Josephine Simon Hayden Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-177

Scope and Contents

The Josephine Simon Hayden Papers consist of handwritten notes by Josephine about pioneers in the Thompson, North Dakota area, including the Thomas Pascoe and Nicholas Simon families. A four-page historical sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pascoe’s pioneer experiences was written in the 1920s from notes taken by Josephine during a 1910 interview with Mrs. Pascoe. Topics include homesteading, blizzards, agriculture, neighbors, and the sundries of rural life. A three-page sketch of Nicholas Simon’s experiences describes his move to North Dakota, business dealings, agriculture, and neighbors. A two-page letter gives further information about the Simon family. Two pages of notes describe the process employed by the Simon family to make lye soap.

Dates

created: 1910-1968
Other: Date acquired: 06/30/1968

Creator

Hayden, Josephine (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

Josephine Simon Hayden was born on her family’s farm near Thompson, North Dakota on May 25, 1890. Her father, Nicholas Simon, moved from Watertown, Wisconsin to Grand Forks County, North Dakota, in 1879. He homesteaded in Americus Township on a quarter section of land. He opened a blacksmith shop in 1880, one of the first businesses in Thompson, which remained open for several years. Josephine later moved to Buchanan, Michigan, where she died in July 1978. Source: Trydahl, Gladys Morrow and Anna M. C. Weber, eds. Memories of Yesterday: Thompson Centennial, 1881-1981, June 26-27-28, Thompson, North Dakota. Grand Forks, ND: Tri- County Press, 1981.

Note written by