Gertrude Louise Hollensworth was born in Neenah, Wisconsin February 28, 1887, the daughter of Sarah Emma Cleggett and H. T. (Albert) Hollensworth.
Members of the family are listed as mulatto on the 1860 census when they lived in Stevens Point and also on the 1870 and 1880 census schedules when they lived in Appleton. However, in both the 1900 federal census and the 1905 Wisconsin census they are black. By 1910 they were back to mulatto.
Her aunt Mary's entry in the Lawrence College Alumni Record, 1857-1905 states the family is of "Scotch-Irish-negro ancestry."
Gertrude died January 6, 1906 and is buried in Appleton's Riverside Cemetery. Her gravestone bears the name "Louise Hollensworth." On her death certificate her race is listed as "multiple." Her occupation in the 1906 Appleton city directory was school teacher.
Gertrude lived with her sister and mother at 438 State (now 528 W. Fifth St.,) the home of her mother's parents William S. and Rebecca B. Hollensworth Cleggett.
