VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 1 | FALL 2016

In this issue: Pedigree Collapse

Finding Ancestral Names Genetic connectivity, or three degrees of separation for Newborns A medical condition? A crisis at dog shows? No – it’s a concept that researchers in Norwegian heritage need to be aware of. In a new webinar about Norwegian naming patterns that is now available on the NAGC website (nagcnl.org), Jerry Paulson offers some fascinating details about the syndrome known as pedigree Annual Benefit Dinner collapse. This is a notion that must be familiar to all of us as we conduct the research to fill out our family trees. Particularly important in Norwegian genealogy, where our ancestors were isolated by geography for centuries, pedigree collapse is better understood by specific examples. Jerry Paulson uses the history of his Genealogical research trip own family to demonstrate this curious phenomenon. to the Family History Pedigree Collapse in Norwegian and Norwegian-American Genealogy Library by Jerry Paulson, Naeseth Chair for Genealogical Research and Publication This is an issue that you need to understand: the further back in time you go, the number of ancestors you have may not necessarily increase as rapidly as you might expect. You start with yourself, and then your next Notes from the Naeseth generation includes two parents, then four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, and your family tree continues to grow going backwards. Based upon that logical progression, if you were to calculate the number Library of your ancestors in ten generations, you would need to identify 1,024 people. Using that formula, if you go back 40 generations, to about the year 1115 A.D., you would have more than Letter from America a trillion ancestors, much more than the number of people who were then alive! (For our purposes, we define a genealogical generation as lasting between 20 and 25 years; for my calculations, I used 22.5 years to define a generation.) 2017 Class Schedule It’s estimated that 80 percent of historical marriages have taken place between second (or closer) cousins. If every marriage took place between second cousins, and you trace back 30 generations, to about 1340 A.D., you would still need to have over 4 million ancestors at that time. All modern Europeans have a common ancestor who lived in about the year 1400 A.D. In Norway, the Black Death struck in 1349 A.D., and depleted the population by about 50 percent. All people today of Norwegian heritage are descended from the approximately 50 percent of the population that survived the New for 2016! plague, mixed with other ethnic groups who settled in Norway. In my own family, my mother’s parents were third cousins. Going back four generations, I have common Olive Nordby parents, which causes pedigree collapse. On my father’s side of the family, my sixth great-grandparents (one each on my maternal and paternal sides) were brothers. All this makes for some interesting relationships in Christmas and a family. My own children have no interest in genealogy at the present time, with this exception: they are fascinated by pedigree collapse. They find it amazing that my son and I are related not only as father and Note Cards son, but also as multiple cousins. My two children are not only brother and sister, but also multiple cousins to each other. See page 11 for full details My son and I are related as My son and daughter are related as and to order. Father and son Brother and sister Fifth cousins, once removed x 2 Sixth Cousins x 2 Eighth cousins Eighth cousins once removed x 2 Seventh cousins twice removed Ninth cousins once removed x 2 Eighth cousins twice removed x 2 Ninth cousins

This is what my kids find interesting about genealogy!

Note: For Jerry’s fascinating clarification of what “removed” means when applied to cousins, consult his webinar called “Norwegian Naming Patterns” on www.nagcnl.org. NAGC website webinars are free and available to all researchers, made possible by generous support from The Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation. Greeting from the Board of Directors

What an exciting time to be part of the Norwegian American Genealogical Center! This issue of Published two times a year by Norwegian Tracks offers a fresh look at what makes our research center such a useful resource for the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) Norwegian-American community. We feature here stories and photographs that show some innovative 415 W. Main Street ways in which we are serving genealogical research. One of the most charming accounts begins on page Madison, WI 53703-3116 three, an interesting tale of how Jerry Paulson’s research helped a couple in Norway decide upon their 608-255-2224 www.nagcnl.org newborn’s name. Sent to members of NAGC & NL For membership, contact: Our cover story, “Pedigree Collapse” by Jerry Paulson, grew out of Jerry’s new webinar about Norwegian Norwegian American Genealogical Center naming patterns that is now available on the NAGC website, www.nagcnl.org. Pedigree collapse is a & Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) hot topic these days as more genealogists explore its implications and complexities. Explaining this 415 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703-3116 phenomenon in a clear and concise way, Jerry helps make researchers aware of this mind-boggling 608-255-2224 www.nagcnl.org concept. [email protected] ______The article on pages eight and nine features the wonderful translation services offered at NAGC by The purpose of this publication is to assist and Solveig Quinney. Solveig has been quite busy these last months, as more and more people discover how encourage genealogists with Norwegian and expert she is at reading and translating Norwegian letters, documents, and records of all sorts. During Norwegian-American genealogical questions. her research, Solveig found an 1850 America letter of great interest, and recommended that it would be Norwegian Tracks is the sole possession of NAGC of value to our readers. Her translation appears here and may be the first time that this fascinating letter, & NL. All rights are reserved. No reproduction with its details about immigration, has been published in English. by mechanical or other means without written permission from the editor. We endeavor to Page four includes a story about the experience of one researcher, Dr. Scott Johnson, who has become a respect copyright in a manner consistent with our nonprofit educational mission. valued and generous friend to the staff at NAGC.

Letters concerning genealogical inquiries for Elsewhere in this issue, you will find photographs and details that describe the vibrant life in the Naeseth Norwegian Tracks should be sent to Norwegian Library over the past months, with visitors, volunteers, and workers of all kinds. We feature as well a American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library photo essay by Arthur Andersen on our most recent Madison-area (NAGC & NL) 415 W. Main Street, Madison, WI 53703-3116 Friends event that show-cased the talent of the young Norwegian violinist, Skogen Sällström, in a performance that thrilled his audience. Norwegian Tracks occasionally solicits or accepts unsolicited copy and artwork for publication. Plans are underway for a busy 2017; see news here about the classes Written material is subject to editing for length, that will be held at the Naeseth Library next summer, as well as the first grammar, and accuracy of content. As a rule, no compensation will be given for any accepted announcement of NAGC’s October 2017 tour to the world-famous material. NAGC & NL reserves first serial publication Family History Library in Salt Lake City. You will also find updates and reprint rights, but releases all other rights on our important endowment campaign and the description of a new for subsequent publication back to the author or artists. card for Christmas designed by the late Olive Nordby.

The Norwegian American Genealogical Center We hope you enjoy these articles that help explain how deserving the & Naeseth Library is an educational non-profit mission at NAGC is of your support. As you make plans for your research center with national and international philanthropic gifts this year-end, please remember the great work scope. The Center collects, preserves, shares, and interprets resources for the study of Norwegian that goes on here, worthy of your annual support, as well as your heritage. consideration as you make your long-term estate plans. Lowell E. Olberg Chairman To carry out this mission, the Center provides: With many thanks, • The Naeseth Library, located in Board of Directors Madison,Wisconsin, where resources devoted to Norwegian and Norwegian- American genealogy are collected, preserved, shared, and interpreted; • Assistance, interpretation, education, and research by trained staff to members, patrons, and correspondents; • Continuing education and outreach for genealogists and the public worldwide through cooperative information exchanges, .publications, tours, displays, seminars, and merchandise sales.

NAGC & NL is open to the public Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please telephone Arne Sunde from Balestrand (Sogn og Fjordane) arranged for this group of 23 Norwegians to ahead, 608-255-2224. An appointment is needed to visit the Naeseth Library in late July. Visitors had an opportunity to trace some of their relatives ensure staff availability and record accessibility. who had immigrated to America.

2 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 Finding Ancestral Names for Newborns Last March, Jerry Paulson, NAGC’s Naeseth Chair for Genealogical Research and Publication, received an intriguing request from an American who was seeking information about an ancestor of his Norwegian wife. The couple, Alexander Klose and Anette Kyvik, met in 2002 when they were exchange students in Spain. After Alexander moved to Norway in 2004, he and Anette travelled widely, spending time in Berkeley, Tanzania, and London, before settling down in Drammen -- where Alexander teaches Spanish and English, and Anette works with resettling refugees in Norway.

The impending birth of their second child promoted their email enquiry. Alexander and Anette sought information about Anette’s great, great uncle – with a view to naming their baby after him. Knowing only that this ancestor named Johannes Hoviskeland came to America in 1924, possibly to the Chicago area and captaining a ship on the Great Lakes, Alexander reached out to NAGC via email, and became an NAGC member as the research began.

Within five days of his enquiry, Alexander received the results of Jerry Paulson’s research. Jerry discovered some exciting news and was quick to share it. Working only with a birth date and the name provided, Jerry confirmed that Johannes Hoviskeland left Bergen and arrived in New York in 1924. Then Jerry discovered additional information, including Johannes’ citizenship by naturalization in Chicago in 1931, and his death record in New Mexico in 1999. The death record discovery led Jerry to the “find-a-grave” website where he located a full obituary and a photograph. The obituary was a crucial discovery since it revealed that Johannes Hoviskeland had changed his name in America to John Johansen!

This obituary confirmed all the details of this immigrant’s life in America, including the facts that he “attended classes to learn English, passed his Captain’s license in 1936, and commanded an oil tanker on the Great Lakes until he retired in 1964, at which time he moved to Albuquerque from Chicago.”

After reading this message, Alexander wrote to NAGC: “What a wonderful letter to wake up to! This cofirms that our choice of [the name] Johannes is spot on… Our little Johannes was born… on March 19… He and his mother have now come home from the hospital and all is well, as you can see from the picture I’ve attached (knitted baby blankets are still all the rage in Norway).”

“I wonder if he [Johannes Hoviskeland] changed his name as part of the naturalization process – don’t think I would ever have found that out without your help, thank you very much!”

When Jerry wrote again to offer congratulations, he asked Alexander if we might use this story and the photograph in our newsletter. Alexander replied:

“…we think it’s a wonderful idea to use Johannes’ story and photograph in your newsletter…Johannes’ great-grandfather, Anders Høviskeland (John Johansen’s nephew), was moved to tears by seeing the photograph of his uncle that you sent yesterday; this is a chapter of family history that had become a vague recollection but has now been given a new life.

…[our new son] Johannes Kyvik-Klose is a product of our cross-cultural journey and we hope that he and his sister Sunniva will grow up to be global citizens in a world that desperately needs people to understand that we are all one big family.”

NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 3 “This Journey Changed My Life” One day in July, the staff at NAGC enjoyed a special visit from Dr. Scott Hotel – all handsomely framed for presentation to NAGC. Now on R. Johnson, a Madison dentist and intrepid family history researcher. display near the entrance of the Naeseth Library, this thoughtful gift During the past two years, Scott has been working with Solveig Quinney, includes a plaque that is inscribed: discovering many details of his Norwegian ancestry. Not the least of Donated to the Norwegian American Genealogical these is that Scott’s grandfather was born on the island of Kvitsøy, very Center & Naeseth Library by Dr. Scott Johnson near the island where Solveig’s cousins live today, and not far from Stavanger where Solveig was born and spent her childhood. During In memory of Jacob Johnson Scott’s research, in preparation for a first trip to Norway, he visited the Born 1901, Kvitsøy, Stavanger, Norway Naeseth Library often and became a good friend to the NAGC staff.

Last year, when we created our first website videos, Scott agreed to appear, offering his moving testimony about the importance of family history and noting that this journey of discovery had changed his life. He also graciously lent some of his family photos and a family tree document for use in the video. (See www.nagcnl.org videos titled “Ancestry Insights” and “Unearth Your Roots.”)

Working with NAGC, Scott was able to trace his ancestors back to the 18th century, while also gathering information for his trip to Norway, memorable travel that he enjoyed with his family in 2014.

During his visit here in July, Scott presented NAGC with a memento of his trip. Scott and his family were in Oslo on Syttende Mai 2014, during the bicentennial celebration of the Norwegian constitution, and Scott put together commemorative ribbons, photographs he took of the Dr. Scott Johnson presents a commemorative document Norwegian royal family, and a special document issued by the Grand to Solveig Quinney and Jerry Paulson.

We are honored to share this dedication in memory of Scott’s grandfather, who came to America in 1905. The framed document and photos now help us welcome all visitors to the Naeseth Library.

Make Your Plans Now Family History Library, for 2017 Salt Lake City Norwegian Genealogy Research Tour to Salt Lake City with Jerry Paulson

You are invited to join NAGC for our 2017 genealogical tour to the The hotel is also across the street from Temple Square and the Salt Palace world-famous Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Convention Center and Symphony Hall. It is within two blocks of a Latter-Day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The one-week tour large shopping mall, the City Creek Center, and within walking distance will take place from October 22nd through October 28th, 2017. of many other shops and restaurants.

Participating in this tour will give you an opportunity to work with the The tour fee is $1,250 for NAGC members and $1,350 for non- largest collection of genealogical materials in the world. If you would members. This fee includes seven nights at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, like to spend some worthwhile research time at a wonderful facility, this introduction and orientation sessions, individual research assistance, and is the tour for you. one group dinner. All other meals and travel to and from Salt Lake City are not included. (The fee is subject to change depending upon the Jerry Paulson, NAGC’s Naeseth Chair for Genealogical Research and number attending and availability of accommodations. The tour requires Publication, has been leading these tours for many years and is very a minimum of six participants.) A free shuttle bus between the airport familiar with all logistics, as well as with the staff and research collections. and the hotel is available. Let us know as soon as possible if you are Jerry will assist you with your research and will be available for personal interested in this tour. consultation. Knowledgeable library staff and volunteers will also be available. Together with all these resources, your genealogical questions Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. A deposit of $275 is required will be addressed. upon registration. Cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before 15 September 2017 will be refunded, less $75. The Salt Lake Plaza Hotel has been chosen for the overnight There is no refund of the deposit amount if a cancellation is received after accommodations because it is located next to the Family History Library, 15 September 2017. and a block-and-a-half from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. This means a very easy, short walk between these facilities. Each hotel room Contact Jerry Paulson at (608) 255-2224 or at [email protected] offers free wireless Internet access, as well as microwaves and refrigerators. if you would like further information.

4 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 Recent Acquisitions Notes from the Naeseth Library We offer our sincere thanks to the donors listed below Summer Volunteers and Visits who gave research materials for the Naeseth Library during the period from January through August 2016.

Ruth Hanold Crane Liv Paulson Norderhaug Northfield, Minnesota Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Janet Kachur Geronime Joan Phelan Watersmeet, Michigan Madison, Wisconsin

Alice and Marc Hansen Pat Sorteberg Fitchburg, Wisconsin Franklin, Tennessee

Carol Williams Hasvold Perry Historical Center Decorah, Iowa (Perry Lutheran Church) Stan Hultgren Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin Eugene, Oregon Daniel Strommen Carolyn Johnson Greendale, Wisconsin Kiel, Wisconsin Alice and David Sveum Carolyn Lyle Arvada, Colorado Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Richard Warp Margaret Miller Waukesha, Wisconsin Apple Valley, Minnesota Ed Schwartz, Roger Johnson, Shirley Schwartz, and Leah Johnson from the Norse Valley Sons of Norway Lodge, Appleton, Wisconsin. Corrine Niedenthal McFarland, Wisconsin For a complete listing of authors, titles, and subjects of these new acquisitions, please consult our website, www. nagcnl.org in our “Research” section, and follow its drop- down box to select: “Recent Acquisitions.” If you do not have Internet access, please phone us at 608-255-2224 to request a copy of this new acquisitions list. We thank our many generous donors for helping build the research collections at the Naeseth Library.

Take A New Look at www.nagcnl.org In recent months, two new webinars have been added to our popular website. Jerry Paulson has contributed a new webinar called “Norwegian Naming Patterns.” In this 46-minute presentation, Jerry offers some important insights into the complex Jens Arneson, Sons of Norway Mandt John Arneson and Howard Foss from topic, providing useful information for both Lodge, installs a new smoke detector. the Mandt Lodge, Sons of Norway, Stoughton, Wisconsin, installed a new Jenna Schultz beginning and experienced researchers. Our mailbox for NAGC. research assistant, Jenna Schulz, has posted her new webinar with helpful instructions on how to use our definitive database about the 15th Wisconsin Regiment in the Civil War. And while you’re there… The online catalog of the research materials housed in the Naeseth Library has been updated. To consult the holdings in the Library, select the “Research” box, and then follow the drop-down selections to “Library Catalog.” With full instructions on how to search the catalog, you can now have the latest information about what has recently been added. This current catalog database is greatly useful if you would like to know if NAGC owns a particular book, microfilm, or periodical. All researchers and potential donors of research material can benefit from consulting the online catalog before a visit to NAGC or before sending an inquiry. NAGC display at the 50th annual Nordic Fest, Decorah, Iowa, 2016.

NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 5 Madison-area Friends’ Dinner Photos by Arthur Andersen

Friends of NAGC & NL Skogen Sällström in performance

Dr. E. J. Nordby and friends celebrate his birthday at the event

The Board and Staff of NAGC offer special thanks to our Madison-area Friends for their organization of our annual benefit event. In 2016, we are particularly grateful to the sponsors listed below who helped make this event possible.

Owen and Naomi Bekkum Jane Bartell and John Thompson Helen and Lowell Olberg Donald Hoganson Ann and David Nelson Paul M. Berge Frank A. Tysver Jay and Sandra Jensen David and Susan Johansen Anderson Group at Buttonwood Partners Paul and Dianne Larson Jeanne and Peder Moren JoAnn Six Carolyn White

6 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 Skogen Sällström

Last May, our Madison-area Friends presented their tenth annual dinner in support of NAGC. The highlight of the event was a young violinist from Norway, Skogen Sällström. This dynamic musician captivated his audience with his lyrical performance of Norwegian music, including traditional, classical, and contemporary pieces. With his violin as an extension of his body and soul, Skogen brought the foot-stamping beats of Norway into the hall, while also presenting some of his own compositions, featuring a contemporary Halling on Skogen Sällström with Honorary Consul Anne Lindblom the Hardanger fiddle. Many types of Norwegian dance music were offered, including vals, polka, reinlender, and hoppvals.

With his two university degrees in violin performance from the music conservatory in Trondheim, Skogen offered special insight into the past, present, and future of the great Norwegian musical tradition as expressed by the violin and the Hardanger fiddle. He shared common strands that have survived in the history of music in Norway and explored some exciting, new musical possibilities. Silent Auction items on display Skogen is fast becoming well-known to American audiences, having enjoyed great reviews after his performances in the Midwest and at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in Alaska. Since his first North American tour in 2014, Skogen has gained increasing recognition from Scandinavian communities and the public in the U.S. and Canada. Skogen’s first visit to Madison and performance for NAGC were made possible by generous support from Helen and Lowell Olberg. Don Hoganson volunteer auctioneer

A May evening of magical music with Skogen Sällström.

NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 7 LETTER FROM AMERICA: A Remarkable Account of the Journey from Telemark to Wisconsin Translated by Solveig Schavland Quinney

In the midst of her busy translation work at NAGC, Solveig Quinney verifying emigrant family groups and passenger lists by consulting recently noticed a wonderful 1850 letter that was written in Dane NAGC’s invaluable Norwegian Immigrants to the United States: A County, Wisconsin, and sent to Nissedal in Telemark. She found this Biographical Directory, 1825-1850; in this case, volume 5, 1850, letter, in its original Norwegian, in volume 21 of Telemark Historie, pages 190-191. Utvandring til Amerika, published in 2000, contained in an article by Anstein Nes, “Amerikabrev til Nissedal, 1848-1871.” Wanting to share this fascinating account with a wider audience, Solveig offers her translation into English, published here with permission.

The author of this letter was 35-year-old Knud Olsen Grimstvedt (Grimstveit), who was born in Nissedal in 1815 and who died as a shoemaker and carpenter in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, in 1900. He wrote this letter home to his family in Telemark on behalf of himself and his wife, as well as from his wife’s sister and her husband – who had all emigrated together in 1850.

The details in the letter are at once informative and impressive. Relating specific dates and actions, Knud describes a journey that took place between May and September 1850, including an 8 1/2- week transAtlantic voyage from Risør to New York, and a 17-day journey from New York to Koshkonong, about 40 miles southwest of Madison, Wisconsin. It becomes clear late in the letter, when Knud Solveig Schavland Quinney announces the 16 September birth of a daughter to his sister-in-law, that this courageous woman left her home in Norway when she was 6 Stoughton, Dane Co., Wisconsin months pregnant. Knud also records the October death of the same 10 October 1850 woman’s 4-year-old child, and the late September death of one of his own children, a one-year-old named Birgit. To John Ansteensen Næss and Aslak Olsen Grimstvedt, Nissedal, Telemark

Knud’s letter conveys these life and death events with calm assurance, From Knud Olsen[Grimstvedt] and Mari Johnsdatter reporting that he and his wife have no regrets about their emigration. and Isak Olsen [Syftestad] and Aslaug Johnsdatter It is fascinating to learn that Knud found full employment within 11 days after his arrival in Wisconsin. His letter is notable for the details Dear Parents, Siblings, and Friends! he includes and the sage advice he offers to his family and friends who were considering emigration. You are probably delighted to hear news from us about how we are living and doing. Our health we can thank God for, it is as can be Knud notes that the journey from New York to Wisconsin was much expected. I have been in good health the entire time, other than being a more difficult than the transAtlantic voyage. For the ocean voyage, little sea-sick like almost everyone else. Mari was bothered by a stomach his group travelled aboard a new sailing vessel, the bark Ægir, built in ailment that almost all emigrants must encounter. This illness is caused 1850 and the second bark to carry that name of the Norse god of the by the change in food. John and Kirsten* have also been ill, but they sea. The 140 passengers were from Tørrisdal, Nissedal, Tvedestrand, and everyone else are on the mend. Our little Birgit died. She died on and Larvik. Knud and his family also travelled on the Erie Canal September 30th at Niels Olsen Grovum,**who we first came to. between Albany and Buffalo at a time (1850) when the canal was We wrote a letter from Nevyork [New York] and put it in the approaching the peak year of its use (1855). post and we imagine that you have received it, but to be certain we will repeat what is most important. On July 6th, we left Risør*** and, on The publication here of this letter reminds our readers of the active September 2nd, we arrived happy and well in Nevyork. We met with no part that NAGC and Solveig Quinney play in offering translation danger crossing the sea. We did not close the portholes a single time. For services to the Norwegian-American community. Solveig’s translation those who have it in their mind to emigrate next year, I will list what you work often includes handwritten family letters, manuscripts, printed will need for the voyage. Flatbread is the best of all. Bread will keep for books, and documents – many of which are in hard-to-decipher 14 days. Flour should be milled first, then the grain ground and dried. Gothic script. We also note the great utility in confirming and Milk keeps for the entire trip. Primost [brown cheese] is good. Strong ale

*John Grimstvedt, the three-year-old son of Knud Grimstvedt (the author); and Kirsten Grimstvedt, the seven-year-old daughter of the letter’s author. **Niels Olsen Grovum, who lived in Koshkonong, Wisconsin. ***Risør, seaport in the traditional region of Sørlandet, on the coast of today’s Aust-Agder, some 70 miles from Nissedal on modern roadways.

8 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 well boiled with good hops. Fresh and well-salted butter like you enjoy at And they are encouraging me to move this fall to get my land; it is very home is good at sea. Take lots of bedding and homespun cloth. good, but not as beautiful as Koskonong’s Prairie.

As we earlier told you, on September 2nd we arrived in Nevyork Be so kind as to greet Liv’s parents and siblings, and she also and were soon met by a Norwegian named Halvor Paulsen who offered sends her greetings and the news that she is doing well, is very satisfied, to transport us to Melevouki [Milwaukee] and we paid him 4 dollars for and does not wish to return to Norway. If any of my siblings are thinking adults and half that for children under 12. Also 1 ½ dollars for each 100 about emigrating, I believe it would be good for them, but according to pounds of excess weight. On the 5th, in the evening, we left Nevyork on their wishes is best. And would you greet Torgrim Knudsen Tvedten’s a steamship and it was so large that it could carry between 300 and 400 parents and tell them that he also sends his greetings and finds himself passengers, along with cargo and chests and containers. On the second content. [I am] working for an American and, for the first 14 days, will morning, we were in Albany. Here our baggage was weighed and we had get 8 dollars a month; but later my wage will increase. I started working to pay again. The same day, in the evening, we started on the canal. On for him on the first of October. I hope very much that Lars will join me. the 13th, we arrived in Bufalo [Buffalo]. We stayed there until the 14th By that time, I will know the language. You could come and we would and left on a steamship; but this time not as large or magnificent as the work together, with you earning the same wage as me. Monthly wages one from Nevyork – and came to Melevouki on the 19th. are from 8 to 14 days according to the work and as you become fluent. A good worker will earn 1 dollar a day cutting and mowing. And greetings On the boat from Bufalo to Melevouki, two sisters from from Kjersti to Ole Huset’s people. He [Ole] has died, but when they first Birtedalen who were in our group died. We had to pay 10 dollars for heard that we were from Nissedal, they asked about you and how you the burial of the girl who died first. The other was a woman; she died were doing. in childbirth, not able to deliver. This last one we did ourselves. As soon as they died, the coffins were made, without having to be paid for. For those who have in mind to emigrate in the next year, I will In Melevouki, we got lodging with a Norwegian named Pettersen from tell you how your contract from Nevyork to Melevouki should be: Arendal, and for the night housing we had to pay 1 skilling for each adult and half for the children. 1 skilling in American**** is as much as 12 ½ “We the undersigned agree to drive the immigrants from skillings in Norwegian. On the second day, Halvor Rinden, Alf Moen, Nevyork to Melevouki on the following conditions: and I made an agreement with an American for 16 dollars to drive us to Koskonong [Koshkonong], to Niels Olsen Grovum, where we arrived on To pay xx dollars for adults and half for children under 12 years, the 22nd. On the 16th, Aslaug happily delivered a beautiful baby girl and 3 years free. First on steamboat from Nevyork to Albany who was baptized at home and given the name of Anne Marie. They and then on canal boat from Albany to Bufalo and then on had to stay in Melevouki for a time and had to come to Koskonong on the steamboat from Bufalo to Melevouki. Free transport off and on 26th to John Halvorsen Grovum. the boat. Boiled water 2 times a day on the canal boat, 6 o’clock in the morning and 2 o’clock after dinner. Free disembarkation As we said earlier, we arrived first at Niels Olsen Grovum’s in Melevouki. Half of he transportation paid for when we are place. He greeted us as if we were his siblings. They have been extremely on the canal boat and the other half in Melevouki. If this is not good to us – Niels, Auver, Halvor, and John. The first three live next to fulfilled, we will not pay more than half the cost.” each other. John is 1 ½ English miles from them, about as far as it is from Næs to Madufs. The trip from Nevyork to Koskonong is very hard, I have nothing more to report this time; but, before I put down but it looks like the ones who have been here for a time and have been my pen, I can report that Mari and I have no regrets about our emigration. diligent (and luck has been with them) live without any difficulty. So, if And, at the end, greetings to parents, siblings, friends, and acquaintances, God grants me health, I will be pleased with my emigration. So I think it and anyone who wants to hear news from us. Also wishing for the Lord’s will be good for you, my dear brother, to come to America. But you must blessings over us and all of you. decide that for yourself. You, my dear mother, at the edge of the grave and waiting each day for death to come, I don’t know whether I should tell you to come or not. God knows how much I would like to talk to you, but I worry about you having to go through so much in your old days. Isak has been somewhat sickly from the time he came to Koskonong, but is now getting better. But Aslaud and the children have been well, other than Kirsten (born 1846) who became very ill on the 4th and died on October 8th. *****

We are now staying with John Halvorsen. Here at Koskonong there is no land to be purchased, but there is, 30 English miles from here, a place called Bly Mounten [Blue Mounds] where Nicolai Åmland lives.

****1 skilling was commonly equated to the U.S. cent in Norwegian-American letters. *****Kirsten Syftestad, daughter of Knud’s sister-in-law and her spouse. Editor’s note: The letter’s author used a variety of spellings for American place names. He variously wrote: Nevyork, Nyork, Newyork, Melevouki, Milivauki, Korskonung, and Koskonong. We have used throughout the first version he cites Knud Olsen Grimstvedt of each place name.

NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 9 Update: NAGC’s Campaign for Endowment A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed. -- Henrik Ibsen

Join Us in our Ongoing Effort

We invite you to consider your investment in building a solid foundation for the most important genealogical research center in the Norwegian-American community. Blessed as we are with a loyal membership, an expert staff, solid annual support, strong leadership, and over eight years of independent status, NAGC is poised, with your help, to establish its sustainable future.

What will your legacy be? Ways of Giving Creating or Building Endowments Planned Giving Memorial and Tribute Gifts Annual Fund Donations Program Support Gifts-in-kind

This campaign is about legacy giving, investing our philanthropic gifts to perpetuate our values and priorities. Planned giving of all types, multi-year donations, and family memorials are all essential to help NAGC add $2.5 million to its endowed funds. Now well over half way to our goal, our Board and Staff look forward to working with you to achieve this vital and worthwhile objective.

NAGC endowment campaign donors have participated by

Joining the Legacy Circle: making a commitment in their estate plans for NAGC Adding to an existing endowment Creating a named endowment to honor an ancestor or family member Building up named memorial funds to honor or remember living or deceased persons

At NAGC, we honor families and ancestors every day as we help our researchers discover and share family histories. We are proud of our ability, with your help, to fulfill this important mission. Giving to NAGC confirms this goal as we find information about family lives and legacies.

We have all been given our little vineyard, but the way in which we cultivate it is of great importance for the prosperity of our neighbor’s vineyard... -- Sigrid Undset

For more information about how you can participate with an investment that promotes Norwegian-American family history and heritage, please contact:

NAGC & NL Development Officer, David Wright, Jr. 608-255-2224, [email protected] 415 West Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703

10 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 New for 2016! Olive J. Nordby Hand-colored woodblock print Lofoten Village

Adapted as a Christmas or note card 5 x 7 inches, with envelopes Printed greeting inside: God jul og godt nyttår Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Also available as a note card with blank interior 20 cards with 20 envelopes/package

The artist wrote about her inspiration for making this image: “I think about how the beautiful mountains got there, from the glaciers that dug out those areas; what marvelous things they created.” Card and Publication Order From NAGC & NL Members: ____ Package/s of 2016 Christmas cards with greeting @ $25.00 per package $ ______Package/s of 2016 note cards (blank inside) @ $25.00 per package $ ______A Researh Guide for Norwegian Genealogy @ $15.00 each $ ______Olive Jensen Nordby: A Retrospective of Her Art - special price $35.00 each $ ______

Non-Members: ____ Package/s of 2016 Christmas cards with greeting @ $30.00 per package $ ______Package/s of 2016 note cards (blank inside) @ $30.00 per package $ ______A Researh Guide for Norwegian Genealogy @ $18.00 each $ ______Olive Jensen Nordby: A Retrospective of Her Art - $40.00 each $ ______

Postage & Handling: Cards, 1 to 2 packages, add $8.00; 3 or more packages, add $15.00 A Research Guide for Norwegian Genealogy, add $5.00 Olive Jensen Nordby: A Retrospective of Her Art, add $14.00 Postage & Handling $ ______For international postage, please contact [email protected]

Checks should be drawn on a U.S. bank, and made payable to NAGC & NL. Total amount enclosed: $______For credit card orders, please complete the following: __ American Express __ Discover __ MasterCard __ Visa Credit card # ______Expiration date______Ship to ______Address______City ______State ______Zip Code ______Phone ______(Required for credit card orders)

Return your completed form to NAGC & NL, 415 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703-3116 You may also place your order through the NAGC e-Store at nagcnl.org, or by telephone at (608) 255-2224

NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016 11 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID Norwegian American Genealogical Center & MADISON, WI PERMIT #1069 Naeseth Library (NAGC & NL) 415 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703-3116

2017 Class Schedule Beginning Norwegian Genealogy June 7 – 8, 2017 Personalized Advanced Genealogy NAGC Research Staff by Arrangement If you are just beginning your family history project, or have some experience with family research, but have not worked with This is an intensive session with Center researchers for anyone Norwegian records, this popular class is designed for you. who has hit the brick wall in research and needs additional help. (Enrollment deadline: May 30, 2017.) Individual assistance is for two six-hour days. Call the Center to make an appointment. Writing Your Family History NAGC members: $240 – non-members $275 July 12 – 13, 2017

This class is offered to those who would like to write their family histories in a way that is clear, enjoyable, and permanent. (Enrollment deadline: June 27, 2017.)

Cost is $125 per class for NAGC members or $150 for non-members

Jerry Paulson, Naeseth Chair for Research and Publication at NAGC, will be the instructor for the classes.

All classes are held in the Ostby Education Center on the second floor at the Genealogical Center. Please note: there is no elevator. The advanced session is a hands-on class at the Center on the first floor.

NAGC reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. For additional information, please contact Jerry Paulson at [email protected], or at (608) 255-2224.

12 NORWEGIAN TRACKS • VOLUME 40 • NO. 1 • FALL 2016