About Us

I have wanted to write about my family's history for as long as I can remember. I have done so on my other blog to some degree, but this blog's main purpose is to document our ancestors' stories. How they got here, how they spent their lives, and what was important to them. As keeper (one of three) of the family's treasures, documents, and photos, I have wanted to bring everything together in some semblance of organization. Is that even possible? My husband will be assisting with all the sorting, scanning and copying. 

Stories span from Albania, Bavaria, Switzerland and Norway to across the ocean to New York, Virginia, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Idaho, and finally, Washington State. We have boxes full of photos and keepsakes dating back to the 1800s, and on the Norwegian side to around 1700 or earlier. Nearly all of the early families settled in the Tacoma area (one family moved to California). Since then we have gone different directions, but most to my knowledge stayed in the west.

So were we important? Of course, every last one of us. I believe each had a purpose in life, even the relative (a twin) who committed suicide. Some played more obvious roles in history. My great-great grandfather fought in the Civil War, was a founding pioneer of Kingfisher, OK, and participated in the Oklahoma Land Run. Another great-great grandfather panned for gold in the California Gold Rush. An uncle, we are told, helped build the Brooklyn Bridge in 1869. Money was sent back to Norway by my grandfather to put a brother through medical school. My grandfather served in the Army and rose in rank to a high colonel. A great-great uncle, a Lutheran minister, road on horseback all over the state of Missouri  spreading the gospel. His stories are printed in The Lutheran Witness. 

Probably less noticed, but just as important is my grandmother in Tacoma whose faith in God influenced her grandchildren greatly. She had a jail ministry, we are told. The family started businesses. As self-employed entrepreneurs, we were self-starters with a strong work ethic that still runs strong in the family. A grocery store, clothing store, and rug cleaning business came to be. We have musical talent. An uncle played base guitar in a Western band. His parents both played instruments. A great-great grandmother, Ada, taught and played piano. She is also the relative who loved write....I am indebted to Ada's inscriptions in her bible and elsewhere.

Well, this is a start, merely a start, and I urge family members reading this blog to add their comments and, if so inclined, write a guest post. Just let me know of your interest. This is for you after all! 

A special note to visitors: Please feel free to search this blog and comment. As this is a work in progress, I may be able to answer questions not found here. We may even have family in common, which would be delightful. I do not mind sharing any of the digital images if credited but please ask first. All stories and text are copyrighted as well. Thank you!

Sharon Himsl (Hammond)