My grandpa, Richard “Dick” Brown, was born Clifford Brown (he changed his name in his 30s). Ninety years ago today, Grandpa (Clifford) and the death of Irwin Thompson was still on the front page of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch. I thank NewspaperArchive.Com for having the newspaper available online for me to transcribe.
MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE IS FILED
AGAINST BROWN IN THOMPSON DEATH
Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 Oct 1932, Page 1.
A charge of first degree manslaughter today was filed against Clifford Brown, 28, of Brainerd, in connection with the death of Irwin Thompson, 37, Brainerd dealer in used furniture.
Ed Rogers, county attorney of Cass county, filed the charge this morning. Preliminary hearing has been set for Thursday in the court of Justice of Peace John T Bilbin in Walker.
Brown is being held in the county jail at Walker where he was taken Monday following inquest held here in Thompson’s death. The coroner’s jury returned a verdict that Thompson came to his death as the result of a blow at the hands of Clifford Brown.
Charges against Brown grew out of an altercation between the two men early Sunday following a dance at Little Pine resort. Thompson slumped to the ground after being struck by Brown and died a few minutes later. Physicians examining the body expressed the opinion that Thompson’s death was induced by the blow. Meanwhile funeral arrangements were being completed today. The body was sent to Wadena Monday where Funeral services and interment will be held Wednesday.
We won’t hear anything more about what happened to Grandpa Brown until the newspaper 9 days later, on the 27th of October.
My grandpa, Richard “Dick” Brown, was born Clifford Brown (he changed his name in his 30s). I believe this story is one that my Great-aunt Deloris wouldn’t tell me because she wouldn’t “speak ill of the dead.” Anyway, 90 years ago today, Grandpa (Clifford) made it on the front page of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch. My thanks to NewspaperArchive.Com for having the newspaper available online for me to transcribe.
The Brainerd Daily Dispatch (Brainerd, MN), October 17, 1932, Page 1.
Irwin Thompson, 37 killed by blow at hands of C. Brown
Dealer in Used Furniture Slumps to Ground and DiesShortly After Being Struck Following
Dance at Resort Near Here.
The Brainerd Daily Dispatch (Brainerd, MN), October 17, 1932, Page 1. Via NewspaperArchive.com.
Irwin Thompson, 37, Brainerd dealer in used furniture today was dead and Clifford Brown, 28, also Brainerd, was being held by Cass County authorities pending further investigation of Thompson’s death which follow the fight early Sunday after a dance at Little Pine resort 6 miles west of here.
Brown Taken to Walker
A corners jury impaneled from Cass county this afternoon returned a verdict that “Thompson met his death from a blow at the hands of Clifford Brown.” The Jury heard testimony of Mrs. Thompson. who accompanied her husband to the dance and Martin Podratz, who was also a member of the Thompson party, at the inquest held in Whitney funeral home here.
Pending further investigation by Ed Rogers, county attorney of Haskell county, Brown was taken to Walker where he will be held in the county jail. County Corner Thomas and Sheriff Merrie, both of Cass county, assisted Rogers at the inquest and took Brown to Walker late today.
Called to view the body, Dr. J. A. Thabes, Sr., and Dr. J. A. Thabes, Jr., found that Thompson suffered no broken bones or unusual marks of violence but advanced the theory that his death was induced by the blow.
While stories of principles differ in certain details, authorities are of the belief that the fight was precipitated over attentions paid Mrs. Brown by Thompson. Brown, reviewing the events leading up to the fight to a representative of the Daily Dispatch, declared that Thompson struck the first blow and exhibited a lacerated lip as evidence.
Admits Hitting Thompson
Brown admits striking Thompson and seeing him slumped to the ground. He said he thought nothing of it at the time, thinking that Thompson would revive shortly. When he failed to rally, Brown said he helped lift Thompson into the car to go to medical attention. He said that Thompson’s Paul’s was still bleeding when he was placed in the car.
Testimony of Mrs. Thompson before the corners jury reviewed events leading up to the fight.
—–Column 2—–
Questioned by Rogers, Mrs. Thompson said,
“Together with Mrs. James Bosley, Miss E. Bosley and Martin Podraz, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson left Brainerd for Little Pine about 10 o’clock. Shortly after we were there, Mr. Thompson introduced me to Brown. Mr. Thompson and Brown had known each other for some time.
Little PIne Resort, Brainerd, ca 1950. By Ren Holland via his blog. https://blog.renholland.com/
“We never left the dance Hall except to go out to the car for only a few minutes at a time. We had a little to drink but no one was visibly intoxicating.
“After the dance as we were leaving the hall Fred Austin took Thompson by the arm and said he wanted to talk to him. We went to the car and Thompson later join us with Austin going to his car.
Pulse Still Beating
Brown came over and said he wished to talk to Thompson. They went to Brown’s car and a few minutes later I saw Mr. Thompson takeoff his coat and they started to fight the next thing I knew was that Mr. Thompson was laying on the ground. I went to him and raised his head. It’s pulse was still beating. Replaced him in the car and after considerable difficulty and getting the car started we came to Brainerd and went to the home of Dr. Beise. He pronounced Mr. Thompson dead.”
Podraz Testifies
Podraz’s testimony corroborated that of Mrs. Thompson he added that Brown assisted him (Podraz) in getting Thompson to the car. “He left when other members of a party reached them.” Podratz said.
The witness testified that he “knew Thompson was dead fifteen minutes after the fight but said hd didn’t want to say anything about it because of Mrs. Thompson being there.”
Podraz said that he knew of no trouble between the men and did not hear the conversation leading up to the fight.
Confined to the Crow Wing county jail this morning where he was lodged following his arrest by sheriff Frank Little Sunday upon the request of Cass county authorities, Brown told the Daily Dispatch his version of the affair.
Introduced to Mrs. Thompson
“With Mrs. Brown and a friend, Victoria Colette, we went to Little Pine about 9:30 o’clock we met Thompson there and he introduced me to his wife we exchanged dances and everything appeared friendly while dancing with Mrs. Thompson, she told me she had heard reports that Thompson was too friendly with Mrs. Brown. I went to talk to Thompson but we had no argument.
“After the dance I walked out to my car and later was accosted by Thompson. He came to the car and took hold of the open door he swung back, shattering the glass. He did not appear mad but as others of his party started towards us he took off his coat and struck me. I took off my overcoat and coat and hit him. He fell to the ground but I thought he would get up in a minute. I then started after Fred Austin who appeared to be coming after me but he assured me that nothing was wrong after helping plays Thompson in his car and feeling that his pulse was still beating I drove home.
Body to Wadena
Brown is a laborer and had been employed on the new highway bridge crossing the river here. In recent weeks, he had been unemployed. He has been a resident for several years.
Thompson operated a used furniture store on Laurel street for the last two years.
The body of Thompson was taken to Wadena this afternoon where funeral services an interment will be held.
Surviving him are his widow and four children, Bernice, 11; Glenn, 9; Doris, 7, and Jean, 5.
As part of my regular updates and “Do Over” process, I thought I’d take a quick look at the Matson clan in the 1950 Census. I found my stepfather (Edgar/Budgar), his parents, and his siblings in the 1950 Census.
Edgar Jerome Matson (1925-2003)
From the 1950 Census – Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, ED 89-356, Sheet 10, Lines 28-30, I learned that Edgar J. Matson, his wife Frieda, and their daughter, Heidi, were living at 2024 Girard Ave No. He was working 45 hours per week as an Automobile Assembler. His German wife Frieda had received her First Papers automatically through her marriage. Heidi had been born the previous March [March 20th]. That address is the same as his parents, siblings, Elizabeth and Kenneth, and niece, Christine.
Matson, Edgar J Head 24 Minn Works as an Automobile Assembler, 45 hr/yr. —, Frieda Wife 25 Germany —, Heidi N Dau. Mar Minn
Notes: Frieda Matson received her first papers automatically through her marriage. I am informed.
Additional Info for #30 (Heidi) (1 year ago – “Not Born Yet.)
Edward W Matson (1925-2003)
2923 Girard Ave,
Matson, Edward W Head 52 Chipper & Grinder at a Tractor Factory (40 hrs) —, Hildur C Wife 52 —, Elizabeth A Dau. 26 Stenographer – Photography (40 hrs) —, Kenneth M Son 23 Mauler operator – Tractors (40 hrs) —, Christine L G. dau. 4
All were born in Minnesota.
Elizabeth was born in the US. Education: finished the 11th grade and worked 50 weeks during the last year.
Ardis (Matson) Rohloff
Ardis (Matson) Rohloff
Budgar’s sister, Ardis, married Richard Rohloff in 1941. Ardis and Richard appear in the 1950 Census living in Albion, Minnesota.
“3½ mi on left, south from Corina – Albion line along Swart Watts Lake. First town road n of Albion store.”
Lines 17 thru 19 – Farm
Rohloff, Richard Head 29 Works 70 hours/week farming on (own) farm. —, Ardis Wife 27 —, Richard E Son 7
All were born in Minnesota.
That accounts for Budgar, his parents (Eddie & Hildur), his siblings, Ardis, Elizabeth, and Kenny, and his niece, Chris, during the 1950 Census.
This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes contain the names who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.
Barbara J Winter, circa 1935.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Barbara J Winters, 149 Percival St #652.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Barbara J Winter, circa 1935.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Urban A (Marion C) Winter living at 149 Percival.
The 1940 US Census lists Urban and Marion living at 149 Percival. Living with them are their three daughters, Eleanor, Barbara, and Marion F. Also with them is Urban’s mother-in-law Eleanor Cole.
Because the negative envelope identifies “Barbara,” I am sure this photo is of her, about 1935. Barbara J. Winter, the daughter of Urban Adolph and Marion (Cole) Winter, was born on 26 February 1929. This is a photo of Barbra was about six years old.
Five Ancestry public trees refer to Barbara J Winter and she is found in Family Search as profile L6XQ-K51. I have uploaded one photo of Barbara to her Family Search Memories.
Miss Persis Winchester, circa 1935
This negative envelope says, “Miss Persis Winchester, 22 DeBlois St #518.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Miss Persis Winchester, circa 1935
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Persis Winchester, a maid at 22 Deblois. Living at 22 Deblois Street is Frederick C. Dudley, whom Persis must be the maid for.
The 1938 Portland City Directory lists Persis A Winchester, a maid who married Kenneth E. Jackson.
This photo appears to be of Persis Ardelle Winchester, who married Kenneth Emery Jackson on 17 July 1937. Persis was born on 23 May 1916 and would have been about 19 years old when this photo was taken.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Chas Withee, 41 A Chestnut St #604.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Barbara Withee, circa 1935 (age 3).
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Charles S Withee and his wife Eva G, living at 41a Chestnut Street, Apt 8.
The 1940 Census lists Charles & Eva with their seven-year-old daughter, Barbara living in Portland. They lived in the “same place” in 1935.
The 1950 US Census lists Charles & Eva living with their 17-year-old daughter, Barbara I Withee, at 10 Montgomery Street in Portland.
I am sure this is a photo of Barbara I Withee circa 1935, when she was about three years old.
I have not found Barbara Withee in Ancestry trees. However, her father, Charles Withee, appears in 13 public Ancestry trees. Family Search does not have a profile for Barbara Withee. So, I uploaded a photo of her to Dead Fred.
Eleanor Winter, circa 1934
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Irving A Winter, 149 Percival St, Woodfords, #142.”
Why I believe this to be the individual.
Eleanor Winter, circa 1934
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Urban A (Marion C) Winter living at 149 Percival.
The 1940 US Census lists Urban and Marion living at 149 Percival. Their three daughters, Eleanor, Barbara, and Marion F, live with them (ages 12, 10, and 4, respectively). Also with them is Urban’s mother-in-law Eleanor Cole.
I believe that Ethel misunderstood what Mrs. Winter said and wrote Irving instead of Urban as Mrs. Winter’s husband’s name. I identified a photo of Barbara previously, and this photo is of a different child, although the eyes suggest they could be sisters. In 1934, Eleanor would have been about six years old, fitting the child’s appearance.
Ancestry has one public tree that refers to Eleanor M Winter, daughter of Urban and Marion (Cole) Winter. Family Search has profile L6XQ-2Z1 for Eleanor Winter, daughter of Urban and Marion (Cole) Winter. I have uploaded a photo of Eleanor to her Family Search Memories.
The 1933 and 1934 Portland City Directories list Otis A & Valeria G Witham living at 115 Washington Ave.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Otis and Valeria living at 210 Congress.
The 1940 US Census lists Otis & “Valena” Witham living at 210 Congress. Living with them are their two daughters, 13-year-old Ruby and ten-year-old Elenor.
Based upon the photo ID number (#402), the photo was taken about 1934.
I am sure this is a photo of Ruby and Elenor. Ruby was born on 8 October 1926 in Bowdoinham, Maine; Elenor (Elinor) was born on 13 November 1929. So this photo was taken when they were about eight and five years old.
Six Ancestry public trees refer to Ruby Leona Witham; seven refer to Elinor. Family Search does not appear to have profiles for either Ruby or Elinor, so I uploaded photos of them to Dead Fred—here and here.
Photo identification of Ruby confirmed by a niece.
Conclusion
I identified all six Three of them have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories
Two individuals did not have Family Search profiles but did appear in Ancestry trees, so I posted their images to Dead Fred.
One individual did not have a Family Search profile, nor did she appear in any Ancestry trees; however, her father did appear in Ancestry Trees. Consequently, I uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.
If any of these photos are of your family member, I would love to hear your reaction. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.
Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have a higher image quality than the images linked here.
For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.
My stepfather Edgar, known as “Bud,” and I had a difficult past. Our failure to coexist resulted in my living in a foster home for a couple of years. However, as Bud aged, he did grow more and more mellow and progressive in his opinions. For example, in his 60s, he came to the conclusion that the death penalty was wrong because it was overapplied in cases of people of color or the disadvantaged and seldom, if ever, applied to the rich or privileged. During the 1990s, Bud and I achieved a time of détente.
The Matson Line – Ancestor S2
S2 – Step-father: Edgar (“Bud” and “Budgar[i]”) Jerome Matson (1925-2003)
S2-4 – Step Grandfather: Edward (Eddie) William Mattson (1898-1977)
S2-8 – Step Great-grandfather: Lars Mattson (1869-1926)
S2-16 – Step Great-Great-grandfather: Lars Mattison (c. 1824-____)
Birth
Budgar was born on 29 December 1926 at 8:01 PM in St. Barnabas Hospital, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. He was the third of four children of Edward William and Hildur Christina (Krafve) Mattson[ii]. He had two older sisters and one younger brother.
Childhood
1930
The 1930 Census found Eddie Matson & family living in Southside Township, Wright County, Minnesota. Southside is a rural township about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis. It abuts Annandale and surrounds South Haven. Eddie was 32-year-old farm laborer renting a home for $20/month. With him are his wife, Hildur, and children, Ardis, age 7, attending school; Betty, age 6, attending school, Edgar, age 4, and Kenneth, age 3.
1935
All of Eddie Mattson’s family are living in the same place as in the 1940 Census.
1940
The 1940 Census found Eddie Mattson & family living in Annandale, Wright County, Minnesota. Eddie was a 42-year-old cement working in the building construction industry. Living with him are his wife, Hildur, and their four children, including 14-year-old Edgar. All of the children are attending school.
Adulthood
World War II
It’s not clear why, but the 1942 Minneapolis City Directory finds the 16-year-old Edgar working as a helper and living at 1721 North 3rd in Minneapolis (Not with his parents).
When Edgar turned 18, in 1943, he registered for the draft. He was living with his parents at 2024 Girard Ave, North. He was 5’11”, 140 pounds, blue eyes, blonde hair, light complexion. The 1944 Minneapolis City Directory indicates he was working at the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company at 7th and Washington, North, Minneapolis and was living with his parent on Girard.
UPDATED 7 Oct 2022 (in green)
He enlisted on his 20th birthday, 29 December 1945[iii]however, the US Veterans Gravesites database (National Cemetery Administration) indicates his military start date was 23 March 1944 [vi]. He was discharged on 2 February 1949 as a Sergeant in the Regular Army.
First Marriage
Bud returned from Europe in 1948 and married a “German war bride,” Frieda Gass on 28 November 1948.
UPDATED 7 Oct 2022
1950 Census
Edgar Matson, circa 1950.
From the 1950 Census – MN, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, ED 89-356, Sheet 10, Lines 28-30, I learned that Edgar J. Matson, his wife Frieda, and their daughter, Heidi, were living at 2024 Girard Ave No. He was working 45 hours per week as an Automobile Assembler. His German wife Frieda had received her First Papers automatically through her marriage. Heidi had been born the previous March [March 20th]. That address is the same as his parents, siblings, Elizabeth and Kenneth, and niece, Christine.
Matson, Edgar J Head age 24 – Born Minn. – Works as an Automobile Assembler, 45 hr/yr.
—, Frieda Wife age 25 – born Germany
—, Heidi N Dau. born in March in Minn.
Notes: Frieda Matson received her first papers automatically through her marriage.
Frieda and Bud had two daughters together, Heidi Ann (1950-2002) and “Living Matson.” In 1952, Bud was working as a maintenance man at Minneapolis Moline. Shortly after that he began working at the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Saint Paul. He worked there for 33 years and eventually retired from Ford.
In April 1959, while Bud was driving to work, he noticed a man laying on the railroad tracks. He thought the man was drunk and passed out. He stopped to help him and found that he was dead. He was living at 181 NE 41st Ave in Columbia Heights at the time.
Second Marriage
Bud and Frieda became estranged and were living separately when he met my mother, Sylvia. It is my recollection that my mom and Bud dated while the divorce of Bud and Frieda became final. After the divorce, my mom and Bud went off to Webster, Day County, South Dakota to be married on 8 December 1961.
Bud and Sylvia rented a house at 1502 Fremont Ave, No., Minneapolis shortly after the marriage. About a year later, Bud and Sylvia purchased a house at 2419 Bryant Ave. North, Minneapolis. In September, they had their first child, (a girl, living).
Bud and Sylvia had a new home built in the suburbs at 6741 Douglas Drive North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. They had their second child (a boy, living) together while living there. It was over 20 miles to the Ford Plant across downtown so Bud typically worked very early in the morning to avoid the traffic.
Retirement
Bud retired and the couple moved to Brainerd (6450 Donaldson Road) for a few years. Then they moved south, presumably to get away from Minnesota winters, to Prescott Valley, Arizona. They moved back to Minnesota about 1996 and lived at 5 Evans Ave., Elk River, Sherburne County, Minnesota. Finally, they moved to nearby Big Lake.
Death
Bud died on 12 November 2003 at the Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo, Wright County, Minnesota, due to complications resulting from a fall. Internment of his cremains was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
Events by Location
Arizona – Yavapai County, Prescott Valley – Lived 1995-1996
Minnesota – Anoka County, Columbia Heights – Lived 1959.
Minnesota – Crow Wing County, Brainerd – Lived 1983-1995.
Minnesota – Hennepin County, Brooklyn Park – Lived 1966-1983.
Minnesota – Hennepin County, Minneapolis – Birth – Lived 1942-1952 & 1962-1965 – Marriage #1.
Minnesota – Sherburne County, Big Lake – Lived 2002-2003 – Death.
Minnesota – Sherburne County, Elk River – Lived 2000-2002
Minnesota – Wright County, Southside Township – Lived 1930.
Minnesota – Wright County, Annandale – Lived 1935 – 1940.
South Dakota – Day County, Webster – Marriage #2.
Europe – Service 1946-1948.
Follow-up
Education – Bud attended one year of high school.[iv] I need to check yearbooks, etc. for photos and interests.
Religion – Edgar Jerome Matson was a Missouri Synod Lutheran during the years I knew him. He encouraged my mother and me to become baptized at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Lake Park in 1961. He also encouraged my becoming confirmed at the Lutheran Church[v] at 26th & Lyndale in Minneapolis. I should research the religious events in his life.
Military – I know that Bud served in Europe after the war. It is my understanding that he was in a unit that “investigated” war crimes and atrocities committed by Allied forces during the war. Learning more about his service could prove interesting.
Divorce – My personal recollection includes the jubilation when the divorce between Bud and Frieda became final. I should research the specific date and details.
Property – I know Bud owned houses in Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Brainerd (all MN), and Prescott Valley, AZ. Getting the exact dates would be useful in setting his life’s timeline. He sold the Brooklyn Park house in June 1983.
Children – Heidi – Bud’s oldest daughter, Heidi, died in 2002. I should research her and tell her story.
Will/Probate – I don’t know if Bud had a will or if his estate went to probate. I should research this.
Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002, Family Search, Heidi Ann Matson – 20 Mar 1950. “Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VCGX-MXH : 4 December 2014), Heidi Ann Matson, 20 Mar 1950; from “Minnesota Birth Index, 1935-2002,” database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 2004); citing Hennepin, Minnesota, United States, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VCGX-MXH.
Minnesota Official Marriage System, MOMS.MN.GOV, Edgar J Matson & Freida Gass 11/28/1948. https://Moms.mn.gov.
Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2017, Ancestry.Com, Edgar Jerome Matson (1925-2003). Minnesota Department of Health; St Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2017- Certificate Number: 2003-MN-036549.
National Cemetery Administration, Internet, Edgar Jerome Matson.
South Dakota, Marriages, 1905-2018 , Ancestry.Com, Edgar Matson & Sylvia Larson – 18 Dec 1961. South Dakota Department of Health; Pierre, South Dakota; South Dakota Marriage Records, 1905-2016.
Edgar J. Matson – 30 Jan 1969. Newspapers.Com – Downloaded 15 Nov 2020.., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
Edgar J. Matson, 25 Nov 1948. Marriage License Applications. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63311353/marriage-of-matson-gass/., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
Edgar Jerome Matson – 16 Nov 2003, Page B7 ., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
Edgar Matson – Sold house at 6741 Douglas Dr. 9 June 1983, Page 85 – Downloaded 15 Nov 2020.., Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Various).
S. Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, Ancestry.Com, Brainerd, Minnesota – 1993-1996 – Edgar J Matson. Source Citation – City: Brainerd; State: Minnesota; Year(s): 1993-1996.
S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010, Ancestry.Com, Edgar Matson – 29 Dec 1925. Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Ancestry.Com, Edgar J. Matson – 470-20-6784. Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File.
S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 (National Archives), Ancestry.Com, Edgar Jerome Matson. The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; WWII Dra. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2238/records/16267040/.
United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jan 1997 to 1 Jun 1997. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ69-42QQ : 31 May 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1997-1997.
United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jan 1998-1 Jun 1998 . “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ69-4592 : 31 May 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1998-1998.
United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 Jun 1994 to 1 Jan 1999. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KB1T-CVW : 29 January 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1994-1999. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KB1T-CVW.
United States Public Records, 1970-2009, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 1 June 1996. “United States Public Records, 1970-2009”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJXH-9FPH : 3 June 2020), Edgar J Matson, 1996.
United States Social Security Death Index, Family Search, Edgar J Matson. “United States Social Security Death Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V361-F3V : 22 August 2020), Edgar J Matson, 12 Nov 2003; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing). https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V361-F3V.
United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, Family Search, Edgar J Matson – 11 Jan 1946. “United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LP-CLH : 5 December 2014), Edgar J Matson, enlisted 11 Jan 1946, ; citing “Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946,” database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (https://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8LP-CLH.
US Army Honorable Discharge; Files (Personal); Honorable Discharge – Edgar J. Matson – 2 February 1949.
Endnotes
[i] “Budgar” is a combination of “Bud” and “Edgar.” He was called that by his family later in his life.
[ii] Note: The surname simplified since coming to the United States. Originally Mattison, the name morphed to Mattson, then lost the second “t” to become Matson. I tend to use the surname as it was used in any particular record.
[iii] Although V-J Day was August 14th, 1945 the period beginning December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, are the dates considered as World War II Service. Edgar’s enlistment in 1945 is considered “World War II Service.”
[iv] See the 1940 Census and his Draft Registration.
[v] I forget if this was a ALC or LCA church at the time. I know it wasn’t Missouri Synod. Bud thought it better for me to go to a church locally, where I could walk to, rather than going to a Missouri Synod Church that I needed to be driven to.
[vi] The “U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019” (National Cemetery Administration), Ancestry.Com, indicates that Edgar J Matson’s (1925-2003) Military Service Start Date was 23 March 1944.
The Brainerd Daily Dispatch (Brainerd, MN), October 17, 1932, Page 1.
This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection
