Searching for OPPEN ?
oppenMy Grandfather who is known to me as Gilbert OPPEN, was born 10 July 1879 in Norway. Family Tradition states, that as a young boy around the age of 12-15, he ran away from home, stowed away on a ship and was discovered by the ships Captain. He had gotten into an argument with his Step-Father.It was said that they crossed the Atlantic, befriended by the Captain, Gilbert jumped ship before the ships docking. Anyone know of a list, or name for such incidents? Other Family Traditions: Studied to be a Lutheran Minister; Had a 1/2 Brother named Karl CHRISTENSON or KNUDTSON. Grandfather Gilbert was a quiet man, not sharing much of his young life.We know little of his life from the time of his birth to the time he met my Grandmother 20th May 1913 Edmonton Alberta Canada. I did find citizenship papers in the United States after they moved here. That document stated he said he was born in Ostvand Norway. Any help, suggestions, would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Rose Lauzier
BriningHi Rose Unfortunately your grandfather "falls between the cracks" in the Norway census at the Digitalarkivet" There are people with the last name Oppen and farms named Oppen in the 1865 and 1900 census. I didn't find anyplace named Ostvand but that is probably a "sounds like" spelling. Maybe someone else will have a guess at it. Have you gotten a copy of his marriage license and death certificate? They can give you some clues. Did he live in Camrose county in Alberta? There is Gilbert Oppen listed in "Lure of the Homestead" This site has a lookup link for the book. You might get more info there. http://www.rootsweb.com/~bwo/can_ab.html If you can find his father's or mother's name there would be a little more to search on Good Luck Carla
ninakarlsThere is a farm called Østvand in the 1865 census: http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&filnamn=arkivverket/ft1865/f60418.wc2&variabel=0&postnr=4001&fulle=true&spraak=n
asgeirHi Rose, Gilbert Oppen was born in Nord-Odal, Norway on a small farm called Oppi (changed to Oppen in Amerika). The area Ostvand that you refer to is today known as Austvatn. I will send you more information in a day or two Asgeir Østli
oppen Thanks guys for jumping in and answering my query. It really was a suprise to come in and see responses. I appreciate it so very much. I have sent for copies of the pages in "Lure of the Homestead", I hope they pan out. I will also check the links for the census, and also Thanks for the info.. on the Ostvand situation. It is something more to go on. I often have suspected that the name Ostvand was a sound alike, Grandpa had a distinct accent. Asgeir, How do I find Nord-Ordal, and in particular Austvatn, on a Map? I would like to see its location, but am having difficulty finding it by myself. Again, Thank You. Rose Edited by - oppen on 17/10/2002 05:54:44 Edited by - oppen on 18/10/2002 01:28:07
oppen
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Hi Rose Unfortunately your grandfather "falls between the cracks" in the Norway census at the Digitalarkivet" There are people with the last name Oppen and farms named Oppen in the 1865 and 1900 census. I didn't find anyplace named Ostvand but that is probably a "sounds like" spelling. Maybe someone else will have a guess at it. Have you gotten a copy of his marriage license and death certificate? They can give you some clues. Did he live in Camrose county in Alberta? There is Gilbert Oppen listed in "Lure of the Homestead" This site has a lookup link for the book. You might get more info there. http://www.rootsweb.com/~bwo/can_ab.html If you can find his father's or mother's name there would be a little more to search on Good Luck Carla
Carla, I have gotten their marriage record from Canada, but like the death certificates there, they don't contain that much information. Yes, I have sent for copies of the pages in the book you mentioned above. I am awaiting those now. I would be thrilled to find Grandpas parents names......Something I have longed for, for many years. Thanks for trying. Rosie
BriningHi Rosie Try this map. It is not a detailed road map but gives a broad overview of where a place is. http://www.calle.com/world/norway/index.html Carla
oppenCarla, Thanks for the link. It didnt show much, but at least it let me know in what area I am looking and that's more than I knew before, right? Rosie
oppenAsgeir.....Wondering where you are, I am anxious to hear more.Finding some link to the parentage, or even proof of where my Grandfather was born, has always been my Goal. I would be thrilled to definitely know something for sure. Let me ask you a question if I may. Is there anyway to check the area of Austvatn for a birth record for All MALES, born on 10th July 1879 ? Is that an out landish idea? Rosie Edited by - oppen on 30/10/2002 01:18:14
oppenThank You Asgeir.........You Found my Grandfather. I am so Thankful, GOD BLESS YOU. A lifetime question has been answered, and replaced with many others. But the most important one has been solved. Gilbert Oppens real name is Gunnar Oppi. With Great Respect, and Appreciation, Rose Edited by - oppen on 30/10/2002 01:18:58