I am researching an Inga Bestul, b. ~1917 in Polk Co. There is a family rumor that she murdered her husband, and I am trying to track that story down.

Her parents were Tideman Bestul and Anna Vangen. Anna remarried Oscar Olson in 1927, and in the 1930 census (Woodside Twp., Polk Co.), Inga is listed as Inga Olson so she may have been known by that name also.

I do not know her married name or date of marriage. She is not listed in Anna Vangen's obit in 1957. I don't know if that means she was dead by then or if she was still in the "big house" (Stillwater Prison, reportedly).

So, my question is what is the best way to find her marriage, assuming it was in Polk Co.? Or, what was the date of the murder, assuming it was in Polk Co.? Would there be anyone in Polk Co. that might remember it? Based on her age, I figure she could have gotten married anytime from 1935 on; since she's not in the 1957 obit, both events probably happened before that.

I plan to be in Polk Co. in the near future, so any hints on how best to approach this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bonnie