North Dakota Pioneer Certificate
The Red River Valley Genealogical Society issues Pioneer Certificates to individuals who can prove their ancestors lived in North Dakota prior to statehood in 1889.
Descendants of Thor Hegland qualify for a North Dakota Pioneer Certificate. He became a US citizen in Grand Forks county in 1882 and is listed in the 1885 Dakota Territorial Census.
Descendants of Kristi (Hegland) Gilbertson are also qualified for a North Dakota Pioneer Certificate. This website does not include a proof of residence document. Proof of descent documents are available on the Minnesota Pioneer Programs page.
Visit the RRVGS website for more information and the application. The following documents can be used as proofs (all are presented in pdf format):
Proof of ND Residence prior to 1889
Thor's 1882 Naturalization was issued in Grand Forks County, Dakota Territory.
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AND/OR
The 1885 Census provides proof that Thor resided in Rolette County, Dakota Territory.
1885 Dakota Territorial Census - Rolette County
Page 33, Supervisor's District 3, Enumeration District 40
Enumerated June 22, 1885
Household 368, Family 371
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Proof of Descent
Thor's children
Thor's obituary lists all of his children
Obituary of Thor Hegland - McIntosh MN Times, October 30, 1941 Page 1
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Proofs for Thor's Grandchildren
Click on the parent's name(s) below to view a document that can be used to prove relationship to their children.
| Sophie | George | Oscar |
| Allette | Lorentz* | Leonard |
| Anton | Alfred | Amanda |
Proofs for Successive Generations
Proofs for successive generations may/may not be on the website. Copies of published obituaries, memorial folders that include obituaries, birth/death certificates, official church, military or school records may be used to verify the relationship between parent and child.