An unfinished community project
By Coleen Mielke 2012
You
can reach me at coleen@mtaonline.net
NOTE: I update
this project at least once a week.
The last update was May 22, 2012
AKLESTAD, Paul A.: (1910-1958) Came
to Palmer in 1935, worked for Colony Garage, married Lorraine McKechnie,
colonist daughter of Loren and Peggy McKechnie. Children: Gordon "Corky",
Ronald and Karen. (see Harold Hermon) (see McKechnie)
ADCOCK,
AFFINASSA: Dena'ina
AHO, John and Ellen: Both from
AHO, Toivo and Evyline: In 1940,
lived at Lucky Shot Village in Hatcher Pass. Toivo was born about
1917 in Alaska; Evyline was born about 1917 in Washington. In 1940,
they had a 10 month old son named John L. Aho born in Alaska.
ALDEMAN, Clifford Frederick “Buz”
and Charlotte L. Nelson: 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: Nickname given
to Alex Vasily, Chief of
ALEX, Mike and Daria Nellie Ephim
Alex: Mike (1908-1977)son of
Alex Vasily (nicknamed Eklutna Alex by railroad workers) 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.
ALONG, E. J.:
ANNABEL,
Russell: Lived at Goose Creek mile 208 railroad with wive Louise
for the 1940 US Census. He wrote articles about Alaska and Alaska
people for Saturday Evening Post, Readers Digest and Field and Stream.
Russell "Rusty" and Louise were both born about 1906 in Washington.
ANDERSON, Oscar: Oscar immigrated
from
ANDERSON,Robert Calvin "Andy" and Irene: "Andy" came to Alaska in 1940 with the Army. In 1945 he moved to Jonesville and worked in the coal mines. He also owned the R.R. Avenue Barbershop in Wasilla. Children: Andrew, John, Sandra and Tina.
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). In 1910, he was a hotel proprietor in
Fairbanks.
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
Rosanna Jean b. 1948. Second wife Ann Ruth Floyd. (see Carol Wilson) (see
Jim Morris)(see Ed Carney)
AXTEL, Samuel Aaron: World War
II registration gave his birth date as 1888 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 and worked construction and was a longshoreman
at Seward. He played many stringed instruments and wrote songs and poetry.
He wrote a song called "Call of the North" in 1945. Children: Allen Barber
Axtell; granddaugher Roxanna Jean Axtell. (see Carol Wilson)
BAILEY, Ferber and Ruth: Colonists from Wisconsin, came to
BAIRD, Rupert David: Homesteaded
on Baird Lake, received patent for 160 acres in 1932. Made a deal in the late 1930's with
BAIRD, Rupert Jr.: Married Den'ina
woman named Gronia. Children: Margaret June and Alice Debbie.
BARNES, Glen Warren and Mary "Renee"?: Lived mile
BARRY,Earl
William and Louise (Verboncoeur): Colonists from
BARRY, Melvin
Nelson: Son of Earl and Louise Barry, born 1922 in Oconto,
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.
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. (see
Loyer)
BENSON, Henning A. and Irene Josephine
Johnson.: Colonists from Minnesota (came to Alaska 1935),
lived on
BENSTON, Homer: Worked for railroad. Had a brother named Guy?
BENTTI, Toivo and Nora (Flamm): Came
to Alaska in 1947, farmed in the valley. Children: Larry, Bill
and Elaine.
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, Agnes: 1900-1957
BETTS, C. W. "Bill" and Marie “Micky”
Snider Betts: Marie was the daughter of Gerrit 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. (see Gerrit
Snider)
BETTS, Martin C. and Margaret “Peggy”:
Peggy was school teacher from
BETTS, Thurman G. and Jackie Slumburger
Betts: Thurman (1915-1976)Received patent to 20 acres
in 1951 (along with partner James M. Bryant). Children: Sally,
Judy and Glenda. Jackie divorced Thurman and married Dave
Grow. (see Dave Grow)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
BIBBER, George A: Born
about 1866 in
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.
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 and Arabelle King:
BLACK, William Alfred Jr. and Ella
Higgins: Born 1865 in
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 J. “Jeff”: Widower.
Homesteaded in the Valley before 1915, received
patent to 301 acres in 1919. He raised sheep and pigs
and died in 1931 at the age of 65. His ranch was then bought by
A. J. Swanson in 1936. In 1938, the ranach was purchased by colonists
Earl Barry Sr. and wife Louise. (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
intersectin of
BOUWENS, Wayne: Son of
William and LuluBelle Bouwens, married ______________
BOUWENS, William and LuluBelle Mary (Sorenson): William 1895-1970 and LuluBelle
1896-1964. Colonists from Rhinelander,
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 came to Alaska in 1948; he worked
as a heavy equipment operator. He married Catherine Lucille Sullivan
Redington (1st wife of Joe Redington also wife of Frank Marion Smith).
(see Redington)(see Frank Smith)
BROWNE, Esther: Daughter of Neil
and
BROWNE, Neil Sr. and Pearl A.:
Came to Wasilla in about 1937, he was the railroad agent
for Wasilla for 10 years.
BROWNE, Neil Jr. “Bud”: Son of
Neil and
BROWNE, Mary Virginia: Daughter
of Neil and
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: Came
to
Bergman and Roy Morrison. Alexa Cadwallader
(1887-1951) and Charles (1885-1972).
CADWALLADER, Jane: Born 1921
in Anchorage, daughter (twin) of Charles and Alexa Cadwallader.
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. Jane Cadwallader Browne died in 1987 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"
Herman: (see Onkka) (see Hermon)
CANNON, Frank B: Born 1863.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. His ranch was sold to George Zink. It had a small cemetery
on the property.
CARLE, Jim:
CARNEY, Charlene: Daughter of
Charles and Margaret Carney. Married Ron
Pine. Children:_____
CARNEY, Charles Edward "Chuck":
1902-1986 Married Margaret Cecilia “Peg” _________ 1909-1997.
Received patent to 40 acres in
1961 and another 120 acres in 1965. Children: Pat, Domonic, Doug,
Dave, Ed, Linda, Nancy, Cynthia, Charlene, Shirley and Dan. Charles
died 1986 and Margaret died 1997, both are
buried in the
CARNEY, Cynthia: Daughter of
Charles and Margaret Carney. Maried Harry
Buzby. Children:__________________________
CARNEY, Dan: Son of Charles and
Margaret Carney. Married Ethyl Smith, daughter
of Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein. 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: ___________________.
CARNEY, Doug: Son of Charles
and Margaret Carney. Married Florene
_________. Children: _______________________________________
CARNEY, Edward Eugene: Son of
Charles and Margaret Carney. Received patent to 160 acres
in 1963. Married Carol Wilson, daughter of Cecil “Blackie”
CARNEY, Linda:
Daughter of Charles and Margaret Carney. Married Neil Thomas. Children: ________________________________
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: ____________________________________
CARPENTER, Earl: Homesteaded
about mile
CARSON, Arnold Robert 1902-1983 and
Hortense Branshaw(1906-1969): They
were Colonists. Children: James (married Gloryjean Fritzler) Patricia Ann (married Harold Newcomb).
Michael (married ____), Sally married
_______Karabellnikoff.
Arnold's 2nd wife: Dorothy Nelson, widow of Pete 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: Married in
1944. 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
CHILDERS, James D.: Received
patent to 140 acres in 1961.
CHILLIGAN, Harry and Matilda: Lived
near
CHILLIGAN, Joe and Doris (Stephan):
Children:
CHURCH, William "Bill" and Ruby (
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: Came
to the Valley in 1898 as a gold prospector. Had a ranch near
Knik, died there in 1937.
CLARK, Frank and Jennie Adriana Kalkman:
(Frank 1899-1976) (Jennie 1899-1998)Homesteaded at the foot of
Lazy Mt., above the
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.
COMBS, Aaron Earl and Mary: Came
to the valley in about 1947. Started
Combs Insurance in Palmer. Children: ______, Ron,
Mike, more?
COOK, Seth P.: Matanuska,
received patent to 80 acres in 1936.
COOPER, Rev. Jack E. and Judith Ann:
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):
Walt died in Seward in 1973 Gladys (1909-1998). They owned Palmer
Cold Storage and Gladys owned a dress shop in Palmer. Children:
Barbara and Duane.
COOPER, Walt and Gladys: 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). Children: Harvey,
Barbara (married Ralph Pelchat) and Duane.
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:Jack born
about 1900 in
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: Born 1891
COTTINI, James: Son of Victor
and Edith Cottini. Married Pia____________.
Children:
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
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,
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,
Andrw, John 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.: Miner at
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.
Stepfather or step-uncle of Katie Rousey?
DRYDEN,
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: (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:
(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: (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”:
(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: (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: Lived off of
EDLUND, John
EDLUND, Lily: (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 “resort” and beer hall on
EDMUNDSON, 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
Vasily)
ELLEXSON, Leon Devere "Lee"
and Jessie Grace: Lee was born about 1876 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 (also ESI oe ESIA), Simeon and
wife Olga Nicholai: Commonly referred to as “Old Man
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: 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 Stephen 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
FISHER, Grace: Teacher
at Matanuska Junction.
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 "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 “Joe”:
Son of Sharon and
__________________ (had 1 daughter:
_________). His second wife was Carla ________ (Carla had
1 daughter: _________________ from previous marriage to _______________.
FLECKENSTEIN, Joseph Bernard and Marie
Antionette Doan: Homesteaded in the Valley before 1915.
(Marie’s 2nd marriage) Children: Ernest, William, John P., Christopher,
Frank Joseph, Sharon David, Lawrence Edward, Ellen Catherine,
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
(see Fred
Edlund) (see August Strigga)
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.: 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 Maud Hendershot: Came to
Vernon Henr France (1920-1986) married #1 Lucille
Private #2 Karen Bryant
Miles Grant France (1921-2008) married Donna
Jean Durand
June Delores France (1924-1981) married #1 Wilbur
Lloyd Granger(1920-1948) #2 _____ Withey
Norman Edward France (1928-1985) married Lyla
______
Laura Blanche France (
) married _________ Stenberg (see Stenberg)
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.
FREDERICKSON, Herbert "Tuffy" and Mae:
Came to Wasilla in 1950 and bought the Hallea Lodge from Hal
and Lea Halvorsen in 1951. They also opened the Kachemak
Lodge on
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:______ (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,
GOOZMER, Pedro: Dena’ina,
born about 1896. 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 Eva France.
GRANTHAM, Henry:
GRAU, Leonard John Sr.:Received
patent to 120 acres in 1927, mined in the Talkeetna's. Moved
to
GREENON, George:
GREY, 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: Married Jackie
Schlumberger Betts, first wife of Thurman Betts. Children:
David Jr., Murphy?. (see
Clara Slumburger) (see Thurman
Betts)
GROW, James C.:
GROW, William H.:
GUSTAFSON, Gustav Emil “Shorty”:
Born 1887 in
HAGEN, Alfred: Former mayor of
Palmer. Built Playland on
HALLER, Gustav A.: 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 and Katherine "Katie":
George was a teacher in Wasilla for about 20 years;
he helped for the valleys first teacher association. They lived
at Knik, near the Joe Redington homestead. Children: George Jr.,
Lee Anna, Richard, Becky and Peter.
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 (Nicholai):
Lee Harrison married a Chickaloon Athabascan woman named Annie
Nicholai, widow of Jess Wickersham. Annie had 3 children:(William, Catherine and Jessie) when
she married Lee Harrison (about 1926). Lee was born about 1873 in
HARTER, Claud Harry 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: 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. Second wife: Joannie
Frank, daughter of Colonists Darrel and Lois Frank.
HARTLEY, Lee William: 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: (1923-2008)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)
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, Arnold Henry and Emmy Sophie (Hansen): (Arnold 1899-1942)(Emmy 1904-2002) Matanuska Colonists, arrived in 1935. 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: 1890-1970. Came to
HEAVEN, Foster LeRoi: Adopted
son of Foster and Daisy Heaven. 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 Nutnaltna 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)
HERMAN, Harold "Fritz": Son of
John and Hilda Hermon. Married
HERMAN, WILLIAM P. Born 1906
in Germany, came to Alaska (Cordova) in 1934 and by 1940 was working at Independence
Mine and later Jonesville Coal Mine. William was very civic
minded and was on the Palmer City Council and Mat-Su Borough Assembly.
He donated 120 shares of RCA stock that funded the tourist information
center and museum as well as the tennis courts, all in Palmer.
He also donated $10,000 to the Valley Hospital and other community
ventures. William P. Herman died in 1993, he never married and had
no children.
HERNING, George Stanley:
Son of Orville and Mattie Herning. Married
Eva Fleckenstein (daughter of Joseph B. Fleckenstein) in
1926. Children: Marie Martha and George Stanley "Buddy"
Herning Jr.. Worked
in the family store and on
HERNING, Orville George: 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 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.
HILAND,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, Al :Married Elizabeth “Pat”
Snider, daughter of Gerrit Snider.“Pat” worked at Teelands
grocery store and had 3 children from a previous marriage: Gilbert,
Susan and Al. Al and “Pat” had three children together: Peter,
Alice and Ida. (see
HJELLEN, E. B. and Elizabeth:
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.
HOFFMAN, Clarence and Faye (
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:
HORNING, William S. “Bill”:
Married: _________________. In Knik by
1915 on his way to
HORNUNG, John Peter 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
HORNUNG, John Jr.: Son of John
Hornung and Verlie Inez Crouch. Married: _____Children:
_________________________
HOSKINS, Bill and Mary: Lived
near the experimental station. Lived in old Matanuska?
HUGH, Hans: Married Amalie
“Malie” Elizabeth Edlund, daughter of John Fredolph Edlund.
Homesteaded in the Valley before 1915.
Children: Hans (“Danny”) and Fredolph (“Dolphy”). “Malie”
died 1916 or 1917 and is buried on her parents homestead. Hans
Hugh had a brother named Herman Hugh. (see
Edlund)
HUGH, Herman: 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)
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 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, Butch, Virginia
and Jody. (see Floyd Smith)
HUNTER,
HURD, Frederick M.: 1896-1978.
Married Edith Hazel Custer (1896-1990).Homesteaded
on
HYER, Richard: Disabled WWI veteran,
received patent to his homestead on the
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:
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, 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, C. D.: In Knik
by 1911. Later a rancher at
Olson’s.
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,
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)
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)
KEPPLER,
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.
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 Married Harriet Elizabeth Foster
(1896-1993). Children: Eloise (married Norbert Swoboda),
David (married Lois Luan Gallaher), Rosemary (married _____Carlow)
and Enid Kathleen married John Jacob 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, AL and
Ethel:
KING,
KING, John Provolt and Lucille (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 and Clara (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,
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 and Dawn (Kirschner):
Andrew was the oldest son of John V. and Rose Mae Kirsch.
Andrew and Dawn had 2 children: Andrew B. Kirsch and Cindy Kirsch.
KIRSCH, David: Youngest
son of Colonists John V and Rose Mae 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: Son of Colonist
John V. and Rose Mae Kirsch. Married
Rose ______, they had 5 children: John, Kenneth, Kurt, Karn
and Mitchell.
KIRSCH, James and Elizabeth (Grub):
James was the son of John V. and Rose Mae Kirsch. James
and Elizabeth had two daughters: Bonnie and Barbara.
KIRSCH, John V. and Rose Mae (Ryerson):Colonists
from
KLAYUM, Fred: Sutton?
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. Children: Thelma, Jerome, Samuel and
Laurie. (Author 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 growing
trucking business (later with his sons)called Kopperud Transportation.
Children: Leif, Noel, Ross and Karl.
KOSLOSKY, Janice "Jan" and Isabelle:
Son of Isaac and
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
LAMP, E. C.: Early settlers
in the valley (about 1920). Children: 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.: 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, Gary: Daughter
Pat (Mack)
LAROSE, Henry and Clystia: 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, worked for the road
commission. Built a 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,William
J. and Viola E. (Splettstoezer): William (1905-1987) Viola
(1913-1997) Matanuska Colonists, came to Alaska in 1935. Owned
a dairy farm (today it is the Musk Ox Farm). Children: William Jr.,
Robert, Dolores, Barbara, Caroline and Dorothy.
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. 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 L.: 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 C. 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,
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 and Rita. Joseph (1907-1985) Naomi
(1912-1976)
LUCAS, Leo and Margaret: Partners
in Shamrock Baker in Palmer. Children:
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”:
In Knik 1907 from Glacier Creek. Cook at
Wasilla Hotel in 1922. Worked at Consolidated Mine,
Lucky Shot Mine and Gold Mint Mine.(Owned
Marion Twin Mine along with his twin sister?) 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 Marsh; came to Alaska in 1914.
Married Roy Cornelius. Children:
Frank Robert, Kathleen Edith (
MARSH, Samuel: 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
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 1936, 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
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 and
: Daughter
Jewel married Herb
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 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"
Herman. (see Aklestad) (see Herman)
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
(Santii): Son of Colonists Loren and Edna McKechnie. Children:
Gerald, Jack, Russell and Dennis.
McMAHAN, Charles "Slim" and Gladys
(nee
McNEESE, George and
:
Lived on the corner of
McNEIL, Alex "Capt. Slivers":
(about 1891-1942) Brother of Blind Nick McNeil. Capt. Sliver's was
a raised by his step-father, Malcolm J. McNeil and his Dena'ina mother
Annie. 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.:
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
Died in 1939.
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 and Ann.
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?
MUTH, Albert Peter and Mildred Marguerite
(Miller): Married in Alaska in 1947, had dairy farms in several
parts of Alaska and one on Palmer Fishhook Road. Children: Joseph,
George Henry, John, Jim, David, Catherine, Dorothy and foster son
James Cadden. (Albert 1914-1982) (Mildred 1912-2001)
NAGLEY, Horace W. and Jasmine:
Had a store at Susitna Station by
1908, also had a store at Lake Creek by 1917 and a store at
Talkeetna by 1918. Moved to Wasilla, 1928,
so their son, Horace W. Nagley Jr. could attend school. Moved to Talkeetna in 1929.
NAKEETA, Little: Dena’ina, born about 1876. Wife in 1930, was Daria. Children: (all daughters)
Olga born about 1921; Bowra born about 1923; Descon born about 1925;
Katrina born about 1927; Sophia born about 1928 and Dalia born about
1930.
NEKLASON, Necolous
H.: Received patent to 320 acres in 1922.
NELSON, Fred: 1887-1963. Living in Knik as early as 1911. Worked for the Road Commission & Ft.
NELSON, Peter
and Dorothy (Hill): 1892-1967 Peter was in the Valley
as early as 1914?, married Dorothy Hill (who 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. Peter worked for the
Road Commission. Two children: Allayne and Erling Nelson. Peter
was brother of Fred Nelson. (Peter 1892-1967) (Dorothy 1904-1997)After
Peter died in 1967, Dorothy married
NELSON, Otto and Verlie Inez Crouch:
Children: Lavon, Charlotte, William (aka "Wild Bill) and Carolyn.
When Otto died, his widow married John Hornung. (see Hornung)
(see Reeder)(see Aldeman)
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. First
home was a Quonset hut (owned by Bill Betts) which was next
to the Bordon’s. Harold and Pat had a hardware store for
a while and a real estate company. The donated the land at the corner
of Parks Highway and Crusey Street that became Newcomb Park.Helped establish
Wasilla Wonderpark Children: Kurt, Michael, Randall, Nicola and Robin.(see
NICHOLAI, Frank and wife Mary Stickwan:
Frank was born in Chitna about 1870. He raised his family
near Chickaloon. Three daughters: Mary Nicholai born abouat
1902 (married #1:John Goodlataw #2: John
Shaginoff); Olga Nicholai born about 1903 died in Palmer
1954; Annie Nicholai born about 1905 (married #1:Jess Wickersham
#2:Lee Harrison). Annie is the grandmother
of Gary Harrison, Chief of
NIEMI, Rica: Born in
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”: 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:
Married Mary _____Marsh, 1st wife of Samuel Marsh.
Received patent to 320 acres south of 4-Corners in 1919.
NOTE: According to information provided by
Jim Fox, Mary Cornelius said they loaded all their supplies
from Olson's boat at Knik onto a smaller one which they could take
up Rabbit
OLSON, Martin and Edith:
Lived on
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: Eklutna Village, children listed on 1940
US Census: George, Elsie, Marie, Ellen, Carl E., and Sophia.
ONKKA, David and Saina : Colonists from
ONKKA, Matt and Elizabeth "Betty"(Hermon): First Matanuska Colonists
to marry in Palmer, children: Anna. Matt died in 1969 and Betty
married Ralph Cann. (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
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.
PALMER, George W.: Came
to
PALMER, Isaac "Ike" and Helen:
(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 M. : In Knik by 1901, trapper, prospector
and rancher. Married Native woman named Annie; they had two
children by 1910 (Bessie and a 6 month old). He was a widower
by 1920. Received patent to 159 acres in 1927. Left for
PATTEN, Clair Vernon 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
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 born
1901 at Pilot Station (Inuit), died 1993. 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
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, Billy:Born about 1898,
brother of Shem Pete.Lived at Nancy Lake with son Walter in 1940.
PETE, Shem:
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.
PIPPEL, Walter and Melva: 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
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. “
REBARCHEK, Raymond: 1907-1994
Colonists from
RAE, Don S.: In Knik by 1912, built a house there
in 1913. Working at his Rae -Wallace Mine in
1916. Family joined him in 1918. Formed
the Alaska-Willow Development Co., in 1920. Worked at Jonesville Coal Mine 1922. Had tuberculosis in 1923. Children: Sydney Rae
(see Sydney Rae)
RAE,
REDINGTON, James Wesley: Born
in 1885 in
REDINGTON, Joseph Sr.: Born
1917 in
REDINGTON, Ray: Born 1922 in
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.: 1892-1953
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,
: Lived on
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 Arnold and Lula
Alvina (Thorstenson): Came to Alaska in 1944 (brother of Ingolf Sandvik).
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
SCHROCK, Cecil C. and :
Children: Daniel, _____. Homesteaded off of
SCHROCK, James Harvey: Homesteaded 160 acres in 1952.
SCOTT, Lana 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
SENSKE, William M. "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, John and Mary (Nicholai) Goodlataw:
Married 1938 at Palmer. Children: Paul Goodlataw, Bert Goodlataw,
Donald Shaginoff, Eugene Shaginoff and Lloyd Shaginoff. Lived near Chickaloon.
SHAW, Russell: Wife
SHELDON, Donald Edward and Roberta
(Reeve): Donald came to Alaska in 1938 and married Roberta Reeve
and they lived in Talkeetna. Don was a legendary bush pilot, famous for
making rescue landings on the glaciers of Mt. McKinley. (Donald 1921-1975)
Children:
SHERROD, Janet:
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. Children: Laura
and Lloyd Short. They had a chicken farm next to
the Henry Jensen family. (see
Ann Snider)
SHOUGH, Harry C. and
SIMPSON, Jim and Gloria:
High school teacher. Had the 1st Henry J. automobile in Wasilla (made by Ford).
SCHLUMBERGER, Clara P.:
Was a teacher in Wasilla in the 1950's, had a daughter Jackie.
Had a one room house built on
SCHLUMBERGER, Jackie: First husband
was Thurman Betts, Second husband was David Grow. Jackie
and Cecil Bryant owned the Hilltop Café on
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)
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, Vincent? and Della M. Cottle-Smith: Had
a house near
SMITH, David and Peggy Overstreet:
Son of Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein. Children: Mike
and Steve. David and Peggy divorced. Married Mary Ann Larson.
SMITH, Ethyl "Lee": Daughter
of Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleckenstein. Married Dan Carney,
son of Charles and Margaret Carney, they had no children. After
a divorce, Ethyl joined the military and married Dale Cooper
and they had five children: __________________________(see Dan Carney)
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" 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: Butch,
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, 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: Gerald, Richard, Rodney, Benjamin MIldred and Marjorie Cottle.
(see Cottle)
SNIDER, Ann: Daughter of Gerrit
Snider. Married _____
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 Bett
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 A.: 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.
Hadd 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.
SPRINGSTEEN, Flora: Fired from her
teaching job at
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.: 1923-1992
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. Children: Sam Arthur and Peter Ann. (see
France)
STEPHAN, Nick and Dalia: Dena’ina
family lived near Knik. Children: Pauline, Matrona, Robert
and Nicolai. Dalia's children from previous marriage: Galena,
Hattie, Virginia,and Eva. Nick Stephan (Nickalasky?)
was brother of Rufe Stephan.
STEPHAN, Pete: Married Annie
Stump, daughter of John Stump, and lived at Montana Creek.
Children:_____________________________
STEPHAN, Rufe and Annie: Chief
of Knik, Dena'ina name was Stepankda. Born
about 1878.Children: McGinty (1909?), Alice (1921?), Helen (1925?),
Victor (1929?), Doris (1931?), Irene (1935?), James (1935?),
Jennie (1936? and Jessie (1938?). Lived at Knik but had large
fish camp at the mouth of Ship Creek. Rufe was the brother of Nick
Stephan.
STERNS, 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 born in Knik about 1898, his wife
Lilly was born at Susitna about 1915. 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: 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": (1931-1998) Married Sybil Osborne 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: Susanne, Ann, Joe, Rosemary,
Charlene, Theresa and Phyllis.
THEODORE, Bailey and Alice Stephan: Born
at Knik 1911; brother of Mike Theodore; son of Wasilla Theodore?
Six children: ________. Bailey's wife Alice was the daughter
of Knik Chief Rufe Stephan. (see Rufe Stephan) (see Theodore
Wasilla).
THEODORE, Mike:Born at Knik 1918; brother of Bailey Theodore; father Wasilla Theodore? (see Theodore Wasilla)
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":
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:
TOUGHLUCK, George and Annie: Lived
at Sheep Creek on the 1940 US Census. They had a son named
John born about 1920.
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,
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.: Came to
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. 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, Theodore: Original name
of the town of
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”:
1902-1998. Married Alys Hope Saurdiff 1909-1990.
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 Kathryn "Katie":
Katie was born Katherine Mae Wickersham, 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 Marie J.:
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 (Vasily) and wife
Undudya: Had a group of cabins on Wasilla Creek. Raised
many orphaned Native children in the area. Committed suicide
in 1907 after the death of his youngest son; he is buried on Cottonwood
Creek. (see Vasily)
WASILLA, Theodore: Dena’ina man
(born about 1873) who had a very young family. Wife Katie
(Stephan) was 43 years younger than Theodore. They had two
sons, Herbert and Harry Theodore, and an older stepsons named Bailey
and Mike. Theodore and Katie divorced early and Theodore raised
his two sons. They lived about 4 miles from Wasilla on
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 L.:
WELCH, Dewey A, and Mary E.
: Dewey Welch 1928-1983
WELLS, Pat: Operated the
Williwaw Lodge in Wasilla in 1953.
WERNER, Adam and Fanny Eaton:
Adam Werner (1888-1944), born in Austria, came to Knik in 1914,
homesteading 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, Jess and Annie (Nicholai):
Lived on
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. and
:
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: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.
WILSON, Phyllis: Daughter of
Cecil “Blackie” and Wilma Wilson. Married________Children:________.
WILSON, Cecil Vaughan and Gloryjean
(Fritzler) Carson:Son of Cecil "Blackie"
and Wilma Wilson. Vaughan worked at Independence Mine, Jonesville
Coal Mine, Eklutna Power Project, worked on road construction.
He was an
WILSON, Ty and Annabell: Homesteaded
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. When
Eino died (1909-1963) Fannie married Paul Martin in 1966 (he died in
1996). Children: Nancy, Wallace and step-daughter Phoebe. (Fannie 1915-1997).
(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
YADON,
:
YAKASHOFF, Mike and Mary:
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.
Special thanks
to those who have helped with information and corrections:
Carol (nee Wilson) Carney
Janeil Browne
Gloryjean (Fritzler) and Vaughan Wilson
Arlene (nee Benson)Bragg Fox
Jim Fox
Peter Ann Stenberg
Ralph Hulbert
John Stuart
Linda J. Lincoln
Roger and Nancy Lincoln
Cathi Polis Hanson
Eddie Reeder
Etta Ennes Walters
Aurora Cemetery Records
Pioneer Cemetery Records
Frontiersman
Anchorage Daily News
Nancy Hoekstra
Carol Carney
Phoebe Crosby
Hilda Swoboda Hanna
Margaret Heaven
Belva Harter Hall
1900-1940 US Federal
Census
www.findagrave.com
ancestry.com
National Archives
Orville Herning Diaries
DNR - Historical Documents
Esther Lynch Simmons
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