Sherman Bignell

When lived
1914-1970

How related to Kieran
Great-great uncle (brother of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
July 14, 1914, in Sunnybrook, Pepin County, Wis.

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
g Married Annabelle E. Kralewski (daughter of Thomas Kralewski, possibly b. Nov. 29, 1895, d. Oct. 15, 1981)

Children
g Marie Bignell
g Marion Bignell (m. Richard Pease)
g Wallace Bignell (father of Theresa Marie Bignell)
g Sherman Bignell II
g Richard Bignell
g Sherry Bignell
g Jean Bignell
g Jane Bignell
g Nancy Bignell
g Bernice Bignell
g Wayne Bignell
g Edwin Bignell
g Sharon Bignell
g Bryan Bignell
g Ronald Bignell (b./d. 1943)
g Irene Bignell (b./d. 1944)
g Lyman Tesco Bignell (b. 1956; d. 1986)

Interesting facts
g Carried an Arkansaw, Wis., address in Feb. 1960
g Carried a Pepin, Wis., address in May 1970
g Social Security number is 474-05-8849 and was issued before 1951 in Minnesota

Died
May 2, 1970

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Blanche Bignell (Bishop)

When lived
1913-2000

How related to Kieran
Great-great aunt (sister of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
May 8, 1913, in Waterville Township, Pepin Co., Wis.

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
g Alvin Ray Bishop [b. June 28, 1902, in Frankfort Township, Pepin County, Wis., to James Melvin Bishop and Bertie Jane Jackson (Bishop); d. May 9, 1985, in Red Wing, Minn.] on Jan. 29, 1930

Children
g Alvin “Red” Bishop Jr. (m. Nancy; m. Angie)
g Bertha "Birdie" Bishop (m. Stanley Von Helmst; m. William Gilbertson)
g Joyce Jane Bishop (m. Warren Roper)
g Terry Lee Bishop (m. Virginia)
g Lucille Bishop (m. Macira Rose)
g Virginia M. Bishop (b. 1938; m. Glen Van Thomma; lived in Faribault, Minn.; d. Jan. 11, 2009, at Albert Lea (Minn.) Medical Center, at 71 years of age and as an Albert Lea resident)
g Larry Lynn Bishop (m. Patricia)
g Linda May Bishop (m. Glen Breezee)
g Debra Sue Bishop (b. Oct. 17, 1955, in Red Wing, Minn.; m. Dick Knutson on May 8, 1982; children with Dick Knutson include Nicole Knutson; m. Terry Stulc on Aug. 22, 1992, in St.Paul, Minn.; d. Dec. 31, 2002, in Shalom Nursing Home, St. Paul, Minn.)
g Lorraine Bishop (b. 1941, d. 1943)

Interesting facts
Carried a Red Wing address in Feb. 1960

Died
May 31, 2000, in Hastings, Minn.

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Andrew Bignell

When lived
1911-1959

How related to Kieran
Great-great uncle (brother of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
July 6, 1911, in Arkansaw, Wis.

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
g Married Ruth Brunette ( b. Nov. 2, 1922; lived in Porcupine Valley, Wis.; one of her sisters is Gerry Brunette Keys) in Frankfort Twp., Pepin Co., Wis., on Feb. 14, 1940

Children
NA

Interesting facts
g During late 1930s, he and his brother Abner worked on a WPA project in Alma, Wis.
g Social Secruity number is 474-05-8848. It was issued in Minnesota before 1951.
g Nickname is "Andy."

Died
Oct. 7, 1959

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Georgina Bignell (Thompson)

When lived
1908-1963

How related to Kieran
Great-great aunt (sister of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
March 3, 1908, in Arkansaw, Wis.

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
g John D. Thompson on May 12, 1925

Children
g Irene Thompson (b. May 20, 1926; m. Alvin Walter Bergmark on Nov. 19, 1945; their children include Dona Jean Bergmark who m. Robert Ulrich, Jerome Alvin Bergmark)
g Raymond Thompson Sr. (b. July 16, 1928; m. Katherine LePean on Nov. 16, 1948; their children include: Lorraine Thompson, Nancy Thompson, Wayne Thompson, Betty Thompson, Glenn Thompson, Paul Thompson, Raymond Thompson Jr.; Raymond Sr. d. June 13, 1984)
g Royal Thompson (b. April 5, 1931; m. Vanetta Hanvelt on Aug. 26, 1953; their children include: Barbra Thompson, Steven Thompson, Linda Thompson)
g Norman Thompson (b. Jan. 12, 1934; m. Joyce LePean; their children include: Richard Thompson, Patricia Thompson; lived in Red Wing, Minn., in Feb. 1960; d. June 18, 1979)

Interesting facts
Her name sometimes appears in records as Georgiana
Died
Jan. 24, 1963, in Goodhue, Minn.

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Fred Bignell

When lived
1905-1965

How related to Kieran
Great-great uncle (brother of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
Born July 11, 1905, in Arkansaw, Wis.
Employment
Unknown

Marriage
g Married Irma Hill (b. about 1910)
g Later married Grace (picture shows Fred and Grace)
g Later married Norma

Children
g Leslie Bignell (m. Betty; their children include: Connie Bignell; Lesley Bignell; Susan Bignell)
g Betty Bignell (m. Max Zeppenfield; their children include Diane Zeppenfield, b. 1952, d. 2003; Jeanette Zeppenfield, b. 1954; Randolph Zeppenfield, b. 1956; Betty remarried after Max died in 1963 and had one son with him
g Fred Bignell Jr. (m. Della Ludi; theri children include Fred Bignell III, Truman Bignell)

Interesting facts
In 1960, lived in Milwaukee

Died
April 27, 1965, in Milwaukee; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.

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Mary Bignell (Stewart)

When lived
1901-1994

How related to Kieran
Great-great aunt (sister of Abner Bignell)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
Aug. 5, 1901, in Arkansaw, Wis.

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
g Richard Stewart (b. Feb. 23, 1895; son of Harrison Stewart and Sanny White; served in World War I as a PFC in 316 FLD RMT SQQMC, enlisting on June 5, 1917; military records describe him as having gray eyes and brown hair - see the photo of his draft registration card at upper right; d. Dec. 14, 1966; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.) after his return from service in World War I

Children
g Leonard Stewart (b. Sept. 4, 1922; m. Emilie King; their children include: Leonard Stewart, Melody Stewart, Debra Stewart)
g Nelson Stewart (b. Oct. 2, 1923; m. Rose Brantner; he served in World War II as a PFC in U.S. Army, stepped on a mine and lost almost half of his body; children with Rose include Patricia Stewart; d. July 17, 1989)
g James Donald Stewart (b. Sept. 18, 1924; m. Florence Heath at the Justice of the Peace in Arkansaw. They lived in the area until moving to Red Wing, Minn. He worked at sawmills for most of his working life. In 1956, they moved to Dundas, Minn., where they lived until 1969, when they moved to Fountain City, Wis. He retired in 1998. Their children include: Allen, who d. prior to Aug. 8, 2003; Stanley, Fountain City; Bradley (m. Mary Lou), Fountain City; stepson, Arthur Steffenhagen, Winona, Minn. James loved watching westerns on television. He died Aug. 8, 2003, at Community Memorial Hospital, Winona).
g Elwood Stewart (b. Aug. 17, 1925; m. Clara Hartley; their children include Elwood Stewart II, Carol Stewart, Rachel Stewart, Johnny Stewart, Robert Stewart, Jean Stewart, Debbie Stewart, Dennis Stewart, David Stewart, Bryan Stewart, Mark Stewart, Joseph Stewart)
g Myrtle Stewart (b. Dec. 24, 1926; m. a Price and then Carl Cornehl; their children include: Shirley Cornehl, Barbara Cornehl, Linda Cornehl, David Cornehl, Johnny Cornehl, Jeanette Cornehl)
g Genevieve Stewart (b. May 20, 1928; m. Virgil Schultz; their children include Ronald Schultz, Patty Schultz)
g LaVina Stewart (b. Nov. 3, 1930; m. Troy Herbst; their children include: Gary Herbst, Christy Herbst)
g Evelyn Stewart (b. Nov. 10, 1932; m. Philip Keeler; their children include: Michael Keeler, Blake Keeler)
g Catherine Stewart (b. Nov. 9, 1934; m. Larry Kraft; their children include: Diana Kraft, Victoria Kraft, Steven Kraft, Thomas Kraft, Lorrie Kraft, Laura Kraft, Kathy Kraft)
g Richard Stewart II (b. Nov. 8, 1936)
g Lawrence Stewart (b. Sept. 25, 1938; m. Charlotte Hedberg; their children include: Jeffery Stewart)
g Darrel Stewart (b. Nov. 9, 1941; m. Dianne Maxwell; their children include Tammy Stewart)

Interesting facts
g The 1920 U.S. Census shows Mary living in Pepin County, Wis., though it wrongly lists her birth year as 1902
g In Feb. 1960, carried an Arkansaw address

Died
1994; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Didama Bignell (White)

When lived
1894-1976

How related to Kieran
Great-great aunt (sister of Abner Bignell) (photo shows Didama standing at far right, holding a child in her arms)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha Hill (Bignell)

Birth
Born Feb. 2, 1894, in Wisconsin

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
g Married William White (aka "Will")

Children
g Bertha White (m. Charles Kullman)
g Mable White
g Ioma D. White (b. Sept. 29, 1913; m. Leonard Ritchie; d. Sept. 29, 1991, in Ontonagon, Mich.)
g George White (b. March 30, 1930; he's not really Didama/William’s son but a grandson they took in, though he called them mom and dad through his life; d. Aug. 25, 1991, Ontonagon, Mich.)
g Daughter White (died at birth)

Interesting facts
g The Whites moved to U.P. probably during Great Depression; in Feb. 1960, they lived in Ontonagon
g Social security number was 367-68-4417, issued in 1973 while she lived in Michigan

Died
Oct. 26, 1976, in Ontonagon

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Juanita Ann Scott (Bignell)

When lived
1921-1965

How related to Kieran
Great-great grandmother (mother of Clarence Bignell) (photo shows Juanita in late 1950s)

Parents
Daughter of James Scott and Celia Hopkins (Scott)

Birth
April 7, 1921

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
g Married Abner Bignell in 1939 at Arkansaw Methodist Church in Arkansaw, Wis. They met in late 1930s in Alma while he and his brother Andy were working on a WPA project there; she was a waitress in a local cafe.

Children
g Vivian Bignell (b. March 14, 1940, St. Benedicts Hospital, Durand, Wis.)
g Paul Abner Bignell (b. April 2, 1942, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Kenneth James Bignell (b. Nov. 22, 1943, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Shirley Ann Bignell (b. May 22, 1945, Arkansaw; now deceased)
g Clarence Edwin Bignell (b. Oct. 4, 1946, St. Benedicts Hospital).
g Thomas Daniel Bignell (b. Dec. 12, 1950, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Steven John Bignell (b. Aug. 20, 1952, St. Benedicts Hospital)

Interesting facts
g Wanted to vote for Eisenhower in either 1952 or 1956 election but her husband, a Democrat, wouldn’t drive her to the polls
g Pictures of Juanita:


Died
Aug. 4, 1965

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Abner Bignell

When lived
1912-1963

How related to Kieran
Great grandfather (father of Clarence Bignell) (pictured at right with his grandson Billy Heltne in 1960)

Parents
James Byrd Bignell and Bertha (Hill) Bignell

Birth
July 12, 1912, at home, near Arkansaw, Wis.

Employment
Farmer; laborer at Armours meat packing plant in South St. Paul, Minn.

Marriage
g Married Juanita Ann Scott on Aug. 8, 1939, in Arkansaw Methodist Church, Arkansaw. They met in late 1930s in Alma while he and his brother Andy were working on a WPA project there; she was a waitress in a local cafe.

Children
g Vivian Bignell (b. March 14, 1940, St. Benedicts Hospital, Durand, Wis.)
g Paul Abner Bignell (b. April 2, 1942, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Kenneth James Bignell (b. Nov. 22, 1943, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Shirley Ann Bignell (b. May 22, 1945, Arkansaw; now deceased)
g Clarence Edwin Bignell (b. Oct. 4, 1946, St. Benedicts Hospital).
g Thomas Daniel Bignell (b. Dec. 12, 1950, St. Benedicts Hospital)
g Steven John Bignell (b. Aug. 20, 1952, St. Benedicts Hospital)

Interesting facts
g Converted from Mormon to Methodist faith
g Voted Democrat in 1952 or 1956 election
g Additional photo of Abner
g Map of where Abner raised his family
g Slide show of Abner Bignell:


Died
Jan. 12, 1963, Durand, Wis.

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Chilelea Bignell

When lived
1888-1968

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great aunt (sister of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina Place (Bignell)

Birth
Jan. 17, 1888, in Wisconsin

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
Married Clair David Longsdorf (b. April 12, 1888, in Frankfort Township, Pepin Co., Wis.; d. May 2, 1968; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.; his father likely lived 1843-1920 and his mother 1849-1924, both also are buried in Porcupine Cemetery) on June 29, 1904.

Children
g Norman George Longsdorf (b. June 17, 1906, in Pepin Co.; m. Myrtle Clark, b. 1905, d. 1968, buried in Round Hill Cemetery, Pepin Co.; Norman d. Nov. 26, 1975, buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Girl Longsdorf (b/d Feb. 12, 1905)
g Ruby Lorena Longsdorf (b. June 2, 1908)
g Ardee C. Longsdorf (b. March 10, 1910, in Frankfort Township; d. Oct. 10, 1957)
g Arden Clair Longsdorf (b. March 6, 1918, in Pepin Co.; d. Oct. 18, 1973)

Interesting facts
g In 1910, the couple lived in Frankfort Township; Clair was a farmer
g In 1920, the couple lived in Frankfort Township; Clair was a house carpenter
g In 1925 and in 1930, the couple lived in Durand, Wis.; in 1930, Clair was an auto mechanic

Died
March 24, 1968, in Durand; buried in Porcupine Cemetery (her gravestone spells her name as Chilele A.)

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R.D. Bignell

When lived
1885-1968

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina Place (Bignell)

Birth
Oct. 19, 1885

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
Married Anne F. Ecklor (aka "Annie") (b. July 31, 1891; d. March 7, 1967; buried in Porcupine Cemetery near Arkansaw, Wis.) on Jan. 15, 1908

Children
g Virgil Bignell (b. Sept. 14, 1908; d. March 20, 1909; buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Chauncy Bignell (b. Jan. 3, 1910, d. Dec. 8, 1965)
g Vernon Bignell (b. April 18, 1916)
g Olive Faye Bignell (b. Sept. 14, 1908; d. March 20, 1909).

Interesting facts
g According to his birth certificate, his name is R D., not Ardee, but both spellings have appeared in official documents. The 1920 U.S. Census, however, spells his name as "Ordee".
g The 1920 census lists R.D. and Anna (it lists her birth date as 1892, however) residing in Pepin County with their children Chancy (notice difference in spelling) and Vernon.
g R.D. and Annie were card-playing friends of James and Gretchen Black.

Died
Dec. 6, 1968; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Lillian Martha Bignell (Brunette)

When lived
1883-1962

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great aunt (brother of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
Born Jan. 25, 1883

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
g Married Mitchel Jeremiah Brunette (b. Jan. 22, 1874, d. May 16, 1916) on May 5, 1897, in Pepin Co., Wis.
g Max Joseph Schwab (b. March 3, 1888, d. Nov. 24, 1939) on July 4, 1922.

Children
With Mitchel Jeremiah Brunette:
g Rose Mary Brunette and Roselia Mary Brunette, infant twins (b/d. April 22, 1898)
g Levi Joseph Brunette (b. May 14, 1899, d. Sep. 21, 1899)
g Jeremiah (Jerry) Joseph Brunette (b. Nov. 12, 1900, d. Oct. 24, 1974)
g Eva Marie Brunette (b. Nov. 2, 1902; d. April 18, 1962)
g Mary Brunette (b/d. May 27, 1906)
g Naomi Brunette (b/d?)
g Inez Mary Brunette (b. Aug. 24, 1909, d. May 3, 1990)
g Agnes Deloris Brunette (b/d Feb. 21, 1912)
g Bernadette Mary Brunette (b. Feb. 18, 1913, d. Oct. 30, 1963)
g Mitchell Joseph Brunette (b. Dec. 31, 1916, d. Feb. 9, 1917)
With Max Joseph Schwab:
g Jack Joseph Schwab (b. Feb. 25, 1923)

Interesting facts
NA

Died
Feb. 21, 1962

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Buel Brion Bignell

When lived
1880-1961

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
Aug. 25, 1880

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
Married Etta Stewart (b. Feb. 6, 1891, daughter of Melvin and Orpha Stewart; d. Nov. 16, 1982; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.) on Feb. 24, 1909

Children
g Fargo Bignell (b. Dec. 21, 1909; was a private in the U.S. Army in World War II, enlisting Aug. 25, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wis.; military records say he completed grammar school, worked in architecture, was single without dependents, and was 63" and 119 lbs. at time of enlistment; d. Nov. 29, 1981, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Leotta Bignell (b. July 2, 1912, d. 1997, was known as Stubby, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Floyd Bignell, b. Feb. 10, 1915; was in World War II where he held rank of private in Co. M 351 Infantry U.S. Army, enlisting on June 21, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wis.; military records say he completed grammar school, worked as farmhand, was single without dependents and 62" 117 lbs at time of enlistment; it also lists is date of birth as 1914; fell off a hay wagon and d. Nov. 14, 1958, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Lloyd Bignell (b. Feb. 10, 1915, is a twin to Floyd, d. Dec. 31, 1961, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Lyle Gordon Bignell (b. Feb. 29, 1916; was in World War II, held rank of TEC 5 in Co. E 242 Infantry, enlisting on May 5, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wis.; military records say he completed grammar school, worked as a farmhand, was single without dependents and was 61" and 109 lbs. at time of enlistment; m. Lucille Kralewski; d. Sept. 10, 1965, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Leonard Darrell Bignell (b. Aug. 3, 1920, d. April 29, 1987, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Sylvia Bignell (b. March 7, 1923; she may have married a Stewart)
g Velma Mae Bignell (b. Jan. 16, 1926, m. Francis Kralewski)
g Harvey and Howard Bignell (twins, b. Oct. 30, 1928, both died in infancy, on Nov. 1, 1928, and buried in Porcupine Cemetery)

Interesting facts
g The 1920 U.S. Census shows Buell (census lists birth year as 1881) and Etta (census lists birth year as 1892) residing in Pepin County with their children: Fargo (census lists birth year as 1910), Leotta (census lists birth year as 1913), Floyd, Lloyd and Lyle (census lists his middle initial as J).
g In 1940s, Buel and his wife frequently drove a hose-drawn buggy which a fringe on top while in Porcupine, Wis.

Died
Dec. 31, 1961; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Reuben Raymond Bignell

When lived
1878-1944

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
April 15, 1878

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
Married Elsie Stewart (b. April 21, 1891; daughter of Harrison Stewart; d. April 4, 1990; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.)

Children
g Sidney Bignell (b. Nov. 22, 1909, d. March 2, 1986, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Warren Bignell (b. July 31, 1912, d. Jan. 11, 1962)
g Elmer Bignell (b. March 23, 1915, d. 1971)
g Boy Bignell (b/d. June 10, 1916)
g Albert Bignell (b/d. Feb. 22, 1917)
g (?)Bernice Bignell(?) (b. Sept. 2, 1918, d. Sept. 6, 1918, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Edison Bignell (b. Aug. 3, 1920, d. Nov. 11, 1986, buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Ruby Lerenia Bignell (b. Nov. 16, 1922; m. Dale Rageth, who lived 1914-1994 and is buried in Porcupine Cemetery; she also is buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Louis Bignell (b. Sept. 9, 1928, d. Sept. 8, 1987)
g Emery Raymond Bignell (m. Gladys Scofield; Emery was in Korea in the Army)

Interesting facts
g The 1920 U.S. Census shows Reubin R. Bignell and Elsie residing in Pepin County withtheir children Sidney, Warren (census says birth year is 1913) and Elmer (census says birth year is 1916). Reuben's mother, Delcina, apparently is living with them.
g Some records spell his name as "Rueben" and because of that, his name sometimes is spelled that way on other pages of this Web site

Died
Sept. 12, 1944; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Oliver Albin Bignell

When lived
1876-1935

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of James Byrd Bignell) (picture shows Oliver and Hazel Stewart in top row)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
Born March 17, 1876

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
Married Hazel Stewart (b. Sept. 22, 1894; parents either are Melvin Stewart and Orpha Place or John Stewart and Esther Place; d. March 23, 1977) on March 22, 1913.

Children
g Harold Bignell (b. Sept. 18, 1912; m. Mildred Stelter, b. 1910; d. Aug. 26, 1981; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, near Arkansaw, Wis.; Mildred is buried there as well)
g Ernest Bignell (b. Oct. 5, 1915; d. Sept. 23, 1981; buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Doris Bignell (b. April 12, 1919; m. Clarence Johnson; m. Claude Cataract)
g Gladys Irene Bignell (b. June 10, 1922; d. ?)
g Myrtle Bignell (b. Sept. 23, 1924, m. John Cataract)
g Wilford Bignell (b. June 28, 1927; d. Nov. 7, 1948; buried in Porcupine Cemetery)
g Percy Henry Bignell (b. Sept. 10, 1929; d.?)
g Martha Bignell (b. Feb. 5, 1933; m. Harold Taylor; d. May 29, 1987)
g Lester Grant Bignell (b. July 27, 1935; d. 1998; buried in Porcupine Cemetery)

Interesting facts
g The 1920 U.S. Census lists the Oliver and the following family members as residing in Pepin County: Oliver, Hazel, Harold, Earnest (sic) and Doris.
g “Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Bignell and children of Upper Porcupine spent Sunday at the John Stewart home,” according to the June 9, 1925, Lake City Graphic-Republican

Died
Aug. 29, 1935, in Plum City, Wis.; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Eli William Bignell

When lived
1874-1959

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother to James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina Place (Bignell)

Birth
Born Jan. 4, 1874, in Pepin County, Wis.

Employment
Unknown

Marriage
Married Ella Jane Rodgers (b. Sept. 4, 1881; d. May 2, 1967; her gravestone in Porcupine Cemetery lists her year of birth as 1883) in Eau Claire County, Wis.

Children
g Elwood Erwin Bignell Bignell (b. Aug. 24, 1900, in in Pepin County; d. April 3, 1919, in Pepin County; buried in Porcupine Cemetry)
g George Webster Bignell (b. Aug. 8, 1902, in Pepin County; m. Hida Kern; d. Oct. 19, 1979, in Durand, Wis.)
g Cecil Royal Bignell (b. Dec. 11, 1918, in Pepin County; d. March 4, 1922, in Pepin County, buried in Porcupine Cemetry; gravestone lists name as "Cicel")

Interesting facts
NA

Died
Died Dec. 8, 1959, in Pepin County; buried in Porcupine Cemetery

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Jennie Elizabeth Bignell (Wakefield)

When lived
1867/68-1946

How related to Kieran
Great-great aunt (sister of James Byrd Bignell)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
Born Nov. 21, 1867, or Nov. 20, 1868, almost certainly in Pepin County, Wis.

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
James W. Wakefield (son of Samuel and Mary Jane Wakefield) on Oct. 13, 1887

Children
g Mantford Wakefield (b. Feb. 26, 1888)
g Florence Wakefield (b. May 1889)
g Delcina Wakefield (b. Aug. 1884; known as "Aunt Del"; m. Glen Nobel)
g Herman Wakefield
g Mable Wakefield ( b. June 19, 1896, m. George Ingli, d. Feb. 27, 1978)
g Nina Wakefield (m. Harold Roberts)
g Janie Wakefield (b. June 10, 1899)
g Boy Wakefield (b. March 1, 1901, d. March 31, 1901)
g Beatrice Wakefield (b. 1903, d. 1927)
g Herman Louis Wakefield (b. Aug. 16, 1909, d. Feb. 5, 1987)
g Elva Wakefield
g Elvert Wakefield (b. July 5, 1906, d. Jan. 11, 1907)

Interesting facts
Listed in 1880 census as "Eliza J." She apparently is named after one of her mother's sisters.

Died
Died Nov. 7, 1946

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Bertha Hill (Bignell)

When lived
1876-1960

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great grandmother (in photo, second from left; her husband James is at far left)

Parents
Thomas Hill Jr. and Anna Place

Birth
Born Oct. 8, 1876 (gravestone says 1875)

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
Married James Byrd Bignell on Oct. 12, 1892

Children
g Didama Bignell (b. Feb. 2, 1894, Wisconsin; m. Will White; children include Bertha White, Ioma White; d. Oct. 26, 1976, Michigan)
g Inez Orletha Bignell (b. July 19, 1896, d. Aug. 22, 1898; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Orleatha Bignell (b. July 5, 1898, d. March 16, 1900)
g Edison Bignell (b. April 11, 1900, Arkansaw, Wis.; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Mary Bignell (b. Aug. 5, 1901, Arkansaw; m. a Stewart; d. ?)
g Ray Bignell (b. March 7, 1904, d. April 15, 1904)
g Fred Bignell (b. July 11, 1905, Arkansaw, Wis.; d.1965)
g Georgina Bignell (b. March 3, 1908, Arkansaw; d. Jan. 24, 1963, in Goodhue, Minn.; her name sometimes appears in record as Georgiana)
g Andrew Bignell (b. July 6, 1911, Arkansaw; d. Oct. 7, 1959)
g Abner Bignell (b. July 5, 1912, at home near Arkansaw, Wis.; d. Jan. 12, 1963, Durand)
g Blanche Bignell (b. May 8, 1913, Waterville Township, Pepin Co., Wis; died May 31, 2000, Hastings, Minn.)
g Sherman Bignell (b. July 14, 1914, Sunnybrook, d. May 2, 1970)
g James Bignell Jr. (b. Oct. 5, 1915; d. Nov. 11, 1976)
g Baby boy, b. Oct. 5, 1916, Arkansaw; d. Oct. 5, 1916)
g Royal Bignell (b. Feb. 2, 1918; d. March 9, 1919; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Boy & girl (twins)? (b. Feb. 3, 1918, Arkansaw; d. same day, according to family legend)
g Bert Bignell (b. Mar. 24, 1922; d. Nov. 30, 1970)

Interesting facts
g Of her 18 children, eight died in childhood
g Family recipe for baked beans passed down via Bertha Hill:
3 lbs small navy beans
1.5 cups white sugar
1.5 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons dry mustard
0.5 cup molasses (mild)
2 onions chopped
9 cups water
0.5 pound bacon (cut into tiny pieces, raw)
Sort the beans/clean them/drain that water
Put clean water on and soak beans for 3 hours
Then put raw bacon in
Bake 5-6 hours in oven at 350 degrees

g Photos of and documents involving Bertha:


Died
Died Feb. 20, 1960, (age of 83) at her home after a short illness; funeral services were held on Feb. 23 at the Latter Day Saints church in Porcupine; the body was held in state at the Goodrich funeral home in Durand; Clive Metcalf officiated with a 2 p.m. rites and burial at Porcupine Cemetery; her obituary is in the Feb. 25, 1960, Durand Courier Wedge; it claimed she had 17 children, 58 grandchildren and 69 great-grandchildren.

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James Byrd Bignell

When lived
1870-1955

How related to Kieran
Great-great grandfather (father of Abner Bignell) (picture shows James' immediate family; James is first row, far right)

Parents
George Bignell Jr. and Delcina (Place) Bignell

Birth
Born June 25, 1870, in Sunnybrook, near Arkansaw, Wis.

Employment
Farmed and hauled cream for the Arkansaw creamery. Farmed in Big Coulee for about 5 years then moved back to Sunnybrook, where he lived the rest of his life.

Marriage
Married Bertha Hill (daughter of Thomas Hill Jr. and Anna Place) on Oct. 12, 1892, in Arkansaw

Children
g Didama Bignell (b. Feb. 2, 1894, Wisconsin; d. Oct. 26, 1976, Michigan)
g Inez Orletha Bignell (b. July 19, 1896, d. Aug. 22, 1898; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Orleatha Bignell (b. July 5, 1898, d. March 16, 1900)
g Edison Ray Bignell (b. April 11, 1900, Arkansaw; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Mary Bignell (b. Aug. 5, 1901, Arkansaw; d. ?)
g Ray Bignell (b. March 7, 1904, d. April 15, 1904)
g Fred Bignell (b. July 11, 1905, Arkansaw; d.1965)
g Georgina Bignell (b. March 3, 1908, Arkansaw; d. Jan. 24, 1963, in Goodhue, Minn.; her name sometimes appears in record as Georgiana)
g Andrew Bignell (b. July 6, 1911, Arkansaw; d. Oct. 7, 1959)
g Abner Bignell (b. July 5, 1912, at home near Arkansaw; d. Jan. 12, 1963, Durand)
g Blanche Bignell (b. May 8, 1913, Waterville Township, Pepin Co., Wis; m. Alvin Ray Bishop; d. May 31, 2000, Durand, Wis.)
g Sherman Bignell (b. July 14, 1914, Sunnybrook, d. May 2, 1970)
g James Bignell II (b. Oct. 5, 1915; m. Genevieve Kralewski, daughter of Thomas Kralewski; their children include: Charlotte Bignell, James Bignell III, Florence Bignell, Carl Bignell, Harvey Bignell, Royal Bignell, Frank Bignell, Gloria Bignell who m. Richard Hoyt, Eli Bignell, Lorraine Bignell who was b. Sept. 26, 1940 and d. April 10, 1989; James Bignell II d. Nov. 11, 1976)
g Baby boy (b./d. Oct. 5, 1916, Arkansaw)
g Royal (b. Feb. 2, 1918; d. March 9, 1919; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Boy & girl (twins)? (b. Feb. 3, 1918, Arkansaw; d. same day, according to legend)
g Bert Bignell (b. Mar. 24, 1922; d. Nov. 30, 1970)

Interesting facts
g James never wore shoes, or at least that’s what people say, so he got nicknamed an Indian. This has created a myth in the family that we have Indian blood. There is no proof of any direct line descendant marrying a person of other than English/Northern European descent, however.
g The 1920 U.S. Census lists James (census lists his birth date as 1871) and Bertha Bignell as residing in Pepin County with their children Mary (census lists her birth date as 1902), Fred (census lists his birth date as 1905) , Georgiana (note spelling difference; census lists her birth date as 1909), Andrew (census lists his birth date as 1912), Abner (census lists his birth date as 1913), Blanche (census lists her birth date as 1914), Sherman (census lists his birth date as 1915) and James (census lists his birth date as 1916).
g Additional photo of James

Died
Died Dec. 5, 1955; buried in the Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.

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Sarah Bignell (Taylor)

When lived
1852-NA

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great aunt (sister of George Bignell Jr.)

Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha (Rands) Bignell

Birth
Born 1852 in England

Employment
NA (presumably housewife)

Marriage
Married Joe Taylor

Children
NA

Interesting facts
g Picture apparently shows Sarah, third from left, though she was referred to as "Susan" by the party that preserved the photo
g Another picture of Sarah

Died
NA

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Elizabeth Bignell

When lived
1850?-NA

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great aunt (sister of George Bignell Jr.) (in picture, Elizabeth is second from right; her siblings include, left to right, George Jr., Richard, Susan/Sarah and Robert)

Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha (Rands) Bignell

Birth
Born 1850? in Newport-Pagnell, Northamptonshire, England

Employment
Unknown (presumably housewife)

Marriage
Married Alfred Allen

Children
g Allen

Interesting facts
g Living at a Plainview, Minn., address in October 1930
g Another photo of Elizabeth

Died
NA

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Edmund Bignell (2)

When lived
1849-1915

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of George Bignell Jr.)

Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha (Rands) Bignell

Birth
Born in Dec. 10, 1849, in Simpson, England, according to 1851 English census

Employment
Farmer in Waterville Township, Pepin County, Wis., at time of marriage to Elizabeth; farmer in Frankfort, Pepin Co., at time of marriage to Carrie Richee

Marriages
g Elizabeth Riches (daughter of George and Jane Riches) on Nov. 10, 1872, in Waterville, Pepin Co., by Justice of the Peace John H Blackford with George Riches and Elizabeth Riches as subscribing witnesses. Edmund’s name is spelled “Bignal” on the marriage registration form. Anna Jane Riches is Elizabeth's younger sister.
g Carrie Leotia Richee (b. Oct. 12, 1872, in Pepin Co., Wis., to Chester Richee and Elizabeth Askins (Richee), both of who are buried at Round Hill Cemetery, Pepin Co.; his second wife; her siblings are: Martha Jane Ritchie, b. Nov. 2, 1866, Eau Claire Co., Wis., d. Sept. 1890; Welcome Sylvester Richie, b. March 3, 1868, Frankfort, Pepin Co., d. 1940, Cayuga Co, N.Y.; and Cora B. Richie, b. March 21, 1878, Frankfort, Pepin Co., d. Aug. 2, 1892, Pepin Co.; after divorcing, Carrie m. William McKinley Manore on Nov. 19, 1893, in Arkansaw, Pepin Co.; their children include William McKinley Manore, b. Aug. 31, 1896, Pepin Co., Lee L. Manore, b. May 20, 1899, Pepin Co., Grace Etta Manore, b. Sept. 12, 1901, Pepin Co., Vaughn Odell Manore, b. Oct. 30, 1907, Pepin Co.; William Manore died Dec. 15, 1910; Carrie d. Dec. 7, 1910.; see Richie family tree for more) on April 12, 1887, in Waterville, Pepin Co., Wis., at the M.E. Church, W.S. York officiating with Chester C. Richee and Elizabeth (Askins) Richee as subscribing witnesses. The marriage was registered April 18, 1887.)

Children
With Elizabeth Riches:
g Mary (or May) (b. 1871 in Pepin Co., Wis.; d. 1921)
With Carrie Richee:
g Vernie Olie Bignell (b. March 13, 1888, Pepin Co.; d. Jan. 7, 1892)
g Nellie R. Bignell (b. Aug. 28, 1889, Pepin Co.)
g Franklin Bignell (b. 1890, Pepin Co.)
g William Bignell (b. 1893, Pepin Co.)

Interesting facts
g First name sometimes spelled Edmond on official records
g Immigrated to the U.S. in 1855, according to a declaration of citizenship filed in Pepin County, Wis.
g He moved to Washington state while his siblings remained in west-central Wisconsin; a reason why Edmond may have come to Washington state is he and Elizabeth Riches (his first wife) had a daughter, Mary, who married William Valentine Van Etten in Eau Claire Co., Wis., and died in Washington State. William and May had a family in Washington and live in Whatcom County, Wash., for a while. There seems to be a group that traveled to Washington state before the turn of the century (1900). Edmund is in a 1900 Federal Census for Washington state, Summit Precinct, Chehalis Co., with William Van Etten as head of household. William was a cook. May Van Etten and three children (William, Frankie, Satie), and Edmund Bignold (that's how it's spelled) born England and got citizenship in 1889, also a day laborer; & Frank Bignold, brother in law. In the 1910 Washington Census, William Van Etten, May, and four children are in Bellingham, Whatcom, Wash. There is no record of Carrie going with Edmund to Washington state; records show she married a William Manore. Edmond’s Died certificate lists him as divorced.

Died
July 3, 1915, in Whatcom County near Everson, Wash., and was buried in Bellingham, Wash. Cause of death on his birth certificate was listed as Mitral regurgitation, Mitral Infarct of the heart, secondary: Chronic nephritis.

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Robert Bignell

When lived
1847-1930

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of George Bignell Jr.) (picture shows Robert and his immediate family)

Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha (Rands) Bignell

Birth
March 16, 1847, Newport-Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England (gravestone says 1846)

Employment
Farmer in Frankfort Township, Pepin Co., Wis.

Marriage
Married Didama (nickname "Diane") Place (b. 1859, daughter of Levi and Polly (Moorhouse) Place, d. 1931, buried in Round Hill Cemetery) on May 27, 1875, in Frankfort, Pepin County, Wis. James S. Lewis, a justice of the peace, gave the marriage vows with Joseph and Ann Hight (Robert’s older sister and her husband) as subscribing witnesses. Their marriage was registered on June 17, 1875.

Children
g Cora W. Bignell (m. Carlton Roberts; moved to Alma, Washington; d. before 1930
g Lottie E. Bignell (b. March 12, 1879; d. Feb. 1, 1898; buried in Round Hill Cemtery)
g Nathan Arthur Bignell (b. Jan. 31, 1876, in Pepin County; m. Sadie Vaughn; they had two daughters, Fay and Zetta; living in Index, Washington state, in 1930 census)
g Otis Bignell (b. May 22, 1881; m. Mary b. abt 1886; among their children is Orlin Bignell b. about abt 1905; his World War I draft registration card shows he registered in Pepin County; Otis and Orlin Otis farmed in the Sunnybrook valley, Waterville Township, Pepin County; Orlin and his wife Mabel were friends with Lyle and Stalla Dahlgren and lived about a quarter mile from the school in Porcupine; Otis d. July 29, 1953, at 2:45 p.m. in Plum City, Wis., suiffered cerebral thrombosis about a week before dying of generalized arteriosclerosis, suffered from senility, attended by Dr. E.E. Steiger; buried July 30, 1953, in Porcupine Cemetery with PW. Goodrich, Durand, Wis., as funeral director)
g Chester Bignell (b. Feb. 2, 1885, Wisconsin; m. Iva Ann Hill; living in Porcupine area in 1930d. Sept. 26, 1962, Wis.; buried in Porcupine Cemetery, Pepin County, Wis.)
g Leoma Bignell (b. Jan. 21, 1887; nickname Dona; m. Guy Hill; living in Porcupine area in 1930; d. April 28, 1954)
g Daisey Melena Bignell (b. Feb. 28, 1889; m. Matt Hei; living in Porcupine area in 1930)
g Pearl D. Bignell (b. 1892; living in Plum City, Wis., in 1930; d.1957)
g Orba Bignell (b. 1901; m. Clarence Lauer; their children include Vainerd N. Lauer, b. abt. 1923, and Catheirne M. Lauer, b. abt. 1925; living in Porcupine area in 1930; Orba died when a gas cook stove blew up: when her apron caught on fire at a gas stove, she ran outside to get help from her husband. Once outside, her clothes blazed on fire, and she died. Years later, this story saved the life of her niece Stella Fannie Bignell, whose clothing also caught fire on a gas stove. Stella had immediately thought of running outside to stop the flames inside the house, thinking of the water pump just outside our door. Fortunately, she thought of Orba and laid down on the floor to roll herself up in the sandy rugs by the door. She suffered some burns but survived. Clarence then married Ethel Claflin and had two children, Bernetta Lauer and Leonard Lauer, who d. in 2012)

Interesting facts
g He often told stories about crossing the Atlantic Ocean from England to Canada. Among them: Whent here were storms at sea, he and other small boys were tied to the sail masts to keep them steady.
g Filed a Declaration of Intent for citizenship in Pepin County at Durand. It states he was born in 1847, emigrated in 1857 through Detroit, Mich.
g Lost an arm in a threshing machine accident
g The 1880 U.S. Census lists the following living in Robert's Frankfort Township household: Robert Bignell, 34 years old; Didama Bignell, 22; Nathan Bignell, 4; Cora Bignell, 2; Lotta E. Bignell, 1
g The 1900 U.S. Census lists the following living in Robert's Frankfort Township household: Robert Bignal, 54 years old; Didama Bignal, 41; Otis Bignal, 19; Chester Bignal, 15; Leonia Bignal, 13, Daisy Bignal, 11, Pearl Bignal, 7
g In 1913, Robert and family gave up farming and moved to new home where he resided until his death
g The 1920 U.S. Census lists Robert, Didama, Orb (sic) as residing in Pepin County
g The 1930 U.S. Census lists Robert and Didama living with their daughter Orba and her husband, Clarence, 28 years old, who have two children, Vainerd N. Lauer, 7 years old, and Catherine M. Lauer, 5 years old, in Frankfort Township
g Another picture of Robert Bignell
g Picture of Robert Bignell with siblings

Died
Oct. 13, 1930, at his home in Wisconsin, of a paralytic stroke; daughter Pearl informed authorities of his death; funeral services were held Oct. 16, 1930,  at 2 p.m. with services conducted by Elder W.E. Shakespeare; buried in Round Hill Cemetery; his obituary ran in the Oct. 23, 1930 Durand Courier Wedge

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Richard A. Bignell Sr.

When lived
1843-1915


How related to Kieran
Great-great-great uncle (brother of George Bignell Jr.) (In picture, circa 1890, Richard is second to left in first standing row)


Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha Rands (Bignell)


Birth
Feb. 14, 1843, in Simpson, or Newport-Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England. Likely baptized on Feb. 22, 1843


Employment
Farmer


Marriage
Married Rhoda Ann Hoyt (b. Sept. 1847; daughter of a Gardner C. Hoyt and Delilah Baker (Hoyt); d. May 26, 1910; buried in Round Hill Cemetery (Pepin Co.), Wis.) on Jan. 1, 1872; Justice of the Peace James S. Lewis pronounced the marriage with Robert Bignal and Hans Morrison as witnesses

Children
g Richard A. Bignell Jr. (b. Feb. 22, 1876; d. Aug. 16, 1896; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Ralph Gardner Bignell (m. Mary Hite; their children include Garry Bignell; Ralph played a musical instrument in public performances in Porcupine area)
g Roy A. Bignell (b. 1882; for several years operated a grist mill in Porcupine; d. 1947; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Rhoda Bignell (m. Clarence Wakefield; their children include Samuel Richard "Dick" Wakefield; memories of the woman – Norma – Samuel later would marry are available online)
g Roxy Bignell (m. Cox)
g Rodney A. Bignell
g Rose Bignell
g Raymond Albert Bignell (b. Sept. 22, 1884)
g Randall Arthur Bignell (b. April 8, 1888; d. 1959; buried in Round Hill Cemetery)
g Russell Arthur Bignell (b. Nov. 23, 1889, Frankfort Township, Pepin County, Wis.; m. Anna Reinhardt, who was born about 1892; their children include: Dorothy Bignell, b. 1919, m. a Byrne and d. prior to mid-2009; Glenn Gordon Bignell, b. Jan. 28, 1921, in Porcupine, m. Estella Catura on Jan. 28, 1948, and d. Aug. 3, 2009, in La Crosse, Wis.; Ruth Bignell, who m. an Anderson and was living in Santa Barbara, Calif., in mid 2009; Kenneth Bignell, who d. prior to mid-2009; an article in the Durand, Wis., Courier Wedge dated Oct. 27, 1921 states that: "(Carl W.) Thies was arrested upon a complaint of Russell Bignell. Thies was charged with assault with attempt to do great bodily harm."; Russell and his family moved from Porcupine to Durand in 1926 and started RA Bignell and Sons Company; the business' name changed to Durand Mill for Farmers to Durand Feed Store to Case Machinery and Farmers Machinery Company; Russell d. Feb. 16, 1955, St. Benedicts Hospital, Durand)

Interesting facts
g Richard filed a declaration of intent for citizenship in Pepin County at Durand. It states he was born in 1843; emigrated 1856 at port of Detroit, Mich.
g Information about family history of Richard's wife, Rhoda; they are from Cayuga County, N.Y.
g Richard's last name is spelled "Bignal" on his marriage certificate
g Another photo of Richard

Died
March 14, 1915, in Wisconsin; buried in Round Hill Cemetery

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Ann Bignell (Hight)

When lived
1840-?

How related to Kieran
Great-great-great aunt (sister of George Bignell Jr.)

Parents
George Bignell Sr. and Martha (Rands) Bignell

Birth
Born 1840 in Simpson, England

Employment
Housewife

Marriage
g Married Joseph Hight (nicknamed "One-eyed Joe"), son of Josiah Hight; a history of the Hight family exists online - in this case, Joseph's father, Josiah, is Samuel Hight's brother.
g Married John Rossio Jr. on Feb. 3, 1893, at Methodist Church, Turtle Lake, Wis.

Children

With Joseph:
g Sarah (m. Frank Ecklar)
g Three other girls

Interesting facts
g Some records list her name as “Anna”, others as "Mary Ann"
g Ann likely is the seated woman in the center of the above photo. (photo courtesy of George Black)

Death
NA

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