2.12.11.2. Lillian Akerlund (1921-2015)

Lillian A. Akerlund was born on 21 August 1921 in Bowdoin, Montana, to Emil L. Akerlund and Florence E. Anderson. Her father had emigrated from Sweden in 1881. When Lillian was eight years old the family returned to Sweden to visit relatives. They left Gothenburg, Sweden, aboard the S/S Drottingholm on 9 March 1929 and arrived in New York on 19 March.

S/S Drottingholm; courtesy of A Tribute to the Swedish American Line

By 1930 the family lived in Harb, Montana, where her father farmed. After graduating from high school, Lillian received a scholarship to attend Great Falls College.

She married John Wesley Beck, son of Herbert Bartist Beck and Jane Muir, on 27 June 1942 in Needles, California. John was in the U.S. Army and soon after their marriage was ordered overseas. Lillian had their first of six children in Los Angeles County, California, before returning to Harb where she worked for the U.S. Customs Service during the war.

John was discharged from the Army on 27 September 1945 and returned to Montana. The family lived in Harve, Montana. They operated a farm but John also opened a garage in 1946 with Lillian's brother, Oliver "Ollie" Akerlund.

Lillian lost her husband in 1984 but continued to live in Harve until 2012. Then, she moved to Missoula, Montana, to be closer to her children. She died on 30 April 2015 in Missoula.

_______________
'S/S Drottingholm,' A Tribute to the Swedish American Line
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Harb, Phillips, Montana; Roll: 1259; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0042; Image: 1057.0; FHL microfilm: 2340994
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Harb, Phillips, Montana; Roll: T627_2226; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 36-43
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 28
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 146784398
Harve Daily News, 8 May 2015
Roy History Committee (editors and compilers). Homestead Shacks Over Buffalo Tracks: History of Northeastern Fergus County (Montana), (Bozeman, MT: Color World Printers, 1990), pages 1-533
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1947 Harve, MT (Beck, Lillian)
US, New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1929 Akerlund, Lillian

2.12.11.2. John Wesley Beck (1919-1984)

John Wesley Beck was born on 11 October 1919 in Trenton, Illinois, to Herbert Bartist Beck and Jane Muir. His father was a farmer and in 1920 the family lived on a rented farm in Sugar Creek, Illinois.

On 7 April 1923, when John was four years old, the family arrived in Roy, Montana, to join John's aunt and uncle, John and Ethel Beck. They lived with their relatives until John's father homesteaded land in Fergus County, Montana. They lived on their homestead and farmed for the next several years.

John was drafted into the U.S. Army on 19 March 1942. He reported for duty at Fort Lewis, Washington. He married Lillian A. Akerlund in Needles, California, on 27 June 1942. The couple had six children during the course of their marriage.

During World War II John served with a medical unit in the Pacific Theater and was part of a mission to rescue American missionaries held prisoner of war near Luzon, Philippines. He received his honorable discharge on 27 September 1945.

He joined his wife and daughter in Harve, Montana, and opened a garage in 1946 in partnership with his brother-in-law, Oliver "Ollie" Akerlund. He also had a dealership for American Motor Co. His son, Neil, later joined him in the business.

John died of cancer on 18 March 1984 in Harve. He was interred with military honors at Higland Cemetery in Harve. His widow and son ran the family business after his death. Lillian died in 2015.

________________
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Sugar Creek, Clinton, Illinois; Roll: T625-304; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 20; Image: 971
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: School District 207, Fergus, Montana; Roll: 1255; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 128; Image: 1063.0; FHL microfilm: 2340990
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Roy, Fergus, Montana; Roll: T627_2218; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 14-117
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, pages 25 and 28
Exploring Central Montana's Past: Missouri Breaks Historical Homestead Tour, (Lewiston, MT: Bureau of Land Management), pages 1-32
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 119309738
Roy History Committee (editors and compilers). Homestead Shacks Over Buffalo Tracks: History of Northeastern Fergus County (Montana), (Bozeman, MT: Color World Printers, 1990), pages 1-533
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1947 Harve, MT (Beck, John W.)
US, Montana Death Index, 1868-2011, 1984 Beck, John W.
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 516-22-1614; Issue State: Montana; Issue Date: Before 1951
US, World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, 1942 Beck John W.

2.12.11.1. William Eugene Erickson (1906-1984)

William "Bill" Eugene Erickson was born on 10 June 1906 in Chicago, Illinois, to Rev. John Erickson and Gunda Karoline Olsen. His father had emigrated from Sweden and his mother from Norway. In 1910 Bill and his family lived at 1676 Walnut Street in Chicago. By 1920 the family and moved to Phillips County, Montana, where his father worked as a farmer on land he homesteaded. By 1930 Bill was helping his father on the family farm.

He married Thelma Christena Beck, daughter of Herbert Bartist Beck and Jane Muir, on 15 December 1934 in Lewiston, Montana. They had four children.

For the first seven years of their marriage they worked a ranch southeast of Malta, Montana. Then moved to Missoula, Montana, where Bill worked on the power line. He went to the west coast to work in the shipyards during World War II. Thelma joined him in May 1942 after she had their third child. They lived on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound near Seattle. In 1954 they bought a farm in Oakville, Washington. They retired from farming in 1969.

Bill died on 20 February 1984 in Centralia, Washington. He was interred at Grand Mound Cemetery in Rochester, Washington. His wife, Thelma died in 2011 and was buried beside him.

_______________
1910 US Federal Census, Census Place: Chicago Ward 14, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_256; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0693; FHL microfilm: 1374269
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: School District 38, Phillips, Montana; Roll: T625_974; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 159; Image: 494
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Harb, Phillips, Montana; Roll: 1259; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0042; Image: 1057.0; FHL microfilm: 2340994
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Harb, Phillips, Montana; Roll: T627_2226; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 36-43
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 25
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 36909514
Roy History Committee (editors and compilers). Homestead Shacks Over Buffalo Tracks: History of Northeastern Fergus County (Montana), (Bozeman, MT: Color World Printers, 1990), pages 1-533The Chronicle, 31 August 2011
US, Illinois Cook County Birth Certifications Index, 1871-1922, 1906 Erickson
US, Illinois Cook County Birth Certifications Index, 1871-1922, 1906 Erickson, William Eugen
US, Montana County Marriages, 1865-1950, 1934 Erickson, William Eugene - Beck, Thelma B.
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 517-09-7600; Issue State: Montana; Issue Date: Before 1951
US, Washington Death Index, 1940-1996, 1984 Erickson, William E.
US, Washington Find A Grave Index, 1821-2012, Memorial No. 36909514

2.12.11.1. Thelma Christena Beck (1915-2011)

Thelma Christena Beck was born on 25 November 1915 in Summerfield, Illinois, to Herbert Bartist Beck and Jane "Janie" Muir. Her father was a farmer. The family lived on a rented farm in Sugar Creek, Illinois, in 1920.

On 7 April 1923, they arrived in Roy, Montana, joining Thelma's aunt and uncle, John and Ethel Beck. They lived with their relatives until Thelma's father homesteaded land. Homesteading was difficult work -- a working farm had to be made from raw land but the land was free if a family could prove they had made improvements within a specific period of time. Thelma's father was successful and Thelma and her family lived on their homestead outside of Roy for many years.

Thelma married William "Bill" Eugene Erickson, son of Rev. John Erickson and Gunda Karoline Olsen, on 15 December 1934 in Lewiston, Montana. They had four children during the course of their marriage.

For the first seven years of their marriage they worked a ranch southeast of Malta, Montana. Then moved to Missoula, Montana, where Bill worked on the power line. He went to the west coast to work in the shipyards during World War II. Thelma joined him in May 1942 after she had their third child. They lived on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound near Seattle. In 1954 they bought a farm in Oakville, Washington. They retired from farming in 1969.

Bill died in 1984 and was interred at the Grand Mound Cemetery in Rochester, Washington. Thelma died on 28 August 2011 in Rochester. She was interred beside her husband.

_______________
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Sugar Creek, Clinton, Illinois; Roll: T625_304; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 20; Image: 971
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: School District 207, Fergus, Montana; Roll: 1255; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 128; Image: 1063.0; FHL microfilm: 2340990
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Harb, Phillips, Montana; Roll: T627_226; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 36-43
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 25
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 36909512
Roy History Committee (editors and compilers). Homestead Shacks Over Buffalo Tracks: History of Northeastern Fergus County (Montana), (Bozeman, MT: Color World Printers, 1990), pages 1-533The Chronicle, 31 August 2011
US, Montana County Marriages, 1865-1950, 1934 Erickson, William Eugene - Beck, Thelma C.
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1995 Erickson, Thelma C. (Rochester, WA)
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1996-2002 Erickson, Thelma C. (Oakville, WA)
US, Public Records Index Volume 2, 1950-1993, Erickson, Thelma C. (Oakville, WA)
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Issue State: Washington; Issue Date 1953-1954 (Erickson, Thelma C.)

Children of Herbert Bartist and Jane (Muir) Beck

2.12.11.1 Thelma Christena Beck (1915-2011)

The lives of Thelma Christena Beck and her husband, William Eugene Erickson, will be covered in future posts.

2.12.11.2. John Wesley Beck (1919-1984)

The lives of John Wesley Beck and his wife, Lillian Akerlund, will be covered in future posts.

2.12.10.4. Nicholas Nikas (1932- )

Nicholas Nikas was likely born on 9 August 1932. I do not know who his parents were or where he grew up.

He married Frances Beverly Muir in 1956 likely in San Francisco, California. They lived in Marin County, California for most of their married life. They had one son.

Frances Beverly (Muir) Nikas died on 23 April 2013 and her husband survived her.

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US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1968 San Rafael, CA (Nicholas Nikas and Frances Nikas)
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1996-1997 Nikas, Nicholas (San Rafael, CA)
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1998-2002 Nikas, Nicholas (San Rafael, CA)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1980 San Anselmo, CA (Nikas, Nicholas)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 2, 1950-1993, Nikas, Nicholas (Larkspur, CA)

2.12.10.4. Jack Thatcher King (1909-1991)

Jack Thatcher King was born on 1 April 1909 in Topeka, Kansas, to Earl Pym King and Beatrice E. Thatcher. When the census was enumerated the next year, the family lived in Fort Steele, Wyoming, and Jack's father worked as a station agent for the Union Pacific Railroad. By 1930 the family lived in McKenna, Washington. Jack's father still worked for the railroad and Jack worked as a lumber sorter at a sawmill.

He married Marchie Lorraine Watson, daughter of James Watson and Grace Geone, on 7 November 1931. By 1933 they had moved to Seattle and lived at 310 19th Avenue N. Jack worked as an oiler. Three years later, he worked in a mill. By 1940 Jack and his family lived in Tahuya, Washington, and Jack worked as a truck driver for a logging company. The couple had three children during their marriage, but divorced sometime before 1945:

1. Jack Earl King born on 21 March 1934 married Beverly Kay Moore.
2. Glenda Lynne King born 19 April 1936 married and had one son named Ira J. Mitrany in 1954, died 3 December 1954.
3. Jon King likely born after the 1940 census was enumerated.

Jack served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. 

On 12 March 1945 he married Frances Beverly Muir at First Christian Church in Seattle. He was a lieutenant (jg) in the U.S. Maritime Service when they married. Jack and Frances had one daughter before divorcing.

After the Korean Conflict, Jack worked as a port engineer in Oakland, California.

On 4 February 1977 he married Irmgard Fredricka (Jahnig) Lane Swanson in Reno, Nevada. They lived in Tahuya where Jack was active in the port commission and the city fire department.

Jack died on 23 February 1991 in Tacoma, Washington. His third wife, Irmgard, died on 28 March 2013 in Lakewood, Washington.

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1910 US Federal Census, Census Place: Fort Steele, Carbon, Wyoming; Roll: T624_1745; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0032; FHL microfilm: 1375758

1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: McKenna, Pierce, Washington; Roll: 2510; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0052; Image: 101.0; FHL microfilm: 2342244

1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Tahuya, Mason, Washington; Roll: T627_4352; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 23-30

Seattle Daily Times, 15 March 1945

The Morning News Tribune, 25 February 1991

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1933 Seattle, WA (Jack T. King and Marchie L. King)

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1936 Seattle, WA (Jack T. King and Marchie L. King)

US, Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010, 1991 King, Jack

US, Nevada Marriage Index, 1956-2005, 1977 King, Jack T. - Swanson, Irmgard F.

US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1994 Tacoma, WA (Jack T. King)

US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Number: 532-12-6972

US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 532-12-6972; Issue State: Washington; Issue Date: Before 1951

US, Washington Death Index, 1940-1996, 1991 King, Jack T.

US, Washington Marriage Records, 1865-2004, 1945 King, Jack T. - Muir, Frances B.

US, Washington Marriage Records, 1865-2004, 1931 King, Jack T. - Watson, Marchie L.

US, Washington Tacoma Obituary Index, 1882-2014, 1991 King, Jack T.

2.12.10.4. Frances Beverly Muir (1924-2013)

Frances Beverly Muir was born on 2 September 1924 on Whidbey Island, Washington, to Alexander Muir and Bertha Cloren. Her mother died in 1929. In 1930 her father moved his family to Seattle, Washington, and he worked as an inspector for the city fire department. When the 1940 census was enumerated Frances lived with her father and older sister at 606 19th Avenue N in Seattle. She in the junior class at Broadway High School in 1941.

Frances Muir Broadway High School junior
class photo; courtesy of Ancestry.com

Frances married Jack Thatcher King on 12 March 1945 at First Christian Church in Seattle. He was 15 years older than Frances, had been married before and three children. Jack was a lieutenant in the U.S. Maritime Service when they married. The couple had one child before divorcing.

Frances moved to San Francisco after the divorce and married Nicholas Nikas in 1956. They had one son. In 1968 Frances and her family lived in San Rafael, California. After moving to Marin County, Frances became involved in community theater and worked as a television and voice-over actor. She was a member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 25 years.

Frances Beverly (Muir) Nikas died on 23 April 2013 in Salem, Oregon. She was inurned at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

_______________
'Frances Muir Broadway High School junior class photo,' Ancestry.com
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: 2494; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 0044; Image: 350.0; FHL microfilm: 2342228
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: T627_4379; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 40-174
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 24
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 110605832
Marin Independent Journal, 10 May 2013
Seattle Daily Times, 15 March 1945
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1968 San Rafael, CA ( Nicholas and Frances Nikas)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1989 Ross, CA (Frances M. Nikas)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 2, 1950-1993 Nikas, Frances M. (Larkspur, CA)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 2, 1950-1993 Nikas, Frances M. (San Rafael, CA)
US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1941 Broadway High School Broadway Melody, page 58
US, Washington Marriage Records, 1865-2004, 1945 King, Jack T. - Muir, Freances B.

2.12.10.2. Roy Frank Potter (1919-unknown)

Roy Frank Potter was born on 3 December 1919 in Oregon to Roy R. Potter and Rachel Ida Van Fossen. When the 1920 census was enumerated the family lived at 202 SW Boundary Street in Portland, Oregon, and Roy's father worked as a salesman selling wholesale pants. His parents divorced a few years later.

Roy's mother married Ray W. Lee in 1927 and Roy lived with his mother and step-father in Tacoma, Washington, where his step-father worked as an engineer for an elevator company. Roy's mother divorced Ray Lee sometime before the 1940 census was enumerated. Roy lived at 911 S 27th Street in Tacoma and worked as a millworker.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army on 17 June 1942 in Tacoma, Washington. Six months later, on 2 January 1943, he married Helen Isabel Muir in Phenix City, Alabama, while stationed at Ft. Benning, where he attended Infantry Officers Candidate School. According to my grandmother's genealogy notebook, the couple had two children.

When Roy's father-in-law died in 1957, Roy and his family lived in Riverside, California.

His wife died in 1981 and in 1993 Roy lived in Bellingham, Washington.

I have been unable to find any information about Roy's date or place of death.

_______________
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Portland, Multnomah, Oregon; Roll: T625_ 1499; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 46; Image: 1065
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Tacoma, Pierce, Washington; Roll: 2512; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0175; Image: 676.0; FHL microfilm: 2342246
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 24
Seattle Times, 8 November 1942
US, Alabama Marriage Collection, 1800-1969, 1943 Potter, Roy F.
US, Alabama Marriage License Record, 1943 Potter, Roy F. - Muir, Helen I.
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1940 Tacoma, WA (Roy Potter)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1993 Bellingham, WA (Roy F Potter)
US, World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, 1942 Potter, Roy F.

2.12.10.2. Helen Isabel Muir (1921-1981)

Helen Isabel Muir was born on 19 August 1921 in Seattle, Washington, to Alexander Muir and Bertha Cloren. She was their second child and her father was a fireman for the city of Seattle.  Her father was injured on the job and the family moved to Island County, Washington, about 1924. Helen's mother died in 1929 following a difficult pregnancy and delivery. Her father moved the family back to Seattle in 1930 and became a fire inspector for the fire department.

Helen attended the University of Washington in Seattle in 1940 and lived with her widowed father and younger sister. She graduated in 1942 from the Arts and Sciences program and was a vice president of Gamma Alpha Chi. The purpose of the organization was to give practical training with the help of professionals to aid in eventually establishing an advertising school at the University.

Helen Muir, University of Washington Senior Class photograph; University
of Washington Tyee

Helen married Roy Frank Potter on 2 January 1943 in Phenix City, Alabama. At the time of her marriage she lived at 2901 North Fulton Drive in Atlanta, Georgia, and Roy was stationed at Ft. Benning, in nearby Chattahoochie County, Georgia.

According to my grandmother's genealogy notebook, the couple had two sons:

1. Matthew Potter
2. Andrew Potter

I have been unable to trace the sons to date.

When Helen's father died in 1957, she and Roy lived in Riverside, California. Helen Isabel (Muir) Potter died on 25 February 1981 in Whatcom County, Washington. Her remains were cremated.

_______________

'Helen Muir Senior Class Photograph,' Ancestry.com
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: 2494; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 0044; Image: 350.0; FHL microfilm: 2342228

1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: T627_4379; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 40-174

Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 24

Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 157606656
US, Alabama Marriage Collection, 1800-1969, 1943 Muir, Helen I. 

US, Alabama Marriage License Record, 1943 Potter, Roy F. - Muir, Helen I.

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1940 Seattle, WA (Helen Muir)

US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1940 University of Washington Tyee, pages 151 and 385

US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1941 University of Washington Tyee, pages 178, 599 and 823

US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1942 University of Washington Tyee, pages 64, 85, 340, 502, 757 and 809

2.12.10.1. Minerva B. Hansen (1916-2001)

Minerva B. Hansen was born on 3 Jul 1916 in Chignik, Alaska, a village on the Aleutian Peninsula to Lars Antone Hansen and Nancy J. Anderson. Her father had immigrated from Norway in 1909 and her mother was considered mixed race -- American, Russian, and Aleutian, a Native Alaska tribe. She was called "Creole" on many of the documents of the time.

In 1920 Minerva and her family lived next door to her maternal grandparents in Chignik and her father worked as a fisherman. He likely sold his catch to the local cannery, which was the main employer in the village. Minerva's father was naturalized in 1924 and became a U.S. citizen. However, when the 1930 census was enumerated, Minerva's mother was listed as a widow and lived in Chignik with her eight children.

I am not sure how Minerva and Alexander Eugene Muir met. He may have been stationed in Alaska or perhaps Minerva traveled to the west coast of the United States after her mother married and placed most of her children in an orphanage. By 1940, though, Alexander and Minerva were married. He was a 3rd class radioman stationed on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pulaski, which was based at Coos Bay, Oregon. Minerva boarded at the home of Pearl Frazier in nearby Marshfield, Oregon. Alexander and Minerva had one known son over the course of their marriage.

It is interesting to note that when Minerva lived in Alaska, her race was considered mixed even though she could have been no more than 12.5 percent Native Alaskan. When she lived in Oregon her race was listed as white.

After Alexander was discharged from the Coast Guard, the family settled in Seattle, Washington, where Alexander worked as a mechanic for United Airlines.

Alexander died in 1999 and Minerva died on 30 January 2001 in Edmonds, Washington.

_______________
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Unga Peninsula, Third Judicial District, Alaska Territory; Roll: T625_2031; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 2; Image: 298
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Unga, Third Judicial District, Alaska Territory; Roll: 2628; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 0026; Image: 264.0; FHL microfilm: 2342362
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Marshfield, Coos, Oregon; Roll: T627_3358; Page: 61A; Enumeration District: 6-12
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1958 Seattle, WA (Alex E. Muir and Minerva B. Muir)
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1960 Seattle, WA (Alex E. Muir and Minerva B. Muir)
US, Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-Current, 2001 Muir, Minerva "Min" (Hansen)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 2, 1950-1993 Muir, Minerva B. (Seattle, WA)
US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Number: 543-12-0603
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 543-12-0603; Issue State: Oregon; Issue Date: Before 1951

2.12.10.1. Alexander Eugene Muir (1917-1999)

Alexander Eugene Muir was born on 30 January 1917 in Seattle, Washington, to Alexander Muir and Bertha Cloren. His father worked as a fireman for the city fire department at the time of Alexander's birth. The family was enumerated in the 1920 as living at 643 97th Street. Alexander's father retired from the fire department later that year due to an injury and the family moved to Island County, Washington, some time before 1924.

When Alexander was 12 years old, his mother died from complications related to childbirth. The next year the Alexander, his father, and younger siblings moved back to Seattle. He father rejoined the fire department and the family lived at 347 West 53rd Street.

Alexander Eugene Muir married Minerva B. Hansen sometime before 1940. She was the daughter of Lars Hansen and Nancy J. Anderson and had been born in Alaska.  By 1940 Alexander had joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed aboard the USCG Cutter Pulaski (WPC-149) and worked as a 3rd radioman. The cutter's home port was Coos Bay, Oregon. Alexander's wife lodged in nearby Marshfield. The couple had one known child over the course of their marriage.

USCGC Pulaski (WPC-149), circa 1935; photograph courtesy of U.S. Coast
Guard

By 1960 the family lived at 7744 18th Avenue SW and Alexander worked as a mechanic for United Air Lines.

Alexander Eugene Muir died on 2 November 1999 in Edmonds, Washington. His wife, Minerva, died two years later.

________________
'USCGC Pulaski (WPC-149),' U.S. Coast Guard
1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: T625_1926; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 99; Image: 234
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: 2494; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 0044; Image: 350.0; FHL microfilm: 2342228
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Marshfield, Coos, Oregon; Roll: T627_3358; Page: 64A; Enumeration District: 6-7
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1958 Seattle WA (Alex E Muir and Minerva B Muir)
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1960 Seattle, WA (Alex E Muir and Minerva B Muir)
US, Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-Current, 1999 Muir, Alex
US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Number: 532-22-4087
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 532-22-4087; Issue State: Washington; Issue Date: Before 1951
US, Washington Births, 1907-1919, 1917 Muir, Alexander Eugene
US, Washington Birth Records, 1870-1935, Muir, Alexander Eugene

Children of Alexander Muir and Bertha Isabel Cloren

2.12.10.1. Alexander Eugene Muir (1917-1999)

The lives of Alexander Eugene Muir and his wife, Minerva B. Hansen, will be covered in future posts.

2.12.10.2. Helen Isabel Muir (1921-1981)

The lives of Helen Isabel Muir and her husband, Roy Frank Potter, will be covered in future posts.

2.12.10.3. Joe Arthur Muir (1923-1923)

Joe Arthur Muir was born in 1923 and died on 6 May 1923 in Seattle, Washington. His age was listed in the death index as 0 so my assumption is he died shortly after birth.

2.12.10.4. Frances Beverly Muir (1924-2013)

The lives of Frances Beverly Muir and her husbands, 1) Jack Thatcher King and 2) Nicholas Nikas, will be covered in future posts.

2.12.10.5. James Muir (1927-1927)

James Muir was born on 13 June 1927 in Greenbank, Washington. He died on 17 June 1927 in the same city.

_______________
US, Washington Deaths, 1883-1960, 1923 Muir, Joe Arthur
US, Washington Deaths, 1883-1960, 1927 Muir, James
US, Washington Select Death Certificates, 1907-1960, 1923 Muir, Joe Arthur
US, Washington Select Death Certificates, 1907-1960, 1927 Muir, James

2.12.9.9. Wilber Walker Hoyt (1929-1984)

Wilber Walker Hoyt was born on 27 November 1929 in Redford, Michigan, to William Walker Hoyt and Febie Leone Biggs. His family lived at 25529 Hope Street and his father worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Ten years later the family lived at 15962 Winston in the same township.

Wilber married Kathryn "Kay" Mayme Muir, daughter of Peter Semple Muir and Mamie Zebio, on 3 December 1948 in Detroit. The couple had four children over the course of their marriage.

Wilber Walker Hoyt died on 9 November 1984 in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

_______________
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Redford, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: 1076; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 1037; Image: 65.0; FHL microfilm: 2340811
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Redford, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T627_1835; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 82-203
US, Michigan Death Records, 1871-1996, 1984 Hoyt, Wilber W.
US, Michigan Marriage Records, 1867-1952, 1948 Hoyt, Wilber Walker - Muir, Katherine Mayme
US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Number: 383-24-9782
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 383-24-9782; Issue State: Michigan; Issue Date: Before 1951

2.12.9.9. Kathryn Mayme Muir (1930-2014)

Kathryn Mayme Muir was born on 13 June 1930 in Adrian, Michigan, to Peter Semple Muir and Mayme Zebio. She was their youngest child. Her father worked as a steam pipe fitter at an auto factory. Sometime between 1935 and 1940, the family moved to 9335 Hubbell Avenue in Detroit, Michigan.

Kathryn, known as Kay, married Wilber Walker Hoyt, son of William Walker Hoyt and Febie Leone Biggs, on 3 December 1948 in Detroit. They had four children over the course of their marriage.

In 1995 Kay and Wilber lived in Novi, Michigan and Kay was still residing there when her daughter died in 2003. Kay died on 4 February 2014.

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1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T627_1888; Page 1B; Enumeration District: 84-1554
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, pages 19 and 23
Fred Wood Funeral Home, http://www.fredwoodfuneralhome.com
US, Michigan Marriage Records, 1867-1952, 1948 Hoyt, Wilber Walker - Muir, Kathryn Mayme
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1995 Novi, MI (Hoyt, Katherine Mayme)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 2, 1950-1993, 1950-1993 Hoyt, Katherine M (Wixom, MI)
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Issue State: Michigan; Issue Date: Before 1951 (Hoyt, Katherine)

2.12.9.8. Alvin Rose (1918-2002)

Alvin Rose was born on 10 January 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, to Ray Edward Rose and Agnes Duncan. In 1920 the family lived in Southfield, Michigan, where his father farmed on his own account on land he rented. The family remained on the farm for the next 20 years. By 1940 Alvin lived at home with his parents and worked as an inspector at an automobile plant.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He married Margaret Muir, the daughter of Peter Semple Muir and Mayme Zebio, on 14 January 1950 in Detroit. They had two children and Alvin either formally or informally a son Margaret had prior to their marriage.

They lived in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, and Alvin work as an inspector for Pontiac Motors and GMAC during the 1950s.

By 1993 Alvin and Margaret had retired to Roscommon, Michigan, where he died on 30 January 2002. Alvin Rose was interred at Gerrish Township Cemetery in Roscommon.

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1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Southfield, Oakland, Michigan; Roll: T625_790; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 202; Image: 879

1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Southfield, Oakland, Michigan; Roll: 1019; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0126; Image: 746.0; FHL microfilm: 2340754

1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Southfield, Oakland, Michigan; Roll: T627_1803; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 63-1678

Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s- Current, Memorial No. 46943965

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1950 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1953 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1958 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)

US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1960 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret M Rose)

US, Michigan Marriage Records, 1867-1952, 1950 Rose, Alvin - Fortgang, Margaret

US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1993-2001 Rose, Alvin (Roscommon, MI)

US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 2002 Rose, Alvin (Roscommon, MI)

US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1993 Roscommon, MI (Rose, Alvin)

US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 384-10-8908; Issue State: Michigan; Issue Date: Before 1951

US, Veterans Gravesites, 1775-2006, 2002 Rose, Alvin

2.12.9.8. Herbert Ralph Fortgang (1918-1985)

Herbert Ralph Fortgang was born on 3 March 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, to Isadore Fortgang and Ruth Henriette Elbinger. Two years later the family lived at 554 Brush Street in Detroit and his father worked as a dairyman at a creamery. The family were Jewish and his father had emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire before his marriage. Herbert's mother was awarded a divorce in 1929 on the grounds of extreme cruelty.

I have been unable to find Herbert Fortgang in the 1930 census, but in 1940 he and his mother and sister lived at 335 Rochester Road. Herbert worked as an assistant manager at a grocery store. In 1941 Herbert attended the Lawrence Technological University as a night pre-junior. He was still a student in 1943 as well as editor-in-chief of the school's yearbook.

Herbert married Margaret Muir on 24 February 1946 in Kentucky. The couple divorced on 17 March 1947 in Wayne County, Michigan. They had no children.

On 6 November 1948 Herbert married Jennie Libby Meisner, daughter of Ben Meisner and Sophie Lewis.

Herbert Ralph Fortgang died on 5 November 1985 in Los Angeles County, California.

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1920 US Federal Census, Census Place: Detroit Ward 1, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T625-803; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 23; Image: 339
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T627_1860; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 84-644
US, California Death Index, 1940-1997, 1985 Fortgang, Herbert
US, Michigan Divorce Index, 1897-1952, 1947 Fortgang, Herbert A. - Fortgang, Margaret
US, Michigan Marriage Records, 1867-1952, 1948 Fortgang, Herbert Ralph - Meisner, Jennie Libby
US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1941 Lawrence Technological University L-Book, page 45
US, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, 1943 Lawrence Technological University L-Book, page 30
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Number: 374-05-7371; Issue State: Michigan; Issue Date: Before 1951

2.12.9.8. Margaret Muir (1925-2007)

Margaret Muir was born on 23 November 1925 in Wayne County, Michigan, to Peter Semple Muir and Mayme Zebio. By 1930 the family had moved to Lenawee County, Michigan, where Margaret's father worked as a steam pipe fitter at an automobile company. By 1940 the family lived at 9335 Hubbell Avenue in Detroit.

According to my grandmother, Margaret had a child in 1943 she named David Lawrence Muir.

Margaret married Herbert Ralph Fortgang on 24 February 1946 in Kentucky. Herbert had attended the Lawrence Technological University for at least two years and worked as an assistant manager in a grocery store when the 1940 census was enumerated. Margaret and Herbert divorced on 17 March 1947 in Wayne County, Michigan, and had no children.

On 14 January 1950 Margaret married Alvin Rose in Detroit. Alvin had not been previously married. The couple had two children and Alvin apparently formally or informally adopted David Lawrence Muir, who then used the name Rose.

They lived in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, and Alvin worked as an inspector for Pontiac Motors and GMAC during the 1950s.

By 1993 Margaret and Alvin retired to Roscommon, Michigan, which is known for its recreational and outdoor activities on the Au Sable river.

Alvin died in 2002 and Margaret died on 24 May 2007 in North Point, Florida, and was interred with her husband at Gerrish Township Cemetery in Roscommon.

________________
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Palmyra, Lenawee, Michigan; Roll: 1007; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 34; Image: 807.0; FHL microfilm: 2340742
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T627_1;888; Page: 18; Enumeration District: 84-1554
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, pages 19 and 22
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 46943988
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1950 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1953 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)
US, City Directories, 1822-1995, 1958 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret Rose)
US, City Directories, 1822-1955, 1960 Royal Oak, MI (Alvin Rose and Margaret M Rose)
US, Michigan Divorce Records, 1897-1952, 1947 Fortgang, Herbert A. - Fortgang, Margaret M.
US, Michigan Find A Grave, 1605-2012, Memorial No. 46943988
US, Michigan Marriage Records, 1867-1952, 1950 Rose, Alvin - Fortgang, Margaret
US, Obituary Collection, 1830-2015, 2007 Rose, Margaret
US, Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-Current, 2007 Rose, Margaret
US, Public Records Index, Volume I, 1993 Roscommon, MI (Rose, Margaret)
Venice Gondolier, 6 May 2007

2.12.9.7. Alexander Francis Samas (1921-2012)

Alexander "Alex" Francis Samas was born on 8 June 1921 in Cook County, Illinois, to Justin Samas and Elizabeth Marie Samas. Both his parents emigrated from Klovainiai, Lithuania, before they married. Perhaps they were related in some way? The year before Alexander was born his father worked as a machinist at a stove company. By 1930 the family, which included at least 10 children, lived in Chicago Heights in a home they owned valued at $3,800. In 1940 they continued to live in Chicago Heights in a home they rented for $26. Alex and a brother contributed to the family income by working as bus boys at a restaurant and their sister worked as a waitress. Alex worked 24 weeks in 1939 and made $230.

Alex joined the Coast Guard during World War II and met Bernice "Bea" Marie Muir at a dance in New York. They married about 1947 and had two daughters.

By 1954 when one of their daughters was born, the family lived in Orange, California. They later moved to Garden Grove and Fullerton, California.

Alex retired as an insurance agent, who worked for State Farm.

He died on 14 July 2012 and was inurned in the Altar Columbarium at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

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1930 US Federal Census, Census Place: Chicago Heights, Cook, Illinois; Roll: 414; Page: 20B; Enumeration District: 2020; Image: 807.0; FHL microfilm: 2340149
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place: Chicago Heights, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T627_946; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 103-809
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, page 21
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 102535517
Orange County Register, 18 July 2012
US, California Find A Grave Index, 1775-2012, Memorial No. 102535517
US, Illinois Cook County Birth Certificates Index, 1871-1922, 1921 Samas, Alexander
US, Obituary Collection, 1930-2015, 2012 Samas, Alexander F
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1997 Samas, Alexander F (Fullerton, CA)
US, Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002, 1998-2002 Samas, Alexander F (Fullerton, CA)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1972 Garden Grove, CA (Alexander F Samas)
US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Issue State: Illinois; Issue Date: Before 1951 (Samas, Al F)

2.12.9.7. Bernice Marie Muir (1923-2013)

Bernice "Bea" Marie Muir was born on 30 October 1923 in Michigan, likely on her parents' farm in Dearborn, to Peter Semple Muir and Mayme Zebio. By 1930 the family lived in Lenawee County, Michigan where Bea's father worked as a steam pipe fitter at an automobile factory. By 1940 the family had moved to 9335 Hubbell Avenue in Detroit. On 9 November 1944 Bea followed her sister Betty into the Women's Army Corps where she served as a practical nurse and surgerical assistant.

She met Alexander "Alex" Francis Samas, son of Justin and Elizabeth Marie (Samas) Samas in New York during the war and they married about 1947. The couple had two daughters.

By 1954 the family had moved to Orange County, California. In 1993 they lived at 533 Riviera Court in Fullerton.

Bernice "Bea" Marie (Muir) Samas; courtesy of
LocalTributes.com

Bea lost her husband in 2012 and she died 10 months later on 18 May 2013 in Fullerton, California. She and Alex were inurned in the Altar Columbarium at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, California.

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'Bernice "Bea" Marie (Muir) Samas,' LocalTributes.com
1930 US Federal Census, Census Place, Palmyra, Lenawee, Michigan; Roll: 1007; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 34; Image: 807.0; FHL microfilm; 2340742
1940 US Federal Census, Census Place, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T627_1888; Page 1B; Enumeration District: 84-1554
Alice (Muir) Jennings Genealogy Notebook, pages 19 and 21
Bernice Marie Samas Obituary, http://www.LocalTributes.com
Global, Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Memorial No. 111206284
US, Obituary Collection, 1930-2015, 2013 Samas, Bernice
US, Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-Current, 2013 Samas, Bernice
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1992 Fullerton, CA (Samas, Bernice M)
US, Public Records Index, Volume 1, 1993 Fullerton, CA (Samas, Bernice M)
US, World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, 1944 Muir, Bernice M