France): "Art" came to Alaska
in 1946 (son of Arthur W. Stenberg Sr.
1891-1954) and married Laura Blanche
France in Palmer in 1948. "Art" was a carpenter
by trade. Laura worked at Koslosky's and for the
Alaska State Troopers. Children: Sam, Arthur and
Peter Ann. Art died in 1992 and Laura married Lester "Murphy"
Ellsworth in 2002. (Arthur 1923-1992) (Laura 1926-2012) (see
France)
STEPHAN, Bobby: His WWII draft
registration said Bobby was
born 9/6/1891 at Susitna.
STEPHAN, Nicoli "Nick" Sr.: Dena’ina family, lived near Knik. Nick was the son of Chief Qasten "Big John" Stephan of Knik. If I understand the records correctly, his first wife's name was Ola and his 2nd wife was Delia ______ Nickita (1st wife of Little Nickita). This was a large blended family and I am not certain I have all of it straightened out. According to obituaries for this family, the children are: Olga Nikita (married name Bright Jarshaw), Barbara Nikita (married name Barker), Katherine Nikita (married name Theodore), Sophie Nakita, Hedy Nikita, Virginia Nikita(married name Call), Eva Nikita, Richard Nikita, Robert Nikita, Thelma Nickalaskey, Matrona Nickalaskey, David Nickalaskey, Phillip Nickalaskey, Annie Stephan, Pauline Stephan (married name Chilligan), Galena Stephan, Paul Stephan, Ray Stephan and Nicoli Stephan Jr.(see Mike Theodore) (see Call)(see Nickita)
STEPHAN, Pete and Annie(Stump):
Annie was the daughter of John
C. Stump Sr., and lived at Montana
Creek. I believe Pete was the son of Wasilla Stephan, but not
sure.
STEPHAN, Ruf and Annie(Stump):
Ruf was born about 1878,
the son of the Chief Stephan of Knik. Children:
McGinty (1909-1941), Alice (1921-2000)
married Bailey Theodore, Helen (1924-2000)married
John Stephan, Victor (1928-1942), Doris (1930- ),
Irene, a twin, (1934-1995)married
William Nunley, James, a twin, (1934-1973), Jennie (1935-
), Jessie (1938-1962). Lived
at Knik but had large fish camp at the mouth
of Ship Creek. Ruf was the brother of Nick Stephan.
Annie was the sister of John C. Stump and Mary Stump Yakashoff.
(Ruf 1877-1948) (Annie 1896-1950) (see Stump) (see Chief Stephan)
STEPHAN, Sava Sr. and Anna Chickalusion:
Sava was born at Susitna Station in 1920. His parents were Anderson and Evgenia
"Inga" (Ephim) both of Kroto Creek. After the influenza epidemic of 1918,
Sava and his parents were invited to live at Tyonek by Chief Simeon Chickalusion.
Sava later married the Chief's daughter Anna. Sava was a boat captain, a
hunter, commerical fisherman and was a well known Dena'ina Elder, specializing
in the Dena'ina language. Children: Sava Jr., Isaac, Ralph and Agrephena.
STEPHAN, Wasilla: Athabascan,
born about 1895 at Kroto Creek. He was a trapper and lived
with his son (was a RR section hand) at Montana Creek. The 1940
US Census listed Wasilla (a widower) with children: John age 22,
Susie age 18, Lillie age 9 and Bob age 8.
STERN, Chris: Born
in
STORM, Jack and Mary Virginia
"VM" Browne: Married in 1939,
they had one son named Floyd "Butch"
Storm (born 1943). Mary's 2nd husband was
Roy Morrison and "Butch" starting using the
Morrison surname when he was a teenager. (see Browne) (see
Morrison)
STRIGGA, August J. “George”
and
STRINGFIELD, Everett
P. "Paul": Homesteaded
on
STUMP, John C. and Lilly:
Dena’ina nickname was Ch'em. John Stump's
father had 3 names: K'uk'enesh, Ts'iduyut Tu (and) Itegheyut
Tu; he was the oldest of 6 sons born to a legendary Talkeetna Mountains
woman named Ch'anqet). John C. Stump was born in 1906 and his wife
Lilly was born about 1913 ( both according to census
records). Children: Annie, Tommy, John
Jr., (another baby died in 1929 and is buried
at Knik). John hauled supplies to Fern Mine
with dog team 1930. They had a ranch near Gerrit Snider. 1930
SURELL, Phil: Did
maintenance on the school in the
late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Died in plane crash. He bought
an airplane and didn’t know how to fly it.
It had been a two place tandem airplane and someone had converted
it to a one-seater. A guy in Wasilla was
going to teach Phil how to fly the airplane by sitting
in the cargo area behind Phil. They crashed
the plane off of
SWANDA, Frank H. and Minnie S.:
Came to Alaska as Colonists in 1935, lived
in Palmer, Anchorage and 37 years
in Talkeetna. Helped establish the Talkeetna
Historical Museum and the Talkeetna Catholic
Church. Children: Frank, Dorothy. (Frank 1900-1970)
(Minnie 1908-2001) (see Dorothy Jones)
SWANSON: There
were several Swanson's in the
Valley in the early days. Some of these
entries may be the same guy...not sure.
August Swanson, also known as "Wrinkle
Face Swanson", August Swanson,
also known as Bible Back Swanson" (?sold land
to Palmer for Swanson School?) he could also
be "Stud Horse Swanson" who had several horses
in Matanuska, which he rented out as pack horses
in the 1920's and 1930's.
SWANSON, Andrew J.:
Born 1870 in Illinois, bought the William
“Jeff” Bogard ranch near Wasilla
in 1936. Died in Palmer in 1945 (buried in
SWANSON, Andrew:
"Powder Box Swanson", lived NE of Matanuska
along the railroad tracks, across
the tracks from Hermon and Meier's colony
tracts. Got his nickname
because he built his house out of wood from
dynamite powder boxes.
SWANSON, August: Born
about 1965
SWANSON, Carl: Received
patent to 175 acres in 1921.
SWANSON, Frank Yngva and
Rica: Nephew of Emil "Shorty"
Gustafson. Lived south of
SWANSON, Gus: Received
patent to Wasilla city lot (.218
acres) in 1919.
SWOBODA, Bernard and
Adalgisa Lopes: Bernard was
the son of Charlaes and Ida Swoboda;
Adalgisa was from
SWOBODA, Charles and
Ida (Engles): Replacement
Colonist in 1936. Children: Laurence
Buck*, Norbert and Bernard. A son named
Raymond died before the family came to
SWOBODA, Norbert and
Eloise Kepler: Norbert was
the son of Charles and Ida Swoboda.
Eloise was the daughter of Jesse and
Harriett Kepler. Children (adopted):
Gregory, Rebecca and Terry. They had one
biological son, Daniel. (see
Charles Swoboda) (see
Jesse Kepler)
TEAGUE,
: Lived on
TECKLENBERG, Chas J. : To
TEELAND, Walter Donald and
Vivian Irene(Jones): Walter, Born
1907 in
THEILE, Carl and Anna: Lived at Alexander Creek. Carl was from Germany and Anna was an Alaskan Native. Children: Bertha, Louise, George, Reinhold, Otto and Carl Jr.
TELLIER, Bacil Joseph "Snuffy" and Sybile (Osborne): Married in 1952; came to Alaska in 1959 and homesteaded on the Little Susitna River. Worked at Harold Newcomb's Hardware Store for many years and owned Snuffy's Enterprises. Children: Edward and Charlene (twins), Theresa, Susie, Phyllis, Ann, Rosemary and Joe. ("Snuffy" 1931-1998) (Sybile 1935-2010)
THEODORE, Art: Son of Bailey and
Alice (Stephan) Theodore.
THEODORE, Bailey and Alice
Stephan: (1912-1984) Born at Knik, he was
the son of Wasilla Theodore and Nastasia. Six
children: ________. Bailey's wife
Alice was the daughter of Ruf Stephan.
(see Ruf Stephan) (see Theodore Wasilla).
THEODORE, Mike and Katherine:
Mike was born at Knik to Wasilla Theodore and 1st wife
Nastasia. Katherine was also born at Knik to Little Nikita
and his wife Delia. Katherine's step-father was Nicoli Stephan
Sr. Children: Daniel Stover. Mike and Katherine were members of
the Cook Inlet Region Corp., Eklutna Inc., and the St. Nicholas Parish.
Mike and Katherine are buried in the Eklutna Orthodox Cemetery. (Mike 1918-1986)
(Katherine 1925-1991)(see Wasilla Theodore) (see Nikita)(see
Nicoli Stephan Sr.)
THEODORE, Paul:
THEODORE, Wasilla: Born at Cottonwood Creek about 1878; he was the brother of Alec Vasilly (Eklutna Alex) and possibly Eklutna John. His Dena'ina name was Qalbis and he was of the Chiyshi Clan (red paint). His first wife was Nastasia (1880-1924). Their children were: Bailey Theodore (he married Alice Stephan); Susan Theodore; Mike Theodore (he married Katherine Nickit). Wasilla Theodore's 2nd wife was Katie Stephan, daughter of Ruf and Annie Stephan. Wasilla and Katie had three sons: Herbert Theodore born about 1935 and Harry Theodore born about 1937 and Roy born abouat 1939. (see Stephan) (see Eklutna Alex) (see Vasily)
THEODORE, William and Alice: Dena'ina
family listed on the 1940 US Census for Knik Village. William was 24, Alice
was 17 and their baby, Elsie was 1.
THOMAS,
THOMPSON, Art: Early homesteader
on Scott Road, south east of L.Z. Scott
homestead and west of Henning Benson
homestead.
THORNLOW, James and Elizabeh (Ratliff):
Jim came to Alaska with the Air Force in
1947 and married Elizabeth Ratliff.
He was a custodian for the Mat-Su School District
and the family owned and operated the Palmer
Roller Rink. Children: Don, Steve, Chris,
Kathy and Debbie. (James 1931-1995)
THORPE,
THORSON, Alex:
THUMA, Harold and Margaret:
Principal and teacher
at Matanuska, then Warton in 1934-1936,
then at Palmer as well as the
TOMLINSON, Evan Justin
"Jack": Born in Oregon, "Jack" came to Alaska
in 1905 and homesteaded in the Outer Spring System area.
The summers of 1913-1915, he worked on the right of way clearing
for the railroad. During the summers of 1917-1925 he worked
at the Experimental Station. In the winters, he trapped in the
Knik area and prospected in the Willow Creek Mining District. "Jack"
sold his homestead to the RR in 1935 and moved to Matanuska Junction.
He was also known as "Whispering Jack" due to a long standing throat
ailment that he contracted. He had a niece named Clarice who married
John Dryden. ("Jack" 1880-1948) (see Dryden)
Also called
"Whispering Jack", homsteaded
on outer Springer System. In
Alaska on the 1910 US Census; in the valley,
working at the mines as early as 1913.
WWI Draft records say he was born 6/6/1880 in
Portland, Oregon. ("Jack" 1880-1948)
TORSAK, Fred:
TOST, Jack
anda Rosina "Rosie": Opened Tost's Chevron in Palmer in about 1947. Jack
died in an accident when he was thrown from a truck which was being towed
in 1953. Rosie had a son from a previous marriage: John Gorc. (Jack
Tost 1908-1953) (see Hardisty)
TOUGHLUCK, George and Annie:
George's WWII draft registration said he was
born 12/25/1889 at Susitna Station. Geoerge and
Annie lived at Sheep Creek on the 1940
US Census. They had a son named John
born about 1920.
TRACY, Chester Nathan "Chet" and Hazel
Helen (Howard): Married in 1919, came to Wasilla in 1950. "Chet" worked
at the Farmers Co-op in Palmer. Children: Elizabeth, Jack and Keith. (Chet
1896-1985) (Hazel 1893-1979)
TRENSCH, Walter:
TRENT, Andy: Rancher
from Palmer. Working at Mabel Mine
1937. Owned “
TRYCK, Charles: Son
of Oscar Tryck. Born in Wasilla; his
childhood nickname was “Collie”. Married Molly Chamberlin.
Children: Keith Eric, Douglas Allan, James
Warren, Kathryn and Suzanne.
TRYCK, Oscar and
Lillian Blanche Tipping:
Oscar was born in
TRYCK, William Oscar
“Bill” and Flo Alice (Dinkel):
Son of Oscar and Lillian Tryck. Born in Ruby,
TURNER, Eugene Guy "Gene" and Lilie
(Reise): Gene came to Alaska in
1936, bringin horses for the colonists. He
was a heavy equipment operator, worked at the Lucky Shot
gold mine, cleared land and built barns for the colonists.
Children: Pat and Jean. ("Gene" 1915-1992)(Lilie
1912-1999)
TWEEDEN, Carl:
In Knik by 1917. Was a rancher on
UEECK, Bruno Barnhart:Trapping in Chickaloon
by 1930. Hauled freight
to Mines with dog team 1930. Brother
of Hugo, Leo and Edward. Received
patent to his land in 1932, never married
(1884-1939)
UEECK, Edward
Albert: Known
as Admiral Ueeck. In Wasilla
by 1928 with dog team and trap line. Hauled freight to
mines with his dogs. Worked for the road commission.
Brother of Hugo, Leo and Bruno. He was
the model for many of Fred Machetanz’s paintings.
Married Ethlyn Witney
Campbell, mother of colonist Harry M.
"Bud" Campbell. (Edward 1898-1990)
UEECK, Hugo Emil:
In Wasilla by 1930. Went to jail for
car theft in 1936. Brother of Bruno,
Leo and Edward, never married, died 1963.
UEECK, Leopold "Leo"
Henry: Married Minnie Ella
Deuel, children: Marilyn, Kurt and
Jalaine. Brother of Bruno, Edward and Hugo Ueeck.
(Leo 1890-1987) (Minnie 1908-1993)
ULANKEY, Charles:
In Knik by 1905, making
out his homestead papers. Worked
at Gold Bullion Mine in 1913. Had
a dog team. NOTE: Many years later,
an Eskimo stone lamp was found on the Ulankey ranch,
it is now in a museum.
ULRICH, Harley and Mildred:
Lived on Knik Road, came
to the area in the late 1940's or early
1950's. Ran a dairy farm and a childrens
home; Harley was a preacher.
URBAN, John D. "Jack":
1882-1949 Jack and a friend came to Alaska in 1897.
They earned money hauling freight up the Chilkoot
Trail for gold rush stampeders. In 1922,
Jack moved to Anchorage and started working for the railroad.
In 1926, he married Edith Myrtle (Edlund) McCambridge, daughter
of John Fredolph and Lillie Edlund. In 1938, John Urban
received patent to 62 acres. John was a conductor for the railroad
when he retired in 1944. Children: John D. Urban Jr.
UTT, Ernest Arley: 1914-1991 Stationed
at Fort Richardson in 1942. Worked at Buffalo, Eska and Evan Jones Coal Mines.
Wife Carmen, children: Toni and JoAnn.
VADEN, Doug: Lived
behind the
VAIL, Mary: Came
to Wasilla in 1922 with 2nd husband___________.
By 1927, she married her
4th husband A. F.
Phelps. (see Silas
Westley Vail)
VAIL, Silas Westley “Wes”
and Martha A "Mattie":
Homesteaded in the Valley before 1915
(Mattie smoked a pipe). Wes helped build the
VAIL, Stuart Theodore and Ruth A.: Came to Alaska in 1915 with his parents, Wes and Mattie Vail. Stuart was a cook for the railroad. (Stuart 1914-1980)
VASILY, Alex: Known as Eklutna Alex born 1865 in the Bodenberg Butte area; he was a member of the Chisi Clan (Red Ochre Clan), his wife was Matrona Nicholi of Susitna Station (born about 1885). Alex was the last Shaman of Eklutna. Children: Mike Maxim Alex born about 1910, Olga Alex (1911-1965)married John Ondola, Nicoli born about 1913, Buekranda Alex born about 1916 and Dovia Alex born about 1919 (names of children taken from census records). Eklutna Alex was the brother of Wasilla Theodore and possibly Eklutna John. (Eklutna Alex 1865-1953)
VASILY, Theodore:
(see Wasilla Theodore)
VENNE, Joseph George and Irene: Colonists
from Wisconsin. Children: George,
Wesley, Marcie, Eileen and
Roxanne. (George 1896-1974) (Irene 1900-1978)
VICKARYOUS, Anthony Sylvester
“Tony” and Alys Hope (Saurdiff): Matanuska
Colonists, came to
VICKARYOUS, Gerry:
Daughter of Tony and Alyn Vickaryous.
Married Bill Patrick.
Children:
VICKARYOUS, Rose Marie:
Daughter of Tony and Alys Vickaryous.
Married Ray DePriest.
Children: ______________(see Ray
Depriest)
WADE, "Tiny" and Katherine
Mae "Katie": Katie
was born at
WADE, Worth
W. and Julia M.: Worth
was born in Palmyra,
WAGNER,
Olaf: 1920 he was a section
boss for
the railroad; in 1921 he received patent
to 279 acres. Sold strawberries
commercially. 1930 wanted to leave
WAISANEN, Arvid Edward: (1914-1986)
Moved to Alaska in 1937. Wife Pauline,
children: Ronald, Arvid Jr., John,
Jeanette and Mary.
WALBY, Hans L. : Granted a patent
to 320 acres in 1921.
WALKER, Peter Adam and Julia Marie
(LeSaux).: Worked in south east Alaska
mines in the early 1920's, employed
by the Hirst-Chichagoff and Alaska-Juneau
Gold Mines. Came to the
WARE, R. E. and Maud:
pre-colony settlers.
WASILLA, William and
Alice: Dena’ina family. William
born about 1915,
WASILLA, Chief and 3rd wife
Undudya: 1842-1907, he was of the Nulchina
clan and was known as Chief Wasilla; he is the namesake
for the town of Wasilla. The Chief had a group of cabins
on Wasilla Creek and raised many orphaned
Native children in the area. He committed suicide
in 1907 when his youngest son (about 4 years old) died of tuberculosis.
He also had an older son named Ivan or Evan.
WATSON, D. F. "Deefy":
Nickname was a play on his
initials and being deaf. His homestead
is now owned by PeterAnn Stenberg.
WATSON, Frank: In the Valley from
(at least) 1907 to his death in 1943. Mining partner of Sam Kelly. Had a
ranch in Palmer area in 1929. Worked for the ARC and Chickaloon coal mines
in
1920. (Frank 1871-1943) No known family.
(see Sam Kelly)
WATSON, Harry “Scotty”:
Hired as camp cook for Herning in 1903.
Brought a sawmill into Knik in 1905.
Setting up camp at Old Knik (present
day Eklutna area) in 1906.
Hauling freight with horse
team. Was camp cook for Eberhardt
and Anderson at Falls Creek in 1907. Ran a winter roadhouse
at Old Knik; he was arrested for selling alcohol.
WEEDA, Osky and Henrietta
"Hank": Managed Bert's
Drug Store in Palmer (owned by Osky's
brother Bert Weeda). The store
was later sold to Neal Wright. (see Wright)
WELCH, Arthur "Buce" L.: Brother of Dewey
Welch. Came to Alaska in the summer of 1947;homesteaded
in the Knik Goose Bay area. Worked as a heavy
equipment operator, clearing land throughout
the valley; had a dairy farm and sawmill with brother
Dewey on the Little Susitna River. Welch Road (off
of Wasilla Fishhook Road) is named after this family). Nephew
of Bill and Joseph Lentz (Colonists). Arthur moved
back to Wisconsin in the 1970's. (see Lentz)
WELCH, Dewey A, and Mary
E.and Mary Elizabeth Hawes: Dewey
Welch 1928-1983, came to Alaska in the summer
of 1947. Homesteaded and had a dairy farm along the
banks of the Little Susitna River off of Wasilla Fishhook
Road. Mary Elizabeth Hawes came to Alaska (Fairbanks)
in October of 1947. Dewey and Mary lived in the valley
from 1953 to the mid 1990's (Mary died in 2005). Children:
John ("Little John" died in an accident on the family farm at
age 3), Paul, Eva, Steve, Amy, Libby, Ben and Diane. Dewey
Welch was the nephew of Colonists William and Joseph Lentz.
Welch Road is named after this family. (see Lentz)
WELLS, Pat:
Owned the Williwaw Lodge in Wasilla
in the 1950's.
WENTER, Harvey: Minister of the Church of Christ (Assembly of God) Church.
WERNER, Adam and Fanny Eaton:
Adam Werner (1888-1944), born in Austria, came
to Knik in 1914, on the same boat as Axel Olson, Curtis Ross and Roy Cornelius;
he homesteaded north of Palmer
(received patent to 320 acres
in 1920). He married Fanny (nee Eaton)(1902-1992)who
was born in England and came to Alaska
in 1930. Adam and Fanny married in 1930;
they had three daughters: Violet (Norbo), Louise
and Hazel (Fisher). Fanny Werner’s
mother was Eliza Jane "Ginny" also known as
"Jenny" (Morrall) (Eaton), (Loken), (Duncklee). The Werners
homesteaded on
WHITE, Harry: Basketball
coach for Wasilla Women’s Team
1929-1931.
WICKERSHAM, Jesse C. and
Annie (Stickman-Nickolai): Jesse
was born 1883 in Arkansas. He had 3 children with Annie Nickolai
of Chickaloon: Katherine Mae, Helen and Jessica Belle "Jessie". Jesse
served as a seaman on the USS Independence. Annie killed Jesse
(1924) in self defense (he is buried in Anchorage). Annie's
2nd husband was Lee Harrison. (see Harrison) (see Wade) (see Nickolai)
WILLIAMS, Frank:
WILLIAMS, Ted Leroy and
Esther Louisa: Parents
of Paul, Valarie, Joe, David and
Eugene.
WILMOTH, Howard and Loretta:
Built a house in Knik in 1913.
Opened a store (20' x 40' tent) in Wasilla
in 1916; built a permanent store
in 1917 (it was across
WILSON, Cecil and Wilma
A. (
WILSON,
Charles B.: (1875-1950) Received
US Patent to 4 acres in 1944. Buried in
the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.
WILSON, Charles Henry: Knik farmer
as early
as 1918 (single); received US Patent to
64 acres in 1921. Born 1858 Illinois; died
at the Sitka Pioneer Home in 1941.
WILSON, DICK (Dickie Lee):
Son of Cecil "Blackie" and Wilma
Wilson. Dick married Patricia “Patty”
Plack and adopted Patty’s son, Floyd
Smith (son of Joe Smith). Changed
Floyd’s name to Peter Wilson.
Children: Debbie, Pattyann, Larkin and Dana.
(see Joe Smith) (see Floyd Smith)
WILSON, James E. and Claudia:
James was son of Thomas James and Anna
Wilson. He lived on
WILSON, Peter:
Born with the name Floyd Smith, to
Joe Smith and Patricia Plack. When
Patricia Plack Smith married a 2nd
time, she married Dick Wilson. Dick Wilson
adopted Floyd and changed his name to Peter Wilson.
(see Smith)
WILSON, Phyllis: Daughter
of Cecil “Blackie” and Wilma
Wilson. Married________Children:________.
WILSON, Thomas James and
Anna: Homesteaded 160 acres in the
WIRTANEN, Eino Wallace
and Fannie S.(Leppanen): Colonists
from Michigan; received patent
to 76 acres in 1944 and built their first
home on Farm Loop Rd. in 1949. Fannie worked
as a bookkeeper for Matanuska Maid for
30 years. After Eino died, Fannie married Paul
Martin. Children: Nancy, Wallace and step-daughter
Phoebe. (Fannie 1915-1997)(Eino 1909-1963) (see
Martin)
WOLF, Ray: Bought Gustav Haller’s farm in 1943.
WRIGHT, J. C. "Jake" and Sareefa:
The Wrights came to Alaska in 1953. Jake
worked for the railroad and was
the Wasilla Fire Chief. Sareefa worked at
the Iditarod School and was an EMT. They had
one son, J. C. Wright Jr. (1965-1986).
WRIGHT, Neal and Marie:
Neal worked for Bert Weeda's Rexall
Drug Store in
YAKASHOFF, Mike and Mary (Stump):
YASKOLSKI, William and
Irene: Lived on
YOUNGER, Charlie:
Went by the nickname "
ZABORAC,Stanley J. and Agnes Elizabeth
(Durand): Stanley 1904-1975 Agnes
1913-1982 Came to Alaska in 1948.
Children: Stanley, Carl, Shirley and Pat.
ZABORAC, Stanley J. Jr. and Nell:
Stanley came to Alaska with his parents
in 1948. Worked as a baker and corrections
officer. Children: David, Mickie and
Roxanne.
ZINK, George and Flora
A. Sprinsteen: In Knik
by 1914. Built house on
ZOOK, Harold and Clara:
Colonists from
ZORN, Frederick: In
Knik by 1899, lived most of
the time at Susitna Station with son Otto. Frederick,
known as "Dynamiter
Zorn" was born in Austria 1858. His son
Otto was born in 1889 in New York. Zorn
had a dory that he hauled freight with between
Knik and Susitna Station.
Jim Fox
Ralph Hulbert
Frieda Hulke Smith
Janeil Browne
Gloryjean (Fritzler) and
Vaughan Wilson
Arlene (nee Benson)Bragg Fox
Willie Pederson
Agnus Colberg
Bernie Cooper
Peter Ann Stenberg
John Stuart
Linda J. Lincoln
Roger and Nancy Lincoln
Cathi Polis Hanson
Eddie Reeder
Etta Ennes Walters
Nancy Hoekstra
Carol Carney
Phoebe Crosby
Hilda Swoboda Hanna
Margaret Heaven
Belva Harter Hall
Aaron Leggett
George Hanson
Esther Lynch Simmons
Eva Welch
Edith Olson
Linda Woods
Kim Zello
Timothy I. Miller
1900-1940 US Federal
Census
www.findagrave.com
ancestry.com
National Archives
Orville Herning Diaries
DNR - Historical Documents
Pioneer Cemetery Records
Frontiersman
Anchorage Daily News
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