Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Are any veterans of the War of 1812 buried in Winneshiek County?"

Jan e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "I was in Chatfield recently to see a play at their Potter Auditorium (a wonderful, hugely successful community rescued from planned demolition by the school board).   It was  locally written and performed by area people about Civil War soldiers from Chatfield area. 

Got me to wondering if we have any burials here in Winneshiek County of those who served in the War of 1812."

Mr. Answer Person says: "This was waaay out of my expertise, so I got help from LaVonne Sharp and Midge Kjome, who rummaged through the resources of the Winneshiek County Historical Society and the Decorah Genealogical Society at the Decorah Public Library.

LaVonne found two veterans of the War of 1812 who are buried at Russell Cemetery on Middle Hesper Road in Canoe Township: Jake Rotnor and Nicholas Russell, who fought at the Battle of New Orleans.

Rev. Erastus Harvey and Thomas Rathbourn were also Winneshiek County residents who fought in the War of 1812.

LaVonne and Midge say anyone looking for further information can contact the Decorah Genealogy Association, located in the lower level of the Decorah Library or e-mail  ddiggers@decorah.lib.ia.us