Here’s another big piece. Huge thanks again to cousin Carmen, who located Smith Larson’s obituary from January, 1922.
To be sure, there are some misconceptions in it, as well as some new information. “Earl, ND” is not recognized by Google maps. But we know where Smith’s ND connections are, near the hamlet of Skaar. Smith had three brothers living in that area, but no sisters there.
The new information I refer to is the timing of losing his leg: only two months before his death. Still unclear is the underlying cause of his frequent hospitalization both in the military and later. This article speaks of “chronic heart trouble and a rare blood disease” (Leukemia? Diabetes? Some effect of poison gas?). Let’s hope the forthcoming military records have more clues. So far, from the muster records, we have mention of enteritis, bronchitis, and exhaustion. Also, Smith was older than 42 at his death, either 44 or 45, depending on which birth date is correct. One also wonders who the “several visitors” were: Larsons? Nesseths? or Marine buddies?
Here is the probate notice for Smith, which Carmen found in the archives of the same newspaper.
Carmen also sent copies of three of the postcards mentioned earlier. The story is becoming clearer, but more details still promise to emerge.
Earl, ND postoffice was in operation before my time but I do know that the early settlers received their mail there. I imagine it was closed when a postoffice was established at Skaar and we received our mail from there.
Further information on Earl, North Dakota, from the book COURAGE ENOUGH. Seems that Earl was not a community but the home of postmistress Ida Empie. It was located a short distance from Squaw Gap and operated from August 13, 1910 until August 25, 1925. It was named after Ida Empie’s son, Earl. The postoffice at Skaar operated from 1912 until 1955.
Fascinating. Here’s another geography question. Wasn’t Axel’s farm near Squaw Gap, a few miles from Oscar’s, Isaac’s, and originally, Smith’s? If so, isn’t it odd the households are right next to each other on the 1920 census page?
Yes. Axel’s farm was about 1/4 mile from Squaw Gap school and about 5 miles from Isaac, Oscar and Smith. Yes it is odd that their households are right next to each other in the census as Petersons, Wheelings, Kreugers and Ericksons were between Axels and Isaacs. That is a mystery.
This is very facinating! Dad, thanks for adding your insight and personal knowledge to this history of our family!
And George, I’m sure I speak for all the Larson cousins and others in saying thanks to you for all of this work!
I see the Petersons and Krugers on that sheet, but not Wheelings or Eriksons. Also, the scribe wrote “Loyal Township” at the top and bottom of page, then crossed it out and replaced with “Keffeler (sp?) Voting Precinct.” Probably a clue there.
I have a copy of my mother’s teaching contract from her first year as a country school teacher (1931-32) at the Earl School District No. 18. Later she taught at Squaw Gap school (either one or two years), before she and Dad were married in 1934. The contract was signed by mom (Irene G. Nelson), Thore Folkvard as president and Inar Amundson as clerk of the district.
Well, well. So “Earl, ND” is upgraded from just a post office in the home of “Earl’s” mother, to a school district (and presumably a one-room school) as well. Ida must have been pretty proud of the little guy