>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. WINIFRED GENSE JOINS "PURPLE HEART" UNIT Winifred Gense, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Harrington of Ellsworth has joined a "Purple Heart" unit of the Army's new rehabilitation program. Winifred is a graduate of the Ellsworth high school, and was recently employed as an inspector at the Lang Manufacturing Co. at River Falls. Her brother, Neal Harrington, is a radioman with the Navy in the Philippines. After an initial training period in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., Winifred will assume duties as a hospital technician at Schick General Hospital in Clinton, Ia.

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. JOHN S. FOLLANSBEE HOME FROM PACIFIC John S. (Jack) Follansbee returned from the Pacifric area last week after an absence of more than two years. Jack joined the Navy in March of 1942, when he was 17 years old and was assigned duty aboard the new U.S.S. Indiana in May of the same year. Jack came home once on a short leave after a short cruise aboard his ship and has been in continuous service ever since. Jack first served in the Atlantic theater and moved to the Pacific after about a year of service. He says he can tell now that his ship was part of the now famous task force 58. Everyone (including the Japs) is acquainted with the exploits of that famous force in the early battles of the Philippine Islands. But that isn't all that task force 58 did in the Pacific. Much of where it has been and what it has done will have to wait to the end of the war to be told. John, nearing the beginning of his third year in service, is no longer the youngster you see in the photo reproduced above, but a poised young man, a credit to the country he serves. He has 20 days leave and, needless to say, his family and he will use it to the best advantage.

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. CPL. DORANCE DANIELSON The memorial service for Cpl. Dorance J. Danielson at the Gilman Lutheran church last Sunday afternoon was attended by a crowd that taxed the seating capacity of the church. Folders containing a picture of Dorance, his biography and service record, and the order of the service were distributed among thos eattending the service. A gift in his memory of $175 was made by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Danielson, and his brothers and sisters of which $100 was given to the home and foreign missions of the Lutheran chruch and the balance to be equally divided between the Gilman church organ fund, World Action and the Home Orphanage building fund. Other gifts in his memory from organizations and individuals to the amount of 187 was given to the War Memorial Fund, the Wisconsin Lutheran Welfare Society, Lutheran World Action, the Gilman Sunday School, the Cemetery Fund, WCAL, American Red Cross, Home and Foreign Missions, the Ebenezer Home, and the Martin Luther Orphanage at Stoughton. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. HOWARD HINES REPORTED KILLED IN ENGLAND Word was received here Sunday night that Lt. Howard Hines was killed in England on April 22. No details of his death are known at this time, but it seems he must have met death through an accident as hostilities with the Germans are nearly at a standstill at the time. The sad news of his death came approximately the same time that Germany was making negotiations of surrender with the allies. Lt. Hines is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Hines of El Paso township. His wife, the former Frances Brookshaw, and two year old daughter, Sharon, reside in this village. Lt. Hines was a pilot of a B-24 Liberator bomber and had seen a great deal of action, having participated in 21 bombing missions over Germany. On numerous occasions this paper has received news releases from the War department of the exploits of Lt. Hines. The last was received just prior to the announcement of his death and reads as follows: "AN EIGHT AIR FORCE LIBERATOR STATION, ENGLAND" 1st Lieutenant Howard E. Hines, Ellsworth, Wisconsin, flew with the first group of B-24 Liberator Bombers that carry Airborne troops near Wesel, in the opening of the offensive into Germany north of the Ruhr. He flew as pilot in Col. Wm. W. Jones' 44th Bombardment Group, which led Major General Wm. E. Kepner's 2nd Air Division over the battle-zone at tree to level to drop cargoes of ammunition and other supplies in prearranged zones where newly landed paratroopers and glider-born infantrymen were awaiting them. "Lt. Hines, a veteran of 21 high altitude heavy bombardment missions, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hines, Ellsworth, Wis., and his wife, Mrs. Frances A. Hines, lives at E. Ellsworth, Wis." Lt. Hines was graduated from the Ellsworth High School with the class of 1938. Prior to his entry into the service in 1942, he was employed by Allis-Chalmers at Milwaukee. After entry into service he attended several specialized schools and left for overseas in October, 1943, where he was assigned to combat duty with Major General William E. Kepner's 445 bombardment group of the Second Air Division. He was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in accomplishing wtih distinction several aerial occupational missions over enemy ocupied continental Europe. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. JOHN CLARE JENSEN KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALIAN BEACH-HEAD BATTLE. Pfc. John Clare Jensen, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jenson, of "28", was killed in action in Italy Saturday, May 6, according to a telegram received by his father Tuesday. John Clare was in an observation post acting as observer for artillery and mortar fire from his battery. In this position he was exposed to fire from all sides. He entered the service in the early summer of 1942 and was assigned to an infantry unit, training at Camp Shelby, Miss. His last visit home was during the stay of his outfit at Fort Dix, N.J., when he was able to spend the November 8th, 1943, week at home. Soon afterward, his unit was sent to the Italian front. John Clare wrote a letter to his father the day before he was killed. A great home-boy, he was a faithful corespondent and wrote often to his father and brother at home and to his two sisters in St. Paul. The Sun received several fine letters from John, the last one dated April 21. *****(Details?) were promised by the War Department, in a letter to follow. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. PFC. CLARENCE W. LARSON KILLED IN ACTION IN EUROPE. Private First Class Clarence W. Larson, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Larson of the town of Spring Lake, was killed in action in Luxemburg on December 15, 1944. The telegram announcing his death was sent from Washington last Friday and was delivered here Saturday. The telegram reads: "The Secretary of War asks that I assure you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your son Private First Class Clarence W. Larson. Report received states he died 15 December in Diekirch, Luxemburg. Confirming letter follows. Signed J.A. Ulio, Adjutant General." Clarence was a member of the 107th Field Artillery, Headquarters Battery. He and his unit left this country for the European theater of war in October of 1943. His unit was one to bear the first of ther German counter-offensive in France. The sympathy of us all goes to the Larsons in their loss. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR HAROLD IVERSON Memorial services for Technician Fith Grade Harold B. Iverson, son of Mrs. Marie Iverson of Martell, will be held in the South Rush River church Sunday, April 8. The service will be in charge of the Ellsworth American Legion Post and Rev. R.T. Jothen will preach the Memorial sermon. The services are scheduled for 3:00 o'clock. Harold was killed in action in Luxembourg on December 19, 1944. He was a member of the 109th Infantry. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association. Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. GAIL SCRITCHFIELD KILLED OVER ITALY Gail J. Scritchfield was born to Mr. and Mrs. O. Russell Scritchfield at Elmwood in 1922 and passed his boyhood there. His parents moved to a farm at Viking and Gail attended and graduated from the Spring Valley high school. Later he moved with them to the town of Cady, and still later to St. Paul. He enlisted in the army in July, 1940. Two years later he transferred to the army air corps and became a pilot. One June 25, 1943, he married Miss Nellie Ring of Nashville, Tenn. The have one son, whom Gail never saw. He also leaves, besides his parents, two sisters-Gloria (Mrs. Sidney Randall), of St. Paul, and Maxine, at home-and two brothers-Duane, now in army service at Camp Gordon, Georgia, and Ronald, at home. Lt. Scritchfield had won the air medal for 30 successful flying missions against the Huns, and the oak leaf cluster in place of a second air medal. He was killed May 23 while flying over Rome. He has three grandparents-Mrs. and Mrs. Joe Coone and Mrs. David Smith-also two uncles, Clarence and George Krammes, living at Elmwood. Memorial services for Lt. Scritchfield will be held Sunday, June 18, at Elmwood, under direction of the Am. Legion Post. Photo at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. KILLED IN ACTION Robert Pumplin, 23, who has been reported as having been killed in action near Bucharest, Romania, June 28, this year, was born in Red Wing May 13, 1921. He entered the Ellsworth high school as a junior in the fall of 1937 and was graduated with the class of 1939. While a student here he was an outstanding athlete. In September, 1942, he was united in marriage with Mary Louise Gaarden, daughter of Mrs. Edna Gaarden, of Minneapolis. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March, 1943, and was commissioned a second lieutenant at Midland Field, Tex., in September, 1943. He went overseas in March, 1944, as a bombardier on a Liberator bomber stationed in Italy. His plane was downed in a bombing of enemy installations near Bucharest, Romania, June 28 of this year. In August Mrs. Pumplin received word from Major Gen. N.F. Twining, commanding general of the 15th Air Force, stating that parachutes were seen leaving the plane, giving hope that Bob had 'chuted to safety and was possibly being held a prisoner of war. Mrs. Pumplin received word Thursday morning from the War department stating that her husband had been killed in action. Besides his wife and son, Gary, of this village, Lt. Pumplin leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Pumplin of Red Wing. The Record joined with the community in extending sympathy to the bereaved. Photo can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. DUANE PETERSON REPORTED KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE. Sergeant Duane A. Peterson, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Peterson, of Spring Valley, was reported killed in action in France on August 2, in a telegram from the War Department received in Spring Valley Tuesday. Duane was a member of the Infantry, the 357th. He landed in France on "D" day and came through that action without a scratch. Because of the delay in reporting his death, it is presumed that he was with General Patton's swift moving third army at the time of his death. A brother, Robert, is with the Navy "somewhere" in the Pacific. Duane (Pete) joined the Army in January of 1943. His basic training was taken in Texas and Mississippi. Duane is a graduate of the Spring Valley High School, an energetic boy, always a leader in his group. His loss is another of the severe shocks given this, and every other community, by the war. Photo can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. PFC ERWIN N. OLSON Erwin Nickoli Olson was born to Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Olson Nov. 13, 1912, in Gilman, where he grew to manhood. He lived at home until his mother died in 1934, when he went to C.C.C. camp at Loretta, staying there two years. He also worked for J.I. Case Co., of Racine for some time, and later spent much of his time with his father. He leaves to mourn his death his father, Emanuel Olson, six sisters and three brothers-Inga (Mrs. W.E. Keith) of River Falls; Helma (Mrs. Alvin Anderson), of Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Esther (Mrs. Aldor Erlandson), of Hudson; Clifford of Wilson; Henry of Gilman; Melvin of Spring Valley; Evelyn (Mrs. Elmer Gregerson), of Hudson; Mildred (Mrs. Leon Wilhelm), of Amery; Florence (Mrs. Maynard Thoreson), at home. There are five nephews in service, three now serving overseas. One, Arnold Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Anderson, was killed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Of his immediate family one brother, Alfred, died of injuries in World War I; his mother and two sisters also preceded him in death. Erwin was a member of Co. F., 337th Infantry in the 85th division at the time of his death. He had received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for heroic action in battle, the former at the time he was wounded on September 24, 1944; the latter for action on May 23, 1944. He had returned to duty on october 13, 1944, after his discharge from the hospital and was killed on October 23. Erwin was 31 years old november 13; he was a kind and sincere young man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Photos and further info can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR ROBERT OLSON SET FOR SUNDAY The memorial services for Private Robert M. Olson, son of Martin Olson will be held in the North Rush River church this coming Sunday, May 13, **** ** 2:30 in the afternoon. The memor*** sermon will be delivered by his past** Rev. Z.J. Ordal; the Spring Valley A*erican Legion Post and Auxiliary will ** in charge. The order of service will be as follo* Processional: The Martin Olson Family, members of the American Leg*** and Auxiliary; Miss Mattie Swen**, organist. Scripture reading and Prayer by I***** Ord*l. Hymn by the Congregation. Obituary and Service Record, follo** by the Sermon of Rev. Ordal. Reading of the Memorial Gifts. Hymn by the Congregation. Presenting of the United States **** to the Martin Olson family. Benediction followed by Taps. Private Robert Martin Olson *** born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Olson, El Paso township, on December 31, 1***. He was baptized in Our Savior's Ch**** (North Rush River) April 25, 1926, confirmed there June 30, 1940. He **tended the Spring Valley high sch*** graduating in 1944. On July 28, 1944, he was inducted ** the Army and was sent to Europe early January of 1945. He arrive* ** France about January 15. Private Olson died in action in Al**** Lorraine on February 17, 1945, and *** buried in a military cemetery near ** locality in which his death occure*. No words are adequate to expres* ** heartfelt sympathy his death arous** ** the minds of all who knew him ***. NOTE: *The text on the photocopy was cut off wherever you see the star symbol. Photo and other WWII materials can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm

I am looking for any information on Francis Netzell and his family. I would appreciate any help.

Hello: The "Sketch of Pierce County" written by Oliver Gibbs, Jr. and C.E. Young in 1857 is now online. It can be viewed at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/sketchofpierce.txt. The beginnings of materials on WWII is also online. It can be viewed at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm, then click on the WWII link. Once again, if you are a vet of this war, or know one, please consider submitting materials regarding your/their service. Contact me at mrsgrinnin@home.com. Please be sure to reference Pierce County in the subject line. An every name index has been created for the 1850 St. Croix County Federal Census and can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/census.htm. Enjoy the latest additions. Hope to hear from all those Pierce County vets still with us! Debbie Barrett County Coordinator Pierce County WIGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/

Hello: The project, "Pierce County in the World War" was completed today! It can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/wwi.htm Debbie Barrett County Coordinator Pierce County WIGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/

Many thanks for the posting of this obituary. As mentioned in the write up, Signa was the sister of my late grandmother, Bertha Lynum.

Hello all: Part 4 of "Pierce County in the World War" is now online. About 50% of the way done with this project. The site also topped 600 pages today with the latest upload. The 1900 Federal Census is being scanned as I type this for inclusion in the USGenWeb Census Project and the 1870 census has cleared the halfway point for needed donations. We'll keep SK Publications busy this year. Debbie County Coordinator Pierce County WIGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/

I am looking for fellow family members, (or other helpful souls), to share information on our ancestors. my grandparents are Ernest Helmer and Lillian warnberg. My great grandparents include, Myron (william) Helmer and Minnie Morrow; Andrew Warnberg and Sylvia Carpenter. I have traced the Helmer's back to Alva F. Helmer,1840-1924; and Lucy P. Ewer,1843-1924. If anyone has info. to share, or would like any info. that I may have,please e mail.

Dear Melinda, we are extremely distant cousins!My great,great,great,grandfather was John Morrow, the brother of Hestor Morrow Dunn. You want to hear something wild?! I just photographed Hestor's grave this memorial day. She's buried in the Greenwood Cemetary in River Falls, WI. If you want the complete lingeage of Hestor and her family, go to rootsweb worldconnect project and look under morrow. A fellow morrow descendent, Bruce Schumaker, has all of the family doucmented there, all the way back to 18th century Northern Ireland. If you have any trouble, just e mail, i've got the entire thing printed out, and would be happy to email you whatever info. you wish. Even if you don't have any trouble with your research, please e mail. I would love to hear from a fellow morrow family member.Good Luck!

Hello, me again. Would like to ask all on this list to contact World War II veterans that you know (or are you one?) who served in that conflict from Pierce County. I received some interesting articles from Reta Sanford on WWII soldiers and would like to expand upon that for the entire county. If each soldier, or family of a soldier, would care to contribute a short synopsis of their service, perhaps a photo of the soldier to the site, I would like to include them for future generations. So, if you know someone currently living, if you are, or if one of your family was a soldier in WWII who served from Pierce County, won't you please pass on this request to them. Would like to see this project cover as many as possible before all are gone. Thanks, Debbie Barrett County Coordinator Pierce County WIGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/