Hans Gjerdrum - Louise H. Gjerdrum - Bjerke

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Topic:

Topic author: KristenHicks
Subject: Hans Gjerdrum - Louise H. Gjerdrum - Bjerke
Posted on: 17/01/2014 20:52:17
Message:

Hello!! I am so incredibly excited! After years of hitting a wall, I finally have been able to locate my Grandmother's passage to America!!

She came via the Stavangerfjord, arriving at Port of New York (PoNY) on 15 July 1919. I knew our family name of Gjerdrum, however she was listed with the last name of Bjerke.

It appears that my Great-Grandmother Louise H (for Hans' daughter) Gjerdrum came to the US, via the Oscar II, 31 May 1910, approximately 2 months after giving birth to my Grandmother, "Else Bjerke". Louise's last name was misspelled on the manifest, as "GjerdruN". From assumption, it would seem that my Grandmother was left in Norway, under the care of her Grandfather (Louise's Dad) Hans, residing at Kløften Street. This information I have acquired through the original manifests from the ships.

9 years later, Louise then returned to Norway, as a US Citizen, married to a gentleman by the name of Theodor Wunch, (whose family was from Lanesboro, MN), bringing my Grandma back to America, moving her to Chicago to be exact, in 1919.

Upon Louise's original voyage to the US in 1910, she was going to be staying with "Uncle Martin Gjerdrum" (Hans' brother), of Lanesboro, Minnesota. Residing in the same town was the Wunsch family, and the rest seems to be history. The only passage I have found for Martin, (originally from Norway as well), was aboard the Stavangerfjord, arriving PoNY 7 Oct 1919, when he was already in possession of a US Passport.

I would like to know more about Hans Gjerdrum, as I believe he would be my Great-Great Grandfather, as well as the Bjerke family, making them the other side of my Great-Great's, via my Grandmother.

I have answered lifelong family questions FINALLY, but have replaced them, with dozens more. If anyone has any relevant information, that may assist me on this journey, please feel free to contact me! Here, I have e-mail, facebook, whatever you have, I would love to know about my lineage, a bit further back. Thank you so very much, in advance!

~Kristen Hicks

Replies:

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 17/01/2014 21:08:44
Message:

Louise Hansen Gjerdrum was from Gjerdrum municipality.

She was born on farm Gjerdrum April 11. 1886 and christened Anna Louise Hansdatter April 25 in Gjerdrum kirke from 1686.
Parents; "Gaardbruger" Farmer Hans Hansen b. 1857 and "Hustru" Wife Anne Marie Nilsdatter born 1860, see last record #3

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 17/01/2014 22:43:34
Message:

The family on Gjerdrum 1900.
Lovise 1886, occ; Housework and she had four younger siblings.
Erik Sørensen, occ. servant.
Hans parents Hans Hansen b. 1828 and Berte Maria Hansdatter, civil status for both "Føderaad" free supplies on the farm for the rest of their life.
Two lodgers, Martin and Magnus.

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 17/01/2014 23:32:15
Message:

Gjerdrum 1910
A daugter Valborg born 1902.

Ida 1891 "Budeie" Milkmaid
Thora 1862, poor pauper from Oslo
Two lodgers, married couple Gudbrand and Berthe.

The birth records are stated for the whole family.
The scanned church books for Gjerdrum if you want to search on your own.
Exiting to be the first to find their bap. records and the mother Anna Marie Nilsdatters parents

"Fødte og døpte" = Born and baptized.

Kåre

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 18/01/2014 00:15:31
Message:

Kåre!!

You are AWESOME!! Thank you so much for your investigating! I am so excited!! We were always under the impression that my Grandma's name was "Elsa Mae". I cannot wait to dig into these files! Of course, with the help of Google Translate! :)

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Kristen

Reply author: Hopkins
Replied on: 18/01/2014 00:57:48
Message:

The formats of the various types of Norwegian church records have been translated and put online -- if you know what a column was supposed to show it makes it much easier to understand them.
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~norway/na20.html

The following link is to a very useful list of translated Norwegian words that are commonly encountered in records we use to track our family histories, including many common abbreviations that Good Translate just won't help with -
http://home.online.no/~otjoerge/files/word.htm

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 18/01/2014 02:05:19
Message:

Fantastic! Thank you Hopkins! I've tracked back to Hans Mikkelsen, but am exhausted. May call it a night amidst all of the "Hanses"... :)

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 18/01/2014 11:50:59
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by KristenHicks

Kåre!!

You are AWESOME!! Thank you so much for your investigating! I am so excited!! We were always under the impression that my Grandma's name was "Elsa Mae". I cannot wait to dig into these files! Of course, with the help of Google Translate! :)

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Kristen

---

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 18/01/2014 16:08:23
Message:

http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/ft/person/pf01036392130087

Good morning guys!

This is the only trail of a child named Else, being born in that area in April 1910. #4, is the record in question. If indeed Lovise, had delivered an illegitimate child back then, would it have made sense for her to have given the baby her own mother's last name? Lovise's Mom, was Anne Maria Nilsen. This child is known as Else Nilsen, and the birthdate matches up, April 1910. Lovise shows in the Census on her father's farm, during the same Census, with no child having been/being born. What would have been the "protocol" for young, unwed mothers back then? We know that when Lovise went to America the first time May 1910, she went to visit Uncle Martin, "to seek a better life"...

Looking at the list of Household members, is it me, or do they all appear to be children?? Was/could this have been an orphanage? A hospital?

Also, where does the last name of Bjerke come into play, as when my Grandmother traveled to America in 1919, she was "Else Bjerke". Sorry for so many questions...

This roller coaster of "Figure out your Norwegian Roots-101", is really picking up steam!

http://www.mchlibrary.info/history/chbu/21341.PDF

Found this, trying to decipher the legal garb now.

Thank you again! ~Kristen

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 18/01/2014 16:52:59
Message:

I think perhaps it is a orphanage for children born out of wedloc??
Else was born in Oslo. Occ. described as Patient for all children??
Residential status; "mt" an abrr. for "midlertidig" temporary
Her mother was unmarried maid.

If she is the right Else is diff. to know, Elses father was Nils (unknown lastname)
Louises fathers had a sister Maren Birgitte b. 1854, she married Martin Olsen Ekeberg in 1874 and they settled down in Oslo.

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 18/01/2014 18:56:19
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by KristenHicks


Upon Louise's original voyage to the US in 1910, she was going to be staying with "Uncle Martin Gjerdrum" (Hans' brother), of Lanesboro, Minnesota. Residing in the same town was the Wunsch family, and the rest seems to be history. The only passage I have found for Martin, (originally from Norway as well), was aboard the Stavangerfjord, arriving PoNY 7 Oct 1919, when he was already in possession of a US Passport.

~Kristen Hicks

---

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 19/01/2014 00:48:38
Message:

Before I close my pc I came across this photo taken in Christiania (Oslo) of Martin Hansen Gjerdrum link

A namesake or Louises uncle?
If it is Martin Gjerdrum is was probably taken 1889 when he em.

Kåre

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 19/01/2014 12:02:37
Message:

Kåre

Sorry so long in geting back. Had company over yesterday, and was also finally able to transmit as much info as I have gathered to my cousin in Chicago, as my brother and I are both in Florida... To tell you the truth, I am still quite overwhelmed at what we have found, thus far.

I have not yet begun to research the family members of Lovise, as now I am trying to specifically figure out what happened to my Grandmother between 1910-1919. We know she was at the Pilestrædet 32 during the 1910 Census, immediately after birth, as Else Nilsen. Then the next we know, she is aboard the Stavangerfjord in 1919, as Else Bjerke. Our minds are just boggled here...

Up early this morning, preparing food for my Father-in-Law's Birthday Celebration, so I won't be on much today either. However I wanted to tell you, that your assistance is absolutely priceless to my family and I, and we are truly grateful to you.

I do plan on digging back into the archives within the next couple of days, as I'm ready to begin writing down as much of this information as we have so far, according to names and birthdates. The picture of Martin, is AMAZING. What a handsome fellow!! The rush of emotions, through this whole journey is just, truly indescribable.

Again, on behalf of my brother, my cousin, and myself, thank you so, so much. You have all been so helpful, and wonderful to us.

~Our Best Regards, Kristen

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 19/01/2014 23:42:49
Message:

Martin Hansen Gjerdrum looks like a handsome fellow.
When you have sorted all the information and if you want more I have the whole family-line on Gjerdrum (in Norwegian) back to Tosten Jonsen and Aagot Hansdatter both born ca 1666.

-Else Nilsen was 4. mth when the census was done Dec. 1, born ca August 1.

Em. from Oslo July 1919: Else Bjerke born April 1. 1910. Residence; Østre Aker (Oslo) on Stavangerfjord to New York.
Purpose of the travel; to her parents, link

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 05:59:04
Message:

Here is Else.

Births/Baptisms - Ministerialbok for Kråkstad prestegjeld, Ski sokn 1893-1917 (0212P)
Else born 01.04.1910 [= 01 April 1910]
baptized 22.04
illegitimate
Father: unmarried Fabrikarb. Kristian Olafsen Bjercke born 1890, residence Bøhn st.
Mother: u. Gaardmandsdat. Lovise Hansen Gjerdrum born 1886, residence Gjerdrum
Dåpsmeldar: Josefine Bjerke
Fadder/baptismal sponsors:
kone Josefine Bjerke, kone Julie Heiestad, sergeant Martin Heiestad, sergeant Kristian Pedersen
there's a note on the far right; I'm not sure what it is saying
#7:
http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-kb20060911030544.jpg

A man Kristian Bjerke, single, occupation fabr.arb. and born 1891, emigrates May 1910, destination Canada

1910 Norway census
Residence: Søli (av Veiby), Kråkstad herred, Akershus
Josefine Bjerke born 29.01.1860 in Kra. , widow, pensionist
Solveig Bjerke born 22.10.1895
Harriet Bjerke born 16.12.1896
Hans Bjerke born 06.09.1901
Rakel Bjerke born 19.06.1903
Åsta Bjerke - foster daughter born 07.12.1908
Else Bjerke - foster daughter born 01.04.1909
Nils Aronsen born Sweden
Hanna Aronsen


1900 Norway Census
Tøiengaden 27, Kristiania kjøpstad
Hans Henrik Fr. Bjerke b 1864 in Onsø, politioverkonstabel
Josefine Bjerke b 1860 Kristiania
Hjørdis Bjerke b 1891 Kristiania
Solveig Bjerke b 1895 Kristiania
Harriet Bjerke b 1896 Kristiania

Don't know how this foster family is connected, but the father Hans could be Hans Henrik Fredriksen son of Fredrik Anton Jensen and Louise Olsdatter and living in Onsøy prestegjeld in 1865.

More about the 1919 Ellis Island immigration record that was mentioned above. The website transcribes the name as Else Bjerks (though original says Bjerke). She's age 9, traveling with Louise Wunsch, noted as mother/daughter. Last permanent residence: Kløften St. Name and address of nearest relative in country whence alien came: Grandfather: Hans Gjerdrum...Kløften St. Else's place of birth: Kristiania

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 20/01/2014 10:27:45
Message:

Exellent finding Jane

Unmarried Factory worker Kristian Olafsen Bjerke.
Last chapter; Both parenst "1ste lejemål" 1. child born out of wedloc. Reported by Josefine Bjerke.
I believe Josefine Bjerke, retired widow in 1910, is father Kristian Olafsen Bjerkes mother, Elses grandmother.

Baptized in Kråkstad church from 1150

Kløfta st, Kløfta railroad-station link

Fathers recidence when Else was bapized, Bøhn/Bøn stasjon link

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 15:17:31
Message:

Thanks for that Kåre. Very interesting links.
I am curious about Kristian's parents - he is not with Josefine in 1900 census, if I've identified the correct Josefine in 1900.
Re. Kløften Station: "The station was originally called Kløften, but was renamed to Kløfta in 1920."
Here a map of Kråkstad where you can see Bjerke:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k-bPNZiL84A/TC6JO_0P5NI/AAAAAAAACO0/LPlfVGYZ5ng/s1600/Krakstad+Map.jpg

ugift = unmarried

Josefine's daughter Solveig getting confirmed in Lutheran faith:
CONFIRMATION, Ministerialbok for Kråkstad prestegjeld, Ski sokn 1893-1917 (0212P)
Date: 02.10.1910
Place: Kråkstad Ski
Solveig Helene Marie Bjerke born 22.10.1895 in Kr.ania, Grønland
Residence: Finstad
Father: ugift politikonstabel Hans Henrik Fredriksen. Residence: Bjerke
Mother: pike Josefine Charlotte Bentzen


Josefine's daughter Harriet getting confirmed:
Date: 01.10.1911
Place: Kråkstad Ski
Harriet Charlotte Bjerke born 16.12.1896 in Paulus, Kr.ania
Residence: Sørli
Father: Politikonstabel Hans Henrik Fredriksen. Residence: Bjerke
Mother: Josefine Charlotte Bentsen f.

"f." = født = born (i.e. her birth name)

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 20/01/2014 15:43:54
Message:

Hei.
I believe Kristians father was Olaf Bjerke since Kristian was rec. as Kristian Olafsen Bjerke.

Kåre

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 16:01:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kåarto

Unmarried Factory worker Kristian Olafsen Bjerke... I believe Josefine Bjerke, retired widow in 1910, is father Kristian Olafsen Bjerkes mother, Elses grandmother. Kåre

---

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 20/01/2014 16:15:19
Message:

Here is a possible Bjerke family headed by Olaf Knudsen Bjerke with son Olaf Joachim Kristian Bjerke:

http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/WebCens.exe?slag=visbase&sidenr=5&filnamn=f00301&gardpostnr=7621&personpostnr=205677&merk=205677#ovre

Here in 1910:
http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/ft/person/pf01036392224665

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 18:04:26
Message:

Maybe another possibility:

1910 Norway Census
Kristiania kjøpstad
Kristian Bjerke born 11.07.1886 in Norderhov, unmarried
Occupation: Stationsbetjent Jernb.

In 1910 at confirmation of Josefine's daughter Solveig Helene Marie Bjerke, residence is listed as Finstad. I think that on this link, below, is explained that Bøn stasjon was at one time called Finstad?
http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC17M4A_bon-stasjon-smebyco

On this link, below, photo of Kløfta stasjon, "en jernbanestasjon på Kløfta," (= a railroad station at Kløfta) circa 1917
part of Norway's first railway, Hovedbanen with endpoints at Kristiania and Eidsvoll.
http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC193CC_kloften-station

Martin and Julie Heiestad here (Else's baptismal sponsors):
http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/ft/person/pf01036368002329

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 20/01/2014 18:11:28
Message:

Jane, Kåre, JKMarler,

I'm just weeping, can hardly see the keyboard...I have no words...aside from "thank you all", so incredibly much. This is just astounding...

I've been searching the records through the Old Aker Church...completely in the wrong direction.

Going to let this sink in for a bit. My eternal thanks to you...

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 18:51:13
Message:

You are welcome Kristen!

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 20/01/2014 21:10:47
Message:

I am happy on your behalf

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 20/01/2014 21:36:38
Message:

A candidate.
Kristian Bjerke, unmarried factory-worker, who. em to Canada 1910 was born in Eidsvoll April 24. 1891 link

Same Kristian born in Eidsvoll April 24. 1891.
Parents; Stable-man Olaus Hansen Nygaard and Gusta Olsdatter, see last bapt. #53

Eidsvoll 1900
Olaus Hansen Bjerke, factory-worker, cellulose, and wife Gusta Olsdatter with 6 children, Kristian Olausen (Olafsen) b. 1891.

Kåre

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 20/01/2014 22:39:13
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by JaneC

Maybe another possibility:

1910 Norway Census
Kristiania kjøpstad
Kristian Bjerke born 11.07.1886 in Norderhov, unmarried
Occupation: Stationsbetjent Jernb.

---

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 20/01/2014 22:48:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kåarto

A young candidate.
Kristian Bjerke, unmarried factory-worker, who. em to Canada 1910 was born in Eidsvoll April 24. 1891 link

Same Kristian born in Eidsvoll April 24. 1891.
Parents; Stable-man Olaus Hansen Nygaard and Gusta Olsdatter, see last bapt. #53

Eidsvoll 1900
Olaus Hansen Bjerke, factory-worker, cellulose, and wife Gusta Olsdatter with 6 children, Kristian Olausen (Olafsen) b. 1891.

Kåre

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 20/01/2014 22:53:49
Message:

So the Kristian Bjerke who is a "Stationsbetjent Jernb." is ruled out. As for the Kristian Bjerke who emigrated May 1910, here he is in a database on Roots Web:
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=bjerkek&id=I31029

Same database, here is Hans Henrik Fredriksen, Rød, son of
Fredrik Anton Jensen, Rød b 1831 and Marie Lovise Olsdatter, Rød b 1836. This researcher says HHF was born 14 JUL 1864 in Rød, Onsøy and confirmed in Nannestad in 1878. It looks to me like this is the Hans Henrik Fr. Bjerke who was husband (or partner) of Josefine Charlotte Bentsen in whose home Else was a foster child.
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bjerkek&id=I40681

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nannestad

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 21/01/2014 01:32:57
Message:

It's a database about people from Nannestad. The following is copied and pasted in from the database:

"Names of people born in Nannestad, their ancestors, decendants or relatives, born from year1600 to today, including all emigrants (eventually) "

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 21/01/2014 01:53:02
Message:

Unbelievable.

Just to (attempt) to get this straight, Else was indeed born on the birthdate/birthplace that we knew April 1, 1910, in Kristiania. Both of her parents were in attendance of her Baptism, on April 22, 1910, at her father's family's farm in Ski, attended by/requested by Kristian's mother, Josefine? Shortly after her Baptism, both parents emigrated, Lovise to Minnesota, Kristian to Canada...then Else was apparently "fostered" by her Father's Mother, Josefine, until 1919 when Lovise came back from the US, and then took Else back with her? Am I close at least? :)

I apologize, but this is just so much information to try and take in at once. And I thought that I was dizzy with information overload in regards to Lovise's side, after I began researching a bit, between all of the Hanses' and Hansdatter's... This is information that was never spoken about in our family. With Else and all of her children (our parents) being gone now, it's just my cousin, brother, and myself, trying to answer questions, that seemed to not even have potential answers.

If it weren't for you all, (and a Mr. Robert Bjerke, of no relation, but hey I asked!) that I've been e-mailing with as well, I NEVER would have figured this angle out. Ever! You all are utterly amazing...and I'm still speechless.

Yes Kåre, I am still incredibly interested in hearing more of Lovise's side, back to 1666?? Wow. Just. Wow.

I definitely believe in "Divine Intervention", and I really think that I needed this..."lesson", if you will. You all are here, helping us to learn the truth, FINALLY, for a reason. And I am here, and ever so thankful, to hear it from you... As always, the Lord is mysterious in His ways, but always in perfect time...

All of my love and appreciation, Kristen

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 21/01/2014 04:01:10
Message:

HI Kristen, so good to hear from you. Here's a response to your summary - Kåre is a native speaker and will I hope correct any mistakes in interpretation - but is likely asleep now (it's nighttime in Norway)

Else was born 01 April 1910 and baptized 22 April 1910. Don't know if her parents attended her baptism. Her father is named as Kristian Olafsen Bjercke. This means he is "Olaf's son" - i.e. his father is named Olaf something (or Oluf, Olav, Olaus, etc). Josefine Charlotte Bentsen Bjerke was a witness at the baptism. Presumably the mother (Louise) named the father and their names are recorded but this does not necessarily mean they attended. We don't know Josefine's relationship to the family, if any, other than that Else lives with her as a foster child in 1910. Shortly after Else's baptism, her mother emigrated. We do not know about her father; he MIGHT be the man who emigrated in May 1910 to Canada and onward to USA. We don't know who the parents of your Kristian are and we don't know where your Kristian was born. The parents of the man who emigrated are Olaus Hansen Nygaard and Gusta Olsdatter (see posted records). Another name for Olaus Hansen Nygaard is Olaus Hansen Bjerke (a person's "address name" can change). The Kristian who emigrated May 1910 is about the right age to be your Kristian; his name would be Kristian Olausen Bjerke so that's a match; and he was born not far from the residence of "your" Kristian when Else was baptised in 1910. This is circumstantial evidence but not proof that he is "your" Kristian. As for fostering Else, it's not possible to say at this point who primarily fostered Else. Else lived with Josefine Bjerke in December 1910 when the census was taken. In 1919 Else's place of residence was same as her maternal grandfather's (per passenger manifest). So those are two points in time when we know her whereabouts. When Else was registered to emigrate she was listed as a "hotel worker" if I recall correctly - though she was but 9. I was curious about that. Don't know when Lovise returned to Norway; but yes she took Else back to USA with her in 1919. Hope this helps.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 21/01/2014 09:42:06
Message:

Hi.

Just wondering.
Lastname for Hans b. 1743 is rec. as Hans Larsen, father is rec. as Lars Gjerdrum in Gjerdrum bygdebok volume one and in the church book, but I wonder if the church book has an error (not unusual) that his father was Hans Thorstensen, his mother is correct rec. in the church book as Mari Gudbrandsdatter who was married to Hans Thorstensen Gjerdrum
I have done my best to correct these errors, but its easy to get lost in all these names and dates.
The priest could had never have imagination enough to think that someone ca 300 years later was wondering about a name he had written

I will proofread when the Norwegian champioship in ski-jumping is over. Anders Bardal won.

Names and dates for descendants after the widow Gunnil Hansdatter 1765-1822 should be correct

Gjerdrum (Gjeri) was cultivated in the Iron-age and is located close to Gjerdrum church. The farm was split in two farms in the Viking age, Søndre (Southern) and Nordre (Northern Gjerdrum.
Gjerdrum spelled Gerdarin 1393 and Giardarin 1396.
In the middle age the farm was owned by Hovedøya Abbey, later owned by the crown (the king) and bought, a royal deed, by sheriff Anders Simonsen in 1666 who came to Norway from Denmark 1658.
Two brothers, Gudbrand and Thorsten Jonsen bought Søndre Gjerdrum from Customs officer Henrich Lachman against certain liabilities reg. timber and wood materiels ca 1699; Gudbrand bought 2/3 and Thorsten 1/3, unknown price.
Local name on Gudbrands farm was Søgarn and Thorstens farm was Arstun (Søndre Gjerdrum in the farm register where Louise was born 1886, the family used Gjerdrum as familyname)

Thorsten Johnsen b. ca 1666. d. 1734 married Aagot Hansdatter b. ca 1666 d. 1750
Children;
- Goro married 1733 Ole Trondsen
- Kari, engaged ensign Friderich Junge who left Norway shortly after without leaving a message
- Your Hans b. 1704, d. 1742, heir to the farm married Mari Gudbrandsdatter 1714-1747
- Marthe b. 1706 married 1732 Nils Clemmetsen
- Anne born 1711 married 1742 Kristoffer Sørensen.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 21/01/2014 11:01:31
Message:

Hans 1704 and Mari Gudbrandsdatter got 5 children:
- Lars 1737 married 1766 widow Anne Hansdatter
- Anne 1740 married Gudbrand amundsen, widowed
- Hans 1743-1800 married 1791 Gunnild Hansdatter 1756-1822 from Gjerdrum, takes ower the farm.
- Håkon 1745, in Denmark between 1772 and 1777
- Kari

Hans 1743 takes owner the farm, owner of Gjerdrum until he died 1800, the widow Gunnil Hansdatter sold the farm 1803 to her husbands brother Gudbrand for 1099 RiksDaler, but he bacame blind so she bought back he farm a few months later for 1599 Riks Daler in cash.

Hans and Gunnils only daughter, Mari Hansdatter 1792-1854 iherited the farm.
Mari Hansdatter married in 1812 Hans Mikklelsen b. ca 1784 d. 1857 from Haga in Ullensaker.
Children;
- Lars 1818-39
- Your Hans 1828- 1904 married in 1853 Berte Marie Hansdatter 1824-1902 from farm Heni
11 more children died young.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 21/01/2014 11:03:34
Message:

Hans Hansen 1828-1904 and Berte Marie Hansdatter 1824-1902.
Children
- Maren Birgitte 1854 married 1874 Martin Olsen Ekeberg, moved to Oslo
- Your Hans Hansen 1857-1940 bought the farm for 8600 Kroner plus 2200 Kroner for crops and chattels, married Anne Maria Nilsdatter 1860-1930
- Martin 1862, to America
- Twins died 1861

Hans Hansen and Anne Maria Nilsdatter
Children;
- Hilda Mathilde b. 1881 married 1903 Hjalmar Gjesti, settled down on farm Gjesti, later on farm Berg
- Magnus Nicolai 1883, to Minnesota 1907
- Louise 1886 to Minnesota Mai 18. 1910, occ. shopkeeper.
- Karl 1889, to Minnesota, dep Oslo March 10. 1910 on ship United States.
- Olaf b. 1892 married Milly (Emilie) Holum b. 1892
- Gunnar 1895, died in Oslo
- Helge 1898 married Edel Kristensen from Oslo, lived in Oslo
- Valborg 1902 married school teacer Johannes Bjørnsen, to Oslo. Valborg died 1992, Johannes 1983, buried in Gamlebyen cemetery Oslo.

Three plots were sold, in 1895 to Gjerdrum dairy, 1900 to merchant Anton Ramnes and 1910 to Hans Kristian Enger.
Olaf Hansen Gjerdrum 1892 and Milly 1892 takes over the farm 1920.
Children;
- Reidar 1915, truck driver, married Ester Aasmyr
- Astrid 1917 married Arne Kvernmo from Leirsund
- Ingrid 1919 married Kåre Ormstad from Skea in Sørum
- Olaug 1922 married Jens Kristian Asak from Leirsund
- Erling 1925 married Ingrid Gulliksen from Nannestad
- Knut 1926 married Wenche Nyquist from Nittedal to Oslo, buried in Grefsen cemetery
- Ivar 1927 married Grete Iversen from Oslo.
Knut and Ivar had a butcher shop in Oslo.

Olaf or his heirs build new houses on Gjerdrum, the land/farm was 1950 leased by Oskar Melby and Deborah Melby, two daughters; Solveig and Marit.

Kåre

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 21/01/2014 11:47:26
Message:

The 1910 census shows
Else Bjerke, born April 1 1909 living as an orphan with Josefine Bjerke at Søli in Kråkstad, link, and
Else Nilsen, an orphan being 4 months old when the census was taken?, link.

The baptismal record shows that Josefine Bjerke was one of the witnesses and the one who asked for the baptism. It is therefore likely that Else is the one who stayed with her in 1910. Since Elses father was Kristian Olafsen, it is also unlikely that she would be named Nilsen.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 21/01/2014 12:03:43
Message:

From the 1910 census for Josefine Bjerke can be seen that she had a daughter Solveig Helene Marie, born in Kristiania Oct 22 1895.
She was married to Hans Henrik Fredriksen, Bjerke on April 2 1895.
Josefines maiden name was Josefine Charlotte Bentsen, #31.

It is unlikely the she is Elses grandmother.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 21/01/2014 15:19:12
Message:

Lovise Hansen (Hansdatter), born April 11 1886 and baptized Anna Lovise, #3.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 21/01/2014 15:55:41
Message:

Wow - lots of new information has been added.

Hi eibache - Just a clarification - Else Nilsen, an orphan 4 months old when the 1900 census was taken, was already ruled out (on page 1 or 2 of this thread) and it was shown she is NOT the right Else.

About Else's birth: her baptism place might not be her birth place - where was she born? Am I missing something that is written in the record?

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 21/01/2014 18:01:00
Message:

Sorry that I did not notice Else Nilsen was ruled out.
Based on the baptismal record from Ski church, 21 days after her birth, it is reasonable to think that her mother was at Bjerke when Else was born. It is doubtful that the father and the mother was present at the baptism.

The distance from Ski to Bjerke and Oslo (Kristiania) is shown on this map.

Ski kirke link.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 21/01/2014 22:06:42
Message:

Josefine Bjerkes son Hans Henry Monrad, born Sept 6 1901, was confirmed in Østre Aker Oct 3 1915, #39.
They were living at Skovly.

When the daughter Rakel Debora was confirmed Oct 4 1918, they were living at Valhalla, #33.

You may assume that Else was living with them at these two places before she left for US in 1919.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 22/01/2014 00:21:42
Message:

Thanks Einar, that adds to my understanding - more to the point likely it helps Kristen too.
So Else was baptized in Ski church, not in Kråkstad church?

Photos available, "Hjalmar Gulbrandsen Gjesti and wife Hilda wedding photo" (maybe Louise's sister Hilda?) and "Thea Gjerdrum and husband Martin Gjerdrum separate photos and also wedding photo":
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NOR-AKERSHUS/2005-06/1120126185

Maybe you have all the USA information, Kristen. Just for fun:

Immigration, this seems to be Louise's brother Karl Hansen Gjerdrum b 1889: Arrive Ellis Island, port of New York Apr 01, 1910. Traveling on the Hellig Olav. Passenger manifest is stamped "Transferred from the United States." Manifest line #7. Carl Gjerdrum, age 20, single, born in Gjerdrum, Norway, laborer. Nearest relative in Norway, father H. Gjerdrum, Klokken St. Destination: Lanesboro, [Fillmore county], Minnesota. Going to join brother Mr. M. Gjerdrum in xxxxx Minnesota

Below, this seems to be Louise's brother Magnus.

1940 US Census
Grass Range, Fergus, Montana
Magnus Gerdrum 56 b abt 1884 Norway, naturalized citizen
Ida M Gerdrum 60 b abt 1880 Minnesota
Milo Gerdrum 23 b Montana
Doris Gerdrum 20 b Montana

Find-a-Grave memorial Magnus Gerdrum (1883-1952) buried Lewistown City Cemetery, Lewistown, Fergus, Montana
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=GE&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=28&GScntry=4&GSsr=1081&GRid=77131747&

From Montana "Centennial Farm and Ranch Program" about Gerdrum Ranch. Located northeast of Grass Range in Fergus County, Montana. Established 1911.... "Magnus Gerdrum left Norway in 1905 and came to Minnesota, where he stayed briefly. In 1909 he met Ida Anderson; that year he went west with Ida's brother Oscar and Vic Stromnes. They went briefly to Canada and northern Montana, but setlled in central Montana, northeast of Grass Range. Magnus sent for Ida and they were married in 1911. Magnus and Ida raised three children: Milo (1916), Doris (1919) and Evelyn (1921).
Magnus and Ida moved temprarily to the Moulton Ranch in 1919, where Magnus was foreman. In 1923 they returned to the homestead for two year, when they rented the Vic Stomnes place, which they kept until 1928. In that year Gerdrum purchased the current Gerdrum Ranch and added it to the homestead. Despite tough times in the 1920s and 1930s, the Gerdrum's kept the ranch. In the early 1940s Magnus and Ida moved to Lewistown, where they lived until their deaths in the 1950s."
Link: http://montanahistorywiki.pbworks.com/w/page/43942551/Gerdrum%20Ranch

Reply author: KristenHicks
Replied on: 22/01/2014 19:51:39
Message:

I had to step away from this for a couple of days, and quite honestly just clear my head. In less than a week, you guys have found so much information on my family, that we had absolutely no idea actually existed...

I think it is just incredible what a wonderful job Norway has done with their record-keeping...I mean, this information is golden to individuals like myself.

And possibly even more-so, I'd be willing to bet, that you guys are ALL Extreme Over-Achievers. ;)

Again, all of my thanks to each of you. Without you guys, I'd still be wondering what in the heck actually happened all of those years ago. You guys are GOOD. <3

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 22/01/2014 20:44:59
Message:

You are welcome.
That`s why I am helping others with genealogy, it gives so much in return.
You have never seen Søndre Gjerdrum.
Enter this this map and write twice; gjerdrum gjerdrum, enter SØK (GO), choose line 2; Gjerdrum (bruk(gardsbruk)), zoom in and watch Gjerdrum søndre early spring or late fall.

Good luck.

Kåre

Reply author: SuZy0925
Replied on: 22/01/2014 20:49:34
Message:

I am new to this forum, but certainly not new to all these questions about our grandmother! I am Kristen's cousin from Chicago, and I am amazed at all this information that you have found in just one week. I tried for some 40 years to get answers from my grandma, and while she was so proud to be Norwegian, her roots remained a mystery. When I would ask her a question she would answer vaguely, sidestep, and change the subject. I don't know if even she knew all this information. It changes nothing, but it changes everything! Thank you so much!

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 22/01/2014 23:36:49
Message:

Hello.
You are welcome.
Glad to hear from you.
We are ca 8-10 volunteers from both sides of the Atlantic helping persons with Norwegian roots to find their ancestors.
It can be very challenging, mostlly we succeed, but it also happens we meet the wall.

Kåre

Reply author: ngerdrum
Replied on: 27/01/2014 01:16:00
Message:

There is a Lars gjerdrum in Oslo with a daughter Christine living in Lewistown mt. Would there be any relation to Magnus Gerdrum who came to Minnesota in 1907 and then homesteaded in Grass Range Mt ? Who would Lars parents be?

Reply author: SuZy0925
Replied on: 28/01/2014 22:06:45
Message:

This is the only "Lars" I see in the wealth of information above:

"- Lars 1818-39
- Your Hans 1828- 1904 married in 1853 Berte Marie Hansdatter 1824-1902 from farm Heni
11 more children died young."

He would be waaaaay too old to have a daughter living now. But, it is odd that Christine moves from Oslo and settles in Lewiston, MT and it is just a fluke. Maybe there is a large Norwegian settlement there, like Decorah, Iowa. I think I will drive there in the summer and check it out! Where are you from?

Reply author: ngerdrum
Replied on: 02/02/2014 16:01:14
Message:

I am nancy Gerdrum, married to Ron Gerdrum. Ron is the grandson of Magnus ans son of Milo. We live in the centennial farm that Magnus homesteaded in Grass Range Mt which is 30 miles from Lewistown in central Montana. Ron is the las living Gerdrum male in Mt. He took over his fathers ranch at the age of 18 to help is mother. His dad died from a ruptured appendix at the age of 39 when Ron was 12 years old. He left behind 5 children and the other son killed in a car accident. Ron has three daughters of his own.

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