Robert Hendrickson

  Research Notes:

NOTE: When I first reviewed the Michael Henriksson family in between 2017 and 2019, I wasn't able to find information on the youngest son, Robert (b abt 1877) and could not find him recored in the 1875 MN State or 1900 US census.

In the early part of Sep 2021, I again reviewed any information on Robert Hendrickson [most the family in the US changed the spelling of the surname].

There are about 20 Family Trees (FTs) on Ancestry that record Robert Hendrickson who was born about 1877 in MN. He was a son of Michael Hendrickson (1831-1890) and Helja/Ellen Andersdotter (1831-1900). This includes the Manuel Aquilar Hendrickson's Ancestry FT and his FamilySearch FT. Robert would be a 1st cousin, 3 times removed from myself - his mother was a sister to my 2nd great grandfather, Erik Andersson (1843-1921].

Many the of FTs record ND State Census (1915 and 1925) and US Federal Census (1920 and 1930) and record that Robert Hendrickson, b 1877 in MN, as an inmate in the ND State Penitentiary in Linclon Twp, Burleigh Co, ND. The US Census records him as a Widow. And Manuel Aquilar Henderickson has a note that says he had a residence in Minot, ND 29 Apr 1914 but does not provide a source citation.

These "hints" raises for me a couple of questions: [1] why was in jail?, and [2] why do the Family Trees [FTs] record any information on him, other that his name and birth?

My usual genealogical practice is to search as much information that I can, including FTs, Federal and State Census records, and newspaper articles. This is what I did for Robert Hendrickson. Using Newspapers.com [there are other newspaper archives], I found some articles and combining some additional census information, the "story of Robert Hendrickson" emerges. I suppose all families have "skeltons in their closet", but history including family history is demands facts, no matter how disturbing some facts maybe.

However, I do understand some family members may not wish Robert's story to be completely known. Perhaps if any of his descendents would be the correct ones to talk about his "story". As of today, I have decided that I will not record all the details that I have found (although, much of what I have found is public knowledge and is publically available). Perhaps in a future review of this family, I may not hide detailed information.

Written by Rueben D Grue, 8 Sep 2021
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