Lena Olsen daughter of Iver Olsen

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Topic:

Topic author: susanharkins
Subject: Lena Olsen daughter of Iver Olsen
Posted on: 10/09/2013 04:13:35
Message:

I am looking for information on my great grandmother .. Lena Marie Olsen born 1895-96 died in 1923 in Saskatchewan .. buried in Wilkie Saskatchewan .. she is the daughter or Iver Olsen from Norway .. mother unknown .. she married Robert Leslie McTavish born Feb 4/1874 father John McTavish .. they had three children Orpha Ella McTavish in 1914 at home, Ida McTavish 1915 at home, and Eva McTavish I believe in 1916 .. in 1916 the family lived in Red Deer, Alberta from what I can find she was 15 when she first shows up on the Canadian census in 1911 as a vistor in MacKenzie Saskatchewan .. my great grandmother died at an early age and my grandmother (Orpha Ella McTavish-McDonagh) was not allowed to speak of her as my great grandfather remarried .. if you have any information can you please message me at cocacolasharkie@hotmail.ca

thank you in advance

Susan Harkins

Replies:

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 04:28:53
Message:

Hi there, couple questions. Was Lena born in Norway? and What is the source of the information that her father was Iver Olsen?

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 10/09/2013 09:32:34
Message:

Lena might have been Olina in Norway.

Some questions;
Do you know if Lena was born in Norway?
If so, did she with her parants em. before 1900?
Did she em. alone to family in America after 1900?
Did some of her uncles live in Minnsota.
Did some from this family return to Norway?

If so I might have a candidate for you.
Olina Marie b. April 30. 1896. Parents; Iver Olsen and Johanna Amundsdatter

Kåre

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 10/09/2013 11:00:07
Message:

If Lena Marie Olsen = Olina Marie Iversdatter her parents Iver Olson and Johannah Aumndson (Johanna Amundsdatter) were married Aug 11 1888 in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minn.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 15:06:46
Message:

1911 Census of Canada was taken 01 June.

1911 in Enumeration District 17: Townships 29, MacKenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada
Lena Olson, 15, visitor, is noted as born OCTOBER 1896. Doesn't show country of origin.
Elaine Hasper born March 1865 widow, Ray Hasper born July 1890, Mya Hasper March 1892, Harold Hasper July 1895, Kat Hasper born June 1907


1916 Census
Big Valley, Alberta, Canada
Lesley McTavish age 28 born O [Ontario] Presbyterian, Canadian, origin: Scotch, speak English: Yes speak French: No, occupation: Livery Stable [works with horses]
Lena McTavish age 21, born in the US, Lutheran, arrived in Canada 1910, nationality: Canadian, origin: Scotch
Orpha McTavish age 2 born Alb [Alberta], Lutheran
Ida McTavish age 1 born Alb, Lutheran

http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/006003/t-21953/jpg/31228_4363982-00910.jpg

The 1910 United States Census was taken 15 April 1910.
A candidate:
1910 US Census
Dunn, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, USA
Iver Olsen 50 born about 1860 Norway, to USA 1883
Jenonie Olsen 49 born about 1861 Norway
Ida Olsen 26 daughter born about 1884 Norway
Clara Olsen 15 born about 1895 Minnesota
Lena Olsen 13 born about 1897 Minnesota
Euvald Olsen 11 born Minnesota
Ella Olsen 6 born Minnesota
Julius Olsen 4 born about 1906 Minnesota
Alvin Olsen 2 born about 1908 Minnesota

The Iver above is called Iver Andrew Olson at Minnesota Historical Society death record. Died 29 APR 1911 in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Death record can be ordered and there is likely additional information on it:
http://people.mnhs.org/dci/Results.cfm

Iver Andrew Olson is buried at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota, per Find a Grave memorial, which gives Iver's date of birth as 18 March 1860.

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 10/09/2013 19:29:09
Message:

I really have no clue about when Iver and his wife came to North America and yes I found another family tree that said Lena Olsen was born in the USA .. I'm sorry I really have nothing to go on since she was never spoken of .. but talking to my mom a few mins ago .. she said she had heard the name uncle Julius .. I have my fingers crossed that this is the right track .. thank you all so much for you help and time ...

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 10/09/2013 20:10:08
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by eibache

If Lena Marie Olsen = Olina Marie Iversdatter her parents Iver Olson and Johannah Aumndson (Johanna Amundsdatter) were married Aug 11 1888 in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minn.

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Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 20:14:25
Message:

Okay then, susan, since Lena may have a brother Julius, let's look a little more at Iver Olsen in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, USA.

BURHAM FAMILY TREE, public family tree on Ancestry.com

Ivor Andreass Dass Olsen
Birth 18 March 1860 in Norway
Death 29 April 1911 in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, USA

wife
Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersen
Birth 18 Aug 1861 in Norway
Death 26 June 1941

daughter
Lena Marie Olsen <----------------------------------------
born 1896 in Minnesota
died 1923

son
Julius Benhard Olsen
Birth 19 Dec 1906 in Minnesota
Death 3 Mar 1979 in Alberta, Canada

All the Olsen children according to the Burnham family tree:

Ida Marie Olsen 1883 – 1929
Georg Andrew Olsen 1886 – 1964
Emil Ole Olsen 1888 – 1968
Christ Leonard Olsen 1890 – 1979
John Olsen 1891 – 1905
Clara Augusta Olsen 1894 – 1982
Lena Marie Olsen 1896 – 1923
Ingvald John Olsen 1899 – 1969
Emma Olsen 1901 – 1905
Ella Johanna Olsen 1903 – 1997
Julius Benhard Olsen 1906 – 1979
Alvin Peter Olsen 1908 – 1989

* the family tree does not include sources (or a few, but they seem in error). It does not list specifics on anyone but Julius.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 10/09/2013 20:41:30
Message:

Census-1900
Marriage 23 Oct 1881
Emigration on 29 May 1884 for Jensine and daughter Agda ("Ida"). Iver emigrated earlier.
Or? Looks like spouse is above, listed as Hilmar Ols.?

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 21:06:46
Message:

1900 US census says Iver came the year before Jensine Marie - which would be the typical family pattern of emigration.

from Jan Peter
1900 US Census
Dunn and Scrambler Townships, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Iver Oleson 40 born March 1860 in Norway , to USA 1883, married 18 years [married about 1882]
Jensene Oleson 39 born August 1861 in Norway, to USA 1884, mother of 8 children, 8 living
Ida Oleson 17 born July 1883 Norway
George Oleson 14 born June 1886 Minnesota
Emile Oleson 12 born April 1888 Minnesota
Christ Oleson 10 born Feb 1890 Minnesota
John Oleson 9 born Nov 1891 Minnesota
Clara Oleson 6 born Jun 1894 Minnesota
Lenna Oleson 4 born Sep 1896 Minnesota
Ingvold Oleson 1 born March 1899 Minnesota

In 1905 family is still in Dunn, Otter Tail, Minnesota, there's a Paul Oleson age 30 enumerated with them.

From Jan Peter
Registering to emigrate from Trondheim, Norway
28 May 1884 29 May 1884
* Jensine Ols., married, age 22, Dønn‘s, heading for Pelican Rapids Minn on the ship Hero of the Amerikan shipping line
* Agda Ols age 10m, datr [daughter]

Wow.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 10/09/2013 21:13:07
Message:

Ancestry for Jensine

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 21:16:47
Message:

Jensine Maria Kibsgaard Pedersdatter born 18 Aug 1861 in Ugelfoden, Herøy, Nordland
FATHER Peder Christian Benjaminsen, born 30 May 1832 in Ugelfoden, Herøy, Nordland
MOTHER Karen Oline Jensdatter, born 16 Oct 1835 in Skei, Dønna, Dønnes, Nordland
Jensine was baptised 19 September 1861 at Herøy Church in Herøy, Nordland
--according to the family tree Jan Peter posted

The creator of the above family tree has traced Jensine's ancestry back and back:
http://www.slekt.net/tng/pedigree.php?personID=I20869&tree=1

Marriage found by Jan Peter on Family Search, a free family history website:
Ivar Andreas Dass Olsen, born 1859, his father = Ole Mathias Olsen
marries
Jensine Maria Kibsgaard, born 1861, her father = Peder Benjaminsen
Date: 23 Oct 1881 in Herøy, Nordland, Norway

susan - don't know if you are familiar with names in Norway - but Jensine Maria is the daughter of Peder, so she has the patronymic name of Pedersdatter (or Pedersen, as a more modern way). The patronymic name is based on father's first name + son or + datter. Kibsgaard is an additional name - sounds like a place name (Kibs farm).

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 10/09/2013 21:49:30
Message:

What an amazing portrait! Great find, Jane!



Image Big Size

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 22:05:02
Message:

Thanks for the help Jan Peter.

1900 US Census in Otter Tail, Minnesota, says Iver Oleson was born March 1860 in Norway

BIRTH RECORD on Family Search free website
Ivert Andreas Dass Olsen Vogsvig
Place: Alstahaug, Nordland, Norway
Birth Date: 17 Mar 1860
Christening Date: 10 Jun 1860
Father: Ole Mathias Olsen Vogsvig
Mother: Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C42740-6, System Origin: Norway-EASy, GS Film number: 125057, Reference ID: bk16 p57

I think Alstahaug is on Alsten Island in Nordland, Helgeland, Norway, not too far south of the Arctic Circle. Google "Alstahaug kirke" (Alstahaug church) to see the beautiful church there.

That birth date is a close match to the birth given on the Find a Grave website of 18 March 1860. Attached to Iver Olsen memorial is this note: "Provided courtesy of the Otter Tail County Historical Society (www.otchs.org), which has further information available in its research library and on its web site."

MORE ABOUT CLARA

Lena's sister Clara, information from Find a Grave:
Clara Augusta Olsen Hanson
Birth: Jun. 30, 1894
Death: Sep. 24, 1982
married Roy V Hanson (1892 - 1982)

Apparently the family lived in Canada! circa 1920s

1940 US Census
Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Roy V Hanson 46 b Minnesota, war veteran
Clara Hanson 45 born about 1895 Minnesota
Edna Hanson 20 b Canada/English, teacher, rural school house
Ivan Hanson 18 b Canada/English, repairing school house
Louise Hanson 12 b Minnesota
Nellie Hanson 8 b Minnesota
Robert Hanson 7 b Minnesota
Residence in 1935: same house


A daughter of Clara and Roy died last month in Minneapolis:
Louise Jeanette Hanson Rostad
Birth: Nov. 24, 1927 in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Death: Aug. 19, 2013 in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota
Louise is buried at Ringsaker Cemetery in Pelican Rapids. An obituary for her is posted on Find a Grave and here:
http://www.larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com/obituary/Louise-Rostad/Minneapolis-MN/1235814
Survivors listed are cousins to Susan.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 10/09/2013 22:53:34
Message:

#41 Agda Marie Beck(?)
Born 14 Jul 1883
Chr: 19 Aug 1883, Herøy in Herøy, Nordland, Norway
Parents: Iver Andreas Olsen b.1860 & Jensine Marie Pedersdr b.1861, Lillevik

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 23:11:23
Message:

Nice! Agda Marie Beck Olsen - birth in July matches Ida Olsen birth in 1900 census, noted as July. So Iver and Jensine Marie are living in Lillevik in 1883?

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 10/09/2013 23:29:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

Nice! Agda Marie Beck Olsen - birth in July matches Ida Olsen birth in 1900 census, noted as July. So Iver and Jensine are living in Lillevik in 1883?

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 10/09/2013 23:36:31
Message:

As it turns out Iver Olsen is also on the same family tree that Jan Peter posted for Jensine. He is listed as
"Sivert Andreas Dass Olsen born 17 March 1860"
LINK:
http://www.slekt.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I71017&tree=1

He was baptized at home.

Two siblings are shown (probably not a complete list):
Helmer Christian Olsen born 18 Jul 1863 at Lillevik
Oline Emilie Klæbo Olsdatter born 18 March 1873 in Lillevik

Iver's PARENTS, as listed on the family tree:

Father: Ole Matias Olsen, born 7 Aug 1833, Gulstad, Herøy, Nordland
Mother: Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter, born 23 Feb 1837, Jerpbakken, Hemnes, Nordland
Married 06 Nov 1859 Stamnes, Alstahaug, Nordland

A caution to Susan - all this family tree information shouldn't be taken at face value. The original research should still be done. So far the records we've finding match the family trees.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 11/09/2013 00:01:28
Message:

So Hilmar Olsen emigrating with Jensine in 1884 is prob. her brother-in-law then. It looks like Iver emigrated in 1883. Prob. to save up some money to pay for the rest of the family.

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 00:09:52
Message:

I think so!

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 11/09/2013 00:23:32
Message:

Interesting to look into Frodes familytree.
The family on my mothers side and their ancestors are there, on the island Dønna.

Not sure where the Dass name comes from.
Iver Andreas Olsen Dass was bapt. in Alstahaug Church where the famous Petter Dass was priest or more likely in Stamnes old church dem. ca 1880.
Iver (Ivert) b. March 17. 1860 is #10

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 00:34:56
Message:

Good, Kåre is back! Interesting about your family, Kåre.

Wikipedia entry for Dønna mentions notable resident Petter Dass (1647-1707) as a clergyman and also "the foremost Norwegian poet of his generation."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B8nna

Here is the only birth certificate I have found at the Minnesota Historical Society for Lena's siblings.

OLSEN, ALVIN PETER
Date of Birth: 04 JUL 1908
Mother Maiden Name: MARIE
CERTID# 1908-18272
County of Birth: OTTER TAIL

If this is the correct Alvin Peter Olsen, then we can guess Jensine Marie Pedersen was called by her middle name of Marie.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 11/09/2013 00:54:50
Message:

Had to have an extended break.
Another from Dønna was the author Ole Rølvåg

Ole Rølvåg grew up ca 5-10 minutes walk from my grandfather Aksel, and em. to America when my grandpa was ca 11 and Rølvåg 22.

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 01:36:52
Message:

Amazing.

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 05:42:12
Message:

wow I'm just amazed and overwhelmed with all this information ..

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 15:27:11
Message:

Hi susan, yes it's a lot to absorb. Stuff is posted as it's found, so it's confusing. Here's a little summary (I'm very dependent on these types of organizational tools, so this helps me, hehe)

Lena Marie Olsen was born in probably September 1896 in Minnesota, USA [possibly in Dunn Township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota; birth date per 1900 US census]
Her parents were
Iver Andreas Dass Olsen born 17 March 1860 in Alstahaug, Nordland, Norway, son of Ole Mathias Olsen (Vogsvig) and Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter
Jensine Maria Kibsgaard Pedersdatter born 18 Aug 1861 in Ugelfoden, Herøy, Nordland, daughter of Peder Christian Benjaminsen and Karen Oline Jensdatter
Iver and Jensine Marie lived on Lillevik farm in 1883 when daughter Agda Marie (Ida) was born. The farm is in Herøy, Nordland, on Dønna island.
Iver immigrated to the USA in 1883 [per 1900 US census; record not yet found]
Jensine Marie and oldest daughter Agda Marie Beck Olsen (nicknamed "Ida") emigrated from Trondheim, Norway 28 May 1884, together with Iver's brother Hilmar Olsen.
Jensine Marie's destination is listed as "Pelican Rapids, Minnesota."
Iver and Jensine Marie settled in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Jensine Marie was probably called Marie.
The family may have been affiliated with Zion Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota [which may have further records about them]
Lena was the 7th child of 12 children.
Two of Lena's siblings died young (John b 1891 and Emma born 1901). Both died in 1905, when Lena was about age 9 [per Burnham family tree]
Lena appears in the 1900 US census as Lenna Oleson age 4 with her family in Dunn and Scrambler Townships, Otter Tail, Minnesota
She appears as Lena Olsen age 13 in the 1910 US census with her family in Dunn township, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Lena's father died 29 April 1911 and is buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Lena possibly appears? in the 01 June 1911 Canada census in MacKenzie, Saskatchewan as a "visitor" in the household of Elaine Hasper widow, birth date given as October 1896
Lena married Robert Leslie McTavish [marriage per Susan; date and place not stated]
Robert Leslie McTavish was born about 1888 in Ontario, Canada [per 1916 Canada census] or born 04 Feb 1874 [per Susan]
Lena and Leslie had three daughters:
* Orpha Ella McTavish born about 1914 in BIg Valley, Alberta, Canada; married Marshell Clarance McDonagh; married Herb Schmidt [Lena had a sister Ella]
** Ida McTavish born about 1915 in Big Valley, Alberta, Canada; married Jack Peyton [Lena's oldest sister was called Ida]
*** Eva McTavish born in possibly 1916 in Big Valley, Alberta, Canada, after the 1916 census; married Sidney Powell
Lena likely had a brother Julius [per Susan's mother memory of family]; Burnham family tree lists brother Julius Benhard Olsen as marrying Canadian girl and living in Alberta
Lena Olsen McTavish died in 1923 in Canada, about age 26 [per Susan; this matches the birth and death dates on the Burnham Family Tree posted on Ancestry.com]
Lena is buried at Wilkie Municipal Cemetery, in Wilkie, Saskatchewan [GPS location 52.41976 degrees N 108.68934 degrees W];


Notes:
Jensine Marie Pedersen had a sister Oline and a sister Pauline. Either of these names could be the true name of Lena (or she might simply be named Lena).
Otter Tail county, Minnesota is rural, remote from any large city. The county is wooded, dotted with many many lakes, and home to many Norwegian immigrants
Big Valley is a village in central Alberta located south east of Red Deer.
Wilkie Municipal Cemetery first burial occurred in 1922; see burials at this link: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cansacem/wilkie.html
Other people named McTavish buried at Wilkie Municipal Cemetery are Alex McTavish, Finley McTavish, and Tina McTavish
Lena's sister Clara lived in Canada for a time, since two of her children were born there (unless they are stepchildren, which hasn't been investigated); it is possible more siblings to Lena can be found living in Canada, either temporarily or permanently.

So many "coincidences" pile up that it is highly likely that the Burnham family tree on Ancestry does indeed list "your" Lena, Susan. However, you can feel more comfortable with this connection by finding a document in Canada to confirm it. Lena's marriage certificate or death record or obituary may tell her parents' names and/or place of birth. Usually original documents contain more information than the condensed transcriptions that appear online, and they can usually be ordered from the appropriate agency, usually for a small fee.

OR....maybe you have one or both of these documents. You state Lena's father's name as Iver Olsen, but haven't mentioned the source of that information.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 15:43:16
Message:

Jan Peter, does the photo (beautiful!) show Lillevik farm?

Susan, If we can find a plat map for Otter Tail County circa 1895-1900 we could pin down the location of Iver Olsen. Then we can look for a Norwegian Lutheran Church near them. It may be the nearest church was Zion Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. We can hope to find baptismal records for the children at the appropriate church. Would be nice to have an exact day-month-year of birth for Lena in Minnesota, combined with a solid identifier in Canada (which might be found on her marriage and/or death record).

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 16:05:57
Message:

could Elizabeth (another family name) Johanna be the Jenonie 49 that came over with Iver ? And yes my grandmother was born in Big Valley along with her sisters .. but my grandmothers (Orpha Ella) first marriage was to Marshell Clarance McDonagh .. their children are Colleen .. Marsha Marie (my mother) and a son Daniel .. all children still alive ... she later on married Herb Schmidt after I was born

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 16:10:07
Message:

Jan Peter thank you so much for the lovely pic of the Lilevik farm .. its amazing to see where my great great grandparents came from .. I have to say this has brought my mom to tears .. she never knew anything about her grandmother or her family .. I am on such a high from all this and just want to learn more and more .. something I can leave for my own two daughters and grandchildren to come

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 16:12:38
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by susanharkins

could Elizabeth (another family name) Johanna be the Jenonie 49 that came over with Iver ? ... my grandmothers (Orpha Ella) first marriage was to Marshell Clarance McDonagh

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Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 16:35:14
Message:

Could there be a mistake about your birth date for Leslie McTavish?
In the 1916 census with Lena, we can clearly see that Leslie is "your" Leslie. He is age 28, born in Ontario = born about 1888.
Here is a link to the 1911 census in Township 31, Red Deer, Alberta.
It lists a "Leslie McTavish, age 23, single, head of household [lives alone], born April 1888.
LINK:
http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=14224&highlight=43&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Leslie+McTavish

There is another Robert Leslie McTavish lurking about...

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 16:59:35
Message:

I could be wrong as i found two dates .. I have also found a picture of Lena and her family in 1912 .. all names are of her siblings .. sorry unsure how to post it

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 17:06:39
Message:

here is a story that i found about the Olsens

The Iver Olsen family of Minnesota had heard the phrase "Go to Canada" so often from their neighbors Emil and Charlie Johnson, that in 1909, one son, George made the trip. He visited their friends, the Cranstons, who had already immagrated. As a result, George filed on land which became the home place. The following spring, Iver, and another son Emil came to Canada. Iver claimed a quarter section along the present Number 9 Highway for Christ (known as Chris) since he was twenty-one years old, and Emil claimed another quarter section. Chris stopped off at the Archie Cranston's place at Shepard, when he came to Alberta in 1910. From there he went on to George Cranstons homestead near Olds. George, Matthew, Andrew, James, father Robert and sister Sarah moved to "Blooming Prairie", about the same time as Chris Olsen. In the same year, Iver Olsen returned to USA, but before he could bring the remainder of his family to their new home, he passed away. George was required to go back to Minnesota to settle affairs and bring his mother, his sisters Ida, Lena, Clara and Ella and brothers Ingvald, Julius, and Alvin to Canada. In Vergus, Minnesota, they were told that they would be unable to bring six prize sheep across the border, so they had no choice, but to open to box-car door and turn them loose on the streets. George, and a friend, John Babcock, remained in a railroad car with the family's possessions all the way to Stettler. It was a long, cold trip from there to the home farm via livery wagon. Since the bachelor shack was too small for a large family, and Emil had typhoid fever, the Olsens had to live upstairs over Harry Drysdale's store until a house was built.

Chris was just getting work started on his homestead, when jobs working on the railroad became available. This was a life-saver as a man could make forty dollars a month, or with two horses and a slip, the wages were seventy dollars. It was quite an experience for these young men to live in tents, and see the meat for meals taken down from high polls it had been hung on for the preservation purposes. While working near Rosebud, the two lady cooks quit, so Emil was elected to fill in as a temporary cook for fifteen men. The bread supply was low, so he decided to make some. When the dough seemed rather obsinate, he made the whole batch into cinnamon buns. This turned out very favorably, as the men praised him for his culinary art.

The task of drilling for water was a difficult one. George and Emil dug fifty-five feet by hand and windlass, but found no change in the soil, except for a slight sign of coal. Finally, Max Meller drilled wells on the homesteads, using horsepower. The Olsens mined their own coal supply at the river, and cut spruce tree poles for fencing. Chris was assigned the job of breaking land with a walking plow and four horses, and broke about 85 acres the first summer. Haying was also important but strenuous work. Emil owned a threshing outfit, and thus helped many neighbors with their harvest. In those early days, Emil and Charlie Johnson owned a flour mill powered by gas, in Morrin, located near the present Pool Elevator site.

The younger Olsens attended school held in the United Church, where Frank Boyer was their teacher. Mrs Olsen and her family travelled by sleigh in the winter, and a democrat in the summer to church services at Anthill or Hillsgreen, which was quite a long distance away.

George farmed the home place. He was also a good mechanic and carpenter, and with the help of his brothers and hired crew operated a threshing outfit in the district for many years.The younger Olsen boys went to school, and helped on the farm, but were given time to participate in athletics. The Olsens have been members of ball and hockey teams ever since they came to the district. The younger generation now growing up gives every indication that they, too will excel in sports. In 1930, George married Louise Maren Pettersen who had come from Norway the previous year to visit her sister, Mrs Hans Henningsmen. Grandma Olsen made her home with George and Louise until her death in 1941.

June, the eldest in the George Olsen family writes, " Some of the early memories I can recall from home are - of Grandma Olsen sitting in her chair at the north window of the kitchen and knitting. I don't think we ever bought a pair of mitts in those days for she kept us well supplied. - Of Mother preparing hot chocolate and whipped cream on cold winter nights as a treat before we went to bed. - Lawrence Hickey walking down the track to visit us and being our babysitter when John was born. - Walking to school with Windle Hickey and really having no hustle along in order to keep up. - Of my Dad hitching up the horses and sleigh no matter how cold to get us to Church and Sunday School. - The Sunday drives to Munson and Rowley where we would be treated to a five cent ice cream cone and just how wonderful it was. - Dad bringing home a five cent O-Henry bar to be divided five ways - Five cent s really meant something in those days. - Of Mr Pierce, Sr bringing the baby chicks on the speeder because the roads were usually snow bound. - Our annual holiday at Buffalo Lake and later Pine Lake - Always at Pine Lake we lived on Perch fish the whole time there and resented Mother even bringing meat along.

June completed high school at Camrose Lutheran College amd them received her RN from the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. She worked in Three Hills and Grande Prairie where she met her husband Tom Martin. They married in 1956, lived first in Vegreville and then moved to Lethbridge where Tom is employed in the automobile business. Their three children Dana, Paige and Tommy attend school. In the summer holiday season June operates a take-out food business at Wateron Lakes.

George and Louise's four sons, Orville, Ivan, Alf amd John decare their happiest memories are concerned with hockey games and ball tournaments. They also remember helping on the threshing crew with their Dad, the last few years he operated the machine. Orville worked for the Starland MD for several years, - farmed for awhile and is nos working for the Co at Olds, where he remained. He married Nita Winslow of Drumheller and they have three sons Kelly, Reg and Gordon. Alf married Marjorie Skoglund of Morrin. They live at Barons where Alf is a grain buyer for National Grain Co. They have a daughter Pam and a son Jim. John farms the home place. He married Paige Cumberford of Drumheller. Their son Bradley and daughters Becky and Deanna attend school in Morrin, with Sherri still at home. George passed away on November 20, 1964 and his wife followed on July 28, 1965.

Elvira (Vi) Noble came from Saskatchewan, as a young girl and worked in her aunt's (Elliot) boarding house in Morrin where good meals, hospitality and fun were served generously. Chris and Vi were married in 1922 and moved into the bachelor shack on a quarter section which Chris had bought from Fred Lang. They made it as comfortable as was possible and built an addition onto it. During the next few years, the local doctor, with Ida Olsen acting as midwife, delivered three children - Esther, Leonard and Gordon to this pioneer home.

On looking back over the "Dirty Thirties" when times were difficult, the things Chris remembers the most are - the terrible dust storms that blacked out the sun, so that coal oil lamps were lit in the afternoon; the fire which destroyed their home, and Gordon being recued from a nap in the blazing house, by Vi; living in Jens Hildahl's cookhouse and a granary that summer, and moving into an uncompleted house in the fall; two more children - Irene and Keith joined the family circle; the worries over the year and a half that Gordon spent in hospital for operations on his leg because of osteomyelitis; the anxiety over Keith, at the age of four when he fell beneath the teeth of the cultivator and had to have many stitches; the skating rinks he built on the garden patch every winter for his family and the Water's children across the road; watching Vi balancing the cost of weekly food supplies with the homemade butter that she had for sale; the years he spent on the school board with Mrs Doan and "Jock" Morrison; and his work as road boss to build better roads when Jim Cranston was a councillor.

Fred Lang remained on the Chris Olsen farm, helping out by doing odd jobs, until his death. He visited the local bar frequently, but no matter how inebriated he was, upon arriving home, he always asked "Christy are the chickens all in the hen house? It had always been hiis custom to close the door against any night prowlers, when he was sure the chickens were all safely inside.

Chris and Vi enjoyed retirement by moving to Drumheller in 1964. But in 1968, Vi passed away, leaving adeeply felt break in the family circle. Chris is still living in Drumheller, and the children have each gone their seperate ways, being busy with their work and families. Esther, a school teacher, married Alvin Notland in 1945. Leonard started working for E O Parry Co in 1945, driving a truck after school hours. Two years later he was working full time as parts man in the machine department. He was in charge of this department when the business was sold to Schinnours in 1961, and continued working for them for six years. He is now a partner in Morrin Farm Supplies which opened for business in 1968. In 1954 Leonard married Marion Johnson. Their children are Bernard, Patricia, Judy and Holly.

Gordon, a field supervisor for Banister Construction, married Donna Bremer in 1953. Their four children - Milton, David, Brent and Maureen are all in school. They live in Red Deer, but Gordons work has taken them on projects to Brandon, North Bay an Port Arthur, as well as countless spots in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Irene, a registered nurse, trained at Medicine Hat School of Nursing. Following her graduation, she went to Bermuda and worked in the King Edward VI Hospital. While there she married William Halliday. The next three years, according to US Navy orders, were spent in Louisanna, Alabama and Texas. In 1961, they returned to Canada. Irene is living in Drumheller and has Kathy, Donald and Ronald (twins) in school and Robert in kindergarten.

Keith, a grain buyer for a few years now, is now farming in the district. He married Patricia Coyle of Drumheller in 1957. Pat worked in the office of the Starland Municipal District for several years. They have one small daughter Luanne.

Ida, the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Iver Olsen, was known as her mothers "Right Hand", as they always worked side by side. She passed away in 1929.

Lena, married Robert Leslie McTavish, who was a mechanic in Calgary. She passed away in 1923, leaving three young daughters. The McTavish girls have fond memories of the time they lived on Grandma's farm and walked the tracks with the Doan girls to attend school in Morrin. Today, these girls are all living on the west coast. Mrs Herb (Orpha) Schmidt, Victoria has three children -Colleen, Marsha and Danny. Mrs Jack (Ida) Peyton, Campbell River BC also has three children - Robert, Barbara and Johnny. Mrs Sidney (Eva) Powell, Vancouver has two children Rodney and Gail.

After giving up farming, Emil was an engine expert for Massey Harris Company for many years. in 1947, he married Lillian Hanson of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and was predeased by his wife, when he passed away on December 1968.

Clara and Roy Hanson live in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Roy is a World War I veteran, being totally disabled from a head wound. Besides being a homemaker, Clara has done domestic services and worked several years in the school cafeteria. Church activities are Clara's main interests. Their eldest girls Lillian and Edna attended school in Morrin for some time. Lilliam married to William Kuhn, lives in Lafayette, Indiana. They have three children, William Jr, Kristin, and Paul. Edna married to Gustave Carlson, lives in Morrhead, Minnesota. Alvin Ivan Hanson spent many years in the Marines in the Pacific area during World War II. He married Dorothy Denes, and they are located in Reseda, California. They have a daughter Carolyn (Mrs Dale Glenn) and a son Richard. Louise Hanson married Wilford Rostad. They have four children, Larry, Dennis, Dale and Barbara. Nellie Hanson married to Dr Paul Sponheim, lives in St Paul, Minnesota and is kept busy with three sons - Mark, Rolf, and Scott. Robert Hanson and his wife, the former Jane Christianson, have two school-aged sons, David and Robbie.

Ingvald attended the Lutheran College in Camrose and Agricultural School, Youngstown, Alberta. During his lifetime he was very active in community affairs, a skilled gardener and also an ardent sportsman, as far as baseball, hunting, fishing and curling were concerned. He was the first agent when the Alberta Wheat Pool elevator was built in Morrin. He was transferred to Bulwark for one year. On July16th 1932, Ingvald and Elsie Dodd were married and moved to Delia as the Pool Grain buyer for twenty years. In 1952, the family moved to Drumheller. where he was agent for the Pool until his retirement in 1964. Their daughter Shirley, attended the University of Calgary and taught school in Lethbridge. She married Robert Redgewell. They live in London Ontario, and have two school-age children, Janet and Ian. Kenneth Olsen attended the University of Calgary and is teaching in Drumheller. Ingvald and Elsie enjoyed retirement in Drumheller until his illness in 1968. He passed away April 2 1969.

Ella attend Camrose College and worked in the Morrin Bank of Montreal. She was one of the original members of the Tinla Club. In 1930 she married Roy Skippen, who operated an Imperial Oil Service in Calgary for 25 years. Ella keeps busy with church work and a part-time job. Roy is service manager in a large office building. Their daughter Wilma, a teacher, is married to Andrew Burchill. They live in Stettler and they have three children -David, Adele and Anne Marie. Grant Skippen and his wife Doris have two children - Douglas and Karen.

Julius (known as Judy) operated Langevin Service Station, Calgary, for 32 years. In 1936 he married Julia Wiemer and raised one daughter Patricia. Patricia, a registered nurse, is Mrs Joseph Coptin. They have two small sons - Dale and Randy. Judy and Julia are retired and live in Calgary.

Alvin started buying grain for the Albert Wheat Pool in August 1932. He married Harriet Crawford in 1932 and they have two daughters. Eleanor, a registered nurse, is Mrs John Halliday, and they have four daughters Aletha, Brenda and Alva (twins) and Margaret. Frances a teacher is married Dwayne Gibbs and they have three young sons - Bradley, Richard and Donald. At present Alvin is buying grain at Delacour, Alberta.

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 17:09:45
Message:

here is a picture of the Olsens in 1912

http://trees.ancestry.ca/tree/16016432/person/691600766/photox/45032ab2-904f-4bd3-80d7-07d6a781265f?otid=60723779&opid=48061092660&msgparams=91776269378&hf=AllHints&pn=1&hs=recent&pg=32880&pgpl=hf%7Cpn%7Chs

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 17:26:57
Message:

Oh my goodness!!! What a rich history! When and where did you find that incredible history of the Iver Olsen family?
Don't you wish someone in every family would write a story like that? :D

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 17:36:52
Message:

I found it in ancestry.com ..

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 17:43:50
Message:

Nice work! This family story fits all the details we found during our search. For example, the occupation of Clara's husband is listed as "war veteran" in the census I posted, which made me guess he was incapacitated by war injuries. The town of Olds, Alberta, which is mentioned, is a town in central Alberta, Canada within Mountain View County - just 61 km (38 mi) south of Red Deer. In other words, I find the details in the family story to be highly credible. If we believe the story, it proves your Lena belonged to the Otter Tail County family (previously our only link was an unsourced family tree on Ancestry.com and a convergence of coincidences). Jan Peter found the essential link to Norway in the immigration of Jensine Marie with daughter Agda Marie - which states they are headed to Pelican Rapids.

The path is now complete, from Lena Olsen McTavish, who died too young in Saskatchewan, Canada, to her Minnesota family and onward, back in time, to her Norwegian roots.

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 18:36:24
Message:

could this be the Elizabeth Iver Andreas Dass Olsen born 17 March 1860 in Alstahaug, Nordland, Norway, son of Ole Mathias Olsen (Vogsvig) and Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

quote:

---

Originally posted by susanharkins

could Elizabeth (another family name) Johanna be the Jenonie 49 that came over with Iver ? ... my grandmothers (Orpha Ella) first marriage was to Marshell Clarance McDonagh

---

Thank you SO MUCH for the comment about your mother. We're working for her - as well as you - it matters.

And...apparently you read that summary, I'm impressed. Sorry about omitting Marshell Clarance McDonagh, I added him now.

Re. "Jenonie": You are referring to the 1910 US Census in Dunn, Otter Tail County, Minnesota:
Iver Olsen 50 born about 1860 Norway, to USA 1883
Jenonie Olsen 49 born about 1861 Norway -- [this is Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersen]

Jensine Marie and Iver travelled separately to the USA.

I am very curious: Who is Elizabeht Johanna?

---

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 11/09/2013 18:38:38
Message:

could this be the Elizabeth Iver Andreas Dass Olsen born 17 March 1860 in Alstahaug, Nordland, Norway, son of Ole Mathias Olsen (Vogsvig) and Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

quote:

---

Originally posted by susanharkins

could Elizabeth (another family name) Johanna be the Jenonie 49 that came over with Iver ? ... my grandmothers (Orpha Ella) first marriage was to Marshell Clarance McDonagh

---

Thank you SO MUCH for the comment about your mother. We're working for her - as well as you - it matters.

And...apparently you read that summary, I'm impressed. Sorry about omitting Marshell Clarance McDonagh, I added him now.

Re. "Jenonie": You are referring to the 1910 US Census in Dunn, Otter Tail County, Minnesota:
Iver Olsen 50 born about 1860 Norway, to USA 1883
Jenonie Olsen 49 born about 1861 Norway -- [this is Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersen]

Jensine Marie and Iver travelled separately to the USA.

I am very curious: Who is Elizabeht Johanna?

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 18:53:43
Message:

Oh, okay, you are asking about Iver Olsen's mother - Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter born 23 Feb 1837 in Jerpbakken, Hemnes, Nordland. Sorry about the confusion. The Frode family tree does not say where or when she died. It also does not include a death date or death place for her husband Ole Mathias Olsen and daughter Oline Emilie Klæbo Olsdatter. Did any of them immigrate to the USA? Don't know, but it's an interesting question. However, we can say with certainty that Iver Olsen's mother is NOT listed on the 1910 census with Iver and family. She would be about age 73. We could look for her near them in 1900 and 1910 US census. (There is no 1890 US census, or very little remains - it burned in a fire). We could also search the 1885, 1895, and 1905 Minnesota state census. You have access to Ancestry.com, which includes those databases. You can also find it here, at the Minnesota Historical Society:
http://people.mnhs.org/census/search.cfm?bhcp=1
Also at the Minnesota Historical Society are a birth index and a death index. All of this is free to search. I don't see an Elisabeth/Elizabeth Olson/Olsen born 1837 in the death index, but that database is very picky about spelling (unless you choose Soundex option, which sometimes yields too many names). She could also be called Johanne, Johanna, Hanna, Hanne, Hannah, and even Anna.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 11/09/2013 20:34:37
Message:

The picture I put up was a generic picture of Dønna Island, and not of the Lillevik farm.

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 21:12:40
Message:

Ah - thanks. What a beautiful place.

Susan - I found your great-great-great grandfather Ole Matias Olsen in Otter Tail County, see below.

As posted earlier, Iver Olsen's brother Helmer Christian Olsen born 18 Jul 1863 at Lillevik could be the Hilmer immigrating with Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersen (Olsen) in 1884. And here he is.

Find a Grave memorial:

Helmer Christ Olson
Birth: Jul. 18, 1863
Death: Jul. 6, 1937
SPOUSE: Jonete Christine Karlson (Olson)
(09 May 1870 - 12 Dec 1961)
CHILDREN:
Julia Charlotte Olson (1898 - 1998)
Harry O Olson (10 Sep 1900 - 28 Dec 1982)
Alma Josephine Olson (24 April 1905 - 27 Nov 1981)
all buried at Pelican Valley Cemetery
[--additional children shown below]

Burial:
Pelican Valley Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota, USA

Obituary for Helmer's daughter Julia:
"Julia C Olson, 99, died January 5, 1998 at the Evenside Nursing Home, Moorhead [Minnesota]. She was born December 27, 1898 at Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the daughter of Helmer and Jeanette (Karlson) Olson. In 1919 she was injured in a tornado in Fergus Falls. Preceding her in death were her parents, three sisters, Lena, Dena and Alma; two brothers, Henry and Harry."

More about the 1919 tornado that struck Fergus Falls:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fgf/?n=fergusfallsf5

1910 US Census
Helmer Olson 47
Jonetta K Olson 39
Henry C. Olson 18
Lena E. Olson 16
Dena M. Olson 13
Julia C. Olson 11
Harry O. Olson 9
Esther C. Olson 7
Alma J. Olson 5
Ole M. Olson age 77 born about 1833 in Norway <------------------------------

Iver's father (and Helmer's father) was Ole Matias Olsen b 07 Aug 1833

Find a Grave memorial
Ole M. Olsen
Birth: Aug. 14, 1833
Death: Jan. 7, 1929
Buried Pelican Valley Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail, Minnesota

I don't see Iver's mother, Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter b 23 Feb 1837. Buried at Pelican Valley Cemetery is a Nilla Olson born 23 July 1837 and died 1918, but if this is Iver's mother, she should be with her son Helmer and her husband Ole in 1910.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 11/09/2013 22:42:45
Message:

Emigrating to Pelican Rapids, Minn on 09 Jun 1888:
Ole Ols. 55
Lisabet Ols. 52
Oline Ols. 15
Paul Ols. 11
Pauline Ols. 20
Jonette Ols. 18

Jan Peter

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 11/09/2013 23:10:07
Message:

Old spellings for Lillevik in the 1600s and 1700s if these names appears.
Lilleuige, Lilleuiche and Lillewiigen.

Lillevik - Little bay

In 1910 there were 57 persons living in Lillevik farms on Herøy.

There are two islands named Herøy in Norway.
- Herøy in Nordland county where your ancestors lived consists of several populated islands.
- Herøy in Møre and Romsdal county.

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 23:33:26
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jwiborg

Emigrating to Pelican Rapids, Minn on 09 Jun 1888:
Ole Ols. 55
Lisabet Ols. 52
Oline Ols. 15
Paul Ols. 11
Pauline Ols. 20
Jonette Ols. 18

Jan Peter

---

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 11/09/2013 23:37:44
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC


Woo hoo!

Are they departing Trondheim on a "feeder" ship (the Argo) found for Hull, England? (from there the typical route would be the train to Liverpool and board a transatlantic ship there)

---

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 11/09/2013 23:47:04
Message:

Approx. location of the Lillevik farm. (The buildings might be gone)

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 11/09/2013 23:48:15
Message:

> "...And arriving Quebec on 01 Jul 1888 on the S/S Polynesian." <

I am blown away - by the arrival record and by the farm location.
Jan Peter, "Graphics Star" !

Is maybe the family going to Londonderry instead of Liverpool to make the transatlantic trip? I checked the schedules on this website, and remarks for this voyage say, "Londonderry." (well I guess it's not me that needs to understand)

Below is Helmer's wife in 1940.

1940
Pelican Township, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Harry O Olson 39, single, born about 1901 in Minnesota, farmer, he is an employer
Alma J Olson 34, single, sister, born about 1906 in Minnesota
Jeanette Olson 69, widowed, mother, born about 1871 in Norway

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 12/09/2013 00:10:14
Message:

Probate register after Elizabeth Jørgensdatter Jerpbakkens grandfather Jørgen Brose Nilsen Jerpbakken who died 1819.
Heirs;
Wife Elizabeth Jacobsdatter. Children; Anna Helene b. 1797, Niels Jørgen b. 1817 and your Jacob Johannes b. 1813.
- Net capital 200 Daler and 2 Shilling (ca 5500 Dollar in 2012).
- Debt and charges 42 Daler, 3 Ort and 4 Shilling.
- Books; "Brochmands Postill og salmer" Brochmands term for bible commentaries and hymns, half of a sea storage.
- Livestock; 1 horse, 6 cattles, 1 two year old cattle, 1 yong cattle, 1 "Markokse" two year old bull, 1 young bull, 1 calf, 6 cheeps, 3 "Jømmer" one year old cheeps with no lambs, 4 rams (male cheep), 4 lambs.
The widow Elizabeth married Jacob Nilsen Vålamoen and they settled down on the peninsula Nesna 1832 (short north-east from Herøy)

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 12/09/2013 00:15:25
Message:

Wonderful - on the Frode family tree this man who died is called Jørgen Brose Nielssen born 1757 died 1819 at Jerpbakken.
Here you see him on the "aner" list of ancestors for Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter, Iver's mother:
http://www.slekt.net/tng/pedigree.php?personID=I73837&tree=1

Susan - another resource - you can search Minnesota Official Marriage System online (MOMS)
for marriages for Iver's siblings (and others in Minnesota). www.mncounty.com

Do I sense a trip to Norway in your future? The photos are tantalizing.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 12/09/2013 00:15:33
Message:

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 12/09/2013 00:42:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

[quote][i]Kåre, are you saying we might have the wrong Lillevik farm in mind?

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 12/09/2013 03:14:37
Message:

Lovely photo. What a treasure. And Kåre, thank you.

1916 census - Lena Olson's siblings and mother Jensine:
http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/006003/t-21948/jpg/31228_4363977-00010.jpg

1916
- all members of the household shown as speaking Norwegian as"other" language
- all are shown as Lutheran
- Starland municipal district
Bow River, Alberta, Canada
George Olson age 29, head, single, b USA, to Canada 1909, naturalized Canadian citizen 1913, farmer
Jaensena Olson mother, age 52, widow, born in Norway, to Canada 1911, alien, American
Ida Olson, sister age 32, b Norway, to Canada 1911, alien
Emil Olson, brother 27, b USA, miller, to Canada 1909, naturalized 1913
Christ Olson brother, 25, b USA, farmer, to Canada 1910, naturalized 1913
Clara -- sister, 21, married, b USA, to Canada 1911, alien **
Engwald Olson, brother 17, b USA, to Canada 1911, alien
Ella Olson, sister, 13, b USA, to Canada 1911, alien
Julius Olson, bro, 10, b USA, to Canada 1911, alien
Alvin Olson, bro, 8, b USA, to Canada 1911, alien
Lillian Sorvig (?) niece 2 years old, born in Alberta **
Edna Sorvig (?) niece 2 months old, born in Alberta **

** Clara is married so presumably Edna and Lillian are her daughters (listed as George's nieces). So perhaps Clara's marriage to Mr. Hanson of later years is a second marriage. Knowing Clara's grandfather Ole M. Olson and uncle Helmer and cousins are still living in Otter Tail county might have something to do with Clara's return there.


Below, excerpt from an obituary for Ivan Andrew Olson, son of Lena's brother George and his wife Louise Maren Pettersen:
February 14, 1935- March 18, 2012
-- Ivan Andrew Olsen, of Olds, Alberta passed away Sunday March 18, 2012 at the age of 77.... Ivan was born February 14, 1935 to Louise and George Olsen from Morrin, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm with three brothers Orville, Alf and John and one sister, June. In 1957 he married the love of his life Wanetta Mae Winslow of Drumheller and together they moved to Olds. Ivan and Nita opened Olds Fertilizer and Agriculture Services and have enjoyed watching the family-run businesses evolve into the business it is today. Ivan was a sincere, honest and loyal man who enjoyed nothing more then being around 'the shop' to visit with employees, customers and friends every chance he could. He would rarely miss a Grandchild's hockey game, and wouldn't pass up a round of golf or a drive around the country side. Ivan is predeceased by his parents, Louise and George, his sister, June and an infant son. [survivors listed in full obit]
Publication Date: 2012/03/27, Olds Albertan Obituaries
http://www.oldsalbertan.ca/pdf/old/obituaries/old-obituaries.pdf

Descendants of George and Louise are likely to have passed along memories and photos of Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersen (Olsen), as she lived with George's family in Alberta.

Here, a family tree that lists Gordon Olson and Donna Bremer. Gordon is the son of Lena's brother Christ and wife Vi Noble.
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/w/e/i/Jean-m-Weiss/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-1064.html

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 14/09/2013 04:52:52
Message:

Here comes Iver's mother, the first trace of her we've found in the USA....


1895 Minnesota state census
Pelican township, Otter Tail
Helmer Oleson M 31y Norway
Nellie Oleson F 25y Norway
Henry Oleson M 3y Minn
Lena Oleson F 2y Minn
Ole Oleson M 62y Norway <-----Iver's father
Elizabeth Oleson F 58y Norway <--------Iver's mother
Paul Oleson M 19y Norway <------Iver's brother

Below, Iver's brother Paul:

1918 World War I Draft Registration
Paul Leonard Olson
Permanent home address: Fergus Falls, Otter Tail, Minnesota
age 42, born 16 January 1876
naturalized US citizen
Nearest relative: Helmer Olson, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail
Tall, stout, blue eyes, brown hair

Minnesota Death Record - seemingly the same Paul
Name: Paul L. Olson
30 Jan 1949
Otter Tail, Minnesota
Birth Date:
Birthplace:
Born in Minnesota:
Record Number: 1086881
Certificate Number: 012122
The original certificate can be ordered from Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org


This could be Paul, below
1910 US census
District 145, Dunn, Otter Tail, Minnesota, United States
Paul Olson, 33, head of household, single, born about 1877 in Norway, to USA 1890, parents born Norway
Sheet Number and Letter: 7B, Household ID: 37
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: M1283, GS Film number: 1374727
Digital Folder Number: 004330238, Image Number: 00319

and possibly Paul in 1920:
1920
Dunn, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Paul L Olson M 43 Norway head, to USA 1888
Wife Marrie Olson F 35 Norway
Daughter Ethel Olson F 2 Minnesota
Daughter Gladys Olson F 0 Minnesota


1930
Lida, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Head Paul L Olson 54 born in Norway, to USA 1888
Wife Marie Olson 46 Norway to USA 1884
Daughter Ethel O Olson 13 Minnesota
Daughter Gladys O Olson 11 Minnesota
Son Maynard P Olson 5 Minnesota
Daughter Orpha I Olson 1 Minnesota


1940
Lida Township, Otter Tail, Minnesota
Head Paul Olson M 64 Norway
Wife Marie Olson F 57 Norway
Daughter Ethel Olson F 23 Otter Tail
Daughter Gladys Olson F 21 Otter Tail
Son Maynard Olson M 15 Otter Tail
Daughter Orpha Olson F 11 Otter Tail

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 14/09/2013 23:57:58
Message:

OBITUARY - Paul's daughter ETHEL
Ethel O. Schneider
(March 21, 1917 - November 14, 2010)
Ethel O. Schneider, 93, of Phillipsburg, Kansas was born on March 21, 1917 in a country home near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. She was the oldest daughter of
Paul and Marie (Lokken) Olson. Both of her parents immigrated from Norway. On November 14, 2010 she departed this life at her home in Phillipsburg to be with the Lord. She grew up on a farm in the Pelican Rapids area. She attended Birch Knoll School in Otter Trail County and graduated the 8th grade in 1932. She then spent several years working on farms locally, then on farms and ranches in North Dakota and Montana. She met John E. Schneider where they worked at the Hastings Naval Ammunition Depot during the war. John and Ethel were married in Laramie, Wyoming on July 25, 1946. To this union, one son James Leroy was born in 1952. John had two sons from a previous marriage, Victor V. Randolph and John J. Randolph who were blessings to her. Ethel was a dedicated member of the Calvary Baptist Church and was a tireless worker in the church as long as she was able. She helped many times with the maintenance of the church and the annex. She taught Sunday School for many years. She was an expert seamstress and created beautiful quilts, sending many to missionaries. She enjoyed being a cook at Camp Joy in Harlan County, Ne. for many years and cooking for fellowship dinners at the Church. She continued, until recently, to sew kimonos and make medicine envelopes for mission causes. Ethel enjoyed her home and especially her lovely climbing roses by the front door. She was blessed with many friends and relatives who will miss her very much. Ethel She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her son James, two sisters, Gladys Cunningham and Orpha Berrie and one brother, Maynard Olson. She is survived by her daughter-in-law and caregiver, Carol LaForce, her stepsons, John J. Randolph & wife Marcia of Joplin, Missouri, Victor V. Randolph and wife Darlene of Abilene, Kansas, and grandchildren, Ronnie Schneider, Kelli Maurer, Toni Randolph Standley, Scott Randolph, Renee Gordon, Shelly Pfiefer, Ryan Randolph, Kelly Grabast, John Boden, Jeanne Bristol, Debbie Blocker, Kathy Patterson, Ricky Lee Randolph, Rod Randolph, Lisa Biles, Rebecca Randolph, Jarod Randolph, their spouses and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and others who called her Grandma. Funeral services for Ethel were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2010 in the Calvary Baptist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Mark Gervais officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church or Hospice Services, Inc.


Find a Grave Memorial - Paul's daughter GLADYS
Gladys O. Cunningham
Birth: Jan. 28, 1919
Death: Mar. 10, 1986
Burial: Memorial Park South, Grand Forks, Grand Forks, North Dakota


OBITUARY - Paul's daughter ORPHA
From the Big Timber Pioneer, 25 February-03 March 2005:
"Orpha Irene (Olson) Berrie, of Tucson, AZ and Big Timber, passed away February 6, 2005 in Tucson at age 76. Orpha was born in 1928 in Pelican Rapids, MN
to Paul and Marie (Lokken) Olson of Norway. She graduated from the Kahler Hospital School of Nursing, trained at the Mayo Clinic, and worked as a registered nurse
for 40 years. She was a head nurse at Tucson Medical Center for many years, though she felt her time at Sweet Grass Community Hospital in Big Timber was the most
fulfilling work of her career. Orpha enjoyed being a homemaker and mom and cherished her family and friends (including her pets). She was preceded in death by a brother,
Maynard; a sister, Gladys; husband, Roy; and an infant son. She is survived by a sister, Ethel; sons, Marc and Scott; daughter, Karen; step-sons, Roger and LeRoy; seven
grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Many friends and family members have been so loving and supportive, particularly Frances Olson, Paula and Dan Fields and
Peggy and Hank Trent, all of Montana. We will miss her brilliant smile, her grace and wisdom, and her lively sense of humor. We'll always have our memories of her enjoying
the nature and people of Big Timber."

from Minnesota Historical Society archives:

BIRTH
Ethel Ovidea Olson
Date of Birth: 21 MAR 1917
Mother Maiden Name: LOKKEN
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
CERTID# 1917-23058

BIRTH
Gladys Odella Olson
Date of Birth: 28 JAN 1919
Mother Maiden Name: LOKKEN
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
CERTID# 1919-21853

BIRTH
Maynard Philip Olson
Date of Birth: 23 NOV 1924
Mother Maiden Name: OLSON
Otter Tail county, Minnesota
CERTID# 1924-22904

BIRTH
Orpha Irene Olson
Date of Birth: 22 NOV 1928
Mother Maiden Name: OLSON
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
CERTID# 1928-21303

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 00:52:24
Message:

May I ask for help - Does the birth date of 16 January 1876 agree with the Paul Olson born in Norway to Ole Matias Olson and Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter?

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:00:54
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

May I ask for help - Does the birth date of 16 January 1876 agree with the Paul Olson born in Norway to Ole Matias Olson and Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter?

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:30:39
Message:

Yay!

Paul Kristian Johan Olson born 16 January 1876
father Ole Olson (1831)
mother Elisabeth Johanne Jakobsdatter (1836)
married 1859
Lillevig

Curious change of name:

1918 World War I Draft Registration
Paul Leonard Olson
Permanent home address: Fergus Falls, Otter Tail, Minnesota
age 42, born 16 January 1876
naturalized US citizen
Nearest relative: Helmer Olson, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail

=============================================
Helmer's wife:

Minnesota Death Record from Minnesota Historical Society:
Jonette Christine Olson
Date of Birth: 09 MAY 1870
Place of Birth: OUT OF STATE
Mother Maiden Name: JACOBSON
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Date of Death: Date of Death: 12 DEC 1960
CERTID# 1960-MN-014036

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:40:45
Message:

#12
Same township, but parents are listed as Karl Johan Olsen Hilset b. 1835 & Helene Johanna Jakobsdatter b.1848, married 1863 (1868?)
Hilseth is next to Lillevig farm.

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:44:05
Message:

Interesting, even though it's not the right Jonette. I wonder how many from this neighborhood congregated in Otter Tail county....
Thanks!

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:50:05
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

Interesting, even though it's not the right Jonette. I wonder how many from this neighborhood congregated in Otter Tail county....
Thanks!

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 01:58:42
Message:

1) "I don't think Pauline Ols. (20) and Jonette Ols. (18) are the children to Ole and Lisabet. If so, they should have been listed first in the list of children, because of their age."
They should be noted as children in the emigration record? I think that's what you mean; I'll look again at it to be sure I understand you.
2) "Helmer Christ Olson (19 Jul 1863 - 06 Jul 1937) SPOUSE: Jonete Christine Karlson (Olson) (09 May 1870 - 12 Dec 1961)"
I had noticed the name being the same but I had NOT noticed the BIRTH DATE being the same! So Helmer's wife comes from his home neighborhood and (possibly) immigrated with his parents. Amazing.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 02:17:49
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jwiborg

Emigrating to Pelican Rapids, Minn on 09 Jun 1888:
Ole Ols. 55
Lisabet Ols. 52
Oline Ols. 15
Paul Ols. 11
Pauline Ols. 20
Jonette Ols. 18

Jan Peter

---

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 15/09/2013 02:21:40
Message:

Jonette is on next page.

The emigration in 1888 was listed like this:
Ole Ols. 55
Lisabet Ols. 52
Oline Ols. 15
Paul Ols. 11
Pauline Ols. 20
Jonette Ols. 18

The children was normally listed sorted by age, but this was not done for this family.
Pauline & Jonette are listed last, even though they are older than Oline and Paul.
So I assume Pauline & Jonette are adopted children from neighboring farm Hilseth; Karl Johan Olsen Hilset b. 1835 & Helene Johanna Jakobsdatter b.1848.
I think they could have been adopted in 1878 when mother Helene Johanna Jakobsdatter died.

Helene Johanne Marie Jakobsdatter, birth: 9 June 1846
Marriage: 23 August 1868, Herøy, Nordland, Norway
Her father: Jakob Larsen

Elisabeth Johanne Jacobsdatter, b. 23 Feb 1837
Her parents: Jacob Johannes Jørgensen (1813-1854) & Abelone Larsdatter (1809-1847)

Helene and Elisabeth are not sisters. At least they have different fathers.

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 02:28:12
Message:

OBITUARY
Fergus Falls Daily Journal
13 December 1960
"Mrs. Helmer Olson, 90, Dies at Pelican Pelican Rapids
"Mrs. Helmer Olson died last night at her farm home east of Pelican Rapids. She was 90 years old. Born in Norway May 9, 1870, Jonette Christine Carlson came to the United States as a young girl with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carlson. She was married to Helmer Olson December 6, 1890 at Pelican Rapids and she had lived in this community since then. Five children survive. They are Mrs. Thomas (Lena) Dyrud of Mclntosh, Mrs. Olaf (Dena Marie) Ness of Fargo; Julia Olson, Fergus Falls; Harry and Alma who made their home with her."

I don't see any candidates to be Jonette Christine Carlson/Karlson in the 1880 US census.
The Carl Carlsons/Karlsons (etc) found so far are Swedish.

I'm inclined to believe Jan Peter's theory that the Jonette with the Ole M. Olsen family is the same woman who married Helmer. If it is true that Jonette's father Carl came to the USA, it could be he came at a later time.

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 15/09/2013 17:53:00
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

I'm inclined to believe Jan Peter's theory that the Jonette with the Ole M. Olsen family is the same woman who married Helmer. If it is true that Jonette's father Carl came to the USA, it could be he came at a later time.

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 15/09/2013 19:04:04
Message:

Curiouser and curiouser...

I don't see any alternatives to solve the mystery of why Jonette's obituary does not match the Norwegian records, except
1) there is another Jonette Christine Carlson born 09 May 1870
or
2) the family in America is confused.

Death of Lena, daughter of Helmer Olson and Jonette Karlsdatter:
DYRUD, LENA EMELIA
Date of Birth: 18 JUL 1893
Place of Birth: MINNESOTA
Mother Maiden Name: CARLSON
Date of Death: 07 April 1981
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Minnesota Death Cert# 1981-MN-009814 (from Minnesota Historical Society)

Pauline Ols. is age 20 on the 1888 emigration record. She can't be the daughter of the same Carl Johan, unless her actual name is Lovise Helmine: "Lovise Helmine Carlsdatter born 11 Jul 1868 at Hilset, Herøy, Nordland, parents Carl Johan Olsen and Helena Johanna Maria Jacobsdatter." SOURCE: Frode family tree:
http://www.slekt.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I68623&tree=1

Haven't found Iver's sister Oline Emilie Klæbo Olsdatter
born 18 Mar 1873 at Lillevik, Herøy, Nordland,
immigrated to USA with the family in 1888.

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 17/09/2013 20:08:11
Message:

WOW .. this is so amazing .. I have connected with Georg Olson's 3x great granddaughter through anstery .com .. she has been able to share some info about Lena my 3x grandmother .. but I havent been on for the last few days to check in with her .. our foster dog had her pups so its been a bit crazy around here .. one question i wanted to ask the name was Olson but later changed to Olsen .. was there a reason for it ? But I must say a big big thank you .. without your help I would have never been able to come this far .. in fact my partner and I are planning on coming to Norway to see where my family came from .. I am still in awe we were always told we were pure Scot's .. the other granddaughter has pictures she is going to send me so I will make sure I post them ..

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 17/09/2013 20:28:57
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by susanharkins

.. one question i wanted to ask the name was Olson but later changed to Olsen .. was there a reason for it ?

---

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 17/09/2013 21:49:40
Message:

Emigration records from 1888:
#8, right page Ole Mathias Olsen, b. 1831, farmer, Lillevig
#9 wife Elisabeth Johanne Jakobsdtr b. 1836
with two children:
#10 1) Oline Emilie Klæbo Olsdatter, born 1873, confirmed 26 Jun 1887
#11 2) Paul Kristian Johan Olsen, born 1876
Source: Nordland county, Herøy in Herøy, Parish register (official) nr. 834A07 (1878-1937), Emigration records 1885-1888, page 28.

Next page:
#13 Pauline Olea Pedersdatter, b.1868, conf. 24 Jun 1883
4 Certificates (issued): Baptism, Confirmation, "Not bound in marriage", and Immaculate conduct; dated 01 May 1888

#14 Jonetta Kristine Mørk Karlsdatter, b. 1870, confirmed 21 Jun 1885
4 Certificates (issued): Baptism, Confirmation, "Not bound in marriage", and Immaculate conduct; dated 01 May 1888

#49 Pauline Olea Pedersdatter
Born 26 Feb 1868
Confirmed 24 Jun 1883, Herøy in Herøy, Nordland, Norway
Born: Ugelfoten
Residence: Ugelfoten
Parents: Peder Kristian Benjaminsen & wife Karen Oline Jensdatter, Ugelfoten
Smallpox vaccination: 08 Jul 1871

#37 Jonetta Kristine Mørk Karlsdatter
Born 10 May 1870
Confirmed 21 Jun 1885, Herøy in Herøy, Nordland, Norway
Born: Hilseth
Residence: Hilseth
Parents: Karl Johan Olsen & wife Helene Johanne Jakobsdatter, Hilseth
Smallpox vaccination: 25 Aug 1879

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 17/09/2013 22:11:07
Message:

!!

So Pauline is a sister of Iver's mother Jensine Marie Kibsgaard Pedersdatter. I should have noticed it earlier. Thanks Jan Peter.

http://www.slekt.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I24338&tree=1

Such beautiful handwriting in Jonetta's birth record! And astounding to see the original handwritten records.

Hi susan- so wonderful you've connected with George's family!

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 17/09/2013 23:06:57
Message:

Wonder if there is some connection here:

http://www.norwayheritage.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4011&SearchTerms=ugelfoten

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 17/09/2013 23:13:49
Message:

Ref: "Per Kristian Benjaminson b.8 July 1832 d after 1900 m1 Karen Jensdatter and at least these children with Karen: Jensine b abt 1860 and Kristine b. abt 1861, Olina b. abt 1866*, Paulina b abt 1868* and Per m 2 Ingeborg Sakariasdatter and had at least these children with Ingeborg: Ane b. abt 1875, Paul b abt 1883, Olaf b abt 1887; * or could also be from second wife. Per is found in the 1900 Norwegian census still on Ugelfoten."

Per Kristian Benjaminson = Peder Kristian Benjaminsen, father to Pauline who emigrated in 1888.

Jan Peter

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 17/09/2013 23:33:12
Message:

Definitely a connection! As Jan Peter says.
And more....for example, Peter Kristian Benjaminsen's brother Ebbe.
from the 2008 thread:
"Ebbe Andreas Benjaminson b. 8 May 1835 d.16 Jan 1926 came to U.S. m 1865 Berit Marte Hansdatter and had these children: Hans b abt 1864, Ole b abt 1869, Bertine Emilia b abt 1873, Ane M. b abt 1875 and ?Bennie? Among Ebbe’s children at least Hans, Ole and Bertine came to America. Bertine m. Ilmer Mickalson (Elmer Mickelson) and is reported to have had 15 children, all of those who were born in Norway came to U.S. with their parents, settling near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota."
So here are more people in the extended family who went to Pelican Rapids.
from the Frode Family tree:
http://www.slekt.net/tng/getperson.php?personID=I25470&tree=1


Or notice Peder Kristian Benjaminsen's brother Andres Sakarias Benjaminson who came to the US; had a son Albert Skei. Below "Donno" (must mean Dønna island):
"Cooperstown, North Dakota. Albert Skei is a carpenter. He was born in Donno on March 25, 1870 and emigrated to America in 1893 to Lake Park, Minnesota and lived there for nine years. He came to Cooperstown, North Dakota in 1905 and has lived there since as a a carpenter. His wife, Anna J. Sorvig, is also from Donno. They were both on a trip to Norway in 1914 which was good all around and they had a pleasant trip."
--Source: Norwegians and Norwegian Homes in America by Hans Jervell - 1916 - Page 161

Ebbe Andreas Benjaminson's daughter Bertine with family in Minnesota (Bertine would be a first cousin to Iver Olson):
1910
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Elmer K Mickelson 39
Berthine E Mickelson 36
Engvald B Mickelson 16
Martin J Mickelson 14
Jacob K MIckelson 12
Eiler B Mickelson 11
Melvin P Mickelson 10
Aslaig L Mickelson 8
Harold G Mickelson 5
Effie T Mickelson 3
Alfred M Nickelson 25
also born
--twin boys who died 1909
--a son Arthur Noralf Mickelson was born later in 1910
--another son Alven Michelson was born in 1912
--a daughter Freda Nilsena Mickelson born 1914
--back in an edit with another one from Jackie: "I think the Mikalsons had another son named James Julian Mekalson b. 4 July 1916 in Otter Tail county, Minnesota"

See obituary for Freda NIlsena Mickelson (Dahl) here:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=65146459

Ebbe Andreas Benjaminson and wife Beret Ebbeson buried at Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=52703149

Also buried at Ringsaker, Ebbe's son Ole Edward Ebbeson (1869-1949) with spouse Henriette Hanson; their children Oliver Melvin Ebbeson and Gladys Ebbeson (Lokken)

So many connections could now be made, given jkmarler's spadework.

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 17/09/2013 23:52:44
Message:

Five years ago a man asked my local genealogical society for help finding his ancestors. The society usually gives me the Norwegian research requests. His grandmother was Alma Skei, daughter of Andreas Sakarias Benjaminsen. The reason I posted the topic was to scare up some relatives in Norway. That part of the research wasn't too successful. Or maybe they just got scared instead of scared up?

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 18/09/2013 03:21:06
Message:

I think the Mikalsons had another son named James Julian Mekalson b. 4 July 1916 in Otter Tail county, Minnesota

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 19/09/2013 00:43:26
Message:

this is the best gift anyone could ask for .. to find out about my family and to find out I'm Norwegian heritage is just amazing .. I sent my brother the picture of Iver Olsen ... have to say they look very much alike .. and yes a trip to Norway is not in the plans for sure ..

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 20/09/2013 01:46:47
Message:

I thought I would share with you that I have been in contact with the great grand daughter of Christ Olsen .. when her grandfather Gordon passed away she inherited his photo albums and is willing to share pictures with me .. I am just thrilled .. words can not express how thankful I am for your help ..

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 22/09/2013 14:53:32
Message:

Hi Susan, You're welcome. I'm so glad for all this, and thank you for sharing! Today I have a message from a kind helper in Otter Tail County who has gone to the historical society archives there and found obituaries for Iver Olsen, his father Ole M. Olsen, his brother Helmer, and his brother Paul, to come by snail mail. Did not find a death date for Iver's mother Elisabeth (which was after 1895 census and before 1900 census), but has offered to walk the cemetery where so many family are buried, to look for a marker. Will let us know...

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 26/09/2013 16:20:26
Message:

that is amazing ... thank you so much .. i am going to continue to dig and find out more ... maybe a trip to otter trail ... its a drive-able trip ..

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 26/09/2013 21:07:21
Message:

Yes, a drive to Otter Tail county would certainly be a trip into your family past! Your kind helper in Otter Tail has now offered to take photos of family burial places. All of this to be done as she is able. She went again to the Otter Tail archives and DID find the death date for Iver's mother in the Otter Tail Recorder's books:

C - 51 - 12
Date of death March 29, 1899
Elizabeth Olson
Fem [female]
62-1-0 [age 62 years 1 month]
Norway
Cause of death: consumption (TB)
Parents
O. Jacobson
Mother unknown
both born in Norway

A death certificate just has the information as known by the informant. Sometimes that one person is not the best informed person in the family. So not everything here is exactly correct, but clearly this is "your" Elisabeth.

One of many places where you can stay, lol:
http://www.riversidebbb.com/aboutus.html

Reply author: susanharkins
Replied on: 29/09/2013 04:19:42
Message:

wow one step closer to knowing my family .. how would i get the pictures ?

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 29/09/2013 06:21:19
Message:

Hi Susan - I sent you an email re.a couple of things including the logistics. All best -Jane

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/11/2013 07:45:23
Message:

Hi Susan, Your wonderful researcher in Otter Tail county has sent four obituaries for you.

1) Obit for father of Iver Olsen, 1929

"O. M. Olson Dies at the Age of 95"
"Resided in the Neighborhood of Pelican Rapids for Forty Years."
"Pelican Rapids, Jan, 9 (Special). Ole M. Olson, one of the oldest residents of this locality, died at the home of his son, Helmer, east of here, Monday night at the age of 95 years. Mr. Olson was born in Norway and came to the United States forty years ago, making his home with his son ever since. He was stricken with apoplexy Monday and died in the evening. His wife died some years ago. The funeral will take place Friday with brief services at the home at 1 o'clock and services at the Pelican Valley Church at 1:30, Rev. Egge officiating." -- Fergus Falls Daily Journal 09 January 1929, page 7

2) Obit for Iver Olsen, 1911

"Dunn Man Dies"
"Prominent Farmer of that Township Passes Away - Death in Pelican Rapids"
Pelican Rapids Press. The community was greatly shocked when the intelligence was received of the death of Iver Olsen, a prosperous and respected farmer of Dunn township, who died at his home Saturday at the age of 51 years. Up until a few weeks ago Mr. Olson was a strong, powerful man, with chances for living many years yet, but about four weeks ago he became ill, and the physician diagnosed his case as cancer of the stomach. He grew worse rapidly and passed to the great beyond on the day stated. The funeral services were held from Zion's Church in Dunn Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Meland. The deceased was a brother of Hjalmer Olson east of town and leaves a wife and children to mourn his departure. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved ones." -- Fergus Falls Weekly Journal 11 May 1911, page 2

3) Obit for Iver Olsen's brother Helmer, 1937

"Helmer Olson, Pelican, Dies"
"Death Follows Long Illness from Cancer of the Stomach"
"Pelican Rapids, July 6. (Special) Helmer C. Olson died at 8 o'clock this Tuesday morning at his home in Pelican township. Death was due to cancer of the stomach from which he has suffered for a long time, although he was confined to his bed only six weeks before his death. Mr. Olson was born July 18, 1863, at Donna Helgeland, Norway, and was nearly 74 years of age. He came to the United States in 1884 and settled in this community where he resided ever since. Left to mourn the death of a devoted husband and father are his widow and six children - Henry, Lena, Dena, Julia, Harry, and Alma, all of this community. One daughter, Esther, died in August 1922. Mr. Olson was a highly respected resident and his death will be deeply mourned. Funeral arrangements have not been completed." -- Fergus Falls Dailiy Journal 06 July 1937

4) Obit for Iver Olsen's brother Paul, 1949

"Paul Olson of Lida Township Is Called"
"Good Citizen Dies at His Home Following Long Illness"
"Pelican Rapids (Special) Paul Olson of Lida township passed away Sunday noon at his home there, death being due to dropsy from which he had suffered for the past two years. He had been confined to his bed for the past year. Mr. Olson was 73 years of age, having been born in Norway January 16, 1876. He came to the United States with his parents at the age of 12 years. They came to this community where he resided ever since. For the past 24 years he has lived in Lida. Mr. Olson was married in 1915 to Marie Lokken, who with four children survives. The children are: Mrs. John Schneider of Glade, Kans; Mrs. Callum Cunningham, Thompson, N.D.; Maynard at home; and Miss Orpha Olson, who is taking nurse's training at Rochester. Mr. Olson was held in high esteem in the community; he was a loving husband and father, and was always thoughtful of the welfare of others. He held various township offices. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at two o'clock at the Pelican Valley Church, the Rev. Stenson officiating." --Fergus Falls Daily Journal 31 January 1949, page 9

Reply author: Lormick
Replied on: 02/02/2014 19:43:51
Message:

I can help with any questions you have concerning the Mickelson's or Benjaminson.

Reply author: Pgalb
Replied on: 26/07/2016 23:30:28
Message:

My gt. grandfather was Jens Mork Anderson Skei (changed to John Mark Anderson after he came to MN). He came to Boston from Skei farm, Donna Island, Norway in June 1893 on the Cephalonia ship and eventually to Pelican Rapids, MN. His ticket was paid for by perhaps, Iver Olson, who was listed as a "friend" on the boat record. John Anderson's father was Anders Zacharias Benjaminsen, who is uncle to Jensine Olson (Mrs. Iver Olson). That's a connection I just put together after reading this forum.

I'm doing more research about Skei farm, Uglefod farm and the Rolvags possible connection to John Mark Anderson.
Anders Z Benjaminsen was from Uglefod farm in Heroy but his brother Peder may have inherited it? or was just the household head in 1865? The 1865 census indicates that Peder's father was receiving a pension for giving his land to someone.
Anders Benjaminsen was a fisherman. Was he a cottager as well when he lived on the Skei farm? I know he didn't own the skei farm.
Did the family know the Rolvags? My grandmother had "Giants of the Earth" on her shelf but I wasn't interested in knowing if there was a connection at the time.
Thank you for any information you can give.

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 28/07/2016 02:28:42
Message:

There are quite some clues about Ole Rolvaag the author who was from Dønna:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ole_Edvart_R%C3%B8lvaag

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 28/07/2016 12:03:27
Message:

See this tree.

Reply author: Pgalb
Replied on: 30/07/2016 04:47:10
Message:

It might be that John Anderson and Rolvaag knew each other , not related though. Thanks!

Norway Heritage Community : http://www.norwayheritage.com/snitz/