Growing up, we only knew of our late great-grandfather as Mikkel Braaten. But Norway practiced a patronymic naming system, where one’s last name was based on one’s father’s first name. So, it was improbable that Braaten was his name in Norway. But what was it, then? We didn’t know, nor did we know exactly where he came from. Finding him proved to be a hugely challenging task.
Two years ago, while earning my Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, my final project was to write a proof argument. This is a very particular kind of genealogical writing, in which a question is posed, and the research to answer that question is painstakingly laid out. And importantly, one must meet the five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard (show reasonably exhaustive research, include full citations for every statement of fact, weigh all evidence for reliability, resolve any contradictory evidence, and end with a soundly-reasoned conclusion). I decided to write about how I was able, a few years prior, to finally find Mikkel, learn the names of his parents, and thus learn his last name. As it turns out, his father’s first name was Mikkel, so he was named Mikkel Mikkelsen (the Norwegian version of Mikkel Jr.).
My proof argument was very well-received, and months later, when the Minnesota Genealogical Society announced a writing contest, I decided to enter. I didn’t win, but they did say that they wanted to publish my writing. It was published in the fall of 2020, but I was prohibited from distributing it in any way for one year.
So today, on what would have been Mikkel’s 188th birthday (born 1 April 1834), I’m pleased to share this article now.
Click here:
Who Were the Parents of Mikkel Braaten of Otter Tail County, Minnesota?
Hovick Lohman History 