Andreas Cypriansen & Lena Andersen - Bruce Rognan

Andreas Cypriansen 

& Lena Andersen 

Photo of Andreas & Lena taken in 1891 at Jules and Nitta Pedersen’s 

House (Lena’s Sister). It was sent home to Norway to Lena’s brother 

Andreas. Borghild Andersen, his granddaughter gave the picture to greatgrandson 

of Andreas & Lena, Bruce Rognan, in a 1995 visit. Andreas & 

Lena immigrated in 1873 to Fish Creek, Sparta, Wisconsin.

ANDREAS CYPRIANSEN & CAROLINE ANDERSEN 

This story is incomplete. It is waiting for many other pieces from other researchers.The history also 

needs to be constructed in chronological order. All information has not been thoroughly verified. 

Andrew Graverholt Cypriansen (1843 - 1919) 

Andreas Cypriansen (named Andrew Johnson in America) was born to Cyprian Syversen and Kristine 

Ingebrichtsdatter on 12 December 1843 on the Graverholt farm in Høland, Akershus, Norway. He had a 

twin brother named Ole. As a young man Andreas (Andrew) was a laborer on various farms and also a 

lumberjack in the Setskog forests. Ole married Maren Regine Tobiasdatter on 7 Apr 1863. It seems 

apparent they had a son named Cyprian, in keeping with Norwegian custom of naming the fist child after 

the grooms father. Since there is no other record of a son born to Andreas, named Cyprian, we must 

assume it must have died, the first month. It is known the mother (Maren) died at childbirth, or shortly after. 

Once a widower, he became aware of many jobs available in Wisconsin working in the forests. He left 

Norway in 1868 with his uncle Ole Engebretsen Skamo. 

The Olaf Ship 

The Ship Olaf left Oslo onApril 12, 1868 and arrived in LaCrosse, June 11. All the passengers listed from 

Høland area include: 

· Ole Ingebretsen Skamo 41, head 

· Henrike Kristiansdatter 36, wife, 

· Embret Olsen 10, son 

· Anders Olsen 5, son 

· Kristofer Olsen 3, son, 

· Anne Olsdatter 5 mos., daughter 

· Milan Halvorsen 21, ? 

· Elef Andersen 26, ? 

· Andreas Cypriansen 24, nephew 

· Gunhild Johansdatter 21, niece 

The Olaf was built in 1848 at Patten & Studerant in Richmond, Maine - USA.She was 135,5 feet long x 

beam 30,9 feet and depth 20,8 feet. The owner between 1861 and 1884 was Ole Olsen in Tønsberg. Olaf 

sailed from Christiania to Quebec with emigrants in 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1869, mastered by Christian 

Andersen. The agent was Blichfeldt, Knoph & Co in Christiania. The Olaf was sailing in ballast, and was 

carrying 387 steerage passengers and 4 cabin passengers. In 1868 she departed from Christiania Apr. 

23rd, and arrived at Quebec June 27th. The Olaf had a crew of 17. 

The newspaper announcement from "Hamar Stiftstidende" lists "Ship Olaf, 319 Commercial lasts, 

mastered by Capt. Andersen, will leave for Quebec with emigrants. The ship has a spacey tween-deck, [the 

hull] is copper hooded and a fast sailor. The fare is $15 for adults and children between 1 - 14 years $7.5. 

Infants under 1 year goes free. Landing money is $1 each for adults and paying children. Those who have 

not got supplies can buy that here in town, when enrolling, for the cost of $9 for adults. The ship provides 

water, wood, light, medical care and guidance to Chicago. When enrolling a prepayment of $5 is required 

for adults, and the half for children. Enrolling at Arne Pedersen in Upper Mosstu in Stange, where further 

information can be obtained. - Upper Mosstu November 21. 1866.

The Andreas Cypriansen Family 

Andreas Cypriansen 

Back: Cinda, Dora, Anna, Ole, Susie, Caroline, Gunhild 

Front: Andreas Cypriansen (Johnson) and Lena Anderson 

This chapter on Andreas Cypriansen and Lena Andreasen features the family 

histories of their ancestors from Holand, Akershus, Norway, their immigration 

to the USA, and a brief summary of their lives. It also includes a summary of 

the life story of their 7 children, and their Norwegian spouses and their 

families. At the end is the Pedigree Chart of Cinda Erickson (1886) to show 

the ancestry of both her paternal and maternal sides. The story of daughter 

Cinda is in the next chapter. 

The next page is a reduction of a 11x17 wall hanging that Bruce Rognan 

photographed in 1995. It was hanging in the home of Laura Henriksen in 

Cashton. The pictures in the wall hanging come from the above family portrait. 

The above photo was taken in 1907, the year their three daughters Cinda, 

Caroline and Anna got married.

Pedigree Chart of Andreas Cypriansen 

Pedigree Chart of Carolena Andersdatter

Account of the Voyage From Oslo to La Crosse in 1868 

John O. Tansem' gives an account of crossing the Atlantic on the “Olaf” . John was on the same ship, the 

same voyage as Andrew and his uncle’s family. The following is Tansem’s story: "At seven o'clock in the 

afternoon we hoisted anchor but lay still till the morning of the 12th when we sailed with full sails out of port. 

However this did not last longer than we could well look back on the town. Then we ran into a headwind and 

this lasted until Monday morning the 15th of April. Then we had a good wind and sailed with good speed past 

Drøbak and Kavholman and before 9:00 p.m. we left Ferder and came out in the North Sea. The 20th of April 

we were by Scotland and there we fished so we had fresh fish for Easter Eve. On April 21st which was Easter 

Sunday we left the North Sea and headed out into the Atlantic Ocean. After that we did not see land until the 

20th of May. 

During this time on the 28th of April occurred the death of a 6 month old child. The corpse according to custom 

was left 4 days on board ship. On the fourth day a coffin was made in which many holes were bored. In the 

bottom of the bed, stones were put and covered with shavings. The corpse was dressed just as lovely as on 

land and laid in the coffin. For the funeral service the Captain sang a hymn and then the coffin was put over 

board. 

On May 6th we had a birth on board. A woman gave birth to a boy child and right afterwards the Captain and 

the Doctor asked that he be named "Olaf" in honor of the ship. Then we on the night before the 20th of May 

had a glimpse of the island St. Paul. The wind turned against us and we had to lay for three days and nights 

without getting any place but then the wind turned in our favor again. On May 25th the wind was against us 

and we had slow going and then we had our first glimpse of Canada. We also met the emigrant ship the 

"Atlantic". We sailed so close that we greeted each other and asked how things were going and what kind of 

weather we'd had, etc. We also met another Norwegian emigrant ship named "Amelia" from Porsgrun and 

greeted her with "Hurrah". The 26th of May we had good wind and a little rain so we could not be on deck and 

at 11:00 a.m. the pilot came on board. At 8:00 p.m. occurred the death of a little child, one year and nine 

months old. This little child was buried like the first one. On May 28th a steamship came by and asked us if we 

wanted help to get to Quebec. The Captain asked how much it would cost and he answered 40 pounds which 

amounts to about 160 dollars. At that rate there was no use offering him anything so he went away. It wasn't 

long before we had favorable wind and at 7:00 a.m. on May 29th we came to Quarantine Place and before we 

were through with our sails, the doctor came aboard and we had orders to come up on deck. We were then led 

to the front part of the ship and a rope was stretched across the deck. By this the Doctor stood and allowed 

only one person at a time to come over to their side. This visitation went on very rapidly and orderly and none 

were kept back. At 2:30 in the afternoon we arrived in Quebec and immediately someone came aboard and 

we were counted. 

After that the Captain went ashore and while in town he ordered a steamboat to come and bring us ashore. 

We were permitted to do so and were brought back to ship in the afternoon On May 31st at 7:00 p.m. we left 

the "Olaf" and went by steamboat to the railroad station where we stayed on the dock until 2:00 in the morning 

of June 1st when we got lodging in a warehouse. At 7:00 p.m. on June 3rd we were by Montreal. On June 4th, 

1:00 p.m. we were in Toronto and left there at 7:00 p.m. the same day. The 5th of June at 11:00 a.m. we 

arrived at Sarnia and there we were brought over to the United States by steamboat crossing the river that 

separates Canada from the United States. We were lodged in a hotel. The coach with our luggage was 

brought over on a ferry and took the coach right up to the warehouse we were in and our luggage was brought 

in. Here every trunk was opened and the clothing examined to see if we had to pay duty on it . Each family 

had to pay $..95 in duty but single person went free. 

On June 6th at 10:00 p.m. we left and came to Milwaukee by steamboat. We reached there by 7:00 a.m. June 

9th. There we walked around and looked at the town and thought it was the most beautiful town. The whole 

town was criss-crossed by canals and bridges over them for the streets. These were fixed so that four men 

could swing them when anyone should pass through the canal. The streets were wide and on nearly every 

street by the sidewalk there had been planted a pretty row of beautiful leaf trees. They also came driving with 

a load of bread so that those who did not have anything to buy food for could have some. There was also a 

lovely speech for us bidding us welcome to America on Pentecost Sunday. At 7:00 p.m. we left there by train 

and arrived at La Crosse, Wisconsin on June 10th at 4: p.m. At 1:00 a.m. the morning of June 11th we left 

there by steamboat for Veinona (Winona) Minnesota where we arrived at 8:00 p.m. the same day.

Kristine Engebretsdatter Skamo (1818 - 1865) 

The mother of Andreas Cypriansen. 

(Color restored illustration) 

Left: Ole Engebretsen Skamo Family, 1868: 

Front, L-R: Christian, Andrew, Ann Middle row: Parents - 

Engebret and Henrikka; Back: Engebret (b.1858) 

Engebrikt Pedersen Skamo and Gunhild Sophie 

Jorgensdatter Knold (1791-1835) (Andreas’s maternal 

grandparents) had four surviving children, whom all 

immigrated to America. 

1) Tortkild Ingebretsen (b1817), immigrated to Door Co., 

2) Kristine Marie Ingebretsdatter (b1818), immigrated to 

Monroe Co., WI.(mother of Andrew Cypriansen) 

3) Ole Skamo Ingebretsen (b.1824) immigrated to Monroe 

Co., WI in 1868, married Henrikka Doverud 

4) Berte Marie Ingebretsen (b.1825) married Andreas 

Olsen in 1850 in Holand, No picture available. Moved to 

Minnesota. 

The photo at left was printed in a Norwegian newspaper, 

and discusses the hardships the family endured crossing 

the ocean. 

Bottom Right: Torkild Engebretsen Skamo Torkild 

and his wife Gunhild Marie Christiansdatter immigrated 

to Door County Wisconsin. Torkild was brother to 

Kristine at left, and Ole in top reft. Photo taken in 1863.

Carl Olsen and wife Bessie Dinger 

Below: Andrew Olsen 

and Jenny Henriksen 

Center Right: Carl 

Larsen and his bride 

Annie Skamo Olsen, 

with 2 children 

Minerva and Clara 

Madonna and Dave Tangen 

Left: Cari (Caroline Skamo Olsen 

and her husband Emil Solberg. 

Andrew Skamo Olsen 

Above: Ted Ericksen and his 

wife Hilda Olsen. Their children 

include: Even, Evelyn, Raymond, 

Carol, Harriett and Robert. 

Below: Chris Olsen and wife 

Annie Tangen

All of the pictures below were taken on this Kleven Farm in Holand, 

Akershus in 1885. The picture above of Kleven was taken by Bruce 

Rognan in 1995. The barns in the photos at the bottom were barely 

standing, and this house was abandoned, when I visited in 1995. 

Andreas Andersen (right) and his sister Lena Andersen were born on 

this farm in 1853. Andreas Andersen 

Dorthea Gulbrandsdatter Andreas Albertsen Ole Andersen Anders Andersen

Lena & Andreas’ Immigration to America 

Caroline (Lena) Sophia Albertsen was born 19 Sep 1851 in Tonneberg, Høland, Akershus, Norway. She was 

born to Andreas Albertsen and Anne Dorthea Gulbrandsdatter. She grew up in a very small log cabin home 

which was overcrowded with 5 other siblings. Some of Lena’s relatives had been immigrating to America since 

about 1858, when she was about 7. Her uncle Marcus Gulbrandsen (her mothers ½ brother) immigrated in 

1866 with her uncle Swen Albertsen (her fathers ½ brother). Her two aunts, Julianna and Maren (her father’s 

½ sisters) came in 1873 through Quebec – a seven week ocean trip arriving June 25. 

Lena was 19 and Andrew 28, when they arrived in America. They took the “Hero” which was a boat 

manufactured in Hull, England by C. & W. Earle of the Wilson Line, to America. It was an interesting and 

involved process but instead of 7 weeks it was only 2 weeks long. They first took the cariole to Oslo and then 

took the steamer from Oslo (Christiana) to Hull, England – a few days journey. Because of the risks to the 

town's health from the large numbers of European migrants passing through the port, the North Eastern 

Railway Company built a waiting room near Hull Paragon Railway Station in 1871. This waiting room had 

facilities for the emigrants to meet the ticket agents, wash, use the toilet and take shelter from the weather. 

Lena and Andrew was in Hull less than a day and stayed the night at this warehouse-like building. 

The waiting room was built for the Scandinavian – American immigrants on their way to the US. between 1871 

– 1882. In the morning they left for Liverpool via Leeds. The train tickets were part of a package that included 

the steamship ticket to Hull, a train ticket to Liverpool and then the steamship ticket to their final destination – 

New York. Sometimes so many emigrants arrived at one time that there would be up to 17 train carriages 

being pulled by one steam engine train. All the baggage was stored in the rear 4 carriages, with the 

passengers filling the carriages nearer the front of the train. The trains took precedence over all other train 

services because of their length and usually left Hull on a Monday morning around 11.00 a.m., arriving in 

Liverpool between 2.00 and 3.00 pm. 

"The Emigrant Waiting Room of the 

North Eastern Railway Company at the 

Hull Paragon Railway Station. (picture 

at right)

Selecting New Name 

Norwegian-Americans generally had confusion when selecting names to be known by in America. This was 

certainly a problem with Carolina. In Norway she was known as Lena Kleven. First names that she was known 

by include Carolina, Caroline, and Lena. Lena also had three different versions for her surname name (as a 

maiden name): Albertsen, Andreason, and Kleven. Andreas also was known by two first names Andreas and 

Andrew. He had four different surnames: Graverholt, Johnson, Cypriansen, and Zypriansen. Lena and Andrew 

arrived in Wisconsin late July 1875. Officially their names were changed to Andrew Johnson and Lena 

Andersen at the immigration office in Chicago. But to all their Norwegian friends and family, and the church at 

Fish Creek he was still known as Andreas Cypriansen, and she was Lena Andersen. 

Unusual sounding ethnic names were encouraged to be Americanized so Andreas complied and became 

Andrew Johnson. Since it was such common practice to change the more unusual sounding Norwegian 

names generally speaking, Norwegians didn't object. The only problem with Andrew's new name was the fact 

that it was so common. In fact when he first arrived in the US, the President of the United States was Andrew 

Johnson (successor of Abe Lincoln) There were also many other Andrew Johnson's in Monroe and La Crosse 

county. 

Lena Andersen and Andrew Johnson (Cypriansen) had gone to church together in Høland, and had worked 

together as laborers somewhere together. They arrived in Wisconsin at the end of July and they were married 

Oct 13. Andrew was 9 years older than his Lena and had been in America 6 years before Lena. 

Neither Andrew nor Lena were previously married. Andrew is listed in the immigration record not as a farmer, 

but as a laborer, working in the Timber in Setskog. Lena is listed as his wife. Carolina is listed on the 

immigration records as leaving Oslo, Norway on the 28 May 1875 on the ship named “Hero”. Andrew arrived in 

1868, stayed in the US for a while and returned to Norway before coming back to Wisconsin. On the 

immigration records they are listed as man and wife, even though they were not married yet. From exhaustive 

searches in Høland parish church records, there is no record of any marriage of Lena and Andrew in Norway. 

They came over as engaged. 

The LaCrosse county records show an Andreas Cypriansen and Carolina Andreasen were married on Oct. 13, 

1875. Witnesses of this wedding included Andrew's twin brother Ole and Elev or Eli Andersen, (his sister’s 

Gunhild’s husband). The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. J. B. Frich, a Lutheran minister who 

served at the time all of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation - which included 12 small 

congregations in the area surrounding La Crosse, Sparta, Westby, and Portland. The same day the court 

records also show 21 other Norwegian couples were married by Pastor Frich. 

Lena always maintained a close relationship with her family back home. Correspondance of the second and 

third generation has continued to the present day - over 120 years since their departure. Special visits have 

been made visiting these relatives including visits made by John Westby, Viola Westby, Laura and Nels 

Henricksen, Bruce and Sylvia Rognan.

Andrew & Lena Cypriansen & Family 

Andrew and his wife Lena first lived in with the Ole Skamo family when they arrived. Andrew purchased some 

land in Fish Creek Ridge in about 1876 and there built a small log cabin. It was in this log cabin that 9 children 

were born. These 9 children were all baptized at the Fish Creek Lutheran Church and church records still 

exist. (Two children, both named Sigvart died in early infancy. Sigvart #1 was born Oct 8, 1878 and died 11 

Aug 1880, and the other Sigvart, the twin to Caroline who died shortly after birth. In order of birth their children 

include: 

1. Dora Johnson (1876) married Adolph Kolbo 

2. Sigvart (Syver) Johnson (1878) who died in 1880 

3. Susie Johnson (1880) married Harold Kirkeby 

4. Caroline Johnson (1882) married Alf Andersen 

5. Sigvart (Syver) Johnson (1882) who died in 1882 

6. Ole Johnson (1884) married Emma Erickson 

7. Cinda Johnson (1886) married Lewis Erickson 

8. Anna Johnson (1888) married John Westby 

9. Marie Johnson (1890) remained unmarried 

Since Andrew and Lena had a large family they all helped out on the farm in the tobacco leaves, milking the 

cows and taking care of the crops, but the house was not large enough for their family. With such a large 

family, and living in a small home in Fish Creek, Andrew and Lena sent their daughter Cinda to Lena's sister's 

Nitta's home to live. Nitta and her husband Jules Pedersen raised Cinda. When Andrew was living in Monroe 

County from 1875 - 1919 Norwegian was the dominant language in Portland, Canon Valley, Melvina, and Fish 

Creek. It was spoken in the churches and in the schools. Scriptures, hymnals and textbooks were all printed in 

Norwegian. When Andrew's granddaughter, Laura was confirmed in the Portland Church in 1925 she was the 

first group to go through the catachisism in English. Andrew spoke more Norwegian than English. 

Portland at this time was a growing place on the frontier for Norwegians to settle. Portland was organized in 

1858. The name being changed from Mt. Pisgah. At the time all the town had to offer was a tavern / inn for 

travelers in a store operated by Jacob Hazen. Sometimes the area was called Hazen's Corners. The 

Norwegians came in mass in the early 1860's to Melvina, Canon Valley, Fish Creek and Portland. "For many 

years (1874) there was no organized congregation, but services were occasionally held " (History of Monroe 

County, p.580) By April 1874 a church was finally built in Portland. This church was destroyed in 1929 and a 

new one built the same year. The second church still stands today (1995) 

Andreas Albertsen and his wife Dorthea Gulbrandsen in about 1867.

Pioneer Life in Norwegian America 

The wash day occurred about once every two months and never in the middle of winter. Customary times to do the 

laundry included early spring, mid summer, and after the fall harvest." (Rocks and Hard Places, p. 66) 

Wives were in charge of making the butter and cheese, butchering, spinning, weaving, making clothes, helping in the 

fields and bearing the children. 

The flat bread Lefse was made up of potatoes and flour, and was a staple in the Norwegian diet .It was eaten with 

cheeses, and fruit jams, and butter. It was used for special occasions. The making of Lefse was a Norwegian ritual. 

Frequently it was a major farm project. "Special baking ladies would come to the farm where they spent days making the 

flatbread. 

"Nuts, berries, cherries, apples and herbs were all gathered to the food supply. Cows, pigs, sheep and goats, were 

slaughtered for food, and game such as elk, deer, reindeer, rabbits, and grouse were hunted or trapped. Meat and fish 

were preserved by drying, smoking, salting or fermenting. 

Norwegians in Wisconsin quickly abandoned their clothing fashions, and adopted American clothing. However many held 

on to arts and handicrafts and brooches and other Norwegian accessories. Traditional Norwegian clothes were also still 

used in the States for weddings. 

Norwegians were used to eating fish, lefse (flat potato bread), dried meat, lutefisk, and milk. When they got to Wisconsin 

they found the primary food was pork. This "caused much disease among the Norwegians especially when eaten without 

an abundance of vegetables". Norwegians however quickly adapted to sweets and coffee in the US. Most Norwegian 

housewives continued to bake lefse for daily meals. 

When the immigrant family arrived they stayed with their family sponsors until a home could be built. They usually arrived 

in July and had the home ready in the fall. 

Dairy farming became a fairly common skill for the Norwegians to fall back on. It provided great food, and paid fairly well. 

An average dairy farmer could make 50 cents per day - about 10 times what peasants could make in Norway. Tobacco 

farmers made slightly more, but it was a little more risk and cyclical work. People worked 18 hour days 6 days a week if 

they were on a farm. 

Even Norwegian Lutheran churches were built by volunteers and spaced every few miles apart. The Hague Lutheran 

Church was more conservative, limiting dancing, drinking, and card playing, and theater. The Synod Lutheran alliance 

was more popular. 

This custom was called Legges i Fela and paid for the musician. During the wedding festivities there are plenty 

of toasts or in Norway Slcal. The toast generally goes like this "Go give you life, luck, and one as easy as I drink 

this toast". All the guests would then leave money on the table which the bride collected. Among the wealthy 

families, the wedding gifts also include furniture, cattle, bedding, spinning wheel, cooking utensils, and a 

chestful of clothes. When all the drinking was through and the party over, the guests which traveled the 

furthest stay the evening, and leave in the morning. 

Norwegian Christmas Traditions 

In Norway, Christmas starts on December 21 (St. Thomas day). Some of the traditions include: 

Each member in the family gets one new set of clothing each year. Since it was homemade, 

preparation started early in the year. One was considered truly poor if he did not have a new outfit by 

Christmas. 

Animals would be butchered just before Christmas so the family would have a whole years supply. Generally, 

one cow, 2 sheep arid 2 pigs were butchered. 

At least 7 different types of cakes (/caldcas) had to be prepared for the festive season 

All the wood had to be chopped before the Christmas season

At the stroke of 12 midnight on Christmas Eve the family partook of a shot of brandy (alcevitt) was expected. 

Even active Quaker religionists, and Haugian purists who were opposed to alcohol, did this as part of a religious 

or sacramental event. 

The family would leave a bowlful of porrige outside by the barn for the mythical Norwegian gnomes - the 

protector of the farm. Usually it was the cats or dogs that ate the treats. 

At noon of Christmas day the church bells would ring, and simultanously, the mien would all shoot their rifles 

and proclaimed that Christmas had come. People would shout out to each other Gledelig Jul or God Jul. (Merry 

Christmas). 

On Christmas eve, the family would go in the forest and look for a Christmas Tree, The children would pick out 

the most beautiful tree. This German tradition goes back to about 1870's. The tree was decorated with 

Norwegian flags, bright garlands, paper baskets with candies, and lit candles. Norwegians would dance 

around their Christmas tree after dinner on Christmas, singing carols and holding hands. 

Christmas was the most elaborate meal of the year, because it was tied to Jesus. The meal held religious and 

sacramental associations. Enough food for many days was served pork ribs and lutefisk were the main dishes. 

Generally, dad would read Luke Chapter 2 from the bible and retell the story of the first Christmas. Then 

conversation would center on their favorite Christmases of previous years. 

A belief was held that during the Christmas night, spirits of departed forefathers returned to their 

homes, and that they should be well received and well fed. Otherwise people on the farm would 

suffer in the following year. So Christmas tables were always full going to bed on Christmas. 

Another superstitious belief concerted evil spirits. In order to keep out all evil-doers from the farm, 

crosses of tar were painted on each outdoor building, and an ax was stuck into the side of the main 

barn. 

The beds were made with fresh straw once a year, and this was done on Christmas eve. This tradition is still 

carried on in many areas as a reminder that baby Jesus slep on fresh straw his first night 

On Christmas Day, everyone would go to church. This was the one time everyone would attend. All from the 

military would wear their uniforms and occupy their place in die front pews. Front pews were reserved for the 

wealthy land owners, followed by military, followed by the farm managers, and in the back were die peasants 

or cottars. 

On December 26, the family would spend time with each other. This day was called Annendag Jul 

Between Christmas and New years, each family would have a tithing settlement with his local 

Lutheran Priest, and have a settlement with his farm manager or owner. At Christmas, all fmances 

were brought current and all debts and obligations attempted to be current. 

A popular Christmas tradition was Christmas Ghosting (Juleboldcen). Adults and children would dress up in 

funny costumes and walk from house to house. People would try not to be recognized. Once they guessed who 

you were, you were invited in for coffee and julekkaka. 

The Christmas activities lasted for 12 days. It was a time to relieve all the stress of the past year, and look 

forward to the new year with optimism. Luckily, it was held at the time of the year, when things were slow, and 

their was the least amount of work to do. 

Seventh Day Adventists 

Andrew Johnson and his wife attended a Seventh-day Adventist bible study group in which the church-founder 

Ellen White (picture at right) was preaching. From an account of daughter Cinda "Andrew was impressed with 

the sermon but never changed his religion”. The Seventh-day Adventists however grew in numbers from that 

early visit and two of his children and many of his grandchildren joined that church. Seventh-day Adventists 

worship the Lord on the Sabbath (Saturday), avoid meat, and have a strict code of health. They are firm in 

separation of church and state, and look forward to Christ’s return to the earth. There are about 20 million 

members of the faith worldwide.

Dora 

Caroline Cinda 

Anna 

Andreas Lena 

Ole 

Susie 

Gunhild

Cinda Moves Out 

With such a large family, and living in a small home in Fish Creek, Andrew and Lena sent their daughter Cinda 

to Lena's sister's Nitta's home to live. Nitta and her husband Jules Pedersen raised Cinda from about 1892 

until 1898. They had no children of their own, so Cinda became part of their family. They also had substantial 

income to support Cinda. Since they were neighbors and family, it was very convenient, but never a legal 

adoption. It was just a case of family helping family meet their needs. 

Andrew had to work in the timer country of Eau Claire, WI from 1866 to 1874 to save enough money to buy 

some land. Unlike Lars Ericksen, he worked in Eau Claire, WI, not Black River Falls. His brother Ole worked in 

the timber in Wisconsin for awhile, and then heard about higher wages in Idaho. Ole moved to Orafino, Idaho 

in 1879, to work in the timber. His first job was at the saw mill where he worked about a year. Great niece of 

Ole, Laura Henricksen translated a letter he wrote to his twin brother Andreas in about 1876. The complete 

letter is written below. 

"Dear Brother Andreas and Family, 

I have for a long time received your letter a long time ago, but have not taken time to write. I came here to 

Orafino, Idaho on Christmas evening and am staying here until after the holidays. I have worked in a saw mill 

here about 14 miles away and I plan to stay here this winter. It is about 2 feet of snow here now - we have had 

a nice winter here so far. I am healthy and have had work right along, but my pay has started to get lower at 

$12.50." 

Ole 

In 1939 Nitta and Jules moved back to Høland (Loken Station), Norway. Nitta always had a fear of losing her 

money, and was paranoid about intruders looking in her house and coming to steal all their money. Her fears 

were manifest when she returned to Norway in 1939. As Nazi's invaded she was living right by the train station 

and went into a tragic state of paranoia fearing the worst in the Nazi invasion. Although she was never 

physically harmed by the Nazi's, emotionally she was paralyzed, and mentally lost control of her life and 

wound up needing psychological help in the hospital. The self-fulfilling prophecy came true. Her brother Karl 

Kleven inherited most of the money, which he took from Nitta's personal belongings when she was in the 

hospital. 

Andrew helped build the Fish Creek Lutheran Church in 1894, and attended church regularly there until he 

moved to Portland. Perhaps his strong religious orientation came from the church in Høland. Likewise, the 

Westby's who were neighbors were also very religious and used the Sunday as a very holy day to rest from 

their labors. Andrew's descendants including children, many grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and 

great-great grandchildren have gone to that same Lutheran church he built uninterrupted since 1894 - over 

100 years. 

Everyone loved to go to grandma Lena's she was the grandmotherly type. She always had cookies and 

goodies to eat. Laura and other grandchildren would go there almost each day. Despite his kindness, Andrew 

was also a very stern disciplinarian. He was strong and unyielding in his religious convictions. Movies or 

dances were not allowed by the Missouri Lutheran Synod of which he was part. Face cards were also 

considered a tool of the devil and never allowed in the home. Instead the family played flinch - a card game 

without face cards. 

Andrew was a very kind man, and had a lot of patience with people. He worked very hard on the farm. When 

he first came to Fish Creek, he had to get his flour at the mill in La Crosse. It was the closest flour mill his 

home. Then he would have to carry home several 50 pound bags all the way home - about 18 miles. Andrew 

was a very good provider for his family. 

In Portland, the family was very close and helped each other out farming and caring for each other. Four of the 

children were neighbors to Andrew and Lena - Cinda (Mrs. Lewis Ericksen), Caroline (Mrs. Alfred Andersen), 

Anna (Mrs. Johan Westby) and Ole. Everyone loved to go to grandma Lena's she was the grandmotherly 

type. She always had cookies and goodies to eat. Laura and other grandchildren would go there each day. 

Andrew Johnson would always have a shot of wine on Christmas morning, but rarely anytime else. He was a 

gentle and loving man as characterized by his love of children. People warmed up to him easily.

Andrew the Fisherman 

Fishing was a popular sport and also an important source of food. Even throughout the winter months, ice 

fishing provided many important meals. The day Andrew died he was fishing with his son-in-law Lewis and 

granddaughter Laura. They were fishing in the creek down by the old school in Canon Valley and had a great 

day. On the way home from their great catch, Andrew saw the cows out were scattered about. He made a little 

deal with granddaughter Laura. He said if you gather in the cows, I will give you a little piece of candy. As she 

finished gathering in the cows, and went to the house her grandfather was already dead. He collapsed on the 

front porch and never made it back into his house. 

Fishing was not only important along Norway's coast it was also important in the inner fjords, and in all the 

rivers and lakes of Norway. Inland the fish are trout, perch, white fish, char and carp. Along the coast it was 

primarily herring and cod fish. Fish was nutritious for the Norwegians, and also provided supplemental income 

for many Norwegian families. Cold winter weather did not limit the Norwegians drive for fishing. Ice fishing was 

very popular. Ann Gesme writes "Earth worms were dug in the fall and placed in wooden containers with dirt. 

These were then stored in a place where they would not freeze, providing with a winters supply of bait." 

Andrew was an avid fisherman, he lived and homesteded on “Fish Creek” a place known for its great fishing. 

Andrew died May 12, 1919, while he was fishing. He is buried at the Portland Lutheran Church. One year later 

(4 March 1920) his wife passed away and she was buried alongside him. Since then many other family 

members are buried there 

This is a tin type photo of Andrew Cypriansen in about 1873, several 

years before he married Caroline Andersen.

Andreas Cypriansen (1863) when he 

got married the first time. Fron a tin 

type with a bad bend in it. 

Sara Albertsen (1872) and her husband Charles Nelson 

and their four children: 1) Florence 2) Rebecca 3) Henry 

4) Clarence 

Ted Olsen and his brother. 

Andrew Cypriansen and his wife Lena in front 

of Nitta and Jules Pedersen’s house in about 

1891. Their daughter Cinda was living with 

them at the time. This was in Viroqua about 

22 miles from their home in Fish Creek.

Westbys in Norway 

ANNA JOHNSON & JOHAN WESTBY 

When Lena Albertsen moved out of the farm at Høland and immigrated to America Jacob Westby moved in. 

Jacob was the son of Anders and Christine Westby. Jacob married Gunhild Myhra who was Lena Albertson's 

younger sister born in 1859. They stayed on this farm for awhile, but then moved to the Nadheim farm, and 

changed their last name to Nadheim. Jacob and Gunhild had 2 children, Anders (1882-1957) and Olav (1884). 

Anders married Thora Floeng and they had 3 children: twins Jakop and Gunhild (1920), and Gudrun (1926). 

Lena wrote letters to her sister from Wisconsin back to Norway. When Anders Westby's grandson Johan 

Westby (1884) wanted to immigrate to America he most likely assisted and sponsored to America by Lena 

Johnson of Fish Creek. Johan arrived in Wisconsin, and also settled in the Fish Creek area as well. Johan 

(later called John) married Lena's daughter Anna (1883). Although Lena did not know her future son-in-law 

before she left Norway, she certainly knew his parents. She was familiar with their strong religious devotion 

and hard work ethic. Correspondance bewteen the Westby's and Johnson's in Norway and America continues 

to the present day. 

A son of Anders and Christine Westby, by the name of Christian wrote the following of his father after their 

death respectively in 1906 and 1907. 

"Anders was a tailor and drove around the neighborhood and took orders and made and sold clothes. 

Anders and Christine were both know for their honesty and their religious beliefs. They were of the old 

Haugranern, this religion is something like the Quakers - strong religious beliefs. On Sunday forenoon, 

the Bible had to be read aloud all morning before grandfather let the children out. It was rather hard for 

a small boy to stay in the house when all the neighborhood boys and girls were outside. 

"Besides being a tailor he made fishnets. He had a cow and a calf and a pig to be slaughtered in the 

fall. We always had sufficient food. Grandmother Christine as a typical Finn from Finland. She had 

black hair and eyes. Her eyes could see right through a small boy who was into mischief. She was very 

strict. She was the one who held the reins of the home. She got that way from being alone with so 

many children. She was a good housekeeper and mother and a good worker - even when she was old 

she had knitting in her hands. All the hard work shown in her later years, she became crippled with 

athritis. 

"They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1897 when all the neighbors, friends and 

relatives came" (The Westby Family, Page 4) 

Borghild Jensen a 2nd great grandchild of Andreas Albertsen wrote the following about Anders Westby's son 

Jacob Johan. 

"Jacob Anderson Westby was born in 1853. He married Gunhild Myhra born in 1859 in Høland. Jacob 

was a tanner at his in law Karl Kleven. Jacob then took the name Nadheim as his surname from the 

farm. Their son was Andrew Jacobson, born 1882 and married to Thora Floenig born 1879. Andrew 

came to America in 1905. However, after 3 years he decided to go back to Norway. He worked in his 

father's tannery in Flesa Station" 

Anders & Christine Westby 

Anders Westby was born in 1828 in Høland, Norway and died in 1907. He married Christine who was born in 

1819 and died in 1906. They had nine children: Casper (1857-1890) who was the father of Johan (John) 

Westby, Juliane (1848), Nels (1851), Maren (1852), Jakop (1853), Helen (1855), Antonette (1858-1914), Anne 

(1859), and Hans (1860). 

The Westby's were very close friends of the Andreas Albertsen family (Andrew Johnson's father-in-law) in 

Høland, Norway. As a result, two of their respective descendants married into each others family. 

1) Johan Westby married Anna Johnson - the daughter of Carolina (Lena) Albertsen and Andrew 

Cypriansen Johnson. 

2) Gunhild Marie Albertsen (Lena's Albertsen sister) married Jakop Andersen Nadheim, the son of 

Anders and Christine Westby.

Anna Johnson & John Westby Family 

Alf and Maureen Westby

Front: John & Anna Westby marriage photo 

Back: Ole Johnson and sister, Marie 

Caspar Westby & Karoline 

Stensrud Family 

This is the family of John 

Westby. Some of John’s 

siblings are known: Anna (b. 

1882) and Kristian (b. 1883)

The Joyce Burke (Westby) Family 

John Westby feeding his horse 

This is the oven used by Anders Westby and Christine 

Nielsdatter. It is from their farm near Setskog, and is now 

located at the Holand Parish Historical Museum in 

Hemnes, Norway. This oven could bake 32 loaves of 

bread at one time. The little girl in the Bunad is a 

descendant of Anders Westby. Museum curator at right.

Pictures of the Viola Westby Family in Wisconsin in 1910. 

Pictures of the Westby Family in Norway in 1910.

They also had a set of twins which both died. Although Alf was born into the Westby home, his mother Anna 

died when he was about 6 months old. As a result Caoline and Alfred Andersen (Alf's aunt and uncle) helped 

raise him. John Westby's companion in his later years was Pera Dinger. Together this couple had 2 children. 

They had nine children: 

1) Casper (1857-1890) who was the father of Johan (John) Westby 

2) Juliane (1848) 

3) Nels (1851) 

4) Maren (1852) 

5) Jakop Nadheim (1853) married Gunhild Myhra Albertsen (Lena’s sister) 

6) Helen (1855) 

7) Antonette (1858-1914) 

8) Anne (1859) 

9) Hans (1860) 

When Lena Albertsen moved out of the farm at Myhra and immigrated to America Jacob Westby moved in. 

Jacob was the son of Anders and Christine Westby. Jacob married Gunhild Myhra who was Lena Albertson's 

younger sister born in 1859. They stayed on this farm for awhile, but then moved to the Nadheim farm, and 

changed their last name to Nadheim. Jacob and Gunhild had 2 children, Anders (1882-1957) and Olav (1884). 

Anders immigrated to the USA in 1905, but returned to Norway for good in 1908. Anders married Thora Floeng 

and they had 3 children: twins Jakop and Gunhild (1920), and Gudrun (1926). 

Lena Albertsen wrote letters to her sister Gunhild AAlbertsen Nadheim from Wisconsin back to Norway. When 

Anders Westby's grandson Johan Westby (1884) wanted to immigrate to America he most likely assisted and 

sponsored to America by Lena Johnson of Fish Creek. Johan arrived in Wisconsin, and also settled in the Fish 

Creek area as well. Johan (John) married Lena's daughter Anna (1883). Although Lena did not know her future 

son-in-law before she left Norway, she certainly knew his parents. She was familiar with their strong religious 

devotion and hard work ethic. Correspondence between the Westby's and Johnson's in Norway and America 

continues to the present day. 

A son of Anders and Christine Westby, by the name of Christian wrote the following of his father after their 

death respectively in 1906 and 1907. Since Andreas and Lena grew up as Haugian Lutherans, the following 

statement could be probably said of them as well as Anders: 

"Anders was a tailor and drove around the neighborhood and took orders and made and sold clothes. 

Anders and Christine were both know for their honesty and their religious beliefs. They were deeply 

committed to the Haugian persuasion. On Sunday forenoon, the Bible had to he read aloud all morning 

before grandfather let the children out. It was rather hard for a small boy to stay in the house when all the 

neighborhood boys and girls were outside. 

"Besides being a tailor he made fishnets. He had a co\\ , a calf and a pig to be slaughtered in the fall. We 

always had sufficient food. Grandmother Christine, had black hair and eyes. Her eyes could see right 

through a small boy who was into mischief. She was very strict. She was the one who held the reins of the 

home. She got that way from being alone with so many children. She was a good housekeeper and mother 

and a good worker - even when she was old she had knitting in her hands. All the hard work shown in her 

later years, she became crippled with arthritis. 

"They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1897 when all the neighbors, friends and relatives 

came" (The Westby Family, Page 4) 

Borghild Jensen a 2nd great grandchild of Andreas Albertsen wrote the following about Anders Westby's son 

Jacob Johan: "Jacob Anderson Westby was born in 1853. He married Gunhild Myhra born in 1859 in Høland. 

Jacob was a tanner at his in law’s Karl Kleven. Jacob then took the name Nadheim as his surname from the 

farm. Their son was Andrew Jacobson, born 1882 and married to Thora Floenig born 1879. Andrew carne to 

America in 1905 with John Westby and Johan Vestereng. However, after 3 years he decided to go back to 

Norway. He worked in his father's tannery in Flesa Station"

John (Johan) Caspersen Westby (1888-1958) 

Written by Joyce Burke (a granddaughter) 

John Westby was born in 1884 the son of Caspar Westby and Karoline Stensrud. At the time that John's 

parents passed away he went to live with his uncle Nels and Mina Anderson in Høland Parish, Norway. He 

was quoted as saying his uncle was mean to him so he was intent on leaving the area. He and his cousin 

Andrew Jacobsen Westby and friend John Vestreng developed a plan to immigrate to America. He fulfilled his 

dream in 1905 when he was 21 years old. John worked on a railroad to get to Oslo where the ships were 

debarking. From Oslo he became a stowaway on a ship bound for America along with his cousin and friend. At 

that time Grandpa didn't speak a word of English. 

When they arrived in New York they were at loss as to what to do next. He recalls walking down the street that 

evening feeling lost and forlorn. A kind-looking man on the street asked them if they had a place to sleep and 

they acknowledged they did not. The man motioned to them that they could spend the night sleeping in the 

back room in his place of business. Grandpa said they took him up on his offer without even knowing or caring 

what kind of business it was. The large rectangular boxes lining the walls should have given them a clue but 

they were too tired to notice. During the night he heard a thud and with that the lid came up on one of the 

boxes (coffin) and a dead man sat upright because rigor mortis set in. [Evidentially this is not uncommon]. The 

three young men then realized were sleeping in a mortuary. Grandpa said they hightailed it out of there without 

ever looking back. 

They worked their way to Wisconsin and settled in the Cannon Valley area. At this time Grandpa changed the 

spelling and pronunciation of his name from Johan to John. Then in 1908 John bought a farm in Cannon 

Valley. It is believed the farm had been owned by a member of the Kolbo family. John became neighbors to 

Lewis and Cinda Johnson and Alfred and Caroline Anderson [who became his sister and brother-in-laws]. The 

Westby family and the Johnson's [Cypriansen] were friends in Norway. It can be surmised that be chose this 

area because he knew of the Johnson family and trhey sponsored his immigration. He met his future wife 

Anna Johnson because she a daughter of a friend of the family and was also a neighbor. 

John and Anna were married in 1907 and immediately started having children. Their twelve children were: 

John who was born in 1907 died as an infant; Viola was born in 1911; Lizzy in 1910; Andy Caspar in 1914; 

Arnold was born in 1915 [my father], Norman born in 1917; Alta in 1920; Caroline 1921; Alf in 1922 and one 

set of twins who were born at a time unrecorded and died at birth. 

Grandpa John was a typical looking Norwegian. His face was brown from the hours he worked in the sun and 

his eyes were cornflower blue. As he aged his eyes faded to a watery blue, not the cornflower hue of his early 

days. His hair was missing on the top in a ring around a turf that produced a single curl on his forehead. I 

remember him when he was round of figure and stood about five foot eight tall. In fact he got a little rounder 

with each passing year. The pictures of him in his earlier years, however, do show that he had been a slender 

man. 

His face was always clean-shaven and had soft eyebrows. His morning shaving ritual was one I loved to 

observe and participate in. It started with me receiving a healthy whisker rub and Grandpa announcing his 

need to shave. I usually ended up with a dab of shaving soap plopped on my nose in the middle of the 

proceeding and a second smooth whisker rub when it was all over. I would proudly announce die his face was 

as smooth as a babies bottom-an expression that I picked up from him. I was always disappointed if he was 

busy and didn't include in the shaving ritual. 

Grandpa's Norwegian accent was a thick as clotted cream that didn't change or soften much with the passing 

of time. When he was talking to his older Norwegian friends and family he often spoke in Norwegian. This was 

frustrating as a child because I was left out of the conversation. I recall a time I was in tears when Grandpa 

and a friend had chatted on a long time in their native tongue. I thought they were talking about me. At home 

the only time Mom and Dad talked in Norwegian was when they were discussing something they didn't want to 

understand. That usually meant it was about us kids. 

Grandpa often expressed how he missed his family and friends in Norway, as well as the country itself. Unlike 

many of the other immigrants, he didn't have other family members in America. Ann's family became his family 

although the closeness wasn't as strong as time went by after Grandma passed away.

Left-Right: Jules Pedersen, Nitta Pedersen, Otto Pedersen, ?, ?, and Gunhild 

Marie Johnson. (1913) 

Johan Erickson 

Ericksen Sisters 

John & Marthe Ericksen & 

Family: 

Front, l-R: Mary Gilson, Martha, 

Alfred, Lizzie Cole, Jessie 

Johnson, (Johan Erickson in 

photo) Back: Hilda Leister, 

Lewis, Amil, Charley, Oscar, 

Minnie 

Martha was the 1/2 sister of 

Andreas Cypriansen

Magnus Svendsen Botner & 

Andrina Olsdatter 

Magnus Svendsen (1835-1911) was an early Norwegian immigrant in Fish Creek Wisconsin in 1868. He was 

born in 1836 on the Botner Farm. After 5 years in the USA he came home to get his family, which he did in 

1873. He and his wife immigrated from Holand, Akershus, Norway to New York. He bought Ralph Green’s 

farm on Fish Creek Ridge, near Sparta. He is pictured here at right with his wife Andrina Olsdatter in about 

1905 in the Richardsen Photo Studio in Sparta, Wisconsin. Magnus’ sister was Frederikke Svendsdatter 

married to Sven Albertsend (b.1846). Magnus married Andrina Olsdatter (b. 1830) who was from Setskog. 

She was the daughter of Ole Stakbu Svendsen. Magnus and Andrina had 6 children: 

1. Sophus (b.1858) who moved to Montana (barefoot), 

2. Amanda (b. 1861) who married Ole Hagen Larsen 

3. Dora Swensen who married Hans Bronson of Oppland 

4. Marine, died on the voyage in 1868 

5. Dena married Lars (Lewis) Erickson (b.1871) 

6. Olaf, born in Wisc., married Anna Doxrud 

Left photo; Front: L-R: Victoria (Deke Slayton’s mother) Amanda, Ole, Harris. Back: Molly, Alfred, Rosina, Amelia 

Right photo: Hans Bronson (b.1867) and his wife Dora Swensen (b.1863) were married 31 December 1891 in 

Westby, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Magnus Svendsen and Andrina Olsen. Hans was the son of Hans 

Gulbrandsen and Annie Stigen, from Oppland, Norway.

Grandpa's cows had calves and gradually the herd grew so he decided to sell some of the milk to the 

creamery. An inspector from the creamery came out to investigate the barn, milk storage capabilities and the 

general condition of the milking operation. The inspector noted that the outhouse was too - close to the barn 

and milk storage area. With a promise that Grandpa would move the outhouse the operation was approved. 

Grandpa moved the outside quite a distance from the house and the barn. About a year later the inspector 

came back and complimented Grandpa on moving it so far away. Grandpa said, "Oh, that's nothing. We don't 

go way out there anyway." The inspector looked puzzled and Grandpa realized he had to change his story. 

The inspector didn't want to hear that they went to the bathroom wherever they wanted to. 

Anna (Johnson )Westby (1888-1923) 

Anna Ottilia was born to Caroline (Lena) Albertsen Johnson and Andrew Johnson in 1888. Anna had bright red 

hair that Grandpa said was the color of the fall sunset. She was very slender with a tiny waist and a well 

defined bosom. Anna was 18 years old when she married John. By the time she was 35 years old she had 

bore 11 children. After the birth of her last son, Alf, she contacted breast cancer and died at the young age of 

35. 

Anna's sister, Caroline Anderson, lived on the same ridge on the farm next door. They often got together. She 

bad a close relationship with her sisters and brothers who came forward to try to help the family the best they 

could when she was sick. 

Anna Johnson and John Caspersen Westby 

1) John Westby was born in 1907 and died as an infant. 

2) Viola Westby was born in 1911 and married Lloyd Erickson. They had two children Verlan and Lloydine. 

3) Lizzy Christine Westby was born in 1910 

4) Andy Caspar Westby was born in 1914 and died as a child. 

5) Arnold Carlie Westby was born in 1915 and married Vessie Hansen who was born in 1919. [my parents] 

They had two children: Joyce Marlene who was born on August 30, 1939. I married Joseph Michael 

Burke. We had three children. Michael Joseph was born on August 29, 1961. Michael married Aimee 

Stevens. They had one child, John. Thomas [Jack] David John was born on in 1962. He died when he 

was 4 days old. John Thomas was born on August 8,1964. John married Laura Noland. Judy was born 

on December 12, 1945. She married Michael Healy. They had 3 children. Leanne Denise and Thomas 

Arnold, and Steve Thomas. 

6) Norman Julius Westby was born in 1917. Norman married Valdene and they had 3 children: 

7) Alta Westby was born in 1920 and married Walter Haws. They had three children: James, Ruth and 

Eugene. 

8) Caroline Aunette Westby was born in 1921. 

9) Alf Otis Westby was born in 1922. He married Maureen and they had two children: Caroline and John. 

Johan was born in 1884 lived in Høland, Norway until he was 21 years old, and then he immigrated to 

America. He married Anna Johnson in 1907. 

Although Alf was born into the Westby home, his mother Anna died when he was about 6 months old. Alf said 

he was told that Dr. Beebe stopped by the Alfred and Caroline Anderson farm asking for directions to 

Westby's. About 8:00 AM that morning Alf was born after a very difficult birth. When Anna passed away 

Caroline and Alfred Andersen (Alf's aunt and uncle) volunteered to help raise him. Carol who was 2 years old 

was given to Bessy and Olaf Erickson, who was Alfred Anderson's sister. 

Arnold Carlie Westby 

Arnold was eight years old and was the oldest son when his mother died. After Grandma Anna passed away 

the family went through some pretty tough times. Grandpa started going to Melvina to join a friend Art 

Nottestad at the local tavern. Evidently Grandpa drank more than he should have during this time and the 

family struggled to survive. Norman turned Grandpa in to the authorities and Grandpa was put on probation 

according to one of Norman's sons. Arnold [Dad] started trapping skunk and coon at an early age and sold the 

skins in Melvina. With the profit of one of his sales he bought a five cell flashlight to use for coon hunting. The 

next evening Alf who was seven years younger, went with him coon hunting. Dad was using a 22 rifle and Alf s 

job was to hold the light on the coon. Alf recalls that Dad wounded a coon and it came running after Alf. Alf 

used the new flashlight as a club to hit the coon over the head to protect himself. Coon can be pretty vicious 

animals so he didn't have much choice. The flashlight broke in the battle much to their dismay.

Skunk were usually trapped rather than hunted. Every morning they boys had to check their traps to collect 

their findings. There were times when the boys were sent home from school because of the 'scent' that they 

got trapping skunk. In addition to trapping Dad also had a job working for the Casper brothers on their farm. 

Half of the money Dad made was garnisheed to pay for Grandma's medical bills. 

Arnold’s eyes were the blue of the sky on the clearest day. His hair was dark brown and tightly curled. His trunk 

was broad and legs short. 

Alf Westby 

There were fun times also. Alf recalls a time when a friend, Mellborn Hammer and he road down the Anderson 

Hill riding double on Mellborn's bike. Mellborn was sitting on the back fender. The hill is very steep and the 

bike went faster and faster and the brakes weren't working. Alf was yelling at Mellborn to drag his feet to help 

stop it. When they came upon a large curve in the road they couldn't navigate the turn and ended up flying 

through the air, bike and all, going right through Albert Erickson's chicken coop. Chickens and feathers and 

were flying everywhere and the chickens were squawking like crazy. Alf, Mellborn and the bike landed on the 

opposite side of the chicken coop Alf asked Mellborn why he didn't drag his feet like he asked. Mellborn 

showed him the soles of his shoes. They were almost worn off and still hot to the touch. 

The school that the Westby kids went to was in Cannon Valley. In the winter time the kids skied to school. 

Coming back up at the end of the day was of course much harder. 

When the kids weren't working they got into their share of mischief. Alf recalls a time he was visiting his 

brothers when they were in the field with Grandpa husking corn. One of them had acquired a pack of 

cigarettes so the three of them sneaked away to smoke them. Grandpa caught them and they got in a lot of 

trouble. Grandpa never smoked but he did chew snuff. 

Getting in trouble usually involved drinking or smoking. Alf and Norman knew that their neighbor, Engel 

Anderson, had made some home brew and they wanted to try ft out. They took the horse named Bill and the 

buggy to the Anderson farm. Alf s job was to keep the neighbor busy talking while Norman procured the beer. 

When the mission was accomplished the boys got back in the buggy and headed home. They couldn't wait 

until they got home to drink it so during their trip so they forced off the beer cap by leveraging it against the 

front edge of the buggy. The beer had been shook up in the process, hence, it shot out and hit Bill in the rear 

end. When the cold beer hit Bill, he took off like a bat out of hell and gave them a ride of their life. It was a fun 

time to be remembered by Alf for a lifetime. 

Norman Westby 

Alf recalls a time that Norman and a friend stole a train by getting the conductor drunk and talking him into 

taking them from Cashton to Melvina. They didn't feel like walking and didn't have any other means of 

transportation. The train wasn't scheduled to make that run but much to everyone's surprise it did! 

Poverty fosters problems and the family had their share of trials and tribulations. It was not easy for Grandpa 

to raise a large family without a wife and mother. The kids had to do a lot of the work and there were times 

when they questioned if everyone was doing their fair share. Norman and Grandpa had a big disagreement 

because Grandpa cut fire wood for Pera Hammer, a neighbor and friend. The family didn't have their own fire 

wood cut for the winter and Norman thought Grandpa should have taken care of his own family first. Norman 

decided it was time for him to leave and he headed to Nevada. He said he bummed his way on railroad box 

cars to get there. 

The Westby's were close friends of the Andreas Albertsen family (Andrew Johnson's father-in-law) in Høland, 

Norway. As a result, two of their respective descendants married into each other’s family on several occasions. 

Johan Westby married Anna Johnson - the daughter of Carolina (Lena) Albertsen and Andrew Cypriansen 

Johnson. 

Gunhild Marie Albertsen (Lena's Albertsen sister) married Jakop Andersen Nadheim, the son of Anders and 

Christine Westby.

John (Johan) Westby's Parents 

Caspar was a good soldier in the Norwegian army. He was well built, although a little short. He was quiet and 

well mannered recalls Carolyn Kontorp a great granddaughter. Caspar was always in good health, but died 

suddenly in 1890 when he was only 33 years old. For awhile Caspar and the family lived in Oslo where 

Caspar was a lumber man. 

John built his home in 1908 in Canon Valley, Melvina. He was neighbors to Lewis and Cinda Johnson, nd 

Alfred and Caroline Andersen. The home he built is still standing. When farming was insufficient income. John 

kept his farm, but took a job in a factory at Sparta. When John worked in Sparta he walked to and from work 

every day. This sounds normal enough until you learn this distance was 20 miles round trip. His daily commute 

took about 5 hours. 

Ole Johnson and Emma Erickson 

OLE JOHNSON & EMMA ERICKSON 

Emma Erickson was born 31 October 1891 in Melvina, Wisconsin to Maria Bronson and Even Erickson. She 

grew up speaking Norwegian, as both of her parents were Norwegian-Americans. Even, her father was the 

son of Andrew Erickson and Johanna Hansen. Andrew was from Vardal, Oppland, Norway and his wife 

Johanne was from Høland, Akershus, Norway. Emma's aunt was Aunt Maren Erickson (also written about in 

this book), wife of Andrew Jr.] 

Emma's mother Maria Bronson was the daughter of Hans Bronson (Gulbrandsen) from Oppland and Annie 

Hansdatter Stigen from North Fron, Oppland, Norway. Hans was a very prosperous farmer and business 

person in town. He is listed in the History of Monroe County as one of it's prominent early citizens and 

pioneers. He was one of the first Norwegian families to settle in Monroe County. 

It is truly a shame that there were no color photographs in Ole's lifetime to capture his beautiful thick red hair. 

Just like his sister Anna, Ole had beautiful red hair. Ole was the only living son of Andrew and Lena, and the 

only one obviously to preserve the name Johnson. Ole was born in Fish Creek, Monroe County on 18 Apr 

1884. He lived there until he was 12, when the family moved to Cannon Valley. When Ole was 30 he married 

Emma. who was at the time 23 years old. Since Andrew was getting too old to manage the farm, Ole ran the 

farm. Ole and Emma lived with her parents for 5 years until 1919. 

When Andrew Cypriansen Johnson died in 1919, Ole inherited the farm, and lived there for about 10 years. 

Upon Andrews death, Lena went to stay with Caroline, who lived up the hill. Caroline died after about 10 

months. 

Emma married Ole Johnson in 1914. Ole and Emma had four children, all born in Canon Valley: 

1) Spencer Johnson who married Lydia, and had a boy named Leon in 1955. 

2) Emmet Johnson married Ruby, and they had 5 children: Jerry, Raymond, Roger, Mike, Barbara 

3) Mae Johnson who married Mel Fegre, and they had 4 children: Keith, Kalvin, Kevin, Lorrie 

4) Gladys Johnson who never married 

Ole farmed tobacco and had some dairy cows. The children all helped out on the farm. Ole was very good to 

his children, and taught them how to enjoy life. He had a wonderful sense of humor that people really 

appreciated. 

Ole, Emma and family moved to Greenwood, Wisconsin in about 1932. Perhaps the move was to get a larger 

home. or perhaps it was to get away from his neighbors. Ole's neighbor was Lewis Erickson (his brother in 

law). Ole was frequently belittled by Lewis, and Ole was so good natured he never fought back. 

In 1938, when Ole was 54 he was killed by one of his own bulls. The raging bull attacked Ole from behind 

when he was not looking, and Ole died the same day. The bull was butchered the next day. Emma stayed in 

Greenwood, as did son Spencer. Emma died 10 May 1974, loved and adored by all her grandchildren and 

children.

Even Ericksen & Maria Bronson Family: 

Front: Even, Emma Bronson Johnson, Maria Bronson 

Ericksen, Aletta Ericksen Back: Alfred Bronson, Theodore 

Bronson (Emma married Ole Johnson) 

Ole Johnson 

Ole Johnson

Emma Erickson, Ole Johnson & Emma’s sister 

50th Birthday party for Laura 

Jules Pedersen

The Emmett & Ruby Johnson Family, shortly after Emmet 

passed away. Back: John Westby, Ole Johnson Front: Jules 

Pedersen, Anders Pedersen Nadheim. 

Spencer Johnson Family

CAROLINE JOHNSON & ALFRED ANDERSEN 

Alfred Andersen 

(Written by Harold Anderson, a nephew) 

Caroline Johnson married Alfred Andersen. Alfred Peter Andersen, born 21 May, 1877, was the first of eight 

children and was 30 years of age when he married Caroline. Caroline lived with her parents on a long ridge 

west of Westby and east of Cashton stretching towards LaCrosse and the Mississippi River known as Fish 

Creek Ridge. Alfred worked for a nearby valley farmer named August Paulson, and he took credit for telling his 

brother, Martin, about Paulson's beautiful daughter, Inga. Alfred and Caroline lived for a short period of time on 

the Paulson Farm during which time he worked as a farmhand for August. They then leased a farm in Cannon 

Valley during which time they had a daughter, Leona. 

In 1916 Alfred joined hands with his brother, Arthur, and bought the farm from his father Peter Andersen 

Bjornstad who now was a widower with his wife Petrine passing away the year before. The sale of the home 

farm to Alfred and Arthur was on the provision that their father could live on the farm as long as he wanted. In 

fact, he lived his life out on his beloved ridge farm. 

Alfred's wife, Caroline, had a sister, Anna, who married John Westby. The Westby's farmed a ridge parcel 

adjacent to the Anderson Family. There they tilled the land and raised a bustling family of six. Tragedy struck 

Anna Westby when she died shortly after giving birth to their seventh child, a son named Alf. Alfred and 

Caroline passionately entered the crisis and offered to take the infant and partially relieve the bereaved 

widower. Alf Westby was raised into adulthood by Alfred and Caroline, and in turn, he in a true sense was a 

brother infant to Leona. 

Alfred lived a long and productive life and was 80 years of age when he passed away in 1957. Caroline, his 

wife, remained a widow for another 16 years, and in 1973 she was laid to rest with her husband at the family 

burial plot in the Moen Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

Alfred's parents 

The Anderson Farm stood like a medieval fortress on its narrow ridge. However, the soil was rich and 

productive, and the cultivated fields yielded bounteous harvests. Peter and Petrine were both industrious 

and ambitious and carved out of the brush and trees a truly model farm. Peter and Petrine prospered both 

economically and in their posterity. The citadel like farm provided a bounteous life for Peter and Petrine 

and not only their eight children, but also Petrine's Mother, Marie Berg (Mari Erichsdatter Opperud in 

Hurdal, Norway), and her three unmarried daughters and son Christian. The Bergs moved in to live with 

Petrine and Peter, as after Petter Christophersen Berg's death, Marie sold the farm and resided in Westby 

for a short time. 

Peter and Petrine had three school locations to choose from: Melvina, Portland, and Cannon Valley. The 

Cannon Valley School was selected as the school of their choice chiefly because their closest neighbors, 

the Erickson's, Westbys, and Olsons all had children of the same age, and their children happily went to the 

Cannon Valley School in a minor migration. Portland and Melvina had no children living on farms enroute 

from the Anderson Ridge to their schools. When weather was severe the neighbors took turns with the 

Andersons in taking the children to school and then picking them up. The Coulee country had its unique 

setting, rolling hills and ridges providing tillable acres of land. From the ridge lands plunged steep ravines 

into the valleys below which also provided fertile bottom farmland. The steep hillsides of the ravine were 

covered wood and brush, and their verdant greens reminded the early Norwegian settlers of their native 

Norway. Peder loved his ridge farm and humorously appraised his valuation of a ridge farm versus the 

valley farms. "No storm will ever flood our farm like it will those valley farms when the heavy rains come." 

The forested ravine with stands of oak, hickory, and maple provided and abundance of firewood for the cold 

winters. The hickory trees yielded their annual fall nut crop, and the Anderson children competed with the 

squirrels for the fall nut harvest. Many a winter night was enriched by family members cracking the nuts and 

laboriously trying to extract the tasty and elusive meat portions. The wooded hills were alive with game and 

hunting for squirrels and rabbits were a fall sport. In the summer the wild raspberries and black caps grew in 

abundance providing delicious tasty treats when served with cream. Petrine canned large quantities of berry 

fruits every summer and made pies and jellies from gooseberries.

Family of Peder Anderson Bjornstad & Petrina Pedersen 

Front, L-R: Leona 

Andersen, Peder 

Bjornstad, Petrina 

Pedersen, Bessie 

Andersen. Back: 

Arthur, Alfred, Martin, 

Erland, Ernil, Joseph

Caroline Johnson 

Andersen’s 80th 

Birthday party in 1962. 

Arthur Andersen, (Caroline Andersen’s brother in law, Caroline Andersen, and her sister Cinda Johnson 

Erickson in about summer 1965, several months before Cinda died.

Photo taken June 1965 

by Bruce Rognan at 

Caroline’s House on top 

of the hill at Canon 

Valley. 

Cinda (Sina) 

Johnson Erickson 

Caroline Johnson 

Andersen

Dorothy 

Cindy 

Bruce 

Sylvia 

Aunt 

Caroline 

SPARTA, 

WISCONSIN 

Leona 

Roger 

Above: This photo was taken on my motherʼs aunt, Caroline 

Andersonʼs 82nd Birthday in August 1965. It was taken on her yard. 

It is the only picture I have of me with my grandma and I treasure it. I 

have marked the people I recognize. An interesting feature of the 

picture is at age 10 I am kneeling in front of my Aunt Caroline and 

almost come up to her neck. At her birthday party in 1973 the top of 

her head came to the top of my belt. I was 18 then. My sister Cindy 

and I are the only living ones in this photo (2010). This has caused 

me to reflect on what really matters in life - what were the legacies of 

each of these people? I am afraid I canʼt say. 

Right: Canon Valley aerial photo leading up to Aunt Carolineʼs home. 

Grandma 

Cinda 

Laura

The precipitous slopes invited young and old to master the art of skiing. Toboggan runs were enjoyed by all. 

Peder and Petrine both had good singing voices, and their children participated with gusto. The Anderson 

Farm literally abounded with fun and happiness. 

Peder Andersen Bjornstad 

Peder was only 12 years of age when his Father, Anders, died. Exclusive of Ole, who had to take care of his 

teaching job and because of his physical disability was unable to effect any farm work, Peder was left to help 

his Mother, Margrethe, to do the farm work. Margarethe had every right to be discouraged as Peder was 

actually in stature only a small boy. Nevertheless, Margrethe pressed Peder into the farm work, and if a task 

was too much for him she would do it herself. However, when Peder turned 14 his growth took a spurt, and 

then he began to assume significant assignments. Peder did not demur and responded so well that his 

contribution was worthy of any young man several years to his actual age. He inwardly wished his younger 

brother, Daniel, would hurry and grow up, but Dan was eight years younger than Peder. Peder, even in his 

youth, was aware of their family's desperate plight, and he resolved in his heart and mind to do everything in 

his power and ability to ease his Mother's burden. Margrethe sensed her sons deep commitment and was 

grateful for Peder's dedication. On his 15th birthday Margrethe in an apologetic manner spoke to her son, 

"Peder, if your father was alive I am sure he would want you to continue on in school. But we have a problem, 

we have only enough money to buy our needed things to eat and wear. To send you to an academy we would 

need to sell more of our Bjomstad Farm like we did for Ole." 

"Mother, I know you sold part of our farm so Ole could become a school teacher. That was different, Ole can 

never do heavy farm work. Sending him to school, and his becoming a teacher has been our family's 

salvation. You need me to do farm work, and I don't mind." 

Margrethe warmly embraced her son."Peder, you have grown to be wise like a man despite your age. I don't 

what I would have done without you." 

Peder assured her, "Mother, I will never leave you, at least not until Daniel grows up to be a man." 

The years sped on with Margrethe and Peder shouldering the responsibility of the outside farm work. Peder 

was 19 years old when Mother Margrethe leased the Bjornstad farm and turned her day to day activity to the 

clerking of a grocery store in Feiring. Daniel was then 12 years old, the same age as Peder's age at the 

untimely death of their father. 

During this time Peder spent a family oriented life together with sisters and brothers, although Agathan, the 

youngest of Anders and Margrethe's children passed away at an early age. 

Margrethe told the survivors, "Agathan has left us, but he has now joined hands with his Father and Annie 

Marie who died when she was six." 

Until Daniel got old and strong enough to perform the hard physical tasks the farm exacted, Peder refrained 

from dating any of the Feiring girls. He was correctly apprehensive if he started to spend time with the girls it 

would detract from his commitment to help his mother. Now that Daniel began to flexing his muscles in farm 

work it gave Peder the freedom to think about girls, marriage, and children. At the time, there just didn't seem 

to be anyone in Feiring to draw any romantic intentions. 

One summer Sunday he had scaled the Hurdullen Berget as he had heard the cloudberries were ripening. His 

quest for this coveted berry brought him over the Berget towards the Hurdal side. He found a large patch and 

busied himself picking and placing the berries in a small sack which he had brought along for that very 

purpose. As he was busily harvesting and his mind was concentrating on the cloudberries, he was startled by 

the sharp crack of a breaking stick. Peder, aware that bears still used the Berget as their habitat, hurriedly 

looked around the area where he was picking, but he didn't see any bears. As he stood in somewhat of a 

frozen position, he saw a young girl encircling the bush towards him. 

Peder, in turn, startled her by saying, "I am sure relieved it was you who snapped that stick instead of a bear!" 

"I'm sorry if I frightened you, but who are you may I ask?" 

"My name is Peder Anderson Bjornstad from Feiring." The young lady broke into a mild laugh,

5 Generations of Andersens: 

1) Caroline Johnson Andersen (1882) 

2) Leona Andersen Steele (1911) 

3) Clarice Steele Oswald(1931) 

4) Denis Oswald (1950) 

5) Dennis Oswald (1969) 

Leona Steele and Walter Steele were 

married 21 Nov 1930

Back: Alf and Leona 

Front: Alfred and Carolina

"Bjornstad huh." "With a name like that you shouldn't be worried about a little old bear (Bjornstad translated 

means bear's home). 

" Peder asked, "And pray tell me your name." 

"My name is Petrina Emelia Erichsdatter from the Opperud Farm just a little ways from here." "Oh, yes, I have 

heard of the Opperud place and the timber and sawmill operation." 

They chatted on until their respective containers were brimming full with cloudberries. They agreed they 

should meet each other at the identical spot next Sunday. 

The next Sunday came around and both Petrina and Peder had looked forward to the meeting all through the 

ensuing week. Again, they picked their containers full with cloudberries. When they finished, Petrina invited 

Peder to their home at Opperud. All the members of Petrina's family greeted Peder very cordially except her 

father, Petter Christoffersen. He scowled as he was introduced to Peder as if he didn't approve of him. 

Feiring, Akershus, Norway. 

As Peder left that day he asked, "Your father didn't seem to be pleased to meet me, did I do anything wrong?" 

"No, Peder, you didn't do anything wrong, it's just my father. He has been wanting to immigrate to Amerika for 

some time. This spring Birte got married to Ole Bjerke, and the marriage dowry took all the money Father had 

saved. I suppose he might look at you as a possible threat in delaying his immigration to Amerika." 

"Well, -a-h," Peder became extremely embarrassed from the obvious implication of Petrina and his 

possibly getting married. 

Spring broke in 1865, and Peder showed up at Opperud by following the road. When he entered into the 

Christophersen home, he noted evidence of packing. 

"What are you doing?" he pleasantly asked. 

Petrina by his side looked at him sorrowfully, "Father says we are going to Amerika. He says we have waited 

too long as it is." 

Peder clasped Petrina's hand in his and now he knew he had to act rapidly. 

"Petrina, I too want to go to Amerika. Living in Norway is hard and there doesn't seem to be too much future 

here for me. Let's go see your father so I can find out where you are going. I will need to square off with my 

mother. She has a world of problems as a widow and a large family. Scratching out a living on that rocky 

hillside in Feiring is not easy. As soon as I can see that she could get along without me I will come." 

Before Peder left Opperud that day he had copied a part of the Petter Christophersen's map, and he wrote the 

name Westby in Wisconsin as the target place. 

He assured Petrina, "I will come as soon as I can. I need to set things right with my widowed Mother. Do write 

as soon as you get settled in Amerika." 

Peder left when he saw all was in accord. He returned to Bjornstad and with difficulty informed his Mother of 

his intentions. He was so apprehensive his Mother would think he was deserting her. Instead she took Peder 

into her arms and lovingly said to him, "Peder, you are a grown man, and you are entitled to your life. Daniel is 

now 12 years of age, and he can step into your shoes." Now that I will not have to worry about the farm work, 

and I will not have to work as hard as a store clerk. 

Then being the practical realist that always marked her course she said, "Peder, we will help you get ready. We 

may have to sell a cow or a horse, but we will make it possible for you to go to Amerika and carve a future for 

yourself."

Adolph Kolbo’s parents: Hans Kolbo and 

Ingaborg Prestagard. Photo taken in Coon Valley. 

Dora Johnson & Adolph Kolbo Family 

Back L-R: Archie, Lindahl, Alphion, Elmer, Inga, Joseph 

Front, L-R: Myrtle, Palmer, Sarah, Dora, Annette, Adolph, Orlin, Leonard, Selma, Evelyn

Cinda Johnson, and her sister Caroline Anderson in 1963. 

Picture taken by Lloyd Rognan at Cinda’s house at 1010 

Water Street, Sparta. The clock shown went to Laura after 

Cinda’s death, and the Victrola Phonograph machine went to 

daughter Sylvia. 

Arthur & Martin Andersen 

Westby Family

The children of Peder Bjornstad and Petrina. 

Gordon Steele & Wife. 

Family of George & Clarice Oswald 

Caroline Johnson and Alfred Anderson’s House in Canon Valley 

on the top of the ridge.

Heartened with this support from his Mother Peder worked with great diligence on the Bjornstad Farm all 

summer long. Fall had colored the leaves, and the lessening of daylight hours were all signaling the return of 

winter. Finally, one day a letter arrived with a U.S.A. postmark. The long awaited letter from Petrina had come. 

Dearest Peder, 

Here we are in Amerika, and am I relieved to be here. The ocean trip was rough, storm and high winds 

buffeted the steamboat for the bulk of the journey. We all got terribly seasick, and I didn't care if I lived or not. 

The food was tasteless to terrible. When we got to New York, my father was so sick he couldn't get up to 

answer the questions of the port officials. Maria, with the girls, took their turn at the immigration desk Each one 

had a tag around their neck stating their origin was the Berget of Hurdal, and Westby, Wisconsin, as their 

destination. The immigration official took a look at it and wrote our last name down as Berge, so now this has 

become our American name. 

Once on firm ground everybody's health was restored. We traveled by train for days, and I didn't think we 

would ever get to the Mississippi River. Peder, you should see that river, it is so big. Father was able to get 

passage for us on a river boat that took us to a French town called Prairie Du Chien. Father hired a man with 

two boats to take us up the Wisconsin River. After 2 days travel, we came to a small river called the Kickapoo, 

and we spent two days trying to navigate. We spent more time pulling the boats through shallow water than 

rowing in deeper waters. We finally left the river at a place called LaFarge, and from there we climbed up on 

the ridge and followed the ridge to Westby. Father filed a homestead not far from Westby. 

There is an abundance of wooded land here, and it looks like Norway, ready for anyone to file on it. I will be 

looking for you and hope you can be here early next year. 

My regards, Petrina 

Peder read the letter with interest, and with enthusiasm read the letter to his family. 

Margrethe watched her son's eagerness to leave and said to herself, 'Oh, we will miss Peder. Please, God, let 

that new land in Amerika be good to my loyal and faithful son." On a late spring night the neighbors at Feiring 

hosted a farewell party. The whole community turned out to wish him success in his new venture in the new 

land. 

Margrethe showed a spirited attitude, but inwardly she shed dry tears. She loved this supportive son of hers, 

and like Ole, he had been a major support to her in the trial of her life. She knew full well when Peder left 

Feiring she probably would never see him again. True to her word, Margrethe had obtained an excellent offer 

on one of the draft horses, and the 60 krone she received she gave to Peder. 

"Son, I want you to go to Amerika in the manner of a prince which you are. Take the 60 krone and add it to 

what you have and go with dignity." As an afterthought she added, "Greet Petrina for me as well as her parents 

and brothers and sisters. Don't get involved in any railroad construction. Get married and raise a fine family 

and be sure to tell us all about it." 

The balance of the family waved good-by to him as Daniel prepared to take him to Hurdal where he would join 

a family there who were immigrating to Amerika. They would be good company. 

In contrast to the Christophersen's storm filled voyage, Peder’s was excellent. The weather was mild and a 

soft breeze fanned his brow as he stood on the deck and saw nothing but water and more water. Enroute they 

met a European bound ship, otherwise their odyssey on the Atlantic was a solo voyage. 

Peder was dressing for breakfast when a loud voice came down the hall, "Land-Land"! 

Peder rushed out of the room and onto the upper deck, and there far to the west was a long blue line. He 

intentionally skipped breakfast and watched with great intent as the blue line became larger and larger. By 

noon they were entering the port of New York, and he could see the white buildings ringing the bay. The ship 

docked at Ellis Island, and he and all the immigrant company on board were lined up to meet with the 

immigration authorities. The line moved slowly, and he didn't receive his turn until late in the afternoon. Finally 

it was his turn. 

"Your name?" he was asked. "Peder Anderson Bjornstad."

"Well, which is it?" snapped the official. 

Peder, not understanding the English tongue, hesitated his reply. "I can't spell the last name, so Peder 

Anderson it is." With a stroke of a pen Peder now was Peter Anderson in U.S.A. 

"Where are you going?" asked the interpreter. 

Peder having been schooled in this question promptly replied, "Westby, Vernon County, in the State of 

Wisconsin." 

The immigration clerk stamped his Visa and gave him another immigration paper. He was told to keep it on his 

person until he got to his destination. 

Peder left the desk and the line, and he breathed a deep sigh of relief. He walked next to a grilled window 

which had the sign "Bank" posted above the window. He knew here he was to exchange his Norwegian krone 

for American dollars. He extracted his leather money bag which he wore under his trousers and tied around 

one of his legs. He carefully shook the contents until the bag was empty. The cashier counted the krone, and 

then took a flat stick and moved an object up and down the flat stick. He found out later this instrument was a 

slide rule and it calculated the amount of American dollars Peder would receive back for his krones. He 

received several bills of currency and some coins. Peter looked at them, and he could discern numbers on the 

bills, but the coins were confusing. As there was no other person waiting in line, the cashier did not protest 

Peter standing in front of the window. 

"This is a penny, this is a nickel, a dime, and a quarter," explained the cashier. 

Peter did not fathom their worth, but he did spot four words common to all the currency and on some of the 

coins. 

"Hva er det?" (What is that) Peter asked, pointing to the four words. The cashier answered, "In God we trust." 

Peter repeated the words in English, but he didn't understand what it meant. He waited near the bank window 

until his traveling companions came through the line. The wife knew a smattering of English, and she 

translated the four words, "In God we trust." Peter looked at his currency and his coins and suddenly a great 

realization came to his mind. 

He declared with great sense of discovery, "In Norway our Norwegian krone has King Haakon's face on it, and 

we acknowledge and pay tribute to the King. But King Haakon knows nothing, or very little, about how hard it 

is to raise crops on the stony hillside at Feiring. All he knows is how to tax widows like my poor mother. But 

here in America we pay tribute and honor to God. It is much better to trust God than to put trust in a person 

like King Haakon. Yes sir, I think I am going to like to live in America where everybody puts their trust in God. 

Yep, I am glad I have come to America." 

Peder, like others during the 1860 decade, rode the rail to Chicago and then onto Moline. He booked passage 

on a Mississippi River boat. Peder again read the last letter from Petrina as it pertained to instructions to find 

the Christophersen family now known as the Berge family. 

She wrote in part, "You will be coming up the Mississippi River past Dubuque and don't make the mistake we 

made. We turned into the Wisconsin River and then up the Kickapoo. We spent more time walking and pulling 

the boat and finally giving up. We spent more time on the Kickapoo River and the Kickapoo Ridge than we 

spent from New York to Wisconsin. Pass by the Wisconsin River and up the river is a small dock at Stoddard. 

Talk your boat skipper into stopping at Stoddard and you head up east in Coon Valley. There are several steep 

ravines at the head of Coon Valley. - Anyone of them will lead you up to the top of the ridge to Westby." 

Peter followed Petrina's directions and was grateful to find the Berge Farm without difficulty. The reunion with 

Petrina and her family was most joyful. Peder soon discovered that Petter Christophersen's Farm had not 

progressed very far. Their log cabin was still only one room and very little clearing had been done to the 

forested ridge. The Christophersen's or Berge's as they were now known, were very grateful towards Peder 

who energetically directed his efforts to help the Berges. 

Peder longed for a place of his own and furthermore, he didn't really like the female dominated family of the 

Berges. He also thought Petter was stubborn to a point, and at times he didn't use good logic in his decisions.

The funds given Peder by his Mother upon departure from Feiring, Norway, had barely covered his travel 

expenses. He was virtually penniless the first year as he spent so much time helping the Berges, who in turn, 

were in no position to pay him. The following years, Peder took advantage of every opportunity to work for pay. 

His employment opportunities were sparse and his savings grew painfully slow. When Peder was not working 

for others, he willingly helped the Berges. 

Peder was determined to find a place of his own close enough so that he could visit the Berges. His quest 

ended when he filed on a ridge property where the ridge was very narrow and ravines plunged down either 

side, one towards Canon Valley and the other towards Melvina. Peder jokingly referred to his inaccessible 

farm, except via the ridge from Portland, as his Anderson Castle. The tortuous grade from the Melvina side 

was dubbed the "Anderson Hill", a name which it is still known by today. 

Two events occurred in 1868 which tended to mold Peder's future course. Petter and Mari finally had a son 

who they named Christian. Peder was happy for the Berge's as he knew how they had longed for a male child. 

Their happiness was marred by Petter's physical condition, who at the time of Christian's birth was quite ill, 

and the Berge Farm was in dire need of attention. The patriarch of the Berge family went the way of all flesh, 

and he was buried on the farm. New immigrants from Norway made an offer to buy the Berge's Farm and with 

a portion of the proceeds, Mari (Marie as she was now known) and the children moved to Westby and 

purchased a home in Westby. 

Peter Anderson in the meantime directed his efforts to his own farm. Many of his former employers had not 

been able to pay cash for Peter's services, but in lieu had agreed to repay Peter in days of labor. The time had 

come to redeem those pledges. A very spacious log home was built on the ridge farm and neighbors joked that 

Peter had enough room to place a bed for each night of the week. Peter had other plans and when the house 

was completed he suggested to Marie that he would be pleased to have her and her children to move into his 

new house and be his housekeeper. Marie consented willingly as her monetary reserve created from the sale 

of her farm was exhausted, and the washing and sewing had engendered very little revenue. A neighboring 

family agreed to permit the three younger children to live with them in the winter and attend school in Westby. 

In the summer they came to the Anderson Farm. 

Peter had another motive. He felt deep feelings for Petrina and asked her mother for her hand in marriage. 

Marie was very protective of her family, especially so after the death of her husband. Marie, on the other hand, 

had profound appreciation of all the help given her by this young man from Feiring, Norway. Petrina, however, 

looked upon Peter more as a brother than a suitor because of Peter's involvement with the Berges which now 

had spanned nearly a decade. When her sister, Frederikke, married a local boy from Westby, she observed 

the happiness the Finholt marriage engendered. She too had observed the sterling qualities of Peter and 

consented to be his wife. 

They were married by the Pastor of the Moen Lutheran Church on the 31st day of August in 1876. 

Four successive sons, Alfred Peter born 21 May, 1877, Martin Henry born 22 October, 1878, Eril Daniel born 

19 June, 1880, and Joseph Waldmar born 18 June, 1882, blessed their family. One brisk October morning the 

Andersons were on their way to attend Sunday Church and to stay for dinner with some friends. Before 

leaving, Peter put a large log in the fireplace to keep the house warm and cozy. 

The six Andersons bundled themselves in their warm coats to withstand the blustery cold North wind that 

lashed at them throughout their horse drawn trip. They concluded their Sunday services at the Moen Lutheran 

Church, and as they stepped outside, they were very surprised to see their neighbor, John Westby, reining in 

his horse in front of the church. 

"Peter, Peter!" gasped Westby out of breath. "John, what is it? responded Peter 

. 

"Peter, this morning I went into the woods to see if I could shoot a squirrel or two when I saw black smoke 

coming from the direction of your buildings. I rushed on over and your whole house was in flames. There was 

just nothing I could do but to watch your home burn to the ground." 

"Oh, Peter, what are we going to do?" cried Petrina. 

Peter, always an optimist replied, "The house was too small for our four sons anyway. We will build a larger 

house." 

True to his word, Peter began constructing a new and larger home the very next day, just as he avowed to do.

This is my grandfather Andreas Cypriansen’s (Johnson) farm in Canon Valley, Melvina, 

Wisconsin. It was next door to where my parents lived. When Andreas died in 1921, his son Ole 

inherited this farm. Ole sold it to move to Greenwood, WI before 1929. He sold it to a relative 

Elon Dinger. Elon was one of my best friends for years, and he died a bachelor. By the time Elon 

died in about 1996, he had finally put electricity in this house. This farm was later sold to 

Andreas’ great grandson Verl Erickson. Only one side of the house is showing at the far left. 

Left - Right: Ole Johnson, John Westby, Andreas Cypriansen, Mabel & Lillian Erickson, Cinda 

Johnson Erickson, Anna Johnson Westby, Lena Albertsen Cypriansen and the dog. Photo taken 

about 1914.

Peter built a two story home with ample bedrooms to accommodate two more sons and two daughters. 

Bessie, their first daughter, was born 20 July, 1884, followed by Arthur on 24 December, 1887. Three years 

later Leona Kamillan was born on 16 March, 1890, and Erland arrived on 7 September, 1892. The large home 

was a salvation as not only did it accommodate the eight children but Petrina's mother, Marie Erikson Berge, 

who became a member of the household after Petter Christophersons death. 

Life on the Cannon Valley Ridge Farm was difficult. One of the most costly projects was the drilling of a deep 

water well which provided culinary water and water for the livestock. Peter first built a spring house in the 

bottom of the valley leading towards Melvina. Meats, vegetables, milk and milk products had to be taken to the 

spring house to keep cool and on the return trip the horses would laboriously haul culinary water back up the 

hill. This daily phase was most time consuming. Peter then purchased a large diameter windmill he could find 

and installed it over the well. However, the extreme depth of the well required an equal amount of power to 

bring the water to the surface. The windmill would only operate when a brisk wind would bring the water 

gushing out the discharge pipe. The majority of time the windmill remained idle or produce only a trickle of 

water. Peter eventually was able to scrounge enough funds to purchase a large gas engine that provided the 

power to operate the pump jack. Peter now could increase the number of his livestock. He increased his dairy 

herd and the home churned butter was placed in crocks and brought to a store in Portland where it was stored 

in an ice house and resold to nearby communities. 

The Norwegian immigrant couple lived happily together until 1915. One day during the grain harvest in 1915, 

Petrina complained of abdominal pains and was compelled to go the house. Her pains became more acute 

and the worried Peter hurriedly hitched his horses to the buggy and made preparations to take her to the 

doctor. The doctor in Cashton took one look at her and advised Peter his wife had an appendicitis attack and 

advised him to rush his wife to the hospital in La Crosse. The buggy trip along the ridge to La Crosse 

consumed all day despite Peter's goading the horses to maximum effort. He left his exhausted horse on a 

friends ridge farm and obtained a fresh horse to gallop and trot to La Crosse. The tormented Petrina 

screaming in pain was entered into the Gunderson Hospital. The attending doctor gravely told Peter that his 

wife had a bursted appendix and her condition was indeed most serious. She expired the 16th day of August, 

1915, shortly after her operation. In the years to come, Peter was haunted by the memory of Petrina's cries of 

pain. Without the presence of Petrina, Peter felt most lonely, and he was easily persuaded by his daughter, 

Bessie, and her husband, Olaf Erickson, to stay with them. Bessie and Olaf had purchased a small farm in a 

valley at the foot of the "Anderson Hill" and its proximity to the "Homeplace" permitted Peter to walk frequently 

to his farm on top of the ridge. 

Peter never did get adjusted to living without Petrina. Happily he had six married children and he would take 

turns living with them in rotation, but always ending up on the ridge farm which he loved so dearly. In his last 

years, Caroline and Alfred cared for him on the ridge farm. Peter lost interest in the farm without his beloved 

wife, and in 1916 made arrangements to sell the farm to his sons, Alfred and Arthur, with the stipulation he 

personally could live out his life on the home farm. 

Peter passed away 27 December, 1938, being 91 years old having lived a most fruitful and productive life.

Bertha Bronson Engleson was born in 1861 in Russell Valley, Portland Township, Monroe County, WI to Hans 

Bronson and Annie Stigen from Oppland, Norway. Bertha married Albert Engelsen who was the son of Ingel Hansen 

and Anne Jensdatter of Holand, Akershus, Norway. Albert’s sister Gunhild married William Dinger. Their children 

were Elon, Ethel, Viola, Pera, Clifford, and Madonna. Elon bought my grandfather’s house in about 1929. 

Bertha and Albert had a son named Ira who married Lota Steele, They had 3 sons and a daughter. Bertha was a 

close neighbor and was a friend to my grandmother Lena Albertsen Cypriansen. My mother Cinda took care of her 

as she got older by giving her soup many days. Aunt Bertha died when I was 14. My mother got this spinning wheel 

and I later inherited it.

Adolph Kolbo 

DORA JOHNSON & ADOLPH KOLBO 

Adolph was the first child born to Hans Kolbo and Ingaborg Prestagarden, both of Norway. Dora Johnson and 

Adolph were married March 21, 1896. Dora and Adolph had an incredibly large family -18 children, 14 of which 

grew to adulthood. Even though they were in poverty situations most of their lives they didn't know it. For you 

mothers out there reading this, that is 162 months of pregnancy - wow! Enduring that much morning sickness 

is a remarkable accomplishment just in itself. But as every mother knows they are much easier to care for 

when they are on the inside. 

Dora and Adolph truly cared for theirchildren. They were wonderful loving and kind parents. They were well 

respected by the community and loved by the family. The children were all loved, and all had fun, fun, fun! The 

Kolbo's always knew how to have fun. Most folks that knew them always said they were laughing and having a 

lot of fun. They played a lot of card games, much to the dissatisfaction of Andrew, Dora's father and neighbor. 

Many family members helped them out with food and support with their growing family needs. 

Adolph's Family 

Adolph's paternal grandfather was Amund Peter Kolbu. He was born 24 Sep 1815 in Oiers, Prestijeld, 

Gudbrandsdalen, Oppland County, Norway to Haagen Wiigin and wife Berit. He immigrated to America in 1857 

and settled in Coon Prairie, Vernon County, Wisconsin. He married Marit Tosteinsdatter on Dec 1, 1840. 

Amund was a carpenter and a blacksmith, and settled in Jefferson Township, Vernon County. They had four 

children all born in Oyer. (or Oiers): 

1) Hans (born 13 Dec 1840) 

2) Oline (born 29 Sep 1844) 

3) Marie (born 24 June 1849) 

4) Thea (born 27 Mar 1855). 

For awhile the family lived in Shelby, MN. (Norman County) Adolph was born to their oldest son Hans. He 

came to America with his family when he was 17 years old. Hans married Ingaborg Prestagard, also 

Norwegian, who was born in 1842. She immigrated in 1864. Hans and Ingaborg had 9 children. Their names 

in order of birth are: 

1) Augusta 

2) Oleanna 

3) Theodore 

4) Adolph 

5) Herman 

6) Ida 

7) Robert 

8) Mulla 

9) John. 

In 1905 they moved from Coon Prairie, WI to Crocker SD. They sold part of their farm to Johan Westby and 

his wife Susie, and the other part went to Dora and Adolph. Hans helped build the Crocker Lutheran church. 

His wife Ingaborg died in 1915. Both Hans and Ingaborg died in Crocker and are laid to rest there. 

Adolph was born 11 Jul 1875 at Timber Coulee Valley, Coon Prairie, WI. He lived with his parents until 1893, 

and then he moved in with his sister Malla (Mrs. Ole Borgemoen) at Curtis, WI. In about 1895 Hans and 

Ingaborg bought a farm in Canon Valley, a couple doors away from his future bride Dora, who had just moved 

there several months earlier. Adolph worked as a farmer, but mostly as a carpenter throughout his life. Adolph 

built many homes that are still standing in Canon Valley and northern Wisconsin. Adolph always enjoyed 

church work, and visiting friends and neighbors. Dora and Adolph were married 21 March 1896. They had 18 

children, 14 of whom lived to adulthood - they are: 

1) Inga Louise (born 8 May 1898 never married) 

2) Alphin Hilmer (born 24 Oct 1900, never married 

3) Archie Camel (born 15 Apr 1903, never married) 

4) Lindahl Lyman (born 8 Feb 1905, married Mabel Steele)

5) Elmer Edwin (born 23 Sep 1906, never married) 

6) Joseph Wilmer (born 16 Mar 1910, married Fern Elsie Erickson) 

7) Selma Otelia (born 12 May 1912, married Leonard Olsen) 

8) Sarah Otelia (born 12 May 1912, married William Olsen, Leonard’s brother) 

9) Myrtle Christine (born 15 Mar 1915, married Robert Whitewell) 

10) Palmer Lehman (born 5 Mar 1916, married Betty Larsen) 

11) Evelyn Norma (born 16 Apr 1917, married Chester Hansen) 

12) Leonard Tillman (born 6 Feb 1919, married Palma Petersen) 

13) Anette Maleda (born 9 Jul 1921, married Leo Vern Gamer) 

14) Orlin Karnel (born 4 Feb 1925, married Donna Axelson) 

The four children that died as infants include Inga (1897), a set of twins Sarah and Ruth (1901), and Herman 

(1913). 

Susie and Harold Kirkeby 

Susie and Harold were married in 1907. Harold was from Wisconsin, but his parents had immigrated from 

Oppland, (Gulbrandsdalen) Norway. The name Kirkeby means city of the church or church town. Susie and 

Harold had 2 children: Alf and Signe. Signe never married. Alf married Inga Andersen and they had two girls 

Judy and Carol. Susie died in 1943 at only 63 years old. Her husband died through a combination of intense 

suffering by a toothache and suicide. 

Andreas Albertsen Dorthea Gulbrandsen

SUZIE JOHNSON & HAROLD KIRKEBY 

Susie Johnson and husband Harold Kirkeby 

Caroline with Guitar, Susie in front, two friends 

Susie and Harold Kirkeby 

Susie and Harold were married in 1907. Harold was 

from Wisconsin, but his parents had immigrated from 

Oppland, (Gulbrandsdalen) Norway. The name 

Kirkeby means city of the church or church town. 

Susie and Harold had 2 children: Alf and Signe. 

Signe never married. Alf married Inga Andersen and 

they had two girls Judy and Carol. Susie died in 

1943 at only 63 years old. Her husband died through 

a combination of intense suffering by a toothache 

and suicide.

Kathy & Kevin Kirking 

The Michael Mitby Family 

Dave Malin Family 

Scott & Kersa; Eddie & Lauri 

Inga, Alf, Kirkeby & their daughters Judy and Carol

Wedding of Adolph Kolbo and Dora

BOTNER LINE OF ROYALTY 

Andrew Johnson’s mother Kristina was a descendant of King Haakon Magnusson, and many of her ancestors 

were Dukes, Knight, Earls, Kings, Queens, and Princesses. Although she was not directly born into this 

Norwegian Heraldry she is from that lineage. Kristine’s paternal grandfather was born on the Botner farm. This 

Botner farm has a written history that was first recorded in 1639 by the Dane historian Pharos, and a more 

detailed and thorough written account was published by Odd Otteson in 1982. The following information was 

translated by Levi Adam and Bruce Rognan from sources produced by Otteson, Pharos and Oluf Righ in July 

1997 in books relating to the Botner family farm. 

Torkild Botner 

Torkild Botner (b. 1500) is a descendant of Norwegian Heraldry on both his maternal and paternal sides. The 

Botner name means in Norwegian “preferred place” or “best place”. It is located in the area of Norway today 

called “The Birchlands” (Bjorklangen). The farm is situated on the beautiful Lake Bjorklangen, and is very rich 

and fertile. The farm has been inhabited to at least by Medieval times in Norway. It is first mentioned by name 

on 22 January 1329 in a Loken land deed when Ester Botner (b. 1329) took possession of it. Ester’s son, 

Eivind Astesson (b.1352) took over the farm in the late 1350's when Ester died in the black plague. Eivind and 

his wife Tora had a daughter who married Gyrd Ingaldsson (b. 1387) from Oie, Vagar, Hedmark.1 Now the 

Botner farm was in possession of Gyrd Ingjaldsson and his wife Eivindsdatter Botner. 

Gyrd Ingjaldsson was a member of Norwegian Heraldry. He was the son of a district governor, reporting to the 

King of Denmark directly. His paternal side genealogy is from the “Bratt” or “Braut” family, a royal pedigree with 

30 continuous generations identified back to at least 636 AD. His mothers side is also royalty, with his great 

grandmother being Agnes Haakonsdatter (b. 1303), the daughter of the last King of Norway, before Denmark 

took over. Gyrd was born in 1387 in Oppland County, Norway to Ingjald Guttormsson (b. 1355) and Cecilie 

Sigurdsdatter (b. 1351). Ingjald was the district Governor for much of Oppland, Hedmark, Vestfold and 

Akershus County. His son Gyrd married Eivindsdatter Botner (her first name is unknown) the granddaughter of 

Ester Botner (b. 1329). Esther Botner was the first recorded owner of the Botner Farm. (Gyrd’s royal pedigree 

is found in the last section in this book) 

Gyrd Ingjaldsson, as a royal member of Heraldry had his own coat of arms. Coats of Arms were used in 

medieval times so all the commoners could recognize a person of importance, without reading or writing. 

Those in Heraldry enforced the coats of arms to make sure there were no forgeries or counterfeits. Those 

impersonating Heraldry were put to death. Gyrd’s crest is listed below along side of other prominent coats of 

arms for other family members: 

Gyrd and his wife (name unknown) had two boys - Eivind and Jon and a daughter (name unknown). Gyrd had 

died by 1438, but his inheritance was passed on to his two sons and daughter. On 3 April 1443 Eivind 

Gyrdsson and his brother Jon were granted an additional parcel of land in Hedmark by the King of Denmark. 

They also had significant land holdings in Gausdal, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway. Some of the other farm 

managers at this time were Tora Gyrdsdatter and her husband Wilhelm Asmundsen Stigsed. 

In 1460 the two Gyrdsson brothers expanded their holdings and inherited the Botner farm..2 Remember, it was 

Gyrd who married Eivind Astesson Botner’s daughter and inherited the Botner land, so it was his to give. A 

short time later John and Eivind Gyrdsson decided to split their properties. John went back to his birthplace in 

Oie, Vagan, Hedmark. He subsequently managed farms at Kalstad (Colstad), and Segested.. Eivind and his 

1 In 1351, after the Black Death, when 50 - 60% of the population of Norway died, all of the land went into possession of the 

King of Denmark The King of Denmark had Norwegian Heraldry who then enforced his laws and collected taxes from the priests 

and earls. The Botner farm again is mentioned in 3 Feb 1394 in a letter by the Bishop Oystein of Vestfold, Norway. The farm is 

still under the King’s jurisdiction at this time, but still owned and managed and owned by Eivind Astesson. 

2 Although not directly related to the Botner farm, it is important to note another prominent Norwegian member of Heraldry that is 

related to Gurd Ingjaldsson. Gyrd’s daughter married a prominent land owner from Skjaak, Oppland County by the name of Peter 

Gunleickssen (1404-1482) from the Bratt family. Their daughter Cecilie Petersdatter Bratt married Guttorm Eindridesson Bratt 

Bjolstad.

wife were then the sole owner of the Botner farm and had no properties in Hedmark. Eivind also had twsons, 

one by the name of Gulbrand Eivindsson, and the other N. Eivindsson. It appears there was dual ownership 

during this time, since the farm was so large. This dual ownership passed down to the next generation. 

Gulbrand Eivindsson’s son was Mogens Gulbrandsson, and N Eivindsson’s son was Torkild Botner. Torkild and 

Mogens were first cousins and ran the farm together, with Torkild being the primary owner. Mogens is listed in 

a letter to the King on 4 Oct 1527 as being the largest land owner in the district. 

To keep the Botner farm in the family, and to preserve financial net worth, frequently marriages were made 

among close family relations. Torkild Botner’s (b. 1500) father was married to his niece. His grandmother, was 

also his aunt. Torkild Botners son Halle (b. 1528) married his second cousin Gioa Mogensdatter (b.1528). 

From this union there was no doubt in farm ownership. Gulbrand Botner Halleson (b. 1560) was a 8 th 

generation Botner on his paternal side and a 5 th generation Botner on his mothers side. 

In 1639 a Dane by the name of Pharos documented a history of the Botner farm. The book was printed in 

Copenhagen (Kjobnvhavn) and outlines the entire farm history and royal genealogies. In 1784, a Botner farm 

reunion was held celebrating the 500 years of continuous ownership oif the farm in the same family. A total of 

21 generations were identified. The farm today would be at least 34 generations continuous ownership. 

According to the above sources, in 1784 it was the longest continuous family owned farm in Norway, perhaps 

in Scandinavia. No doubt it still is. 

ANDREAS CYPRIANSEN ANCESTRY 

Cyprian Syversen Graverholt & Kristina Ingebretsen Skamo 

Andrew’s father was Cyprian Syversen. Cyprian was born 26 November 1798 to Syver Svendsen and Marthe 

Marie Svendsdatter. He was born in Holand, Akershus, Norway. The Holand District in Akershus County, 

Norway is a very rich farmland. In appearance it looks much like the area of Wisconsin in Monroe and La 

Crosse Counties. The area of Holand parish, Norway historically has been one of the most the most desirable 

farm lands in Norway. Since only 3% of Norwegian soil was tillable the area of Holand was prime. Some of the 

farm names that Cyprian's ancestors and descendants operated on in this vicinity include: Knold, Graverholt, 

Skamo, Ringstad, Botner, Tonnenberg, Vestereng, Myrha, and Salerud. There are complete and official farm 

histories written about some of these prominent farms, and beyond the scope of this history. 

In about 1825 Cyprian married Maria Mortensdatter. Maria was from the Tonnenberg farm. After this marriage 

he worked on the Tonnenberg Farm. Their marriage was not long - because Maria died sometime around 

1835. There are not any known children of this marriage but there certainly could have been. Cyprian married 

again in 18 April 1839 to Kristine Ingebretsdatter. 

Cyprian Syversen Graverholt & Kristine Ingebretsdatter Skamo 

Kristine Ingebretsen (Cyprian’s second wife) was born on the Graverholt farm in the Setskog-Holand area. She 

was born 28 September 1818, 20 years younger than her husband Cyprian. She was born to Ingebrikt Person 

Skamo and Gunhild Sophie Jorgensdatter Knold. Her mother Gunhild Sophie was through the lineage of King 

Hakon Magnusssen and many of the Viking warriors. She was a descendant through the Botner family tree 

which took great pride in their family tree and lineage. Kristine was aware of her lineage connection to the 

Norwegian kings and told her children of her royal family. Kristine's ancestors grew up with all of the 

advantages that were available in Norway because of their wealthy "land-owner" status. Kristine had a third 

cousin by the name of Thor Heyerdahl (grandfather of the same famous explorer of the same name. He 

became the first Lutheran Priest in Nannestad, Akershus and was patriarch to a long line of distinguished 

parish priests, sheriffs and other upperclass descendents. 

Although there was some wealth and royal privileges in the family at one time, by the time Kristine was born, it 

had passed her family by. The social status of being a wealthy land owner was not able to be passed on a 

birthright to all children. Generally only the oldest males had this privilege. Kristine and Cyprian received no 

land and therefore were part of the peasant class and were forced to rent their farm to make a living. They 

farmed on the Myra farm in a few hundreds yards east of Lake Bjorkelangen, which was an very small farm of 

less than 30 acres, and unable to support the family. Because of this poverty, and growing up in the 

unpleasant Norwegian peasant class no doubt America sounded like a wonderful opportunity.

Kristine Ingebretsen & Svend Torvaldsen 

Sometime in between 1843 and 1849 Cyprian Syversen died. Cyprian was 20 years older than Kristine. 

Kristine was still in her twenties and remarried a man by the name of Torvald Svendsen. They were married in 

Holand, Akershus, Norway on 23 Jan 1849. They had one daughter born 5 months later by the name of 

Marthe Torvaldsdatter. Marthe was born on 27 Jun 1849 also in Holand. (In America she was known as 

Martha Svendsen. The fact that she kept her fathers surname instead of her own, could be an indication that 

her father came to America as well.) 

Marthe arrived in America between 1858 and 1874. It is believed that Marthe came over with her mother and 

father to be with her uncle (Kristine's brother) Ole Engebretsen Skamo who arrived in 1858. Marthe was 

married to Johan Erickson in 1874 in the Portland Lutheran Church. In fact their’s was the first wedding 

performed in the church according to Portland records. Johan Erickson was the son of Erick Christiansen and 

Pernille Christoffersdatter, both from Holand, Akershus, Norway as well. Marthe and Johan had 8 children: 

Amil (1876 - 1965) was the blacksmith in Melvina. He remained active in his profession through the 

1950's. Cousin Verl Erickson remembers having Cansey's repairs done by him even up to 

about 1955, when he was 79. Amil married Julia Johnson and together they had 4 children: 

Mildred (1911), and Eva, Odelia and Helen (1905). Amil moved to LaCrosse in his later years. 

Minnie Minnie married Oliver Johnson in about 1912. They only had one child named Mildred 

Johnson. Minnie and Oliver always stayed in Melvina. 

Lewis Lewis married a Melvina neighbor by the name of Helen Tangen. They had three children: 

Harland, LaMonte, and Myron. LaMonte and Harland stayed in Melvina, while Myron moved 

to La Crosse 

Mary Mary married Elmer Gilson. They had no children and make their home in Sauk Rapids, 

Minnesota. 

Josephine Josephine was born in 1884 

Maren Maren was born in 1882 

Karl Karl was born in 1879 

Alfred Nothing is known about Alfred. 

Andrew Cypriansen & Ole Skamo Come to America 

The Ship Olaf Left Oslo: April 23, 1868 and arrived in Quebec June 27. All the passengers listed from Holand 

include: 

• Ole Ingebretsen Skamo 41, head 

• Henrike Kristiansdatter 36, wife, 

• Embret Olsen 10, son 

• Anders Olsen 5, son 

• Kristofer Olsen 3, son, 

• Anne Olsdatter 5 mos., daughter 

• Milan Halvorsen 21, ? 

• Elef Andersen 26, ? 

• Andreas Cypriansen 24, nephew 

• Gunhild Johansdatter 21, ? 

Newspaper announcement from "Hamar Stiftstidende" Nov. 27, 1866: "Ship Olaf, 319 Commercial lasts, 

mastered by Capt. Andersen, will leave for Quebec with emigrants. The ship has a spacey tween-deck, [the 

hull] is copper hooded and a fast sailor. The fare is 15 Spd. for adults and children between 1 - 14 years the 

half. Infants under 1 year goes free. Landing money is 1 Spd each for adults and paying children. Those who 

has not got supplies can buy that here in town, when enrolling, for the cost of 9 Spd. 31 Sh. for adults. The 

ship provides water, wood, light, medical care and guidance to Chicago. When enrolling a prepayment of 5 

Spd. is required for adults, and the half for children. Enrolling at Arne Pedersen in Upper Mosstu in Stange, 

where further information can be obtained. - Upper Mosstu November 21. 1866.

Account of the Voyage to America 

John O. Tansem's account of the voyage on the ship Olaf from Christiania to Quebec- Wallace Tansem This 

is an account of the crossing on the ship Olaf from Christiania to Quebec. It was written in John O. Tansem's 

diary. The following is his story: "At seven o'clock in the afternoon we hoisted anchor but lay still till the 

morning of the 12th when we sailed with full sails out of port. However this did not last longer than we could 

well look back on the town. Then we ran into a headwind and this lasted until Monday morning the 15th of 

April. Then we had a good wind and sailed with good speed past Drøbak and Kavholman and before 9:00 p.m. 

we left Ferder and came out in the North Sea. The 20th of April we were by Scotland and there we fished so 

we had fresh fish for Easter Eve. On April 21st which was Easter Sunday we left the North Sea and headed 

out into the Atlantic Ocean. After that we did not see land until the 20th of May. 

During this time on the 28th of April occurred the death of a 6 month old child. The corpse according to custom 

was left 4 days on board ship. On the fourth day a coffin was made in which many holes were bored. In the 

bottom of the bed, stones were put and covered with shavings. The corpse was dressed just as lovely as on 

land and laid in the coffin. For the funeral service the Captain sang a hymn and then the coffin was put over 

board. 

On May 6th we had a birth on board. A woman gave birth to a boy child and right afterwards the Captain and 

the Doctor asked that he be named "Olaf" in honor of the ship. Then we on the night before the 20th of May 

had a glimpse of the island St. Paul. The wind turned against us and we had to lay for three days and nights 

without getting any place but then the wind turned in our favor again. On May 25th the wind was against us 

and we had slow going and then we had our first glimpse of Canada. We also met the emigrant ship the 

"Atlantic". We sailed so close that we greeted each other and asked how things were going and what kind of 

weather we'd had, etc. We also met another Norwegian emigrant ship named "Amelia" from "Porsgrunn" and 

greeted her with "Hurrah". The 26th of May we had good wind and a little rain so we could not be on deck and 

at 11:00 a.m. the pilot came on board. At 8:00 p.m. occurred the death of a little child, one year and nine 

months old. This little child was buried like the first one. On May 28th a steamship came by and asked us if we 

wanted help to get to Quebec. The Captain asked how much it would cost and he answered 40 pounds which 

amounts to about 160 dollars. At that rate there was no use offering him anything so he went away. It wasn't 

long before we had favorable wind and at 7:00 a.m. on May 29th we came to Quarantine Place and before we 

were through with our sails, the doctor came aboard and we had orders to come up on deck. We were then led 

to the front part of the ship and a rope was stretched across the deck. By this the Doctor stood and allowed 

only one person at a time to come over to their side. This visitation went on very rapidly and orderly and none 

were kept back. At 2:30 in the afternoon we arrived in Quebec and immediately someone came aboard and 

we were counted. 

After that the Captain went ashore and while in town he ordered a steamboat to come and bring us ashore. 

We were permitted to do so and were brought back to ship in the afternoon On May 31st at 7:00 p.m. we left 

the "Olaf" and went by steamboat to the railroad station where we stayed on the dock until 2:00 in the morning 

of June 1st when we got lodging in a warehouse. At 7:00 p.m. on June 3rd we were by Montreal. On June 4th, 

1:00 p.m. we were in Toronto and left there at 7:00 p.m. the same day. The 5th of June at 11:00 a.m. we 

arrived at Sarnia and there we were brought over to the United States by steamboat crossing the river that 

separates Canada from the United States. We were lodged in a hotel. The coach with our luggage was 

brought over on a ferry and took the coach right up to the warehouse we were in and our luggage was brought 

in. Here every trunk was opened and the clothing examined to see if we had to pay duty on it . Each family 

had to pay $..95 in duty but single person went free. On June 6th at 10:00 p.m. we left and came to Milwaukee 

by steamboat. We reached there by 7:00 a.m. June 9th. There we walked around and looked at the town and 

thought it was the most beautiful town. The whole town was criss-crossed by canals and bridges over them for 

the streets. These were fixed so that four men could swing them when anyone should pass through the canal. 

The streets were wide and on nearly every street by the sidewalk there had been planted a pretty row of 

beautiful leaf trees. They also came driving with a load of bread so that those who did not have anything to buy 

food for could have some. There was also a lovely speech for us bidding us welcome to America on Pentecost 

Sunday. At 7:00 p.m. we left there by train and arrived at La Crosse, Wisconsin on June 10th at 4: p.m. At 

1:00 a.m. the morning of June 11th we left there by steamboat for Veinona (Winona) Minnesota where we 

arrived at 8:00 p.m. the same day.

Ole Ingebretsen Skamo and Henrikka Doverud 

Andrew’s uncle and sponsor to America was Ole Ingebretsen Skamo (b. 1825). Ole was the son of Ingebrikt 

Pedersen Skamo (1785-1864) and Gunhild Sophie Jorgensdatter Knold (1791-1835). In Holand, Norway, they 

lived on the farm named Skamo (meaning disgraceful place) that he purchased from his father Ingebrecht 

Pedersen Skamo. Ole had three wives and families: 

1) He married Marte Marie Mortensdatter (1826-1854) and they had two children: Marie Emilie 

(1852-1858) and Gunhild Sofie (b.1850) who in 1870 was with a man from Mastad Trogstad. (It is 

assumed this is the same Gunhild Sofie that married Ellef Andersen who became the sponsors of Lena 

and Andrew Cypriansen (Johnson’s) wedding. Marte Marie was from the Tonnenberg Farm. When she 

died he employed a governess who bore him children for his second family. 

2) He had a mistress / governess named Maren Nilsdatter from North Ruud farm and they had twin boys: 

Halvor (b. 1857) who married Karoline Kristiandatter Lysaker of Lindalen/ Gangnes; and Anton (b. 

1857) from Fallet / Smedhaugen. 

3) He married Henrikka Kristiansdatter Doverud and this became his third family. Ole and Henrikka had 

six children: Marte Marie and Albert / Engebret Olsen were born in Holand Parish, Norway and the next 

four Andrew Olsen, Christian Olsen, Anna Olsen, and Caroline Olsen were all born in Portland, 

Monroe, County, Wisconsin. Ole Ingebretson had many struggles on the ocean voyage coming to 

America. Once he got here he settled in the Portland area. Which family member sponsored Ole is not 

known. Just before Ole’s voyage to America he married Henrikka Doverud from Holand in 1858. 

Pictured on the following page is Ole and Henrikka and their family in 1872. The picture and caption is 

from the newspaper in Norway. The caption reads "An old family photo retouched by Daniel G. Nyblin 

in Oslo in 1870 of Ole Skamo and his wife Henrikka. The family immigrated to America and endured 

great hardships crossing the Atlantic" On his grave at the Portland Cemetery, Ole is listed with last 

name of Skamo. This was the name he went by in Norway as well as most of the time in America. The 

children didn't grow up on the farm so they instead went by the name of their father Ole. They changed 

their name from Skamo to Olsen (Ole’s son or Olsen). About their children: 

1. Marte Marie (1857 – 1857) died as an infant 

2. Engebret (1858 – 1930) was never married. 

3. Andrew (1862 -1910) married Jenny Henriksen, and they had one child Orton. 

4. Christian (1864-1903) married Anna Tangen (1871-1956). Chris and Anna had 5 children: Hilda 

(b.1895) married Theodore Erickson; Clarence (b. 1897) married Mamie Dinger; Karl (b. 1900) 

who married Bessie Dinger), Ora (b. 1902 who married Mabel Schmans), and Lloyd (born 1903 

who married Lila Anderson) 

5. Anna (1867-1930) married Carl Larsen. They had 2 daughters, Clara (b. 1895) married August 

Poss and Minerva (b. 1898) married Ole Braaten. 

6. Caroline / Cari (b. 1870) married Emil Solberg and they had three children: Elsie, Edwin, and 

Conrad. 

Ole and his wife Henrikka are buried in the Portland Cemetery in Wisconsin, near the grave sites of 

his nephew Andrew Johnson and wife Lena. 

Andrew Cypriansen and Lena Albertson 

Andreas Cypriansen (named Andrew Johnson in America) was born to Cyprian Syversen and Kristine 

Ingebrichtsdatter on 12 December 1843 on the Graverholt farm in Holand, Akershus, Norway. He had a twin 

brother named Ole. As a young man Andreas (Andrew) was a laborer on various farms and also a lumberjack 

in the Setskog forests. He became aware of many jobs available in Wisconsin working in the forests. 

His twin brother Ole left for America in 1873 on the ship “Valkyrie”. He is listed as Ole Johnson Brigsaetvig. Ole 

secured work in the timber in La Crosse County. Ole came to America on the same ship that Andrew’s wife’s 

Aunt Maren Albertsen (Landal) did. Aunt Maren was only 4 years older than her niece Lena, and they were 

more like sisters. (He is #265, Maren is #264 on the ship register) Aunt Maren’s first husband, Caspar 

Christiansen, died working in the lumber country less than a year after arriving in the states. 

Perhaps it was his half sister Marthe Svendsdatter or perhaps his mother Kristine Ingebretsdatter and stepfather 

Torvald Svendsen that also encouraged him to come to America. No one else in his family is known to 

have come over at that time.

Lena’s Migration to America 

LENA ALBERTSEN ANCESTRY 

Caroline (Lena) Sophia Albertsen was born 19 Sep 1851 in Tonneberg, Holand, Akershus, Norway. She was 

born to Andreas Albertsen and Anne Dorthea Gulbrandsdatter. She grew up in a very small log cabin home 

which was overcrowded with 5 other siblings. Some of Lena’s relatives had been immigrating to America since 

about 1858, when she was about 7. Her uncle Marcus Gulbrandsen (her mothers ½ brother) immigrated in 

1866 with her uncle Swen Albertsen (her fathers ½ brother). Her two aunts, Julianna and Maren (her father’s 

½ sisters) came in 1873 through Quebec – a seven week ocean trip arriving June 25. 

Lena was 19 when she came to America. She took the “Hero” which was a boat manufactured in Hull, England 

by C. & W. Earle of the Wilson Line, to America. It was an interesting and involved process but instead of 7 

weeks it was only 2 weeks long. Lena first took the cariole to Oslo and then took the steamer from Oslo 

(Christiana) to Hull, England – a few days journey. Because of the risks to the town's health from the large 

numbers of European migrants passing through the port, the North Eastern Railway Company built a waiting 

room near Hull Paragon Railway Station in 1871. This waiting room had facilities for the emigrants to meet the 

ticket agents, wash, use the toilet and take shelter from the weather. Lena was in Hull less than a day and 

stayed the night at this warehouse like building (below) 

"The Emigrant Waiting Room of the North Eastern Railway Company at the Hull Paragon Railway Station. 

The waiting room was built for the Scandinavian – American immigrants on their way to the US. between 1871 

– 1882. In the morning they left for Liverpool via Leeds. The train tickets were part of a package that included 

the steamship ticket to Hull, a train ticket to Liverpool and then the steamship ticket to their final destination – 

New York. Sometimes so many emigrants arrived at one time that there would be up to 17 train carriages 

being pulled by one steam engine train. All the baggage was stored in the rear 4 carriages, with the 

passengers filling the carriages nearer the front of the train. The trains took precedence over all other train 

services because of their length and usually left Hull on a Monday morning around 11.00 a.m., arriving in 

Liverpool between 2.00 and 3.00pm. 

Selecting New Name 

Norwegian-Americans generally had confusion when selecting names to be known by in America. This was 

certainly a problem with Carolina. In Norway she was known as Lena Kleven. First names that she was known 

by include Carolina, Caroline, and Lena. She also had three different versions for her surname name (as a 

maiden name): Albertsen, Andreason, and Kleven. She also was known by three different surnames once 

married: Johnson and Cypriansen, and Zypriansen. Lena arrived in Wisconsin late July. At the immigration 

office, Cyprian was allowed to keep his name of Andreas Cypriansen. However, about 15 years later he 

changed his name to Andrew Johnson. About 1890, Norwegian immigrants with unusual sounding ethnic 

names were encouraged to be Americanized so Andrew complied and became Andrew Johnson. Since it was 

such common practice to change the more unusual sounding Norwegian names generally speaking, 

Norwegians didn't object. The only problem with Andrew's new name was the fact that it was so common. Four 

years prior to his arrival the 17th President of the United States was named Andrew Johnson - the successor 

of Abraham Lincoln. There were also many other Andrew Johnson's in Monroe and La Crosse county. 

It is not known if Lena Albertsen and Andrew Johnson (Cypriansen) met in Holand before coming to America. 

Most likely they had gone to church together in Holand, and had worked together as laborers somewhere 

together. If Lena arrived at the end of July and they were married Oct 13, it seems probable they had met in 

Holand, Akershus, Norway. Andrew was 9 years older than his Lena and had been in America 7 years before 

Lena, which would have made her 12 at the time they were acquainted. 

Neither Andrew nor Lena were previously married. Andrew is listed in the immigration record not as a farmer, 

but as a laborer. Lena is listed as his wife. Carolina is listed on the immigration records as leaving Oslo, 

Norway on the 28 May 1875 on the ship named “Hero”. Andrew arrived in 1868, stayed in the US for a while 

and returned to Norway before coming back to Wisconsin. On the immigration records they are listed as man 

and wife, even though they were not married yet. From exhaustive searches in Holand parish church records, 

there is no record of any marriage of Lena and Andrew in Norway. They came over as engaged.

ANDREW & LENA 

The LaCrosse county records show an Andreas Cypriansen and Carolina Andreasen were married on Oct. 13, 

1875. Witnesses of this wedding included Andrew's brother Ole and Elev or Eli Andersen, (perhaps his sister’s 

Gunhild’s husband). The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. J. B. Frich, a Lutheran minister who 

served at the time all of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation - which included 12 small 

congregations in the area surrounding La Crosse, Sparta, Westby, and Portland. The same day the court 

records also show 21 other Norwegian couples were married by Pastor Frich. 

Andrew, Lena & Family 

Andrew and his wife first lived in with family. Most likely it was Lena’s side (Albertsen’s or Gulbrandsen) since 

they were all living in Fish Creek , and Andrews family (Svendsens and Skamos) were all living in Portland. 

There is no record of Andrew owning any land in either Monroe or LaCrosse County at this time so we assume 

that the years he was at Fish Creek he was a renter and a laborer and lived in a small log cabin. It was in this 

log cabin that 9 children were born Dora ( Dora Kolbo), Syverina (Susie Kirkeby), Carolina (Caroline 

Anderson), Olai (Ole Johnson), Tina Augusta (Cinda Erickson), and Anna Otilie (Anna Westby), and Marie 

Gunhild were born. These 9 children were all baptized at the Fish Creek Lutheran Church and church records 

still exist. (Two children, both named Sigvart died in early infancy. One was born Oct 8, 1878 and died 11 Aug 

1880, and the other was the twin to Caroline who died shortly after birth.) In order of birth their children 

include: 

1. Dora Johnson (1876) married Adolph Kolbo 

2. Sigvart Johnson (1878) who died in 1880 

3. Susie Johnson (1880) married Harold Kirkeby 

4. Caroline Johnson (1882) married Alf Andersen 

5. Sigvart Johnson (1882) who died in 1882 

6. Ole Johnson (1884) married Emma Erickson 

7. Cinda Johnson (1886) married Lewis Erickson 

8. Anna Johnson (1888) married John Westby 

9. Marie Johnson (1890) remained unmarried 

Since Andrew and Lena had a large family they all helped out on the farm in the tobacco leaves, milking the 

cows and taking care of the crops, but the house was not large enough for their family. With such a large 

family, and living in a small home in Fish Creek, Andrew and Lena sent their daughter Cinda to Lena's sister's 

Nitta's home to live. Nitta and her husband Jules Pedersen raised Cinda. 

When Andrew was living in Monroe County from 1875 - 1919 Norwegian was the dominant language in 

Portland, Canon Valley, Melvina, and Fish Creek. It was spoken in the churches and in the schools. Scriptures, 

hymnals and textbooks were all printed in Norwegian. When Andrew's granddaughter, Laura was confirmed in 

the Portland Church in 1925 she was the first group to go through the catachisism in English. Andrew spoke 

more Norwegian than English. 

Portland at this time was a growing place on the frontier for Norwegians to settle. Portland was organized in 

1858. The name being changed from Mt. Pisgah. At the time all the town had to offer was a tavern / inn for 

travelers in a store operated by Jacob Hazen. Sometimes the area was called Hazen's Corners. The 

Norwegians came in mass in the early 1860's to Melvina, Canon Valley, Fish Creek and Portland. "For many 

years (1874) there was no organized congregation, but services were occasionally held " (History of Monroe 

County, p.580) By April 1874 a church was finally built in Portland. This church was destroyed in 1929 and a 

new one built the same year. The second church still stands today (1995) 

Andrew Johnson and his wife attended a Seventh-day Adventist bible study group in which the church-founder 

Ellen White was preaching. From account of daughter Cinda "Andrew was impressed with the sermon but 

never changed his religion. The Seventh-day Adventists however grew in numbers from that early visit and 

many of his grandchildren joined that church. 

With such a large family, and living in a small home in Fish Creek, Andrew and Lena sent their daughter Cinda 

to Lena's sister's Nitta's home to live. Nitta and her husband Jules Pedersen raised Cinda from about 1892 

until 1898. They had no children of their own, so Cinda became part of their family. They also had substantial 

income to support Cinda. Since they were neighbors and family, it was very convenient, but never a legal 

adoption. It was just a case of family helping family meet their needs.

Ole Johnson - Andrea's Twin Brother 

Andrew's brother Ole worked in the timber in Wisconsin for awhile, and then he heard about higher wages in 

Idaho. Ole moved to Orafino, Idaho in 1879, to work in the timber. His first job was at the saw mill where he 

worked about a year. Great niece of Ole, Laura Henricksen translated a letter he wrote to his twin brother 

Andreas in about 1876. The complete letter is written below. 

"Dear Brother Andreas and Family, 

I have for a long time received your letter a long time ago, but have not taken time to write. I came here to 

Orafino, Idaho on Christmas evening and am staying here until after the holidays. I have worked in a saw mill 

here about 14 miles away and I plan to stay here this winter. It is about 2 feet of snow here now - we have had 

a nice winter here so far. I am healthy and have had work right along, but my pay has started to get lower at 

$12.50." 

- Ole 

We do not know what name Ole went by when he came to America. We know for sure it was not Cypriansen. 

We speculate he took the name Johnson. In exhaustive research I found the only Ole's born in Norway the 

years 1842-1844 is an Ole Johnson who was living in Glover, Idaho (near Orofino) in the 1910 and 1920 

Census and Ole Hende living on the Idaho / Canada border in a place called Boundary. Hende came from 

Trondheim, and the Ole from Glover had a brother named Oscar. Since both are not a fit, we can only assume 

that Ole may have moved to Canada, died, or changed his name. 

Nitta & Jules 

In 1939 Nitta and Jules moved back to Holand (Loken Station), Norway. Nitta always had a fear of losing her 

money, and was paranoid about intruders looking in her house and coming to steal all their money. Her fears 

were manifest when she returned to Norway in 1939. As Nazi's invaded she was living right by the train station 

and went into a tragic state of paranoia fearing the worst in the Nazi invasion. Although she was never 

physically harmed by the Nazi's, emotionally she was paralyzed, and mentally lost control of her life and 

wound up needing psychological help in the hospital. The self-fulfilling prophecy came true. Her brother Karl 

Kleven inherited most of the money, which he took from Nitta's personal belongings when she was in the 

hospital. 

Andrew helped build the Fish Creek Lutheran Church in 1894, and attended church regularly there until he 

moved to Portland. Perhaps his strong religious orientation came from the church in Holand. Likewise, the 

Westby's who were neighbors were also very religious and used the Sunday as a very holy day to rest from 

their labors. Andrew's descendants including children, many grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and 

great-great grandchildren have gone to that same Lutheran church he built uninterrupted since 1894 - over 

100 years. 

Everyone loved to go to grandma Lena's she was the grandmotherly type. She always had cookies and 

goodies to eat. Laura and other grandchildren would go there almost each day. Despite his kindness, Andrew 

was also a very stern disciplinarian. He was strong and unyielding in his religious convictions. Movies or 

dances were not allowed by the Missouri Lutheran Synod of which he was part. Face cards were also 

considered a tool of the devil and never allowed in the home. Instead the family played flinch - a card game 

without face cards. 

Andrew was a very kind man, and had a lot of patience with people. He worked very hard on the farm. When 

he first came to Fish Creek, he had to get his flour at the mill in La Crosse. It was the closest flour mill his 

home. Then he would have to carry home several 50 pound bags all the way home - about 18 miles. Andrew 

was a very good provider for his family. 

In Portland, the family was very close and helped each other out farming and caring for each other. Four of the 

children were neighbors to Andrew and Lena - Cinda (Mrs. Lewis Ericksen), Caroline (Mrs. Alfred Andersen), 

Anna (Mrs. Johan Westby) and Ole. Everyone loved to go to grandma Lena's she was the grandmotherly 

type. She always had cookies and goodies to eat. Laura and other grandchildren would go there each day. 

Andrew Johnson would always have a shot of wine on Christmas morning, but rarely anytime else. He was a

gentle and loving man as characterized by his love of children. People warmed up to him easily. 

Fishing was a popular sport and also an important source of food. Even throughout the winter months, ice 

fishing provided many important meals. The day Andrew died he was fishing with his son-in-law Lewis and 

granddaughter Laura. They were fishing in the creek down by the old school in Canon Valley and had a great 

day. On the way home from their great catch, Andrew saw the cows out were scattered about. He made a little 

deal with granddaughter Laura. He said if you gather in the cows, I will give you a little piece of candy. As she 

finished gathering in the cows, and went to the house her grandfather was already dead. He collapsed on the 

front porch and never made it back into his house. 

Andrew died May 12, 1919. He is buried at the Portland Lutheran Church. One year later (4 March 1920) his 

wife passed away and she was buried alongside him. Since then many other family members are buried there 

Albert Pedersen & Sophie Andersdatter 

Albrikt (Albert) Pedersen was born 15 Jan 1794 on the Salerud Farm in Holand, Norway. He was born to Peter 

Salerud Svendsen and Anne Olsdatter. His parents were married November 11, 1787 in Holand, Norway. 

Peter, his father was a professional oboe player who received his appointment by the King of Norway. In 

addition to performing in some concerts, Peter Svendsen also was able to perform oboe at special events in 

the community. He played at funerals and weddings throughout the Akershus county. These performances 

provided his family with most of their money. Peter and Anne also had their farm to support their family. 

Albricht was a shoemaker by profession. A profession several of his sons followed in the life as well. 

On 15 January 1824 Albricht married Sophie Andersdatter who was born in Holand in 1799. They had three 

sons: 

1) Andreas Albertsen (born 22 Apr 1824) married Dorthea Gulbrandsen Ringstad 

2) Svend Olaus Albertsen (born Apr 1826, and died before 1846), 

3) Peder Marcus Albertsen (20 Nov 1828). His wife Sophie died sometime around 1845. 

About this time Albrikt was living on the Bratfoss farm. But as was the case with most widowers, like on the 

Norwegian farm was difficult without a companion. There was too much work to do for survival needs to be 

met. Consequently, the widower 

Albert Pedersen & Christiana Knold Jonsdatter 

Albrikt Pedersen Bratfoss married Christiania Knold Jonsdatter in Holand, Norway in 1846. To this union was 

born: 

1) Svend Albertsen (born 1846) married Frederikka Svendsdatter 

2) Maren (born 1850) married Andrew Ericksen 

3) Julianna (born 1855) married Svend Syversen 

All the children came to Wisconsin during 1873 - 1881. Julianna and Maren were known to Lena Albertsen as 

Tante Maren and Tante Julianna - even though they were only related on their fathers side. Uncle Svend 

moved to Elbow Lake, Minnesota in about 1890 and lost contact with the Albertson side.

ALBERTSEN SIBLINGS 

Svend Albertson (b. 1846) & Fredrikka Svendsdatter 

Svend Albertsen was born in 1846 in Holand, Norway. He married Fredrikke Svendsdatter on 20 Oct 1868 

when he was 22. Fredrikka's family were among some of the early pioneers of Sparta, Wisconsin. Fredrikka's 

brother Magnus Svendsen was the first settler in Fish Creek Ridge, which occured immediately at the close of 

the Civil War. A year later came another other settler by the name of Marcus Gulbrandsen. Marcus was the 

brother in law to his brother Andreas. Svend and Fredrikka had 5 children, all of which were born in the USA. 

Svend was born in 18681, Adolph was born in 1870, Sara was born 10 Feb 1872, Dorthea was born 10 Feb 

1875, Rebecca was born 27 Feb 1878. Only the last three births are recorded in the Portland Lutheran Church 

records in Monroe County Wisconsin, however. 

Svend followed in the footsteps of his father and became a Shoemaker. unlike his father that travelled from 

house to house Svend had his own shoemaker shop. It is not known if he had a shoemaker shop in Sparta, 

although it is assumed so. 

Sometime around 1880 - 1885 Svend and his entire family moved to Elbow Lake, Minnesota. Here he ran a 

shoe store until he was well over 75 years old. Elbow Creek was a settlement made up of mostly Norwegians. 

It is not known why they moved, and what attracted them to Elbow Lake. As was generally experienced in 

frontier America "the grass seemed greener on the other side of the hill". After their relocation to Minnesota 

family correspondence continued regularly. Fredrikka wrote regularly to her brother Magnus and wife Andrine. 

Many pictures were also sent. 

The Svend Albertsen family in about 1900. 

Front L-R: Rebecca Ogren, Svend Albertsen, Fredrikka Svendsdatter, Dorthea Albertsen. Back L-R: 

Adolph,_____ 

Svend and his wife Fredrikka seem to have been quite well off financially. Judging by the pictures of 

furnishings of the house, and the frequency in which family photos were taken Svend and Fredrikka seem to 

be quite affluent for the day. Since Svend came over here without much of money, it can only be assumed that 

he either did very well as a farmer with some great harvests in Fish Creek, profited nicely from his shoe 

business or selling his shoe business, or else he made a good profit when he sold the Fish Creek farm, or a 

combination of all. Since Svend was the third pioneer family to Fish Creek it can be assumed he choose the 

most prime farm land available for his farm. This would yield the greatest harvest, and provide the greatest 

resale value. When Svend’s two sisters Julianna and Maren came to Fish Creek in 1874 the choice lands were 

occupied, and therefore they had to settle for acreage that needed to be grubbed (trees removed). When 

Svend’s niece Lena came to Fish Creek she married Andreas Cypriansen in 1875 and they moved to Fish 

Creek. They had such miserable soil they were forced to move to Melvina after a few years. 

Andreas Albertsen & Dorthea Gulbrandsen 

Andreas was born 22 Apr 1824 in Holand, Norway as the oldest child of Albrikt Bratfoss Pedersen and Sophie 

Salerud Andersdatter. His mother died when he was a teenager, and his father remarried when he was 19. 

Andreas had two brothers named Svend and Peder Markus, and 2 half sisters named Julianna and Maren 

and one half brother named Svend. Andreas was a farmer all his life but during the winter months he was a 

shoemaker. As a shoemaker he would spend most of the winter away from the family. Instead, he would travel 

throughout the parish and make shoes for room and board. He would live in the local families homes for a 

week at a time and make shoes for each member of the family. During his visit he would eat meals with the 

family, and be part of evening prayers with the family. He would cover as many families as he could during the 

off season, and save the profits for his family. Sometimes he would have been paid in cash, but many times he 

traded for other goods. 

Andreas grew up on the Salerud farm, but as the farm got overcrowded he had a difficult time supporting his 

family and sometime around 1850 moved to the Tonnenberg farm. Andreas married Anne Dorothea 

Gulbrandsdatter who was born on the Ringstad Farm in February 1851. Anne Dorthea was born 15 May 1825 

to Gulband Ringstad Jonsson (1743-1828) and Kari Olsdatter (1791). Her father was 59 when she was born

and he died 3 years later. Gulbrand and Kari's children include: Johan (1814), Pernille (30 May 1816), Andreas 

(10 Jan 1821) and Hans (12 Aug 1818). Her mother remarried Gulbrand Iversen in about 1827. This couple 

had one child, a son Marcus born 14 Jun 1833. Gulbrand Jonsson was married to Johanne Hansdatter and 

they had 7 children: Hans (1792), Jon (1795), Gulbrand (1793-1793), Peder (1799), Rebekka (1799), Ole 

(1801) and Gulbrand (1797). Dorthea had 1/2 siblings on both her mother's and father's side. 

To the union of Andreas and Dorthea Gulbrandsen1 were born 8 children. 

1. Caroline (1851) married Andrew Johnson (Zypriansen) and moved to Wisconsin 

2. Anders (1853) married Andrine Jonsdatter and stayed in Norway 

3. Ole (1856) married Jules Pedersen's sister from Norway 

4. Gunhild Marie (1859) married Jacob Nadheim and stayed in Norway 

5. Carl Kleven (1861) who moved to the Kleven farm and married Hustra Alvide 

6. Nitta (1864) married Jules Pedersen lived in Wisconsin from 1875 to 1939. 

Caroline, Ole and Nitta came to America in 1874, perhaps sponsored by Marcus Gulbrandsen or Svend 

Albertsen. The three that came to America continued to correspond with their family in Norway, and the 

relationship maintained. Nitta returned to Norway in 1939, with her husband Jules. Correspondance of the 

second and third generation has continued to the present day - over 120 years since their departure. Special 

visits have been made visiting these relatives including visits made by John Westby, Viola Westby, Laura and 

Nels Henricksen, Bruce and Sylvia Rognan. 

Anders Andersen & Andrine Jonsdatter 

Anders was the second child born to Albrikt Pedersen and Sophie Andersdatter. He was born in 1853 in 

Holand, Akershus Norway. He and his wife had 5 children, who all remained in Norway. 

1) Karlina, 2) Anne Dorthea, born 1878 3) Jule Andersen, 4) Andreas Andersen, born 1882 and 4) Christian 

Andersen Hagen, born 1885. Both Andreas and Christian served inthe Norwegian military. 

Marcus Gulbrandsen and Suzanne Bergersdatter 

Dorthea Gulbrandsen’s 1/2 brother Marcus Gulbrandsen (from her mothers side) came to the United States in 

the fall 1865 or summer of 1866 and settled next to Svend Albertsen in Fish Creek Ridge. 

Marcus married Suzanne Moen Klova Bergersdatter in Holand in abt 1854. Their children are as follows: 

1. Andreas Gulbrandsen born in 1854 In Holand, Norway and married Johanne Halvorsen 

2. Anette Gulbrandsen born 1860 in Holand, Norway and married Ole Hansen Dahl 

3. Bolette Gulbrandsen born in 1865 in Holand, Norway and married Iver Pedersen 

4. Carl Gulbrandsen born in 1868 in Fish Creek, Wisconsin and married Rebecca Andersen 

Christian Syversen & Julianna Albertsen 

Julianna was the second daughter born to Albrikt and Christiana Knold. She was born in 1855 and died in 

1915. Julianne was the last in her family to come to the USA. She arrived in 1876, 2 years after her sister and 

about 5 or 6 years after her brother Svend. Christian Syversen, her husband was born in 1851, also in Holand, 

Norway. He was the son of Syver Johannesen (1807) and Karen Johannesdatter (1822). Christians brother 

Nicholai married Gunhild Stensby Zypriansdatter and the setled in Portland, Wisconsin and had a large family. 

Christian and Julianna had 11 children. They include: 

1) Svend Syversen born 27 June 1875 in Holand, Norway and married Pauline Olsen 

2) Carl Syversen born 4 Mar 1877 in Portland, Wisconsin and married Christina Tangen 

3) Karl Syversen born abt 1879 in Portland, Wisconsin 

4) Annie Syversen born 18 Oct 1881 in Portland, Wisconsin 

5) Herman Syversen born 7 Jan 1884 and married Mandy Amundsen 

6) Willie Syversen born 22 Feb 1886 in Portland, Wisconsin and married Nora Evensen 

7) Otto Syversen born 19 Apr 1890 in Portland, Wisconsin 

8) Nora Syversen born 15 Jan 1892 in Portland, Wisconsin. Died in between 1896-1912. 

9) Tena Syversen born 29 Dec 1893 in Portland Wisconsin and married Louis Larsen 

10) Emma Syversen born 16 Oct 1896 and died in Lewiston, MT married to a Mr. Burnett 

11) Nora born 7 Nov 1912 and died in May 1979 in Lewiston, MT

Nils Cypriansen (1785-1877) & Ellen Jorgensdatter (1794 – 1880) 

Nils Cypriansen and Ellen had four children and 17 grandchildren that came to America. Nils was the son of 

Cyprian Johansen Grasmoen (4 May 1748 – 25 Oct 1846) and Mari Marte Nilsdatter Steinby. Nils Cypriansen 

and Ellen Graverholt / Grasmoen had the following 11 children: 

1. Sophie Nilsdatter b. 1816 Married Nils Hansen Velta. In 1875 the farm was sold and all the family 

moved to America. In 1865 Halvor Nilson (b. 1841), In 1869 Juliane Nilsdatter (b.1848) who married 

Khristian Johansen Galgholtet and Nils (b. 1853), Rebekka (1856) and Severin (b. 1859) all came to 

America in 1875. 

2. Marie Nilsdatter born 1818 married Ole Gundersen Sjolaen 

3. Ole (1820-1843) 

4. Ingaborg Graverholt Nilsdatter (b. 1822) married Andreas Andersen Tangen of Kolstad. They both 

came to America and settled in Portland, Monroe, Wisconsin in 1868. Both are buried in Portland 

Cemetery in Monroe, Wisconsin. Their children moved to Minnesota after she died. (Otter Tail?) Some 

of the children took the Tangen name others took the Andersen name.Their children are: Anton (1849), 

Ole (1850, Maren 1855), Johan (1860), Anne Dorthea (1863), and Nicholai (1867) 

5. Johan Nilsen (b.1824) married Ingaborg Svendsdatter Heggedal 

6. Gunhild Marie Nilsdatter (1826-1864) married Andreas Brynildsen (1827-1892) and became owner of 

Slora farm at Graverholt. Their oldest son Ole Sivard (b. 1846) came to America in 1869. Other 

children: Nils (1852), Anton (1857-1886), Boletta (1859-1949), and Gabriel (1864 – 1888) all remained 

in Norway. 

7. Svend Nilsen (b. 1829) 

8. Christian (b. 1831) 

9. Andreas Nilsen (b. 1833) married Anne Gasviken 

10. Lena Matea Nelson (1836-1837) 

11. Marcus Graverholt Nelson (1837-1923) moved to Stanges Vinger – then to Nebraska in America.(see 

next) 

Marcus Nelson "Graverholt" & Ellen Jorgensdatter 

Marcus Nelson Graverholt (1837-1923), pictured at right, was born in Graverholt, Setskog, Akershus, Norway 

on Dec. 25, 1837 to Nils Cypriansen (b. 9 Jan 1785) and Ellen Marie Jorgensdatter both of Holand, Akershus, 

Norway. Marcus had 17 children, was a great Nebraska Pioneer and Cornhusker, and religiously devout. 

When his distant cousin Andrew Cypriansen, who worked with him on the Graverholt farm left for America in 

1868 he gave favorable reports to those back home. Likewise, Marcus also got favorable reports from Gunhild 

Cypriansdatter Steinsby and Nicolai Syversen who left Setskog (Loken-Holand area) and moved to Monroe 

County, WI. Marcus, after the death of his first wife Inger (abt. 1869), decided to go to America with his family 

of 5 small children all born in Norway which included: 

1) Nils Nelson(Dec. 21, 1859) 

2) Maren Olive Nelson (Dec. 8, 1861) 

3) Lena Emelia Nelson (Sept. 8, 1863) 

4) Gunda Marie Nelson (Sept. 24, 1865) 

5) Johanna Nels (Jan. 3, 1868) 

Marcus sold his share of the "Graverholt" farm that he had 

inherited from his father. There were others from this 

community who also went along, including his in-laws, 

Gunder and Gunnild Amundson. Included in this group was 

Bolette Johnson, whom had worked at "Graverholt" since she 

was 9 years old. Marcus and Bolette Gundersdatter were 

married upon arrival in the United States once they reached 

Omaha, NE. Once in America, the name Graverholt was not 

used much and Nelson became the surname. All of Marcus's 

boys used the name Nelson. 

The group wound up at Red Wing, Minnesota in May of 1870.(the two ships with Norwegian passengers 

arriving before June 1 were Rising Star and the Ocean Queen, another possible ship was Nordlyset leaving 

Oslo on May 10. ) They only stayed in Red Wing long enough to catch the steamer boat down the Mississippi 

to St. Louis, MO and then up the Missouri River to Omaha. They settled in Florence, Nebr., and for a short 

while they were in IA, and then they went on to the homestead in Dixon Co. Once again, for the third time in

this Family History we find the Norwegians taking over the Mormon settlements. This setttlement was the 

Mormon Winter Quarters in 1846 – 1848. 329 people of the 2259 stationed there died and are buried in 

marked gravestones in Florence from those first two years. Subsequenty from 1848 - 1869, Florence was an 

unoffiical staging area where Mormons would spend the winters and get ready to cross the Western Plains in 

their handcarts. In 1869, when the Railroad came through the Mormon holdings in the town went on the 

auction block, and as usual, when Mormons leave “en masse” they price is very low because of supply and 

demand. Consequently, Florence was one of the best buys on the Western Frontier. Today, Florence, 

Nebraska is the home of a Mormon Temple and Visitors Center and the Mormon Cemetary at Winters 

Quarters. 

In the fall of 1871, Marcus got his homestead and moved his family to Dixon, all except Lena who stayed with 

her maternal grandparents, the Gunder Amundson's, for about 2 years in Florence, NE. The Amundson's later 

moved to Dixon Co., about May of 1874, as did son Bastian, with whom they lived with until they both died. 

(Soure: Donna Maskell, called: MY MOTHER'S FAMILY, The Gunderson's and The Johnson's) 

The first home on the homestead in Dixon Co., located near Maskell, 6 miles south of town, was a dugout. A 

house was not built on the homestead until about, 1884. Marcus and Bolette lived there until 1914. They then 

moved into a house that they had built in Maskell, near the Lutheran Church. Marcus also bought 160 Acres of 

timber and pasture land near the river, 7 miles north of his farm. (Soure: Raymond Nelson, Newcastle, NE, 

grandson of Marcus) 

Marcus and Bolette (born March 4, 1851) were the parents of twelve children all except George were born on 

the homestead in Dixon Co. Marcus had 17 children 5 from his first wife in Norway, and the following 12 in 

America: 

1) George Nelson (May 19, 1871 – born in IA) 

2) Elmer Nelson (May 14, 1873) 

3) Julius Nelson (May 15, 1875) 

4) Alfred Nelson(Jan 14, 1877 

5) Minor Nelson (Nov. 13, 1878) 

6) Ole Nelson Nelson(Sep. 13, 1880) 

7) Mattie Nelson(Nov. 14, 1882) 

8) Ida Nelson (Dec. 31, 1884) 

9) Millie Nelson (Jul. 24, 1886) 

10) Albert Nelson (Aug. 22, 1888) 

11) Mathilda Nelson(died at birth) (1890) 

12) Melvin Nelson (Aug. 2, 1891) 

At the homestead, Marcus carried cottonwood shoots from the Missouri River and planted them. By 1917, they 

had grown so much that he had a Mr. Breney, set up a sawmill and cut and saw enough lumber for the frame 

of a new barn on the original homestead. In addition to farming his land, Marcus also had skills as a carpenter 

and built many of the buildings in the community. He built the first school house in Cedar County. They used to 

trade and go to Vermillion, SD (also a Mormon settlement of James Emmett that Norwegians had purchased) 

and to Ponca, NE. When they went to Vermillion they had to cross the Missouri River on the ice in the winter. 

Bolette and Marcus Nelson were religious people. They were charter members of the Lime Creek Lutheran 

Church. At first there was no resident minister there. The first minister at the Lime Creek Lutheran Church, was 

Rev. N. G. Tvedt and on Feb. 6, 1879 at Gayville, SD, married Lena Emilia Nelson , daughter of Marcus 

Nelson. The center of the church work at that time was Vermillion, SD where they had a church. Bolette and 

Marcus Nelson, carrying their son, George, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Johnson (Chris was a brother of Bolette), 

carrying their son, James, walked to the Missouri River and stayed overnight at the home of Olaus (?) 

Gilbertson. The next morning they crossed the river in a skiff, walked to Vermillion and had the two boys 

baptized. After the service they walked back to the river, crossed it and spent a second night at Gilbertson's 

and walked home Monday. Marcus was a good singer and before they had the organ at the church, Marcus 

led the singing.

Susanne Bergersdatter 

Marcus Gulbrandsen 

The Ringstad Farm, 

where Dorthea 

Gulbrandsdatter was 

born. Photo taken in 

1995, by Bruce Rognan. 

The Ringstad Farm Stabbur. This Stabbur dates back to the time 

Dorthea Gulbrandsdatter, and her brother Marcus (left) were living 

on this farm

The Loken Church in Akershus 

The Svend Albertsen family in about 1900. 

Front L-R: Rebecca Ogren, Svend Albertsen, 

Fredrikka Svendsdatter, Dorthea Albertsen. 

Back L-R: Adolph, Svend Olsen, Sara 

Svendsen. 

In this photo in Svend Albertsen's home in Elbow Lake, Minnesota he is sitting at the table 

with two of his granddaughters. One can observe from the hand carved chairs, and lavish 

drapes, and custom photography that Svend was quite well off in the late 1890's.

Dinus Mork and Thea Hansdatter 

Christian (Dinus) Mork was born on the Botner Farm in 

Holand. He married Thea Hansdatter and hey had the 

following children: 

1. Harold (1870) born in Holand, Norway, moved to 

Greenbush, MN 

2. Ella Marie 

3. Mary 

4. Carl Johan 

The lived with Dinus’ uncle, Magnus Svendsen in Fish 

Creek when they first arrived in 1876. Then they purchased 

a farm in Fish Creek. In 1910 they sold their farm in Fish 

Creek Ridge and moved to Cashton. Dinius died in 1913, 

and Thea died in 1941. 

Dinus was a first cousin to Frederikka Svendsdatter. 

Left: Dinus Johnson Mork; Front: Thea Hansdatter 

Johnson Mork; ;Right: Svend Albertsen; Back: 

Frederikka Svendsdatter Albertsen 

Svend Albertsen Jr. and wife 

Adolph Albertsen 

Arthur Ogren, Robert Ogren, 

Margaret Ogren (1906) 

Rebecca Albertsen, (Svend’s daughter) and her 

husband Andrew Ogren and children: Arthur and 

Robert. 

1888 until 1903. 

Four generations of the Svend Albertsen Family,

Maren Albertsen & Andrew 

Ericksen Family 

The above photo at right was taken 

in about 1895 in Sparta, Wisconsin 

of the entire family including Clara, 

the daughter of Maren's first 

marriage. 

Juianne Albertsen & 

Christian Syversen 

The photo at right was taken in 

about 1895 in Sparta, 

Wisconsin of the Christian 

Syversen & Juliana Albertsen 

family. The three girls are 

Tena, Emma and Nora 

Syversen (Seversen)

Left: Sophus Swensen, while in Sparta 

in 1888, Right: Sophus Swensen and 

his wife Elizabeth and their two children: 

Helge (1897) and Inge (1899). Photo 

taken in 1899. A Son Erling was born in 

1901. Below: Helena, Montana in 1897, 

when Ole and family moved there. Ole 

walked all the way from Sparta, WI to 

Helena, MT, barefoot. 

Hans Jr. and Dora had one child, a 

daughter named Edna who married 

Oscar Simonsen, from Loken, Holand. 

Oscar and Edna had 4 children Harvey, 

Doris, Eleanor and Loren. 

Dora’s mother was a sister to Svend 

Albertsen (b.1846) 

Facsimilie of Sophus Swensen Home outside 

Helena, Montana in 1899.

Home of Nitta and Jules Pedersen, where Cinda Johnson Ericksen was raised. Left to 

Right: Jules Pedersen, Otto Pedersen, Cinda Johnson, Marie Johnson, Nitta Pedersen. 

Above: Jules Pedersen and his wife Nitta 

Andersen in about 1922. At right: Jules and Nitta 

in 1939. They had no children of their own, but 

adopted Cinda as their own for many years 

Nitta Andersen , after she 

returned to Norway in about 

1939. 

Marie Johnson 

Cinda Johnson in about 1903

Andreas Andersen 

(1882-1960) was the 

son of Andreas 

Albertsen 

Kristian Flatby Andersen 

(1872-1932) married 

Anne Dorthea Albertsen, 

daughter of Andreas 

Albertsen. 

Anders Albertsen & Andrine Jonsdatter 

Kristian Andersen 

Hagen (1885-1967) 

Above: Kristian Andersen Hagen (1885-1967) and his wife Karoline Johannesdatter 

(1888-1926) and their two children: Borghild Andersen Jenses, and Anders (1911 - 

1927). This photo was taken 1 year before Karoline died, and 2 years before Anders 

died. Right: Borghild Jensen, photo in 1995. 

Anders was the second child born to Albrikt Pedersen and Sophie 

Andersdatter. He was born in 1853 in Høland, Akershus Norway. 

He and his wife had 5 children, who all remained in Norway. 

1) Karlina, 

2) Anne Dorthea, born 1878 

3) Jule Andersen, 

4) Andreas Andersen, born 1882 and 

5) Christian Andersen Hagen, born 1885. Both Andreas 

and Christian served in the Norwegian military. 

Anne Dorthyea Andersen, her 

husband Kristian and child in 

Holand, Norway.

Ole Bakkum (Bakkevar) Nilson & Gunhild Arnesdatter 

Ole Nilsen was born in Hemnes, Holand, Akershus, Norway 21 Feb 1822. His wife Gunhild Sofie Arnesdatter 

was born there 7 Dec 1819. Ole was the son of Niels Bakkevar Olsen and Karen Jorgensdatter. 

Gunhild and Ole settled with their family in EauClaire, Wisconsin. However, their 3 sons all seem to have 

come to the Sparta area, at least for awhile. Their three sons were 

1) Nels Olsen 

2) Martin Olsen 

3) Andrew Olsen Wold 

Martin Olsen Family in 1901: 

OLE NILSEN & GUNHILD ARNESDATTER 

Martin Olsen was born 22 Oct 1853 also at the 

Bakkevar Farm. Martin became a carpenter. His wife 

Karoline Svendsdatter was born 12 Feb 1854 (died 

and buried in La Crosse in 1919). They were married 

27 Dec 1878. Their children were: 

1. Ole Sofus (1880-1882) got measles on the ship 

coming to America at age 2, and was buried at sea. 

2. Nils Julius was born (1881-1882) likewise died 

crossing the ocean. 

3. Ole Sophus (1883-1928) was born in La Crosse. 

He married Clara and they had five children: 

Lucille, Harold, Beverly, Raymond and Robert 

4. Sofie (1885-1890) died at age 5 in a leaf fire 

5. Klara (1887-1909) died of TB 

6. Selma (1890 – 1977) Married Louis Lillethun who 

died in 1928, two children Morris and Doris. 

7. Emma (1893-1959) married Osmund Bakkom of 

La Crosse. They had two children Clifford (a 

teacher) who lived in Lake Geneva, WI. and Jean 

(a Retired Army Captain) who lived in Sharon 

Springs, New York. 

8. John (Jani) (1896-1965) married Christine 

Newman, they had three children: Evelyn, Wilford 

and Elvera. Wilford was lost at sea when the USS 

Bismark was sunk in WWII. John was also a 

carpenter John and his wife are both buried at Lake 

Geneva. 

Martin and his wife had three children that were already on 

their own when this picture was taken: 

1) Ole born 1880 

2) Nils Julius born 1881 

3) Sophie (1885) 

Martin’s wife was from the Skamo Farm, and was closely 

related to the Cypriansen / Engebretsen families. Her 

ancestors managed the Riser Farms, Skarebol, and Botner 

farms. They are related to the Botner’s as well as the Flor 

family. 

Front L-R: John (Jani) Sofus (1896), Selma Olsen 

(1890) Middle Row: Martin Olsen (1853), Klara Olsen 

(1887), Karoline Svendsdatter (1854) Back: Sofie 

Olsen, Ole Sofus Olsen

Nels Olsen & Juliana Tholina Christiansen (1904) 

This couple was born in Holand, Akershus, Norway, and they both 

returned there towards the end of their life. They had 6 children, all of 

which were close friends of Lewis & Cinda: 

1. Hilda (b.1888) 

2. Edwin (b. 1885) 

3. Caroline (Tilly) (b.1878) 

4. Sophie Rose (b. 1876) 

5. Oscar Olsen (b. 1880) 

6. Inga Olsen (b.1893) 

Nels Olsen (1849-1918) was also born at the family farm in Hemnes. 

He left Norway at the age of 22 (in 1871) to avoid serving in the 

Norwegian Army. He came to America through New York, penniless, 

so he lived out of the garbage cans in the city. He told others that he 

thought Americans were very wasteful, for he tasted his first lemon pie 

out of a garbage can that was very tasty. He scavenged his way to the 

Midwest in a long journey, with many rough days. He settled first in 

Fish Creek Ridge where he lived with the Magnus Svendsen family for 

several months until the found a place in Canon Valley, a couple doors 

down from where Lewis & Cinda Ericksen would live in 1907. On Oct 

10, 1874 Nels Olsen married Julia Brangeruid Andersen 

(Christiansdatter) at Coon Prairie, WI. 

His wife Julia Brangerud (1855-1917) was born in Holand, Akershus, 

Norway. She arrived in America May 26, 1872 with her parents, 

Christian Brangerud Andersen (1812) and Rebecca Brangerud 

Gudmondsdatter (1819). Julia’s father was a cousin to Marcus 

Gulbrandsen and Anne Dorthea Gulbrandsdatter (mother of Lena) 

Julia was the youngest of the group which included: Anders (1844), 

Mina (1846), August (1847) Josephine (1849), Annette (1851). 

Andrew Wold Olsen 

Andrew took the name Wold from his wife, and that was the name 

he went by. All his children were born in Norway, and immigrated to 

the USA. 

1) Oscar lived in Osseo, WI 

2) Sigurd lived in Eau Claire and had a hardware store, 

moved to Milwaukee area 

3) Mayme became a secretary in Eau Claire, and returned 

to Norway working as a secretary for the Norwegian 

government. She died as a result of the Nazi occupation 

in WWII.

Newspaper article about visit of Bruce Rognan, Sylvia 

Rognan, Laura Henriksen, and Ruth Rognan Jackson while 

in Norway in 1995. 

Front: Cinda Johnson, Jules Pedersen. Back: 

Anders Pedersen, and Nitta Andersen. Jules 

and Nitta raised Cinda Johnson from about 

1888 until 1903. 

Elon Dinger’s Mother

Family of Magnus Svendsen 

& Andrina Olsdatter 

Magnus Svendsen (1835-1911) was the first Norwegian 

immigrant in Fish Creek Wisconsin. He and his wife 

immigrated from Holand, Akershus, Norway. He is 

pictured here at right with his wife Andrina Olsdatter in 

about 1905 in the Richardsen Photo Studio in Sparta, 

Wisconsin. 

Magnus and Andrina came to Wisconsin in 1873. 

Magnus and Andrina had 6 children: 

1. Sophus (b.1858) who moved to Montana (barefoot), 

2. Amanda who married Ole Hagen Larsen 

3. Dora Swensen who married Hans Bronson of Oppland 

4. Dena, died on the voyage in 1866 

5. Dena married Lars (Lewis) Erickson (b.1868) 

6. Olaf, born in Wisc., married Anna Doxrud 

1873 Immigration 

• Magnus Svendsen Fallet 32 

• Andrine Olsdatter Fallet 38 

• Sophus Magnussen Fallet 10 

• Amanda Magnusdatter 7 

• Marine Magnusdatter 5 

• Dina Magnusdatter Fallet 2 

The Larsens 

Left photo; Front: L-R: Victoria (Deke Slayton’s mother) Amanda, Ole, Harris. Back: Molly, Alfred, Rosina, Amelia 

Right photo: Hans Bronson (b.1867) and his wife Dora Swensen (b.1863) were married 31 December 1891 in 

Westby, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Magnus Svendsen and Andrina Olsen. Hans was the son of Hans 

Gulbrandsen and Annie Stigen, of Lom, Oppland, Norway.

3’4” Tall 

My aunt Caroline was only 40 inches tall on her 90th 

birthday. When standing, the top of her head came 

up to the top of my belt when we visited that day.

Grandchildren of Andrew Cypriansen and Lena Andersen in 1968. 

Family of Svend Bergersen 

& Karen Sofi Olsdatter 

Karen Sofie Olsdatter (b. 1831) was the sister of Andrine Olsdatter 

Svendsen who immigrated in 1866. Karen married Svend Wangen 

Bergersen (shown at right) . They had two children: 

1. Otilila Bergersen (b. 1868) who married Ole Braaten. 

2. Marte Marie Bergersen (b. 1874) 

Front, L-R: Marte Marie Bergersen, Karen Olsdatter Bergersen, Ole 

Braaten, Andreas Jacobsen,grandfather of Ole), Lars Christoffersen 

Back: Ole Jacobsen Braaten and Otilia Bergersen (parents of the baby)

Leroy Slayton & Cecile Ericksen 

Leroy Slayton (b. 1840), from Winona, MN and Cecile Erickson (born 2 Jul 1847) were good friends of 

Cinda Erickson, and distantly related. Cecile's parents were Hans Erickson and Elizabeth (Caroline) 

Larsdatter both of of Høland, Akershus, Norway. Hans and Caroline both came to the USA as well as their 

daughter. Leroy Slayton's family was from Vermont and Ohio. Leroy and Cecile were all living in Leon, 

Monroe, WI, ( several miles from Fish Creek) according to the 1880 census. Nine children made the 

journey across the ocean including mom and dad. The Ericksons first stayed at LaCrosse farming, then 

moved to Minnesota, and back to Wisconsin. Leroy and Cecile were married March 20, 1872, and 5 

children were born: 

1. Elsie Slayton, (1873) 

2. Minnie Slayton (1877) 

3. Howard Slayton (1879) 

4. Saddie Slayton (1885) 

5. Charles Slayton (1887) married Victoria Larsen who was distant cousin and close friend of my 

grandmother Cinda Ericksen. Charles and Victoria are also parents of Astronaut Deke Slayton, 

Howard Slayton, Richard Slayton, Marie Slayton Madsen, and Beverly Slayton Schluenz. 

Deke Slayton (Original Mercury 7 Astronaut) 

This is the Life Magazine Cover which inspired me to do genealogical 

work. These 7 men were the heroes of every American boy in 1961. They 

were clean cut, most WWII veterans, most were Eagle Scouts, but above 

all, they were the first Astronauts! My mother, Sylvia Erickson, always told 

me we were related to Deke, but she didn’t know how. I told everyone in 

my classes from 1st to 3rd grade, that Deke was my relative. It wasn’t 

until 30 years later, in 1994 that I finally did prove it. The first seven U.S. 

Astronauts, part of project Mercury were: Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon 

Cooper, Jr., John H. Glenn, Jr., Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, Walter M. Schirra, 

Jr., Alan B. Shepard, Jr., and Donald K. "Deke" Slayton. I have never, nor 

will ever forget a single one of these names. 

Slayton was born on a farm in Leon, Sparta, Wisconsin, March 1, 1924. A childhood farm equipment accident left 

him with a severed left ring finger. He entered the United States Army Air Forces as a cadet in 1942. As a B-25 

pilot with the 340th Bombardment Group, he flew 56 combat missions in Europe. He returned to the United 

States in mid-1944 as a B-25 instructor pilot at Columbia, South Carolina, and later served with a unit responsible 

for checking pilot proficiency in the A-26. In April 1945, he was sent to Okinawa with the 319th Bombardment 

Group and flew 7 combat missions over Japan. He served as a B-25 instructor for one year following the end of 

the war and subsequently left the Air Force to enter the University of Minnesota. He became an aeronautical 

engineer after graduation and worked for two years with the Boeing Aircraft Corporation at Seattle, Washington, 

before being recalled to active duty in 1951 with the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Deke Slayton (continued) 

Upon reporting for duty, he was assigned as maintenance flight test 

officer of an F-51 squadron located in Minneapolis, followed by 18months 

as a technical inspector at Headquarters Twelfth Air Force, and 

a similar tour as fighter pilot and maintenance office with the 36th 

Fighter Day Wing at Bitburg, Germany. Returning to the United States in 

June 1955, he attended the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air 

Force Base, California. He was a test pilot there from January 1956 until 

April 1959 and participated in the testing of fighter aircraft built for the 

United States Air Force and some foreign countries. He has logged 

more than 6,600 hours flying time, including 5,100 hours in jet aircraft. 

A US Air Force pilot, he was chosen as one of the original seven 

American Astronauts in 1959. Slayton was scheduled to fly in 1962 on 

the second orbital flight (to have been named Delta-7), but due to an 

erratic heart rate (idiopathic atrial fibrillation), he was grounded, and his 

place was taken by Scott Carpenter. Slayton was the only member of 

the Mercury Seven who did not fly on the Mercury program. 

Slayton resigned his Air Force commission in 1963 and worked for 

NASA in a civilian capacity as head of Astronaut selection. In this 

capacity he had the decisive role of choosing the crews for the Gemini 

and Apollo programs including the decision of who would be the first 

man on the moon. Slayton remained extremely loyal to the other 

Mercury astronauts who remained in the space program ensuring they 

were given assignments. 

A long medical program led to him being restored to full flight status in 

1973, when he selected himself as docking module pilot for the Apollo- 

Soyuz Test Project, designed to allow a docking between the American 

Apollo spacecraft and the Soyuz spacecraft of the Soviet Union. On 

July 17, 1975, the two craft joined up in orbit, and astronauts Slayton, 

Thomas Stafford and Vance D. Brand conducted crew transfers with 

cosmonauts Aleksey A. Leonov and Valeriy Kubasov. Upon his return, 

he became Head of Shuttle Approach & Landing Test Program for 

NASA's Space Shuttle program. 

Slayton retired from NASA in 1982. After his retirement, he served as president of Space Services, Inc., a 

Houston based company he founded to develop rockets for small commercial payloads. He helped design and 

build a rocket called the "Conestoga", which was successfully launched on September 9, 1982. He also 

became interested in aviation racing. Slayton teamed up with fellow astronaut Alan Shepard to write the book, 

Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Race to the Moon, in 1988. The book was made into a documentary 

film of the same name in 1994, but Slayton died before filming was completed. He also penned an 

autobiography entitled Deke!: An Autobiography. Shortly after he moved to League City, Texas in 1992, Slayton 

was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He succumbed to the illness the following summer. Slayton was 

enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1996. The Deke Slayton Cancer Center (located on Medical 

Center Blvd. in Webster, Texas) was named in his honor. Deke died June 13, 1993. He was survived by wife, 

Bobbie, and son, Kent. Deke Slayton has been portrayed in the following films: The Right Stuff, (1983) Apollo 

13(1995) Apollo 11 (1996) From the Earth to the Moon (1998)

1922 

Above: This photo of school children and the teacher was in front of my 

mothers school. My mom went to school here from 1st grade until 8th 

grade. My aunt Mabel, Lillian is shown here where the arrow is pointed. I 

know of no other names of people here. 

Right: My grandma Cinda Johnson Erickson 

Aunt Mabel 

Below: Catching a steamer in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in about 1857, the 

year before the Railroad came to town. 

Aunt 

Laura 

Uncle 

Cansey

Children and wife of Emmett Johnson 

Marie Johnson never married 

but was everyone’s favorite aunt 

Emma, Ole and unknown friend

Ellis Island 

Doris S., Alf Westby and myself.

Cinda 

Erickson 

Sylvia 

Rognan 

Gudrun 


Lloyd 


Caroline 

Anderson 

Bruce 

Rognan

This picture was taken on 

April 11, 1964. It was a 

birthday party for my 

grandma Cinda Erickson, 

(front row, second from left) 

Selma 

Lillian 

All of them are my cousins, 

second cousins and my 

mothers cousins, siblings 

etc. About 90% of them 

were Seventh Day 

Leona 

Adventists. 

Aunt Caroline 

Grandma 

Cinda 

Dorothy 

Nels 

Roger 

Signe 

My grandma Erickson was the best lefse maker on planet 

earth. I could (and still can’t) get enough lefse. I could eat 

it three meals a day. I am sure that is woven into my DNA 

somehow. Here is her recipe Lefse is a Norwegian 

flatbread that is made with potatoes. It is a great 

accompaniment to many savory foods and also a sweet 

treat when sprinkled with sugar. 

- 5 pounds russet potatoes 

- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine 

- 2 tablespoons sugar 

- 2 tablespoons salt 

- 1 cup half & half 

- 4 1/2 cups flour 

I spent many hours picking strawberries with my 

grandma at this patch on 1010 S. Water St. in 

Sparta, Wisconsin. We would make trips from 

Chicago specifically to pick them every June. 

These were wonderful memories for me to 

connect with my grandma.

In 1944 my mother took the train with some of her 

friends to go to Colorado, here she is shown riding a 

bronco. 

My mother’s roommate when she met my father. Her 

name is Reggie Demith. My father dated her before he 

dated my mom. Reggie repeatedly told my mother not 

to marry my dad, but my mom feel for him. Although 

mom called off the wedding 3 times, she did 

My beautiful mother. 

Back yard ot Mabel’s - 

The Wedding 

Reception of my 

parents. 

Mom’s favorite horse “Blutcher”. Mom is on her 

property with her neighbors the Hansens.

Sylvia Laura Mabel Lillian 

Mrs. Hjellcrum, a lady that lived 

with us, when my mother took 

care of her. She was just one of 

the 53 people that my mother 

adopted and lived in her home, 

when they had no one else to 

turn to. The list also include 

many cousins, friends, elders, 

and church friends. 

Left to right: Caroline’s 

husband Uncle Arthur, my 

Uncle Nels and my mom. 

Aunt Caroline 

Johnson 

Anderson

Bangor 

Andrew Cypriansen Farm in Fish Creek

Pioneer Catasrophies 

• 1874, the great grasshopper plague struck Grand Ridge, they ate everything available, clothes on the 

line, even the fence posts. 

• 1888 brought the Great Blizzard. It came up in the afternoon about 2:30. Marcus Nelson walked home 

from the place he was working which was 4 miles away. He made it okay, but there were some that did 

not. Elmer Nelson, youngest son of Marcus and Bolette, related many years later that he, George and 

Julius stayed home that day because it had snowed hard the night before. The day began as a quiet, 

beautiful day so the three boys helped shovel out the stable, which was completely covered with snow. 

At noon Julius and Elmer went to school. Not long after the afternoon session had commenced Andrew 

Gran came and told them that there was a terrible storm and that they had better get started for home. 

Andrew Gran took his son, Oscar, and James Johnson with him. The teacher, a Mr. Foote, and Willie 

Weidenfeldt walked to the Weidenfeldts. Syverin Gran took the other children, including the younger 

ones of Chris Johnson and Andrew Gran families and the Weidenfeld youngsters along with others that 

lived in the district to his place. Then he took Julius and Elmer home. 

• 1894 was one of the driest years to hit northeast Nebraska. The corn, about a foot to two feet in height, 

turned white in a single afternoon from a hot, dry wind. That was on July 22, 1894. 

Marcus became ill Dec. 25, 1922, and passed away March 28, 1923. He lived to be over 85 years old. Bolette 

lived alone until 1939 except for grandchildren whom stayed with her part of the time as they attended high 

school in Maskell. Bolette died May 30, 1949, having lived to be over 98 years old. 

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES TO ADD TO NEXT VERSION 

Minda Fjelsted is Jules Pedersens niece. She is not married and has a son named Albert. 

Andrew enjoyed fishing - even in the cold winter months. He traded candy to grandchildren for hurding in the 

cows. He died before paying Aunt Laura her last candy. 

John Westby had Alta, Lizzy, and Caroline as children. 

1880 Census 

Ole Olsen 44 

Johanna 49 

Olouse 11 

Elizabeth 16 

Maria 12 

Lewis 9 

Martha 8 

Oletta 3 

Alice 1 

all the above were living in Coon Valley, Portland. 

Brynngel Olsen Lom was born in 1835 came to USA in 1857 as recorded in boat logs. 

Andreas Seversen worked on the Myhra farm in 1874. 

Parents raised tobacco but noone smoked it. 

Anne had red hair, and so did Ole, who was sandy red. All had a tint of red. 

Gunnerius Christoffersen (1834) and Caroline Christiffersen (1840) Denis Johnson (1846) and Thea Johnson 

(1855) 

Hans Kolbo married Ingeborg Prestagarden had child Adolph (1876) who married Lena & Andrew’s Daughter 

Dora in 21 Mar 1896. First child was Inge Louise Feb 28 - Aug 12 1897. Kolbos always had fun. Played cards, 

laughed alot.

Ole Erickson and wife Boletta Erickson had son Emil in Fish Creek 

Erick Christiansen wife Pernille Christoffersdatter had son Johan Erickson. Johan married Martha Svendsen in 

1874. Emil was born 1876, Karl 1879, Maren 1882, Jospehine 1884. 

Karl Kleven took all of Aunt Nitta money from inside her blouse when she died. He never gave it to her 

widowere Jules. He lived well, and the rest of the family did not. 

Harold Kirkeby committed suicide as a result from painof a tootheache. Signe found him dead. Signe died in 

1993, and never married. 

Over Oversen Kirkeby married Karen. in Kveitseid, Telemark. Their children were: 

1) John Oberson Kjorkboe 1834- Dec 1916 

2) Over Oversen (1832-1892) gm Marthea Hammersburg with kids Karen, Ole, Caroline, Andreas, Mathild 

3) Hoie Obersen (1828 - 1922) married Ingaborg Quayle with kids Karen, Ingaborg, Ole, Over, Tennis, 

Seebblum 

Setskog Migrants in 1870 

• Andreas Ingebretsen 20 

• Olea Larsdatter 40 

• Sophie 11 

• Torenius 6 

• Lars 4 

• Even 1 

FROM BALLESTRAND 

Markus Andreason Farness age 27 

Kari Faerness age 28 wife 

Lasse Marcusson 4 

Berithe marcusson 3 

Left Oslo: April 23, 1868 

Arrived Quebec June 27 

SHIP: Olaf 

Announcement from "Hamar Stiftstidende" Nov. 27, 1866: "Ship Olaf, 319 Commercial lasts, mastered by 

Capt. Andersen, will leave for Quebec with emigrants. The ship has a spacious double-deck, the hull is copper 

hooded and very fast sailing (only 2 weeks). The fare is $15 (speci-dollars) for adults and $7.50 for children 1 - 

14 years the half. Infants under 1 year goes free. Landing money is $1 each for adults and paying children. 

Those who lack supplies can purchase here in town, when enrolling, for the cost of $9 for adults. The ship 

provides water, wood, light, medical care and guidance to Chicago. When enrolling a prepayment of $5 is 

required for adults, and $2.4 for children. Enrolling at Arne Pedersen in Upper Mosstu in Stange, where further 

information can be obtained. - Upper Mosstu November 21. 1866. 

The Immigration of 1873 

• Hans Christiansen Gresmoen age 39 m 

• Inger Marie Nilsdatter Gresmoen age 42 f (Married Andreas Tangen) 

• Casper Hansen Gresmoen* 18 m (married to Aunt Maren) 

• Even Hansen Gresmoen* 16 m 

• Ole Hansen Gresmoen* 8 m 

• Hans Hansen Gresmoen* 9 months m 

• Hilda Hansdatter Gresmoen* 13 f 

• Maren Hansdatter Gresmoen* 8 f 

* = they went by the name Christiansen in America.

There are other citizens of Holand, Norway on the trip. It appears most settled in Monroe County Wisconsin. 

They include: 

GROPEN FAMILY 

• Ole Olsen Gropen 35 

• Julius Olsen Gropen 35 

• Ole Olesen Gropen 10 

• Julius Olsen Gropen, 9 

• Gunhild Olsen Gropen 8 

VESTRENG FAMILY 

• Andreas Christiansen Vestreng 42 

• Cristiane Olsdaughter Vestreng wife 41 

• Juliane Andresdatter Vestreng 13 

• Bolette Andresdatter Vestreng 8 

• Nikoline Andresdatter Vestreng 3 

• Caspara Andresdatter Vestreng age 6 months 

SINGLE PASSENGERS 

• Halvor Hansen Draugerud (Branerud) 21 

• Agnette Pedersdatter 22 

• Halvor Johnson Braaten 22 

• Hans Brynildsen Braaten 16 

FALLET FAMILY 

• Magnus Svendsen Fallet 32 

• Andrine Olsdatter Fallet 38 

• Sophus Magnussen Fallet 10 

• Amanda Magnusdatter 7 

• Marine Magnusdatter 5 

• Dina Magnusdatter Fallet 2 

OLSEN FAMILY 

• Ole Amundsen Grasmoen 55 

• Ingeborg Nildatter 55 

• Martin Olsen 28 

• Marthine Olsdatter 18 

• Malla Olsdatter 13 

• Juliane Olsdatter 11 

• Ordsa ? Martinsdatter 2 

• Juliane Martinsdatter 6 months 

All of these folks from Holand left Oslo on April 19, 1873 on a ship captained by Carl Christiansen. They 

arrived in Quebec on June 6, 1873. Many came to settle in Monroe County, Wisconsin.

Andreas Cypriansen & Lena Andersen - Bruce Rognan

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