Roseau County
Jail and Post Office, Roseau MN, 1890’s – Courtesy of Roseau County Historical Society
Locations in Roseau County where Poles settled include:
Towns: Greenbush, Roseau
Townships: Barto Township, Polonia Township
Unincorporated Communities: Pinecreek, Leo
County-Wide Resources
Catholic Churches and Cemeteries
The church was a central point in the lives of Polish immigrants. Learn more about the churches and cemeteries in Roseau County where Polish families worshiped.
Vital Records and Land Records
The Roseau County Treasurer is responsible for birth, marriage and death records.
The County Recorder is responsible for land records.
Historical Societies
The Historical Society provides resources related to genealogy and the history of Roseau County.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management has General Land Office Records where you can pick the state and county, then type a surname. If an ancestor purchased land, you will likely be able to see the document and details about the land and purchase.
Census Records
United States Census Records
You can find a lot of information about the U.S. Census records on the National Archives website. The U.S. Census was done every ten years from 1790 through 1950. (the site has direct links to census records for 1940 and 1950). FamilySearch and Ancestry also have census records (Ancestry requires a paid subscription).
Minnesota State Census Records
- The first Minnesota Territorial Census was taken in 1849, and was taken again in 1850, 1853, 1855, and 1857.
- After Minnesota became a State in 1858, the Minnesota State Census was taken every 10 years, in years that ended with a 5: 1865, 1875, 1885, 1895, and 1905.
- 1905 was the last year of the Minnesota State Census.
General Genealogy Links
The following are websites with general resources and genealogy information about Roseau County:
Books
All available through the Roseau County Historical Society
| title | author/publisher | comments |
|---|---|---|
| County of Roseau Centennial 1895-1995 | Roseau County Historical Society, 1994 | Historical events and photos coving the 100 year history |
| Remembrances- Anthology of Roseau County Minnesota | Preface by Hazel Wahlberg, Roseau County Historical Society, 1975 | Includes information on a variety of occupations from the past |
| Roseau County Heritage Book | Roseau County Historical Society, 1992 | Township, City, and family histories |
| Pioneers! O Pioneers! Book 1 and2 | Roseau County Historical Society, 2016 | History of Early Settlers (1885-1910) – includes family names |
PGS-MN Newsletter Article
(You will need to scroll down to the page indicated to find the article within the newsletter link)
| newsletter | page | title/author |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2008 | 1 | The Early History of the Andrew Kryzska Family by James F. Kulas |
Maps
Plat maps are helpful in showing who owned the land that year. Click on the area you are interested in until you get to the detail level with names.
Historic Newspapers
The Roseau County Times was in print from 1895-1917.
The Roseau Times – Region began publication in 1917 and is still in print today.
The Gale Library at the Minnesota Historical Society has issues of these newspapers.
Greenbush
General Genealogy Links
The following are websites with general resources and genealogy information about Greenbush:
Public Library
Public libraries can be a valuable resource for finding local historical books, articles and other documents related to genealogy.
Local Newspaper
The Greenbush Tribune began publication in 1991 and is still in print today. Issues can be accessed at the Gale Library at the Minnesota Historical Society.
Polonia Township
General Genealogy Links
Leo
General Genealogy Links
Pinecreek
General Genealogy Links
Roseau
Public Library
Public libraries have valuable resources related to genealogy, local history and culture.
Roseau Stone Article
A rare old stone was found in the town of Roseau around 1918. There is an interesting story about the stone and where it was kept over the years. In February 2020, the Roseau County Historical Society became its resting place.
General Genealogy Links
The following are websites with general resources and genealogy information about Roseau: