Families

Please share your Family Group Sheet information, Descendents Chart, Photos, etc. of a Ward county ancestor. Simply email your contribution to the County Coordinator. Please allow us to include your email address for interested parties to contact you.

GARDNER Family

Donald G. & Myrtie (Rosborough) Gardner, with daughter, Loreen, and son, Donald, on their homestead, which was located south of Makoti in Hiddenwood Township.

MELVOLD / MELVILLE Family

I have an old postcard photograph of Marion and Irvin MELVOLD which was taken 18 Sept 1916. A note on the back says it was "taken in Staples when we were on the way back from Washington". Also says "write us in Almora, Minn, not Elmore". The two children are infant to about 5 years old at the time the photograph was taken. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this family:

First it appears that the family name was changed from MELVOLD to MELVILLE sometime after the photograph was taken.

Marion or Marian Lucille MELVOLD or MELVILLE was b. 26 Nov 1909 in Douglas, ND to parents Iver Severinson or Severin or Severinsen Arn MELVOLD (1875-1965) and Lydia Emilie or Emelie HETLAND (1880-1961) who were married 23 Jun 1906 in Richland, ND. Marion was one of 5 children born to this couple including Grace Vivian Myrtle; Marion Lucille; Irvin or Irwin Spencer or Seymour; Russell Vernon; and Ralph Lester MELVOLD, all born between 1907 and 1918. Marion married Harvey Daniel SMALLEY (b. 1912) and they had two sons, Ross Evan SMALLEY (1945-1954) and one other. Marion died 1 Dec 1965 in Glenwood, MN and she is buried in the United Cemetery in Henning, MN.

Irvin Seymour MELVOLD or MELVILLE was b. 26 Jan 1916 in Ogema, MN to the same parents and he married Mayva Vione LOUGHLAN or LAUGHLAN (1916-1993) on 20 Aug 1938 in Norcross, MN, and they had two sons, Jeffrey Scott MELVILLE (1954-2021) and James Irvin MELVILLE (born and died in 1941). Irvin died 28 Sept 1955 in Stevens County, MN and is buried in the Lakeside Cemetery in Herman, MN.

I am hoping to get the photograph to their family and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be. Thanks, Shelley Cardiel shelleyrcardiel@gmail.com

John Rolfnes

In researching the lost brothers of my grandfather, I've found a John Rolfnes, who was sold a quarter section by homestead patent sale in 1908 for $500 in Section 12 of Rice Lake Township. As best as I can tell he must have lived on the land for the required 5 years, got title, and then sold out in 1909.

A photo of John Rolfnes, taken when he left Norway is attached for your information. Also in the same Land Office Sales database is an enter for a Rolfsnas, Asten A, also within Rice Lake Township, sections 12 and 13. I'm not sure but this maybe the other brother and his name has been changed somehow.

Regards, Bob Rolfness