Wisconsin Pioneer Certificate
The Wisconsin State Genealogical Society issues Pioneer Certificates to individuals who can prove their ancestors settled in Wisconsin prior to 1851.
Descendants of Gunder Bjornson (Gunil's grandfather) arrived in Wisconsin in 1842 and remained there for 10 years. Gunder filed a land patent in 1846.
Visit the WSGS website for more information and the application. Documents that can be used as proofs are listed below (all are in pdf format):
Proof of Wisconsin Residence prior to 1851
The land patent provides proof that Gunder resided in Muskego, Waukesha County, Wisconsin before 1851.
Document #15107 - Acquisition #WI2770_.074
Click Here for the document image
Proof of Descent
Bjorn as Gunder and Kari's Son
The record of Bjorn's baptism from the Eggedal i Sigdal Churchbook 1815-1829
Click Here for the document image
Gunil as Bjorn's daughter
As the son of Gunder, the patronymic (used as a last name) was Gunderson
The record of Gunild's baptism from the MN: Fillmore County Baptisms 1854-1883 database
Click Here for the document image
Gunil as Thor's wife
Thor's Obituary provides proof of descent for Gunil's children The Obituary lists Gunil as "Gunil Endru." To verify that Gunil Bjornson is Gunil Endru and married Thor Hegland in 1887, their marriage license should clarify the relationship.
Click Here for the document image
Sophie and Allette as Gunil's Children
Only Sophie and Allette had children
Obituary of Thor Hegland - McIntosh MN Times, October 30, 1941 Page 1
Click Here for the document image
Proofs for Sophie and Allette's Children
The 1930 Census can be used as proof of descent for both Sophie's and Allette's children.
Proofs for Successive Generations
Proofs for successive generations may/may not be on the website. Copies of published obituaries, birth/death certificates, church and school records are acceptable proofs.