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"I find three hundred and sixty five as many days as there are in a year. On counting the number of cards in a pack I find fifty two the number of weeks in a year - and I find four suits the number of weeks in a month. I find there is twelve picture cards representing the number of months in a year - and in counting the number of tricks I find thirteen the number of weeks in a quarter."

"So you see sir a pack of Cards serves for a Bible, an Almanac and prayer book."

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A: I've heard that you got married.

B: Yes I did.

A: Well, that's great.

B: Actually it wasn't all that great, my wife did pass away.

A: Oh, that's terrible.

B: Well, it wasn't all bad since I found another one.

A: How wonderful.

B: Not that wonderful, she was a bit of a nag.

A: How awful. 

B: Not that awful, because she had a great big house. 

A: That's great!

B: It was, except it burned to the ground.

A: That was bad luck!

B: Not really. because we had it insured.

A: Very good!

B: Not that good, because it was discovered that I was the one who set the fire. 

A: That's unfortunate.

B: It wasn't all bad, because I was sentenced to servitude and now I receive free room and board.

A: How delightful.

B: Really not that wonderful, since now I can't get back home to the wife.

A: Oh no!

B: It's not all bad, because she ran of with another.

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"And I will satisfy your worship of purity of my intention." And spreading the cards before the mayor he begins with the ace. "When I see the ace it reminds me there is but one God. When I see the deuce it reminds me of Father and Son. When I see the trey it reminds me of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. When I see the four spot it reminds me of the four Evangelists that preached, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. When I meet the five it reminds me of the five wise virgins that trimmed their lamps. There were ten, but five were wise and five were foolish and were cast out. When I see the six it reminds me of the six days God made Heaven and Earth. When I see the seven it reminds me on the seventh day he rested from the great work he had created and hallowed it. The eight reminds me of the eight righteous Persons that were saved when God destroyed the World. Noah and his wife with three sons and three wives. When I see the nine it reminds me of the nine lepers that were cleansed by our Savior. There were nine out of ten who never returned thanks. When I see the ten it reminds" 

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"me of the Ten Commandments that were handed down to Moses on tablets of stone. When I see the King I am reminded of the King of Heaven which is God Almighty. When I see the Queen I am reminded of the Queen of Sheba for she was so wise a woman as Solomon was a man."

"She brought with her fifty Boys and fifty Girls all dressed in Boys apparel. For King Solomon to tell which were boys and which were girls - King Solomon sent for water for them to wash. The Girls washed to their Elbows and the Boys washed to the wrist so King Solomon told by that."

"Well;" said the mayor; "You have given a good Description of all the cards except one."

"What is that?"

"The knave;" said the Mayor.

"I will give you a description of that too if you will not be angry."

"I will not; said the Mayor; "if you do not term me to be the knave."

"Well;" said the soldier; "the greatest knave that I know is the Constable that brought me here."

"I do not know;" said the Mayor; "that he is the greatest knave but I know he is the greatest fool."

"When I point how many spots there are in a pack of Cards."   

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October 1906

17th - Ellen Carstens died.

17th - Johanne Christen Rasmus died.

20th - Sofie Spillemands died.

25th - Sofie Spillemands was buried.

26th - Lars Olsen traveled to West Denmark.

28th - Charley Rasmusen received Sine's clothes.

November 1906

22nd - The Frenchman's sister-in-law died.

26th - Lars Eiby passed away.

December 1906

1st - Lars Olsen returned home from West Denmark.

4th - Albert returned home from Iowa.

October 1908

5th - A. T. Johnsen and Agnes's Silver wedding anniversary.

6th - T. Christensen and Anna (Mose) Silver wedding anniversary.

7th - Larsen wedding.

8th - Tilli Larsen wedding.

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(this page is in English)

Pack of cards - Prayer Book - and Bible

A private soldier named Richard Lee was taken before a Magistrate for playing cards during service. It appears a sergeant commanded the Soldier at church, and when the parson had read the prayers he took the text. Those who had a bible took it out but this soldier had neither bible nor common prayer book but pulling out a pack of cards he spread them before him.

He just looked at one card and then at another. The sergeant of the company sees this and tells him; "Richard, put up the cards, this is no place for them."

"Never mind that;" said Richard.

When the service was over the constable took Richard before the mayor.

"Well;" says the mayor. "What have you brought the soldier here for?"

"For playing cards in church."

"Well soldier, what have you to say for yourself?"

"Much sir I hope."

"Very good, if not I will punish you more than man was ever punished."

"I have been;" said the soldier, "about six weeks on the march. I have neither bible nor common prayer book. I have nothing but a pack of cards." 

Page 144 and Page 145

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(still written in his English)

Agreement

made and concluded this 14th day of September AD 1901 by and between Niels Hemmingsen of New Denmark in Brown County Wisconsin and Maria Hemmingsen of the same place, Witnessed that the said parties being Mand and Vife and each owning separate Personal Property for and in consideration of one Dollar paid by the one to the other in relation to said undevided Personal Property and all of such as thei may acomulate and own together herein only exepting Money of inheiretanse which any of the parties may receive that at the time of the Death of one of said parties the surviving party shal own and have for his or her share the one half of same and the Lawfull heirs of the deceised party the other half of all such Personal Properties as aforesaid to be devided as the respective parties in interest may agree and if they cant agree such property shal be devided of three disinterested men

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(still written in his English)

of which each partys representation select one and the two thus shal then be accepted and final.

It is to be observed in deviding said property that fifty Dollars is to be set of and allowed to each one party for Funeral Expenses and that the wearing apparel of each one of the parties hereto shal belong to such partys heirs.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seals the day and year first above written in presense of Niels Hemmingsen, Peter Christensen, Maria Hemmingsen, John Hemmingsen, Caroline Johansen. State of Wisconsin, County of Brown. Be it known that on the 14th day of September 1901 personally same before me the above N. Hemmingsen and M. Hemmingsen to me known to be the persons who executed the within instrument and acknowledged the same.

Peter Christensen

Justice of the Peace

Brown Co. Wis.

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Much like the world goes around and around so to do rumors travel far and wide across land and sea. Even though it might create strife between my husband and myself I've decided to put pen to paper and quell what rumors there might be and tell you with an open heart and in all honesty that I am happily facing my future. I can assure you that I've done very well since I got married. My life turned out so well and it is so interesting and good that I truly lack the words to describe it properly. Others can experience this degree of happiness as well and all they have to do is say yes. Dear friend, I would therefore advise you that you never ought to refuse a marriage proposal but instead get married as quickly as possible, that is if you desire to be happy. After all, what is more pleasant than finding a man that is able to make you laugh. I can ensure you from my own experience that you'll be so happy in your new position in life that you'll never lament the day when you entered into matrimony. You're more likely to feel indebted to me for my good advice. If your man is like mine then you'll feel pleased and happy in ways you can't even imagine. You'll feel loved and respected by all family and friends alike, you'll become a mother and enjoy the greatest things that life has to offer.

We, for our part, always lived together, two friends and somehow we always had cash on hand, which kept us from dreading tomorrow. You see my husband earns money with ease so no one can say that we are a byrden to anyone or that we live off of the toil of others, even though you hear about so many making it through life that way.   

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My husband is also renowned for being on of the best businessmen around and on of the more shrewd politicians on the surface of the earth. He has a sound judgment and a wealth of useful abilities. Every time I look at him I'm reminded of Solomon's wisdom, the compassionate Samaritan and other such outstanding men. He never enjoys strong alcohol and revels in the joy of happiness. There is probably nothing in the world that he holds more dear than me. He also never hits the bottle. Ever since our wedding day he has been nothing short of an upstanding citizen and has never kept the company of drunken fools. Trouble at home? Nothing could be further from the truth! More peace and quite which always made me happy and content. Basically, for all intended purposes , I've got myself a very normal, charitable, reasonable, aspiring, honorable and morally balanced man. Our only little son is also nothing but a little innocent and much to the joy of his parents he is a very polite and decent boy. Which is also why we call him Christian ??????? which is a nickname that can't be unduly earned. So, live well, write soon and address  it to ?????? and let me know that you are one of those lucky ones who have gotten engaged. Give my best to my friends and tell them that I have become very round and happy and that I feel luckier than you could ever imagine.  

Page 142 and Page 143

Page 142:

(141 cont.)

But in case that my said Grandchild Hazel shal Die before that time it is my will that my said property or the Money the sale of same will bring shal be devided in two Equal shares of which my Brothers and Sisters or their heirs take one share. And the Brothers and Sisters of my former Husband Peter J. Hylsenberg(Deceased) or their heirs take one share, with the exception that my Sisters Son Peter Nielsen shal have no part or share of my Estate or property.

Further it is my will that my current Husband Niels Hemmingsen if he shal survive me and if he so desires shal have and I hereby grant to him a life lease (not however to exceed fifteen years) no payment for same to be made on the Dwelling house Garden and Orchard on my aforesaid premises and as now fenced in, the above provitions are subject to this Condition.

And I hereby constitue and appoint Peter C. Petersen of New Denmark in Brown County Wisconsin (residing in Sextion 16) the Executor of this my last Will and Testament.

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(141 cont.)

In witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and seal this 30th day of April in 1906.   (seal)

Maria Hemmingsen

the foregoing instrument was signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Maria Hemmingsen as and for her last Will and Testament in presense of us who at her request in her presence and in the presense of each other have hereinto subscribed our names as attesting witneses and the said Testatrix was then of sound mind and memory.

Peter Christensen Langes T.O. Brown Co. Vis

Niels Hansen Fontenog Brown Co. Vis

Page 140 and Page 141

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gotten tougher there as well and they weren't able to make much more than what they needed to survive. After having stayed there for a few years they journeyed back to New Denmark, settled there and lived on the same piece of land until they both died. It was during the spring of 1874 when they really started their farming enterprise. However, on the 24th of July 1883 her husband passed away and she remained a widow until I arrived on the scene. So she had her second wedding on the 5th of September 1885. She had two daughters, whom I've mentioned already. Even though it wasn't a lot of kids, I can't help but wonder if it was her constant worry and grief for those kids that hastened her death, because there was always something going on with them. My wife fell ill immediately following Sine's passing. So she went to the hospital and had an operation after which she seemed to get better. However, it was short lived and she fell ill again and she continued to get worse until she died on the 16th of August 1906. A short while before she died she gave me Hanne's ring to keep and give to Artey. I gave it to George Rockwell. At the same time she also had her last will and testament drawn up as well as a written agreement regarding personal property.

    

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(this entry was written in his English and will therefore remain that way)

Copy of Maria Hemmingsen's last will

I Maria Hemmingsen of New Denmark in the County of Brown in the State of Wisconsin being of sound Mind and Memory do make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testamentr hereby revoking all former Wills bequests and devises by me made.

After the payment of my just Debt and Funeral Expenses I fgive devise and bequest to my Daughters. Daughter Hazel Caroline Kirstrine Rasmusen (a child now about 10 months old) all my right title and interests wichs I have in and to certain real Estate in Brown County Wisconsin, Namely in the South West quarter of the North West quarter of Sextion 15 Town 22 Range 22 being one undivided half thereof under a Deed of date March 1901 recorded September 5th 1901. Provided that my said Grandchild skal leve to become of the age of twenty one 21 years and the income from my said Estate skal each year be invested for her benefit and the amount or amounts thereof be paid to her when she arrives at the age of 21 years(turn page)

   

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she should go to Green Bay and check in to the St. Vincente Hospital. She thought she could surely get better there. So in spite of the fact that her husband could see that she was on deaths door, in order to please her he left with her in tow from Amasa on the 7th of August and arrived at the hospital that same evening. She did however die that night and the next day we had Ch. Rasmusen bring her body to our house. We were joined by mother and Charley, sister and their little daughter all of them came to our house. That same evening we called on Pastor Lund to join us at our house and he came and baptized the child and gave her the name Hazel Caroline Christine Rasmusen. The baptism was on the 8th of August and Sine was laid to rest on the 11th of that same month. Charley, his sister and Hazel were with us for ten weeks after which he bought himself a house of his own where they moved into. A short while before Sine passed away she had given mother the ring that she was holding for Artey so that she could take care of it.  

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My second wife's given name was Ane Marie Nielsen and she was born on the 8th of April 1846. She was the daughter of a crofter who went by the name Niels Petersen who hailed from Bruserup which was in Væggeløse County which was on the island of Falster. When she was about 20 years of age she left Denmark with ten or so acquaintances from back home and ended up in Marquette Michigan sometime between 1868 and 1869. They stayed there for one night. The next day they went with the mail carrier on foot along the railroad tracks up through Negaunee and in to Hell Town, which is now called Ishpeming. This was their final destination because they had a slew of friends who lived there and could supply them with places to stay. The following day a man stopped by who was looking for a girl to come work for him and mother jumped at the opportunity. He was a German who ran a saloon and boarding house and had a multitude of children. She worked there for about a year, then she got married to Peter Johansen Hylsenberg and together they moved to New Denmark where they bought land together. They didnøt have enough money to start farming so they agreed that they would travel back to Hell Town. However, times had

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Caroline was born on the 31st of August 1880. She was never really that well physically but she was quick on the uptake when learning new things. This rang true for both school and around the home where she was never afraid to get her hands dirty and get things done. She was confirmed on the 21st of April 1895 by Pastor TJ Ostergaard in New Denmark. From that point on she did leave for a while in order to go earn some money but she did spend most of her time at home. When she turned 21 years of age, she and her mother told me that I could have the farm if I wanted it. Naturally I had to officially buy it and pay for it. (Through this action my wife fulfilled the promise she made to me when I first moved in. However, I didn't inquire as to what exactly what costs were involved and they weren't forthcoming with what they were looking for either. As a matter of fact I ended up telling them that I didn't want it. I felt that I was to old to put myself in that kind of debt and it didn't look like any of my sons were thinking about sticking around to work the land. It also didn't feel right that Sine should be driven from her ancestral home when she in fact was the only heir. So I suggested to them that everything should remain the way it was for as long as we lived together. Upon hearing this, Sine said that she would

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look at me as if I were her father and that for as long as I lived there I could consider the house and land to be my property. It was during the winter of 1901-02 that mother and I offered Albert and Sine the opportunity to rent the farm as partners. However, she quickly quickly declined, stating that she had no interest in doing that, neither by herself or with a partner. Albert was far more forthcoming and took the deal that we offered. He took over everything and was also to pay all expenses, including $36.00 which went to mother and me. He also hired Sine for one year and he paid her $1.00 a week. He was also supposed to receive all earnings from the farm between the 1st of April 1902 and the 1st of April 1903 but after that period he wanted to be done. After that the farm was rented by Peter Olsen for the period of one year which ran from the 8th of April 1903 to the 8th of April 1904. Peter rented it for the amount of $160.00 which was to be paid over four quarters. Sine moved in with him and worked there for a while but that fall she got married and left with her husband Rasmus to move to Amasa where he was from. However, that winter she came down with influenza and was unable to shake it. On the 18th of June 1905 she had a daughter, but she continued to feel ill, so she got the idea that 

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A few days later she arrived at our house. However, she was very weak, and I immediately left to fetch Dr. Vasburg from Cooperstown. We sent for Rockwell and Artey as well. After a few days we began to realize that her condition wasn't going to be improving. So one day mother and I told Rockwell that if he wanted us to we would take care of Hanne the best we could. That way he's be able to continue tending to his affair and maybe be able to make a bit of money. As long as he made sure to come by and see Hanne from time to time, and maybe even help out a bit around the house. We also didn't want him to leave Artey with us since we already had enough to see to without having to watch him as well. Rockwell was very keen at these suggestions and he and Artey swiftly took off. He did come back quite often to see Hanne and on several occasions stayed for several days. Hanne remained ill until the 21st of March 1902 which is when she passed away. A few days before she died she had sent for Sine and given her a ring which she was to take care of it and give it to Artey some day. It was the only inheritance that she had to leave for him. Sine took the ring into her care, and even though Rockwell wasn't present at the moment of her passing, Jørgen did fetch him that very same day. 

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We asked him if he had the money needed to pay for her funeral, which he of course didn't. So I of course had to figure out something else. The day after her funeral I suggested that we sit down together and look at where we were at financially. 

We had previously lent them $75.00 as well as $50.00 that went towards the land that they had purchased. $30.00 for Hanne's operation and $62.00 that went to Dr. Vasburg. On top of that there was the funeral and a bunch of other expenses that we had procured while she was sick. We combined it all and came up with a figure of $300. So we asked him if he'd be willing to wash that against Hanne's inheritance which was an offer he found very agreeable. So we had a judge draw up papers and Rockwell gave us a receipt for $300. With this action he declined all further rights to an inheritance that Hanne might have had coming her way. 

Meanwhile, in order to cover all of the bills at hand, mother had to mortgage the farm for the amount of $300. The property had been previously mortgaged in the amount of $200 by mother herself from when she bought the land together with her first husband, Peter Johansen Hylsenberg.