A list of the Surname Files in the Research Library. RCHS has been collecting information for the family files for over 50 years. It is the mission of RCHS to collect, preserve, and share the history of Renville County, including its families, cities, churches, cemeteries, schools, organizations, and more.
The Family Surname files include obituaries, weddings, birth & graduation announcements, articles on the family, the submission for the 1980 Renville County History Book, and more.
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Last Updated: April 23, 2026 by Renville County Historical Society
Surname Files in the Renville County Historical Society’s Research Library Updated 4/23/2026
A list of the Surname Files in the Research Library. RCHS has been collecting information for the family files for over 50 years. It is the mission of RCHS to collect, preserve, and share the history of Renville County, including its families, cities, churches, cemeteries, schools, organizations, and more.
The Family Surname files include obituaries, weddings, birth & graduation announcements, articles on the family, the submission for the 1980 Renville County History Book, and more.
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Last Updated: January 26, 2026 by Renville County Historical Society
Preserving Renville County’s History since 1940!
The Renville County Historical Society seeks donations for their Shelving and Archival Boxes Fund to preserve local history. They utilize acid-free archival boxes from Gaylord, ensuring long-term preservation. Additionally, specific shelving and everyday supplies are needed for museum operations. Donations and purchases can be made via specified links or checks.
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Posted: June 12, 2023 by Renville County Historical Society
Maxwell – Donnelly Fairfax Crescent February 3, 1899
We had a couple from North Dakota stop by today inquiring about the Donnelly family (brothers, Michael and Cornelious Donnelly) who had land in section 30 of Wellington Township, Renville County. Michael and Cornelious along with their families… Read More
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Posted: July 18, 2020 by Renville County Historical Society
Henry Hauser’s speech given at the Fairfax-Minneapolis Club in 1929 in Minneapolis
I came to Fairfax about September 10, 1882. There was absolutely nothing there, except a crowd of men working on the R.R. track, west of town. There was no side-track, not a building, nothing but a stubble field… Read More
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Last Updated: March 13, 2026 by Renville County Historical Society
We NEED Renville County School Yearbooks (Annuals)! UPDATED 3/13/2026
The Renville County Historical Society needs your help to add to the Research Library’s Yearbook Collection. Yearbooks, platbooks, and phonebooks are key pieces of preserving the history of who lived in the area and when.
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Posted: December 3, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society
Fairfax Branch of the Red Cross taken from the book “Renville County in World War I: 1917, 1918, 1919” published by the Olivia Times in 1920
OfficersChairman: Wm. FissVice-Chairman: Dr. A.M. CrandallSecretary: Mrs. Ellen RussellTreasurer: Mrs. Emily F. Sell The Fairfax Branch was organized on June 18, 1917. Its activities covered a large field, the townships of Cairo, Wellington, and Camp being within its… Read More
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Posted: September 9, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society
High School Sports of Renville County Upcoming Exhibit!
The Renville County Historical Society & Museum (RCHS) is in the process of putting together a special exhibit for this fall & winter on the High School Sports of Renville County. RCHS is seeking the donation or loan… Read More
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Posted: February 25, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society
Killed in France, Fairfax Standard, December 26, 1918
The many friends in this vicinity of Captain Oscar Youngdahl better known at Professor Youngdahl will be grieved to learn of his death, which occurred in France on October 8. Deceased put in two years of earnest work… Read More
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Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society
Calmer Carlson Dies in France, Franklin Tribune, 12-12-1918
Of Pneumonia and Influenza Oct. 9 Memorial Services Held Sunday Evening Memorial services in memory of Calmer Carlson were held Sunday evening in the Ft. Ridgely and Dale church and owing to the beautiful weather the church was… Read More
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Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society
War Fund Campaign, Bird Island Union, 12-12-1918
Report by Districts We give below a synopsis of the report of Renville County’s United War Fund Campaign. G. O. Bergan, Captain Sacred Heart District, cash $6084.50, pledged $4176.25, allotment $10,224.00 subscribed $10,260.75. Dr. A. M. Erickson, Captain… Read More
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