Ylikangas Ancestry

[clarson]

Greetings,

My name is Chris Larson and I am tracing my Finnish roots back to Suomi. I was successful in finding the original family name for both my Great-Great Grandfather, Jacob Ylikangas and his wife, Tiina Korhonen. Both Jacob and Tiina emigrated to America (or Canada) in the 1880's based on my research, but I am unable to find passenger manifests for either person. The couple met and were married in Branford, Connecticut, USA in 1898 and settled into the Finnish neighborhood of Bay View in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA. Between 1898 and 1902...Jacob changed his surname from Ylikangas to Larson for reasons unknown. I was able to meet several living relatives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, but no one has any family record of Jacob and Tiina's history in Finland.

The only link that I have back to Suomi is a passenger manifest of Jacob's sister, Amanda Ylikangas visiting in 1903. The connection is factual as it states that her purpose for the visit was to see her brother Jacob Larson in Bay View. However, there is some ambiguity as to the exact birth record of Jacob and his sister Amanda since there are conflicting dates from several of my sources. A family photo of Jacob states 1867 as his Finnish birth date, his headstone in Gloucester, MA, USA states 1867 and the 1900 USA Census states March 3, 1866.

Next, I began to search the Finnish Institute of Migration (http://maine.utu.fi/emreg/login_e.asp) for Ylikangas and found Amanda's passport info and passenger info which cited her date of birth as January 1, 1882 and her home parish as Alavieska. I unfortunately have had no success tracing Jacob's emigration. (photos attached)

Based on my findings, I am drawing a conclusion that if Amanda is Jacob's sister and her home parish was Alavieska...Jacob's parish must be Alavieska, but I do not have any facts yet to support this theory. I am hoping that someone can help me make the family connection back to Suomi with data from Alavieska church records. Thank you again in advance and I am very grateful for everyones consideration.

Please see attached documents for reference.

Respectfully,

Chris Larson

[Tuula Cu]

Hi!

It would help if you give also the approximate birth date of Tiina Korhonen. Were they married in ths US or in Finland?
And if they were marreid in Finland, did they already have children here?

Tuula K

[clarson]

Greetings,

According to her headstone in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA, Tiina was born in Finland in 1878 and died in the USA in 1965. Jacob and Tiina married in Branford, Connecticut, USA on April 30 1898. All of their children were born in the USA.

Thank you for the follow up Tuula K. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Respectfully,

Chris Larson

[Tuula Cu]

Hi,

Sorry, you did mention the marriage in your first message...

Alavieska is quite tricky to research, as the church papers have burned in a fire in 1916 http://hiski.genealogia.fi/seurakunnat/srk?CMD=SRK&ID=9&TYPE=HTML&LANG=FI
There are papers before that (1879) in the earlier mother parish of Kalajoki.
http://digihakemisto.appspot.com/index_am?atun=184286.KA&amnimeke=Kalajoen+seurakunnan+arkisto
- but sorry, no births (Syntyneet ja kastetut) for 1867 or 1882.
And in addition, there are no younger papers in even the ones you can browse in the archives from microfiche...

Amanda was daughter of itsellinen, and this means her father did not own a farm. This means her family is more difficult to find as they maybe moved from one house to another...

There is, however, proof that Ylikangas is a farm name in Alavieska (but also in Pyhäjoki, in Kalajoki, and in Rautio), here, a list made by Ilpo Kojola on estate inventory deeds
http://www.ilpoko.net/36 and if you click Y of the first letters, you will find the Ylikangas people. But alas, Jaakko/Jakob seems to be a very common name in the family! From the left you see
- Tila/sukunimi (farm, family name)
- Vainajan nimi (deceased)
- Vainajan titteli (title of the deceased)
- Kuolinpvm (date of death)
- Kylä (village)
- Pitäjä (parish)
- Vainajan puoliso (spouse of the deceased)
- Vainajan lapset ja muut perilliset (children and other heirs)
- Perukirjan pvm (when the deed was made)
- Tuomiokunta (the name of the judicial district)

You see also in which villages these deceased lived in. Piipsjärvi/Oulainen in Pyhäjoki, Kääntä in Alavieska, Tynkä in Kalajoki.

Tuula K

[Tuula Cu]

One problem with those "deeds" is that there is no Amanda mentioned in them...

I hope you get someone who is a better expert on this area, and has more ideas on how to find them. One would be to browse these census books of Oulun lääni(n henkikirjat)
http://digihakemisto.appspot.com/index_sarja?sartun=229038.KA&atun=316470.KA&amnimeke=Oulun+l%C3%A4%C3%A4nin+henkikirjat&sarnimi=Henkikirjat
and go through the Salo district on maybe 1885, 1900. In some of the census books it sates when people are in America or in Russia but obviously not here, I did take a look.

I also tried, briefly, to look at the births of Oulainen but with no luck.

Is there any hint of Jakob's father's name, when they married, or in the WW1 papers?

Tuula K

[clarson]

Tuula,

No reference of Jacob's parents on Jacob's marriage certificate. I could try to contact Branford, CT vital records for a copy...good idea. I was able to find the marriage registry of what I believe to be Jacob's sister Amanda. In the attached photo it states that Amanda's parents are Henrick and Pieta M Kangas. Could this match with Heikki Heikinp Ylikangas and wife Pieta Maria Heikintr from Ylikaanta (http://files.kotisivukone.com/ilpo.julkaisee.fi/Perukirjat/pk_yo.pdf)? They do have a child Johan Jaakob, but no mention of Amanda as well. Do any of the other heirs names possibly translate to Amanda? I am discouraged to find out that the Alavieska records have burned. You have been so helpful...what are my other options to find concrete evidence of a family match? Do you know of any professional or knowledegable individuals that can help continue my search? I am willing to compensate for these services. Thank you so much Tuula for your kindness and consideration.

Is Ylikangas a common or unique name in Finland?

Respectfully,

- Chris

[Tuula Cu]

Hi,

Ylikangas can be translated into "Upper" "Wood", and this wood is a dry sort of pine wood. In most of the cases there is first a farm called Kangas, and when it is divided into several farms, there is a farm called Ylikangas, another called Alikangas ("Down Wood"). Hope this is the case in Alavieska area, too, as this is not a familiar area for me...

Ylikangas is not so common a name. If you make a quick search in Hiski http://hiski.genealogia.fi/hiski?fi on all (Kaikki, Kaikista) parishes and take e.g. Kastetut (Baptized) and put the name Ylikangas in either Sukunimi (Family name) or Paikka, kylä, talo (Place, village, farm), you will get an idea where there are farms/family names called Ylikangas. (Hiski is a search which you cannot totally trust as not all the parishes and not all the books are there; details have to checked in the originals anyhow.)

The present situation of Ylikangas name you have here in Name Service, http://verkkopalvelu.vrk.fi/Nimipalvelu/default.asp?L=3 and when you put Ylikangas there as Surname, you will get 293 present day Ylikangas persons. Not very much.

It does look promising with the names of Henrick and Pieta M Kangas. Henrik = Heikki. "Yli" can have dropped out.
The family of Henrik Henriksson Ylikangas and wife Beata Maria Henriksdotter (born 1828) is here in Alavieska church book 1855-67 and there Johan Jaakob is born 1857, no Amanda. http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3814451 But Amanda born 1882 would be rather late for the mother Beata, and as you mentioned, Amanda is not mentioned in the deeds.

I have noticed that there were no papers on poorer people, when they died...

I will look at the censuses tomorrow, with fresher brains. Unless some one who really knows Alavieska has found your Jaakko for sure!

Tuula K

[tkukkonen]

Just a comment about Kangas. This naming is typical of the flat top of an elevated sand or moraine formation, geologically called esker. Not very fertile soil, often growing pine trees and heather only. Could be treeless also. Sandpits are often located on such places.

[BessemerFinn]

A possibility...

1890 Alavieska Henkikirjat, Ylikääntä; Jaakko Leanterinp. Ylikangas, born 1866, to America (line 5): http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21498906

Jacob, born 30.3.1866, Alavieska: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3855650

Shown here with parents in Alavieska Communion Book, 1858-1867: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3814443

[BessemerFinn]

1880 Alavieska Henkikirjat, Ylikääntä 3, Ylikangas: Leander Haapakoski, born 1843; wife (Maria) Lisa, born 1842, B(barn/children) 1?-3 (1 male, 3 female)

http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=594488

[BessemerFinn]

1885 Henkikirjat, Ylikääntä 2, Haapakoski: Leander Haapakoski, wife Lisa, B 2-4 (line 7)

Son Jacob would have been old enough in 1885, to be shown here by name...if he was living with his parents...

[BessemerFinn]

1890 Henkikirjat: The family of Leanteri Haapakoski can be found on line 9

http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21498904

[BessemerFinn]

1895 Henkikirjat...Leanteri now shown with the name Yli-kangas (4th line up from bottom)

[BessemerFinn]

1900 Henkikirjat...line 2

http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21517129

Manda Ylikangas, born 1882, at Ylikääntä 6, Niskala

http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21517136

[BessemerFinn]

Sorry, I forgot to post the links to the 1885 and 1895 Henkikirjat...

1885: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21419392

1895: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21496589

[BessemerFinn]

Hilda, born 26.8.1875, Alavieska: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3855752

[BessemerFinn]

Anders, born 14.12.1874, Alavieska: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3855735

[BessemerFinn]

Maria Gustava, born 3.8.1871, Alavieska: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3855735

[BessemerFinn]

Leander, born 5.4.1868, Alavieska: http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3855735

[BessemerFinn]

Oops...Anders was born 14.12.1873...not 14.12.1874...

[BessemerFinn]

Leander Efraimsson Haapakoski and Maria Lisa Johansdr Niskala were married 22.1.1865, Alavieska

http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=3845217

[BessemerFinn]

Amanda L Ylikangas Erickson married Andrew Ruosniemi in 1900...and was born about 1866...

Amanda Ylikangas, born 1882, from Alavieska, came to America in 1903...

[Tuula Cu]

Good, BessemerFinn has dug up a lot for you!

I am adding one detail I found from henkikirjat 1905,
page 50, http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21521774
again Jaako Ylikangas, this time his birth year is -71, but he has a wife Kristiina (=Tiina) born -67 and two daughters.

In henkikirja 1910,
http://digi.narc.fi/digi/view.ka?kuid=21526252
only Kristiina Ylikangas is shown, and with just one daughter.

And in henkikirja 1915, no Jaakko or Kristiina (in Ylikääntä).

And to be more precise with henkikirja, it is really not the same as census as the people should be there only after they have reached the age of 16.

Tuula K

[BessemerFinn]

I think this must be a different Jaakko Ylikangas... :)

[clarson]

Tuula, Alan Puromaki and Timo Kukkonen:

I am absolutely thrilled with your effort and factual findings. I can't thank you enough for your time and kindness. I truly felt that my family and I would have an incredibly difficult time tracing Jacob and his family, but you all clearly proved me wrong! Upon initial review I have so many questions and I want to ensure that I am interpreting and recording what you have found correctly. I hope you don't mind if I follow up with you all in the coming days regarding the church document pages. Thank you so much for solving a family mystery. What you have provided me is priceless. I can't wait to share it with everyone.

Kind regards and utmost respect,

Chris Larson

[BessemerFinn]

1902 Institute of Migration Passport and Passenger Information: Johan Julius Korhonen, born 1884; and sister Olga Korhonen, born 1892

[clarson]

Alan,

Thank you. I do have this information already on Julius and his sister Olga. What I have my been able to find is anything on their other sister Christina (or Tiina) Korhonen...this is Jacobs wife whom he married in Connecticut, USA in 1898. You have provided me so much already, but are you able to find anything in the communion/church records for the Korhonen's? I am aware that Korhonen is a very popular name in Finland. Thank you again.

Respectfully,

Chris

[BessemerFinn]

1902 SS Ultonia Passenger List (lines 19-20): Julius and Olga Korhonen, to sister Stina and Jaakko Larson, Bay View, MA

This site limits the file size for uploads to 1024 x 768...which means you will not be able to enlarge it...the original file was 3288 x 2520

If you like, I can email you the larger file...

Alan Puromaki
apuromaki*zoominternet.net

[BessemerFinn]

Karstula Preconfirmation Records, 1890-1899: The children of Juho Gabrp. Korhonen and wife Johanna Hallman...all born in Karstula...including...

Stina Johanna born 10.9.1876

Juho Julius, born 11.8.1884

Olga Maria, born 4.8.1892

[BessemerFinn]

Karstula Communion Book, 1890-1899: Stina Juhont. Korhonen, born 10.9.1876, who came to this farm in 1895...the next to last column shows "Am", meaning she went to America...but no date is shown...however, there are no communion markings for her shown here, which might indicate she went in 1895 or 1896...

[BessemerFinn]

The parents of Stina, Juho Julius, Olga Maria, et. al., shown here in Karstula Communion Book, 1890-1899 (bottom of page) (also shown above with daughters Stina and Helena)

Juho Gabrielinp. Korhonen, born 2.6.1839; and Johanna Juht. Hallman, born 19.8.1851...both were born in Karstula...

[BessemerFinn]

Johan Gabrielsson Korhonen and Johanna Karolina Hallman married 26.5.1872, Karstula (left page)...

From HisKi: http://hiski.genealogia.fi/hiski/5xq4c2?en+0173+vihityt+1289

[BessemerFinn]

Johan, born 8.6.1839, Karstula (from HisKi): http://hiski.genealogia.fi/hiski/5xoart?en+0173+kastetut+3963

Johanna Carolina, born 13.5.1851, Karstula (from HisKi): http://hiski.genealogia.fi/hiski/5xoart?en+0173+kastetut+5649

[BessemerFinn]

The 1872 marriage record identifies Johan Gabrielsson Korhonen as Enkl. (widower)...

He was married 26.12.1865, Karstula, to Kaisa Henriksdr

Both shown on page 162 at Kiminki 3, Isö Möttölä in Karstula Communion Book, 1861-1872; Kaisa Henriksdr, born 11.4.1833; died 22.11.1869.

Link to page above at FFHA free site: http://www.digiarkisto.org/sshy/kirjat/Kirkonkirjat/karstula/rippikirja_1861-1872_mko1-16/195.htm

Johan Gabrielsson Korhonen and Johanna Karolina Hallman also shown on page 187 at Kiminki 4, Wertala Kiminki, in the same book, after their marriage in 1872

Link to page above at FFHA Free Site: http://www.digiarkisto.org/sshy/kirjat/Kirkonkirjat/karstula/rippikirja_1861-1872_mko1-16/230.htm

[BessemerFinn]

To answer your question...i believe that Stina Korhonen, born 10.9.1876, Karstula; parents Johan Gabrielsson Korhonen and Johanna Karolina Hallman; sister to Juho Julius and Olga Maria...was the wife of Jaakko (Ylikangas) Larson...

The 1900 US Census shows her birth month/year as Oct 1874...

I posted quite a few records here for that family from the Karstula parish books...as well as links from HisKi and the FFHA free site...

[BessemerFinn]

Stina, born 10.9.1876, Karstula (from FFHA free site)

http://www.digiarkisto.org/sshy/kirjat/Kirkonkirjat/karstula/syntyneet_1872-1880_mko33-35/47.htm

[BessemerFinn]

Sorry...I misspoke on the post for Karstula Preconfirmation Records, 1890-1899...the daughter of Juho Gabrp. Korhonen and Johanna Hallman was Stina was born 10.9.1876, not Stina Johanna...

[BessemerFinn]

Institute of Migration Passport Information: Stina Korhonen, born 1874, Home Parish Karstula, Marital Status 1 (unmarried); Occupation Ent. palvelusneito (former maid); received a passport to America on 20.7.1895...unless this is another Stina Korhonen, I think the year of birth shown here is incorrect...