Am seeking to locate an obituary or newspaper blurb in any local newspaper in regards to Peder Nilsen Haugen - died August1896, (in possibly Martell) This is the father of Nils Pedersen Haugen the Wisconsin statesman. Peder Nilsen Haugen came to the US in 1856, and eventually settled in Martell. He brought with him, his wife and children. Members of the Rush River Lutheran Church, both Peder and wife buried there. Had 4 children. Thomas Nilsen Haugen came to the US in 1860 and settled in Pierce county. His wife was Aaste Karine Haugen buried in the Rush River Lutheran cemetery died 1871. One son, of Thomas Nilsen Haugen --- changed his name after his service in the 2nd MN Co E, during the Civil War to John Thompson. John Thompson married Aaste Marie Engrebretsen, at the Rush River Church in 1868 and moved to Gilman Township, where they had 11 children. Eventually moving on to Sawyer county in 1900, considered a pioneer of Seeley, Wi Another son, Erick Thomasen Haugen - bounced between using Thomasen and Haugen, for a surname. However eventually settled on the Haugen surname. Erick and his father, Thomas Nilsen Haugen moved onto Ashland county, Wi to Mellen, where they settled and became some of the founders of the Lutheran Church there in Mellen. The end June of this year, there is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of that church.........and a Haugen family reunion coinciding. I have copies of an old Norwegian family bible that shows the descendancy of John Thompson, through his father Thomas Nilsen Haugen. This bible lists Peder Nilsen Haugen as being born 9 Sept 1816. However, I can find no written proof that Peder Nilsen Haugen and Thomas Nilsen Haugen are in fact brothers. I am absolutely convinced by family stories handed down that there is a connection but, would like to find that elusive piece of information that would show them together. I don't know if it could be in Rush River church records, in a city directory, newspapers etc............. but, I don't have local access, being in CAlifornia. Perhaps an obituary would show that Peder was survived by his brother, Thomas?? That would sure help. So if anyone on the list has access to a newspaper, where they might look this up, I would sure appreciate it. I have managed to locate many descendants of the this Haugen family and just since March, my report has grown to over 87 pages of information. If anyone is interested, I will gladly share what I can. Pam Long Sacramento, CA