When we first started collecting data about Ulrich and his descendents we discovered that Ulrich was listed in the 1900 census with a very young wife and a step-daughter. We had heard nothing about a second marriage. As we pursued this avenue of research we discovered that in “jogging” the memories of some of our cousins they did recall hearing that Ulrich had remarried and that his children had strongly disapproved. During the past 10+ years we have searched diligently for information about Mira Ida Tolstedt. While we have found much, we still have many mysteries. We can understand why Ulrich married Mira – he was a lonely man who had lost the love of his life and whose children didn’t like him. Why did Mira choose to marry him? Was this because her father had died when she was an infant? Was this marriage a second marriage for Mira or was Dorothea born out of wedlock? Was it a “marriage of convenience”? When, where, and why did Mira and Ulrich divorce? Did Ulrich maintain contact with Dorothea after the divorce? ( this one is unlikely). An article in the April 19, 1903 Omaha World Herald, pg 7 gives us some clues.
From Mira’s great grandson, L.D., we obtained a wonderful picture of Mira and Dorothea. Knowing what we know about Ulrich and imagining what life was like for single mothers in the late 1890s early 1900s, we picture a woman of great endurance and commitment. Dorothea’s story seems to be a true love story. Both of them seem to have risen above their troubles and finding happiness in their lives.
Miriam I. Tolsted is my GGrandmother. I have a picture of her, which portrays her true character. She was a very stout, determined and women. In the picture she is clutching the family bible tightly against her bosom. The bible was encased in an ornately embossed tin cover, probably to protect it against the elements. She never went anywhere without it, so the story is told. She was devoutly religious, a women who literally railed against sin, including swearing, demon drink, bars, and other places of sinful pleasure found in the West during that time. She was very active in the Prohibition movement.
Her daughter, Dorothea (Dorothy) Heartsease Tolsted, is my Grandmother. My Grandfather, Harry Wallace Delo, met Dorothy in Delta Colorado. They were instantly smitten with each other. However, Miram was not convinced that it was true love. First Dorothy was only 15 or 16, far too young to be in love, even though many were married in their mid teens during that time. She demanded that Grandfather prove he was of a worthy character and was capable of supporting her daughter and also her, since she would be living with them. If he could satisfy her demands, than she might agree that it was true love. She suggested that the courtship last for an appropriate period of time, in this case over two years!
During this courtship, my Grandfather traveled West in search of work, finally arriving in Tacoma around 1912, where a cousin lived who was married to the fleet Admiral. At that time, the Navy's home port in the north Pacific was Tacoma.
During his travels, he faithfully corresponded with Dorothy. I have most of the original postcards and they are a delight to read. There is no doubt they were in love.
Grandfather found work as a blacksmith in Idaho and he and Dorothy were finally married in 1913. Their wedding picture is one of pure contentment. Naturally, Miriam lived with or near them the rest of her life.
Attached are a series of files that comprise most of our information regarding Mira and Dorothea. We hope that it will spark your curiosity and that you may be able to help us fill in the blanks!