Emma Monsfeldt

Like other early trappers and traders, Dinesen had an ongoing relationship with the local Chippewa people and, reportedly, they gave him the native name of "Boganis." And, like other white males who settled in the area, Dinesen had a closer relationship with a Chippewa woman whose English name was Kate. He referred to her as his cook, but their relationship was probably more personal.

According to Bureau of Indian Affairs records, Kate gave birth to a daughter in 1873 who was recorded as Emma Denson. Emma became Emma Motzfeldt when Kate became the "wife" of Ludwig Motzfeldt in 1874, when Dinesen went back to Denmark and Motzfeldt moved into the Dinesen cabin. Strong circumstantial evidence exists that shows that Emma was indeed the daughter of Dinesen and not Motzfeldt, but Motzfeldt raised her along with another child he had by Kate. 1