Norway – Hovick Lohman History

Pauline in the News

26 October 202026 October 2020 David Hovick Lohman1 Comment

The Fergus Falls Ugeblad – the Weekly Norwegian-Language Newspaper of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Mathea Braaten (inset)

These articles reveal a devout young woman committed to aid the suffering of others.

Inger Pauline Braaten Hovick (1884–1975)

Introduction

During my first visit to the Otter Tail County Historical Society in 2016, I learned that Fergus Falls had had two Norwegian-language newspaper, the Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Weekly Magazine), published from 1883 to 1946, and the Rodhuggeren (The Radical), published from 1893 to 1898.

I wondered if my ancestors had ever been mentioned in those pages. But, given the available technology (microfilm), the only way to find out would have required a laborious page-by-page, column-by-column search—a practical impossibility, particularly as I knew absolutely no Norwegian at the time (well, besides uff da). That all changed when I learned about Chronicling America at the Library of Congress. [1] This ongoing project is digitizing and making searchable historic, out-of-print newspapers from across the country. And luckily, the Ugeblad and the Rodhuggeren are now available. (The Fergus Falls Daily Journal, the English-language newspaper, is not yet searchable, so the tidbits about our family it may contain are still unknown.)

With this new technological advance, searching for my great-grandparents, Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901) and Gunhild Mathea Johannesdatter Pedersen Braaten (1844–1921), brought up more than I had hoped for. The articles that follow are those that mention (or refer to indirectly) their daughter (and my maternal grandmother) Inger Pauline. You can find articles that mention Mikkel here and Mathea here.

A few notes on what you will be seeing. Norwegian-language newspapers of the time were printed using a florid Gothic script and written in an archaic, highly Danish-influenced form of Norwegian. [2] I have tried to retain some of the sentence structure from the original Norwegian. The results are a bit awkward at times in English, but it retains a flavor of the Norwegian language. Tusen takk to Britta Augdahl who helped polish up my translations.

During the early years of her life, my grandmother appeared in Fergus Falls newspapers nineteen times. The first was in 1889, when the serious illness of a child in the Braaten household was reported, and the last was in 1912, when her husband, Charles Hovick, paid a visit to her mother. One of the wonderful things about small-town newspapers is that they are able to write about mundane events of daily life in ways that big-city newspapers cannot. These articles shed invaluable light on her daily life during those years, particularly the years she spent as a Deaconess sister and nurse. They reveal a devout young woman, committed to aid the suffering of others.

Welcome to the daily life of Pauline Braaten.

[1] “About Chronicling America,” Library of Congress (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/about/ : accessed 20 July 2020.)

[2] Odd S. Lovell, Norwegian Newspapers in America: Connecting Norway and the New Land, (Saint Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2010), ix.

Setting the Stage

Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, and Madison, Lac Qui Parle County, Minnesota

The Articles

Braaten Child Seriously Ill

18 September 1889, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Both Mr. and Mrs. Julius Pederson of Fergus Falls are terribly ill. Likewise, a little girl at the home of Mikkel Braaten and an approximately twelve-year-old boy at the home of Ole Holte are both seriously ill.

Note:

Mikkel’s unnamed daughter must have been Pauline (born in 1884), as she was the only “little girl” in the home at the time.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1889-09-18/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 18 September 1889, image 8, column 2.

Pauline on Honors List

10 April 1895, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

School report
from District No. 54, Fergus Falls, for the month that ended 1 April 1895: Number of students enrolled: 20; number of students to attend every day: 18; number of students who have neglected any school day nor arrived late: 9. The following is the honors list: Ida and Emily Anderson, Pauline Braaten, Tracy Wedll, Maggie Peterson, Hanna Halvorson, Henry Luther, Sigurd and Ingward Skistad.
Nettie Lundhagen, teacher

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1895-04-10/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 10 April 1895, image 8, column 4.

Pauline Braaten, 1898 (likely her confirmation portrait)

Christmas at the Deaconess Home in Chicago

3 January 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

How We Celebrated Christmas at the United Church Deaconess Home in Chicago

Christmas here was very nice, indeed, dare I say, more cozy than I’ve known it before. Why? Because I was making it cozy for so many who were sick.

Before Christmas there was, of course, cleaning to do here as well as in their home.

By Christmas Eve, everything was clean and ready for the great feast. After having taken a little Christmas food for the poor, Christmas trees were bought, properly and nicely decorated, brought into the hospital, and the lights turned on. Then the sisters grouped around the trees and sang Christmas carols and read the Christmas Gospel to the sick.

Patients were then given fine gifts. Oh, how happy they all looked, not just because of the gifts, and that things had been made so cozy for them, but because the happy message, “For today a savior is born,” was intended for each of them, too. Our sick were then brought refreshments, then the dinner was brought in.

We (the Sisters), then gathered in the school room, where we received gifts and letters from our dear family and friends. It was seven o’clock before we left and were ready to seat ourselves down at our own dinner table, which was covered with all kinds of goodies, such as rice porridge, rib roast, and various refreshments. When we had finished eating, our Head Sister read the Christmas Gospel. Then we sang Christmas carols and thanks God for His great love for us that he sent his only son to earth to deliver everyone from their sins, in which we were also included.

When we left the table, it was half past nine. Everyone helped to see that everything was in order for Christmas morning.

We awoke the sick at six o’clock on Christmas morning by singing, “Os er idag en Frelset født (To Us Today a Savior is Born)” and more carols. We then marched around and wished them all a Merry Christmas. We found many of the sick bathed in tears, for the surprise was too big.

After bringing breakfast to the patients, we went up have ours, and shared in prayer and the Word of God. When breakfast was over and everything was in order, as many sisters as possible went to church. Only two of our patients were able to come along. [The others heard the day’s Gospel with commentary by the Sisters that were at their posts.

When the Sisters returned home from church, I finished my dinner. It consisted of a turkey that was sent to us from an old friend from the country, and dessert!

After dinner, all the Sisters gathered around the coffee table where various refreshments were served. Some of the Sisters then went up to the sick, and read and sang for them, while other Sisters went to finish the evening meal.

In the evening, many of the sisters, who were not at their posts went to church.

The second day of Christmas was a bit busy, because on the third day of Christmas, one of our patients had to undergo an operation.

The afternoon of the second day of Christmas there was Holy Communion in the home. In the evening, nine of the Sisters went out to surprise a believing family. We spent time in prayer and song.

Christmas is over now, and we have all had a pleasant and blessed Christmas party in our dear Deaconess Home here in Chicago.

Happy New Year is my wish you, all my dear relatives and friends. Most reverently,

Sister Pauline Braaten

Note:

Pauline had enrolled the previous fall on 15 October 1900. Her father Mikkel was to die a few weeks after this article appeared on 28 January 1901.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-01-03/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 3 January 1901, image 2, column 4.

Pauline Returns for Father’s Funeral

28 January 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Note:

Both the pronunciation and spelling of Braaten evolved over time. In Norway, it was pronounced BROH-tn (the aa combination, or the modern equivalent å, is pronounced like a long, throaty OH, and is the origin of our much-made-fun-of Minnesota “OH”). In America, it became BRAH-tn. Pauline’s half-brother Martin further Americanized the spelling to “Brotten,” and her half-brother August changed it to “Broughton.” Perhaps because this article appeared in the English-language newspaper, they used an Americanized spelling.

Polly Brotten to return home, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 28 January 1901, p. 3, unknown column; photocopy, “Hovick Genealogy, vol. I,” binder, author’s private collection, 2016.

Pauline’s Father’s Funeral

7 February 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

The funeral of Mikkel Braaten took place last Friday afternoon at the Our Savior’s Church. He was laid at the church cemetery to the south of the city. The service was conducted by Pastor Tjørnhom. — It was a misunderstanding when last week we stated that he had been in America for fifty-six years. It was actually thirty-two years ago this summer since he came. His daughter, Mrs. Louis Thompson of Hillsboro, N.D., is still here following the funeral. We mentioned last week that Mrs. Math. Halden and Mrs. N.L. Gorden are daughters of the deceased. Two of his sons, namely Martin and Henry Braaten, work at the Hospital. His daughter Pauline, the youngest, came home from the Norwegian Deaconess Home in Chicago, and was still home as of a few days ago.

Note:

Pauline’s parents, Mikkel and Mathea, along with her only full brother, Johan Arndt, are buried in unmarked graves in Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-02-07/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 7 February 1901, image 4, column 3.

Pauline Returns to Chicago

28 February 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten returned to Chicago on Tuesday.

Note:

This was exactly one month after the death of her father.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-02-28/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 28 February 1901, image 4, column 1.

Pauline Becomes a Probationary Sister

18 July 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

A Little from the Deaconess Home in Chicago

We are still in our little old home in here in Chicago, but with God’s help, we hope to see a new home in not so long. Although the house here is bad and dilapidated, there are many loving and deep memories associated with this place. Especially this night that I will now tell about, stand out clearly in the solemn memories of the novitiates that were admitted to this home. The purpose of these lines is to tell you, my friends, about the evening of July 2nd, when we two sisters, Kristine Johnson and myself, were admitted as novitiate sisters.

Pastor Ellestad from Goodhue County, Pastors Kildahl and Meyer from Chicago, as well as some friends, were present for the occasion.

The meeting opened with the singing of hymn 284 in Londstub’s hymnal, “Stand Strong My Soul, Stand strong,” then Pastor Kildahl began with prayer.

Pastor Ellestad spoke about the Word of God recorded in Luke 10:25–38. The content was thus about thee great commandments of the law: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” or about the Good Samaritan. He urgently [lagde] us to show the heart of love, not in words alone, but in the daily dealings with our suffering, weak, and forsaken fellow human beings; and when hard times come, to endure and not get tired. Power is obtained from God alone, who can give strength to the weak.

After the sermon, the Promise of Obedience was addressed to each of us, and we answered it with a “Yes.”

The devotional ended with a prayer by Pastor Meyer, followed by Miss Kristine Oberg, from Portland, Oregon, singing “Søg de forvildede (Seek the Lost).” Finally, the choir from Pastor Kildahl’s congregation sang. Congratulations followed.

Even before we could ask, we were served coffee, cakes, and ice cream.

The Lord grant by grace that this hour of earnestness may bear fruit for time and eternity.

A loving greeting to all my relatives and friends from
Sister Pauline Braaten
Deaconess Home, Chicago

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-07-18/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 18 July 1901, image 1, column 1.

Deaconesses Consecrated

29 August 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Deaconesses Consecrated

The following excerpts from The Scandinavian were sent to the Ugeblade by Miss Pauline Braaten, who as you know, is in Chicago to dedicate herself to the Deaconess duty.

Wednesday evening, four young people were initiated as Deaconesses, namely Marie Larsen, Jørgine Mjøvik, Caroline Williams. and Gertrude Johnson, graduating from the Norwegian Lutheran Deaconess Hospital and their time as trial sisters.

The solemn occasion was held in Bethel’s Norwegian Lutheran Church, which for the occasion, was decorated with palms and flowers, and filled to the brim. The altar had seats for the deacons, and on one side sat the assistant pastors.

Pastor C. E. Tiller opened with prayer, after which Pastor I. H. Meyer presided from the altar. Pastor H. B. Kildahl gave a sermon on Isaiah 54:1. Then there was a scripture reading. In addition to the aforementioned pastors, Pastors Dittman Larsen of Evanston, G. A. Larson of Moorhead, O. R. Espeseth, L. A. Vigness, and C. M. Weswig of Bergen, Wis. Were in attendance.

The actual consecration ritual was led by Professor I. N. Kildalh of Northfield, Minn., who spoke on the Fifth Book of Moses [Deuteronomy] 33:25: “As your days are, then so will your strength remain.” The professor spoke of the heavy work and responsibilities that a Deaconess has to perform, but also the solemn and glorious deed, to do good for his fellow men, and he imposed on the young Sisters to carry out her call with a loving warmth.

Thereafter, the four women recited the oath and were blessed by all the pastors present.

President of the Deaconess Association, Adolf Larsen, awarded the diplomas, after which Pastor Meyer officiated from the altar. Between the speeches, there was hymn, solo, and choral singing with organ accompaniment. Illinois Lutheran Pastors’ Association sent a congratulatory telegram from Leland, Ill.

After the final blessing, all who could came forward to congratulate the Deaconesses.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-08-29/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 29 August 1901, image 2, column 2.

Pauline Home from Chicago

26 June 1902, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten came home from the Deaconess Home in Chicago on Friday, and will be here until the middle of next month, after which she will return.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1902-06-26/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 26 June 1902, image 2, column 1.

Sister Pauline Braaten (seated). This is perhaps the graduating class of 1903. It is curious that she is the focus of everyone else’s attention.

Pauline Appointed Manager of Madison Hospital

30 April 1903, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten, who has been at the Deaconess Home in Chicago for a long time, has taken over the post of managing director at Ebenezer Hospital in Madison, Minn, when the person previously in charge became sick and it didn’t look like she’d get better for a long time. Mrs. Braaten visited her daughter for two weeks in Madison prior to that.

*Pauline (all in white) in front of Ebenezer Hospital, Madison Minnesota*, circa spring 1904

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1903-04-30/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 30 April 1903, image 2, column 2.

Pauline to Be Offered Hospital Matron Position, Fergus Falls

17 September 1903, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

The hospital trustees met the same afternoon and chose Pastor Tjørnhom to be the hospital manager. It was decided that prices at the hospital should be $7, $10, and $15 per week. Likewise, it was decided to seek that Miss Pauline Braaten, from here, become hospital matron. She is a graduate of Deaconess in Chicago and is currently matron at the hospital in Madison, Minnesota.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1903-09-17/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 17 September 1903, image 3, column 2.

Pauline Declines Fergus Falls Job Offer

29 October 1903, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten cannot come and take over the Board of Directors’ post at St. Luke’s Hospital. We do have, however, another one educated at the Deaconess Home in Chicago, namely Miss Hilda Johnson from Grand Forks. She arrived last Wednesday.

Note:

The likely reason that Pauline turned down this job was because of her impending engagement to Charles Hovick (see next article). The woman who accepted the position in Fergus Falls, Hilda Johnson, was Pauline’s best friend and would soon be part of Pauline’s wedding party.

Pauline and, I believe, Hilda Johnson; taken in Madison, Minnesota, circa 1904

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1903-10-29/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 29 October 1903, image 3, column 2.

Pauline to Marry

24 December 1903, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

In The Lutheran, dated 9 December, we find the following from the Deaconess Home in Chicago: “Sister Pauline Braaten, now at Madison Hospital, Minn., recently resigned, intending to enter into marriage. God’s blessings follow you you in your new calling!” Miss Braaten is from Fergus Falls and she grew up in the city or nearby.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1903-12-24/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 24 December 1903, image 3, column 3.

Pauline’s Wedding

19 May 1904, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten, who is from here, but for some time has been the hospital matron in Madison Minn., had been home for some weeks preparing for her wedding. She traveled to Madison on Monday morning to attend the wedding held yesterday. The groom, whose name is Hovig (sic), manages an elevator in Madison. We understand that Mrs. Braaten traveled to the wedding on Tuesday morning, and that Miss Hilda Johnson, manager of St. Lukas Hospital, followed her, as she was to be the Bridesmaid.

Note:

The double wedding of Pauline Braaten and Charles Hovick, along with Susan Worra and Nels Hovick, took place at the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in Madison, Minnesota on Wednesday, 18 May 1904.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1904-05-19/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 19 May 1904, image 2, column 3.

Pauline and Charles Both in Hospital with Appendicitis

27 October 1904, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. [Mathea] Braaten returned home Monday evening from Madison, Minn., where she had been for a week to see her daughter and son-in-law. They are both in the hospital, as Mr. Hovick underwent surgery for appendicitis on Monday last week, and his wife (formerly Miss Pauline Braaten) was operated on for the same illness last Thursday. Both are recovering and are considered no longer in danger. Mrs. Braaten brings greetings from Mr. Conrad Bang, formerly of this city, and who now manages the Madison Electric Lighting company. Mrs. Braaten was with him for dinner one day, and he had a beautiful and cozy home.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1904-10-27/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 27 October 1904, image 2, column 3.

Pauline and Charles Visit Mathea

4 August 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mr. and Mrs. [Charles and Pauline] Hovick of Madison, Minn. have been visiting their mother and mother-in-law, Mrs. [Mathea] Braaten, for a couple of weeks. They are traveling back today. Mr. Hovick is employed by an elevator company there.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1909-08-04/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 4 August 1909, image 2, column 3.

Pauline Wins Writing Contest

29 December 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

A Good Christmas Edition

Young Ben’s Christmas edition this year came with excellent reading and beautiful pictures. The magazine promised $15 for the best Christmas story, and the award went to Mrs. Charles T. Hovick of Madison, Minn. There were about 50 stories. Second prize of $10 was given to Benjamin Bentsen of Viroqua, Wis., and third prize of $5 went to Mrs. Ida Halvorsen Weeseth of Revere, Minn. These stories were all printed in the Christmas issue and were all in English. Mrs. Char. T. Hovick, who won first prize, is a daughter of Mrs. M. Braaten from here in the city. Her maiden name was Pauline Braaten. The Ugeblad extends its congratulations.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1909-12-29/ed-1/seq-3/: accessed 27 July 2020), 29 December 1909, image 3, column 2.

Mathea Visits Madison

1 December 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled last week to visit her daughter [Pauline] and son-in-law who live in Madison, Minn.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1909-12-01/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 1 December 1909, image 1, column 5.

Mathea Returns After Winter in Madison

6 April 1910, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten returned last Saturday evening from Madison, Minn., where she had spent the winter with her daughter [Pauline] and son-in-law.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1910-04-06/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 6 April 1910, image1 , column 6.

Mathea Returns After Winter in Madison

3 May 1911, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten returned home from Madison, Minn. last Saturday, after having spent a pleasant winter with her daughter [Pauline] and son-in-law.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1911-05-03/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 3 May 1911, image 4, column 3.

Pauline Visits, Mrs. Inger Hovick Ailing with Eye Tumor

14 June 1911, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. C. Hovick [Pauline] of Madison, Minn. Came last Wednesday evening to visit her mother, Mrs. Mathea Braaten, here in the city. She came with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Inger Hovick, suffering from a malignant eye disease. Dr. Sherping examined her eyes, and it is true that she has a tumor in one and that the other was in a bad state, and he advised her to travel to Minneapolis to see Dr. Bøckman as soon as possible. They traveled there last Friday morning. Mrs. Inger Hovick is well-known by many here as she has been here on visits for the past few years.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1911-06-14/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 14 June 1911, image 1, column 6.

Pauline’s Husband Visits Mathea

26 June 1912, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mr. Chas. Hovick of Madison, Minn. was here in town visiting his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mathea Braaten, for a couple of days last week. He was returning from Fargo, where he had been a delegate to the annual meeting.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1912-06-26/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 27 July 2020), 26 June 1912, image 4, column 3.

Mathea in the News

1 October 20202 October 2020 David Hovick Lohman4 Comments

The Fergus Falls Ugeblad – the Weekly Norwegian-Language Newspaper of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Mathea Braaten (inset)

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These articles reveal a woman with close ties to her family, committed to aid the suffering of others, willing to leave the comforts of life in the city to help her son on a barren North Dakota homestead, and finally, a woman respected and grieved by her community.

Gunhild Mathea Johannesdatter Pedersen Braaten (1844–1921)

Introduction

During my first visit to the Otter Tail County Historical Society in 2016, I learned that Fergus Falls had had two Norwegian-language newspapers, the Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Weekly Magazine), published 1883–1946, and the Rodhuggeren (The Radical), published 1893–1898.

I wondered if my ancestors had ever been mentioned in those pages. But, given the available technology (microfilm), the only way to find out would have required a laborious page-by-page, column-by-column search—a practical impossibility, particularly as I knew absolutely no Norwegian at the time (well, besides uff da). That all changed when I learned about Chronicling America at the Library of Congress. [1] This ongoing project is digitizing and making searchable historic, out-of-print newspapers from across the country. And luckily, the Ugeblad and the Rodhuggeren are now available. (The Fergus Falls Daily Journal, the English-language newspaper, is not yet searchable, so the tidbits it may contain about our family are still unknown.)

With this new technological advance, searching for my great-grandparents, Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901) and Gunhild Mathea Johannesdatter Pedersen Braaten (1844–1921), brought up more than I had hoped for. The articles that follow are those that mention my great-grandmother, who was known as Mathea. You can find articles that mention Mikkel here. Those that mention their daughter (and my maternal grandmother) Inger Pauline are the focus of an upcoming post.

A few notes on what you will be seeing. Norwegian-language newspapers of the time were written in an archaic, highly Danish-influenced form of Norwegian, and printed using a florid Gothic font. [2] I have tried to retain some of the sentence structure from the original Norwegian. The results are a bit awkward at times in English, but it retains a flavor of the Norwegian language. Tusen takk to Britta Augdahl who helped polish up my translations.

Over the course of her life, my great-grandmother appeared in the newspaper thirty-five times. The first was in 1886, the last being shortly after her death in 1921. One of the wonderful things about small-town newspapers is that they are able to write about mundane events of daily life in ways that big-city newspapers cannot. These articles shed invaluable light on her daily life and her comings and goings during those thirty-five years. They reveal a woman with close ties to her family, committed to aid the suffering of others, willing to leave the comforts of life in the city to help her son on a barren North Dakota homestead, and finally, a woman respected and grieved by her community.

Welcome to the daily life of Mathea Braaten.

[1] “About Chronicling America,” Library of Congress (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/about/ : accessed 20 July 2020.)

[2] Odd S. Lovell, Norwegian Newspapers in America: Connecting Norway and the New Land, (Saint Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2010), ix.

Setting the Stage

Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota

The Articles

Winning Numbers

22 December 1886, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

The lottery, held the other day at the home of Mrs. Mikkel Braaten, had the following four winning numbers: No. 3, Haakon Skistad; No. 28, Hans Hanson; No. 40, John Olson; and No. 43, Mrs. John Back.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1886-12-22/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 22 December 1886, image 4, column 2.

Gratitude from Grieving Parents

16 February 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

For absent relatives and friends, it is announced that our youngest child, Johan Arndt, died on the 3^rd of February, at the age of 7 months and 15 days. To those who were so kind to attend the funeral, we hereby submit our heartfelt thanks.

Fergus Falls Town[ship], 14 February 1887

Mikkel Braaten.

Mathea Braaten.

Note:

This was Mathea and Mikkel ’s youngest child, Johan Arndt, born 16 June 1886 and died 3 February 1887. He was named after the German Lutheran theologian, Johann Arndt (1555–1621). He is buried in an unmarked grave alongside his parents in Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-02-16/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 16 February 1887, image 4, column 4.

For the Needy in India

26 December 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

For the needy children of India, the Ugeblad has received the following amounts, which have been sent to Pastor O.A. Østby:
[list]
The above was from people here in the city and was sent on November 27.
Mrs. Mathea Braaten, from here $1.00
[list continues]
Total $8.75

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-12-26/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 26 December 1901, image 4, column 3.

For the Needy in Finland

22 January 1903, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Last Saturday, Mr. Ephraim Utne of Dane Prairie had gathered $31.85 for the needy in the old country. He had not received any instructions and was not quite sure about where the aid should be sent, but after some deliberation, we agreed to send it to Finland, partly because the need seemed to be greatest there, and partly because the conditions for getting help at home there are assumed to be fewer there than in Norway and Sweden. Finland – politically speaking – is not any longer than any other country. It is dissolved and impoverished; merely a Russian province, Russia has more than enough to worry about in terms of taking care of themselves. In Norway and Sweden, on the other hand, one is probably not worse off, depending on if the State can find a solution so that no one dies of hunger. In Finland, on the other hand, people are starving now.

We sent this money the same day to the New York Christian Herald, which as previously mentioned according to Opfordring, has taken the lead in fundraising for the Finns.

Along with that of Mr. Utne, we also sent:
From Miss Sophia Ronning              $2.00
From Mrs. Mathea Braaten.            1.00
From a previous anonymous gift      5.00
Total $39.85

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1903-01-22/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 23 January 1903, image 2, column 2.

Pauline Braaten’s Wedding

19 May 1904, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Pauline Braaten, who is from here, but for some time has been the hospital matron in Madison, Minn., had been home for some weeks preparing for her wedding. She traveled to Madison on Monday morning to attend the wedding held yesterday. The groom, whose name is Hovig (sic), manages an elevator in Madison. We understand that Mrs. Braaten traveled to the wedding on Tuesday morning, and that Miss Hilda Johnson, manager of St. Lukas Hospital, followed her, as she was to be the bridesmaid.

Note:

The double wedding of Pauline Braaten and Charles Hovick, along with Susan Worra and Nels Hovick, took place at the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in Madison, Minnesota on Wednesday, 18 May 1904.

Both Mathea’s Daughter and Son-in-Law with Appendicitis

27 October 1904, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Braaten returned home Monday evening from Madison, Minn., where she had been for a week to see her daughter and son-in-law. They are both in the hospital, as Mr. Hovick underwent surgery for appendicitis on Monday last week, and his wife (formerly Miss Pauline Braaten) was operated on for the same illness last Thursday. Both are recovering and are considered no longer in danger. Mrs. Braaten brings greetings from Mr. Conrad Bang, formerly of this city, and who now manages the Madison Electric Lighting company. Mrs. Braaten was with him for dinner one day, and he had a beautiful and cozy home.

Mathea Travels to Des Lacs, North Dakota

16 November 1905, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled to her son in Des Lacs, N.D. last Monday, and intended to be gone until the new year.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1905-11-16/ed-1/seq-6/: accessed 20 July 2020), 16 November 1905, image 6, column 2.

Note:

Mathea’s son, August Hjalmer Pederson (5 June 1870–1 October 1943), was formally granted a homestead near Des Lacs, Ward County, North Dakota on 6 December 1905. [1] Mathea moved with August and his wife Anna (Sleen) (1873–1957), lived with them in their sod house on the barren prairie, and helped raise and teach their many children. Mathea would later obtain her own homestead, immediately to the west of August’s, on 13 February 1908. [2]

[1] “Land Patent Search,” images, General Land Office Records (glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx# : accessed 8 September 2020, August H Pederson, Ward County, North Dakota, document no. 9581.
[2] “Land Patent Search,” images, General Land Office Records (glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx# : accessed 8 September 2020, Mathea Bratten, Ward County, North Dakota, document no. 14260.

Mathea’s House Available

15 March 1906, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

My house, either the whole or a part, is available starting March 15^th. There is a stable and water from the water works. For details, see M.H. Stang.
Mrs. Mathea Braaten

Note:

The same notice appeared the following week on 22 March 1906.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1906-03-15/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 15 March 1906, image 4, column 2.
“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1906-03-22/ed-1/seq-4/: accessed 20 July 2020), 22 March 1906, image 4, column 2.

Mathea Travels to Son

19 April 1906, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled to her son Hjalmer’s in western North Dakota on Tuesday afternoon.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1906-04-19/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 19 April 1906, image 4, column 3.

Mathea Reports on Winter in North Dakota

3 January 1907, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten came from her homestead near Des Lacs, N.D. last Sunday morning. She says that the snowfall is quite immense, and it is almost impossible to travel, whether by horse or train. When she came down here, the train had to stop several times before coming to Larimore, and this kept happening from 4 to 11 a.m. Saturday evening on a fairly short stretch of road. She says her son was supposed to have picked up a load of coal on the 10^th of December. He traveled out Monday and did not get the coal home before Wednesday evening, even though the coal was not further away than 15 miles. Along the way, he had to shovel the road for three miles. Finally, he had to put the load back down, travel home for a couple more horses, and then finally reached home as mentioned. Whether you travel to the city or to pay visits, you do not know what time you can come again. Once this winter, the post office in Deslacs was without both stamps and envelopes, just because the new supply did not arrive in time.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1907-01-03/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 3 January 1907, image 2, column 2.

For the Needy in China

18 April 1907, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

For the needy in China

In the past week, we have received the following contributions:
[list]
Mrs. Mathea Braaten, from here $0.50
[list continues]
Subtotal              $54.00
Sent previously     $126.90
Total                      $180.90

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1907-04-18/ed-1/seq-5/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 18 April 1907, image 5, column 2.

Mathea Returns for Church Dedication

4 July 1907, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten came back from Des Lacs in North Dakota for the church dedication here on Sunday. She brought with her contributions from two women’s associations for the needy in China.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1907-07-04/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 4 July 1907, image 4, column 5.

Mathea’s Homestead Conditions Fulfilled

10 October 1907, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten returned from her homestead claim in North Dakota last week and has now fulfilled the conditions required for it to be hers.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1907-10-10/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 10 October 1907, image 4, column 3.

For the Needy in New York

23 January 1908, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

For the Needy in New York

In response to Pastor Tjørnhom’s appeal in last week’s issue of the Ugeblad, we have received the following contributions:
[list]
Mrs. Mathea Braaten, Fergus Falls .50
[list continues]

It will be sent today. Many thanks on behalf of Pastor Tjørnhom.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1908-01-23/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 23 January 1908, image 1, column 3.

Mathea in Hospital with Bronchitis

23 September 1908, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten, who lives in town north near the asylum, has been in St. Luke’s Hospital since Saturday. She has had bronchitis, but it now expected to be able to leave the hospital one these days.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1908-09-23/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 23 September 1908, image 4, column 4.

Mathea’s Daughter and Son-in-Law Visit

4 August 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mr. and Mrs. Hovick of Madison, Minn. have been visiting their mother and mother-in-law, Mrs. Braaten, for a couple of weeks. They are traveling back today. Mr. Hovick is employed by an elevator company there.

Mathea Moves Away, Household Items for Sale

29 September 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

For sale, cheap: bedroom suite, a sofa, dining table, a smaller table, basket stand, and other household items. I intend to move away and will therefore sell. Mrs. Mathea Braaten.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1909-09-29/ed-1/seq-2/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 29 September 1909, image 2, column 1.

Mathea Visits Madison

1 December 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled last week to visit her daughter and son-in-law who live in Madison, Minn.

Mathea’s Daughter Wins Writing Contest

29 December 1909, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

A Good Christmas Edition

Mathea Returns After Winter in Madison

6 April 1910, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten returned last Saturday evening from Madison, Minn., where she had spent the winter with her daughter and son-in-law.

Mathea Travels to Duluth

4 May 1910, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled last week to Duluth for a visit with her daughter and other relatives. She will be gone for a couple of months.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1910-05-04/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 4 May 1910, image 4, column 3.

Mathea Returns After Winter in Madison

3 May 1911, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten returned home from Madison, Minn. last Saturday, after having spent a pleasant winter with her daughter and son-in-law.

Mathea’s Daughter Visits with Mrs. Inger Hovick, Ailing with Eye Tumor

14 June 1911, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mathea’s Son-in-Law Visits

26 June 1912, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Granddaughter Visits Mathea

21 August 1912, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Miss Gertrud Dyckie [Dickie] of Duluth, has been here on a fourteen-day visit with her grandmother, Mrs. Mathea Braaten.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1912-08-21/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 21 August 1912, image 4, column 4.

Mathea Returns from Minneapolis

30 July 1913, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten, from here in the city, came home again last Friday after having spent a couple of weeks in Minneapolis visiting Mr. and Mrs. O.P.B. Jacobson and others.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1913-07-30/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 30 July 1913, image 4, column 2.

Mathea in Poor Health

19 August 1914, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten, who lives on Broadway, has been in poor health for some days.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1914-08-19/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 19 August 1914, image 4, column 1.

Mathea Sells Home, Winters in Madison

25 November 1914, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten has sold her home on Birch Avenue to George Hoffman of Friberg, who has already moved in. Mrs. Braaten will travel next week to her daughter’s home in Madison, where she will spend the winter. She will return to Fergus Falls in the spring.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1914-11-25/ed-1/seq-6/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 25 November 1914, image 6, column 2.

Mathea Travels to Duluth

1 September 1915, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten traveled today to Duluth to visit her fine daughters for a couple of weeks.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1915-09-01/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 1 September 1915, image 4, column 3.

Mathea in Hospital

16 February 1916, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten, who has been ill with the flu since Christmas, is very ill and was brought to St. Luke’s Hospital on Monday.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1916-02-16/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 16 February 1916, image 4, column 2.

Mathea Expresses Thanks for Lovely Visit

18 September 1918, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mrs. Mathea Braaten, who has been visiting relatives and friends here and in Mahnomen, will travel to Minneapolis tomorrow. She also intends to visit her son in Hastings, Minn. She wishes to say a heartfelt thanks to relatives and friends in Fergus Falls for all the warmth and kindness she has enjoyed during her visit here.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1918-09-18/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 18 September 1918, image 4, column 3.

Mathea’s Norwegian-Language Obituary

20 April 1921, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Old Mrs. Mikkel Braaten died last Monday at her daughter’s home in Madison, Minn. Mathea Braaten lived here in town for many years. She was a faithful, kind, and loving woman, and was loved and esteemed by everyone who knew her. Her husband, Mikkel Braaten, died here several years ago. She is survived by several adult children. In recent years, she had lived with her daughter in Madison, Minnesota. The body will be brought here from Madison, and the funeral will take place at M. Benson’s Chapel. She will be buried at Bethlehem Congregation’s cemetery, south of the city.

Note:

Mathea, her husband Mikkel, and their infant son Johan Arndt are buried in unmarked graves in Bethlehem Cemetery.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1921-04-20/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 20 April 1921, image 1, column 4.

Mathea’s English-Language Obituary

18 April 1921, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

“Mrs. Braaten,” obituary, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 18 April 1921, page 2; photocopy, author’s private collection.

Mathea’s Funeral

25 April 1921, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Funeral, Mrs. M. Braaten, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 25 April 1921, page 4; photocopy, author’s private collection.

Gratitude from Mathea’s Children

27 April 1921, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Gratitude

— We want to express our cordial thanks, through the Ugeblad, to everyone who showed sympathy and participation during the funeral of our dear mother, Mrs. Mathea Braaten. Special thanks to Pastor Simonson for his words of consolation, and to the choir for their beautiful song. Thanks also for all the beautiful flowers. May God bless all of you.

The Children

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1921-04-27/ed-1/seq-1/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 27 April 1921, image 1, column 1.

From Øya to Otter Tail

26 August 20201 October 2020 David Hovick LohmanLeave a comment

Biography: Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901)

Øya Farm

Jump to Mikkel’s Family Tree

My great-grandfather, Mikkel Mikkelsen (who would adopt the surname Braaten after immigrating to the United States), was born on 1 April 1834 on the Øya farm in Vang Parish, Innlandet (formerly Hedmark) County, in eastern Norway. [1]

Location in red of Vang Parish, Innlandet County, Norway [2]

Vang Parish, Churches, Family-Associated Farms, and Documented Years of Residence [15]

Because Øya [ø is pronounced like the oo in soot] was so remote, and the main Vang Kirke [SHIR-keh] (church) so far away, his baptism took place on 8 June 1834 at the Åmot [OH-moot] Kirke in the town of Rena in northern Vang Parish. [3]

The font at which Mikkel was likely baptized, Åmot Kirke, 1775 [4]

Øya, which means island, is situated on the banks of the Åsta [OH-stah] River, east of Lillehammer, in a remote, sparsely populated region of northern Vang Parish called the Almendingen (see map above). Mikkel was the the fifth of eight children born to Mikkel (often spelled Michel) Gulbrandsen (1796–1867) and Sophie Pedersdatter (1797–1884). They moved to Øya by 1831, his father purchased the farm in 1833, and by 1836 he had built a sawmill, which as of 1989, was still standing. [5] Like his father, Mikkel became a carpenter.

Decades later, Mikkel’s older sister Eli Mikkelsdatter (1831–1918) related stories about their life there. She remembered that there were bears living in the rocks just southeast of the farm along the river. Their father Mikkel was a carpenter and handyman, and served as the family’s teacher, midwife, and doctor. They owned a book on medicine and they were rarely ill. They used the fat of snakes that they killed to create a kind of “universal medicine.” In particular, she remembered that it was applied to the skin to avoid frostbite. [7]

Braaten Farm

The family sold the farm in 1842 and moved forty kilometers south to the Braaten farm. [8] Part of the larger Bjørge farm, Braaten (pronounced BROH-tn) lay ten kilometers north-northeast of the city of Hamar (see map above). The name Braaten refers to land that had been cleared for cultivation by burning.

Children in Norway typically received the smallpox vaccination in the first year or two of life. First administered in Norway in 1801, the smallpox vaccine had a dramatic impact on death rates. This led, in part, to Norway’s 19^th-century population explosion, a major cause of the mass emigration to the United States. [9] Proof that one had received the smallpox vaccination was required in order to be confirmed, married, or secure reputable employment. [10] But because Mikkel’s family was so remote on the Øya farm, it wasn’t until they moved to Braaten that he was vaccinated on 2 November 1842 at the unusually-late age of eight. [11] Mikkel was confirmed at the age of 15 on 30 September 1849 at the Vang Kirke. [12]

Southern *Vang Parish, Churches, Family-Associated Farms, and Documented Years of Residence*

It was common for young people, upon reaching confirmation age, to leave home and begin earning their own living. As a young man, Mikkel lived and worked on the nearby Opsal and Kartomten farms. [14] Mikkel married Anne Tollefsdatter on 29 August 1857 when he was 23 and she was 26. [15] Anne was the daughter of Tollef Jensen (1801–1889) and Marte Poulsdatter (1802–1889). Prior to their marriage, however, there seems to have been some family drama. Anne, unmarried at the time, had given birth to a daughter, Severine, fathered by Mikkel’s eldest brother Gulbrand. Severine’s baptismal record states that while this was Anne’s first child born out of wedlock, this was the third such child fathered by Gulbrand. Severine was born in 1854 but lived only two years. [16] Mikkel and Anne wed the year after she died.

The *family* drama. See Mikkel’s full family tree below.

Nybakken, Slemsrud Farm

After their marriage, Mikkel and Anne lived on the Nybakken farm, part of the larger Slemsrud farm in Vang Parish. In addition to being a carpenter, Mikkel was a lease-holding tenant farmer. [17] Mikkel and Anne had three daughters: Mina (4 March 1859–14 November 1925), Severine (11 March 1862–5 July 1940 and likely named after Anne’s deceased first daughter), and Tonette (born 20 October 1864). [18]

Immigration

Like so many in Norway at the time, life was very difficult for the family. Dinner often consisted of nothing but boiled potato peelings, and they would often go to bed hungry. [19] The decision, which must have been difficult, was made to leave Norway and emigrate to America. Mikkel ventured first, traveling with his sister Sissel and her family. They departed Oslo on 15 April 1868, and endured a torturous 78-day journey aboard the SS Nornen. [20] Built in 1850, the Nornen was a three-masted bark, only 106 feet long and 28 feet wide, with just an upper and lower deck. [21] Crammed on board were 227 passengers. [22]

Immigrants were expected to bring their own provisions for the trip, enough for up to ten weeks. For each adult, they were to bring:

70 pounds hard bread (or the equivalent in soft or flatbread)
8 pounds butter
24 pounds meat
10 pounds bacon
1 small keg herring
2⅔ kegs potatoes
20 pounds rye and barley flour
½ bushel dried peas
½ bushel pearl barley
3 pounds coffee
3 pounds sugar
2½ pounds syrup
quantities of salt, pepper, vinegar, onions
water bucket, pot, kettle, dishes, cups, eating utensils, bedding, blankets, and clothing [23]

My aunt Mildred (Hovick) Monge (1907–2003), our late family historian, interviewed her mother, my maternal grandmother, Pauline (Braaten) Hovick (1884–1975), about her father Mikkel. Of the journey, Mildred wrote:

“Ahead of them were weeks onboard ship, crowded together with all the other passengers in very tight quarters with only blankets draped between families for a semblance of privacy. Seasickness plagued most of them, and with no clothes-washing facilities, the vomit and diarrhea dried on their clothing, causing a terrible stench in the airless quarters below deck. Their food, brought from home, became scarce toward the end of the trip and was often spoiled due to the lack of refrigeration. The women had to take turns at the stove in the ship’s kitchen cooking for their families after the ship’s cook had served the crew of sailors. Water was at a premium. The fear of sickness and death at sea was constant.” [24]

After a trip of just over eleven weeks (with food enough for ten), they finally arrived in Quebec on 6 July 1868. [26] After being processed through Grosse Île, Canada’s Ellis Island, immigrants often made their way to the United States via train or steamship, entering the country at Detroit. [27]

Routes of immigration: Mikkel in 1868, Anne in 1869 [28]

Likely route from Quebec to the United States

Anne and the girls immigrated the following year. Mikkel, certainly not wanting them to experience the hell that he had on his crossing, paid for them to travel on a faster, combination sail-and-steam ship. They departed from Oslo on 24 July 1869 aboard the SS Oder, bound for Hull, England. After a train ride across the country, they departed Liverpool on 29 July aboard the SS Moravian and arrived in Quebec on 8 August, their trip taking a mere fifteen days. [29]

Minneapolis

From Detroit, Mikkel made his way to Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Oral tradition holds that he quickly found work with a railroad company, and in that first year, presumably saved enough to pay for Anne and the girls to immigrate. He adopted the name of the Braaten farm as their new American surname. He filed his intent to become a naturalized citizen in Ramsey County, Minnesota on 5 April 1869. [31] In 1870, Mikkel worked as a “lumberman” (perhaps a railroad company carpenter), and they lived somewhere in Ward 3, just across the Mississippi River from downtown Minneapolis. [32]

Otter Tail County

In 1872, they moved 190 miles northwest to a farm outside of Fergus Falls in Friberg Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. [34] Nine years after arriving in the United States, he became a naturalized citizen on 21 November 1877. [35] In 1879, he was granted an 80-acre farm in Fergus Falls Township (see maps below). [36]

Braaten farm, Fergus Falls Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota [37]

The Pelican River flowed through their land, perhaps reminding him of his boyhood on the Åsta River. Mikkel and Anne had four more children: Martin (born May 1870 and died prior to 1872), Martin M. (23 July 1872–20 February 1943, and in keeping with Norwegian custom, he was named after his deceased older brother), August Henry (11 January 1875–21 March 1951), and Anne Maria (12 March 1877–28 January 1926). [38]

Anne died of cancer on 29 November 1882 at the age of 51, and is buried at First Lutheran North Cemetery, a few miles north of Fergus Falls. [39]

“Anne T. Braaten, Født den 8 June 1831, Døde den 29 November 1882, Fred over dit Støv. Velsignet *over* dit Minde.” [Translation: born 8 June 1831, died 29 November 1882, Peace over your dust (Rest in peace). Blessed be your memory.] First Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls, Minnesota [40]

Waiting only four months after Anne’s death, Mikkel very quickly remarried, wedding a recent immigrant from Norway, a widow with five surviving children, Gunhild Mathea Johannesdatter Pedersen (1844–1921). [41] Known as Mathea, she was born in Vestby Parish, Viken County, the daughter of Johannes Andersen (1797–1858) and Kirstine Andreasdatter (1818–1905). Mikkel and Mathea met when Mikkel delivered milk to the farm on which she was working. She had only been able to immigrate with her youngest daughter, Ragnhild Lydia (1876–1956), leaving her four older children back in Norway. Before agreeing to marry him, she insisted that Mikkel agree to pay to bring the remaining children from Norway. [42] He agreed, and they were wed on 2 April 1883 when she was 38 and he was 49. Together they had two more children: my maternal grandmother, Inger Pauline (29 January 1884–15 August 1975), and Johan Arndt (16 June 1886–3 February 1887). [43]

My aunt Mildred wrote:

“Mama Pauline smiled as she talked about Mikkel, her father. He had a flute which he carried around with him as he worked, and she remembers seeing him leaning against a tree during rest periods with his flute, trilling forth variations of his own well-known melodies. The children loved to listen.” [44]

Due to Mikkel’s asthma and emphysema, they sold their farm and bought a home on the outskirts of Fergus Falls in 1891. [45] When they moved, they kept two cows for their milk supply and two horses for transportation. By 1899, he had become the town’s official street sprinkler, driving a large water tank pulled by his two horses (see below). [46]

Mildred wrote:

“In those days, the streets were just plain dirt, turning to mud after a rain. In order to keep the dust at a minimum nuisance level, a wagon filled with water was drawn up and down, back and forth on all the streets in town. Children cheered whenever he came down the street, daring each other to see how close they could get to the sprinkler attachment on the rear of the wagon without running home with soaked clothes.” [47]

Mikkel Braaten, Official Street Sprinkler, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, ca. 1899 [48]

Mikkel died on 29 January 1901 at the age of 66 from pneumonia, complicated by his asthma and emphysema. [49] Mikkel, alongside Mathea and their youngest son Johan, are buried in unmarked graves in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls. [50]

Mikkel’s Family Tree

Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten’s Family Tree [51]

Footnotes

[1] Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 9, 1826–1841, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 99, line 115, baptism of Michel 8 June 1834; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/9060/104 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[2] For base map, Kartverket (www.norgeskart.no). Details added by author.

[3] Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 9, 1826–1841, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 99, line 115, baptism of Michel 8 June 1834.

[4] “Åmot Kirke,” Norske Kirker (www.norske-kirker.net/home/hedmark/aamot-kirke/ : accessed 8 July 2020).

[5] Odd Stensrud and Ole Jacob Tomter, Vangsboka Nr. 3: Gard Nummer 115–152, (Hamar Kommune, Norway: Elverum Trykk, 2004), .Øya, 460.

[6] GPS coordinates 61°05’58.5″N 11°05’01.1″E, Kartverket (www.norgeskart.no : accessed 8 July 2020).

[7] Stensrud and Tomter, Vangsboka Nr. 3, 464. Stories related by Eli Mikkelsdatter to Anders Gjørsli, recorded by historian Reidar Bækkelund (1922–2007).

[8] Ibid.

[9] For vaccine, Hanne Jakobsen, “The Epidemic That Was Wiped Out,” Science Nordic (sciencenordic.com/epidemic-was-wiped-out : accessed 5 August 2019). For causes of population increase, Ingrid Gaustad Semmingsen, “Norwegian Emigration to America During the Nineteenth Century,” Norwegian-American Historical Association (www.naha.stolaf.edu/pubs/nas/volume11/vol11_5.htm : accessed 5 August 2019).

[10] Solveig Schavland Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, interview by David Hovick Lohman, 6 May 2016.

[11] Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 10, 1841–1855, Vaksinerte [Vaccinated], p. 439, line 70, vaccination of Michel Michelsen, 2 November 1842; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/8840/447 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[12] Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 10, 1841–1855, Konfirmente [Confirmed], p. 215, line 22, confirmation of Mikkel, 30 September 1849; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/8840/42893/36 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[13] David Hovick Lohman, 5 September 2016

[14] For Mikkel’s residence at Opsal (Opsahl), he served as witness for the baptism of Anne’s daughter Severine. See Note 12. For Mikkel’s residence at Kartomten at time of marriage, see Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Viede [Married], p. 228, line 16, marriage of Mikel Mikelsen and Anne Tollefsdatter, 29 August 1857; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/8841/227 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Church Book for Vang Parish 1855–1870 (0414Q), Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/327/pv00000001026178 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[15] Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Viede [Married], p. 228, line 16, marriage of Mikel Mikelsen and Anne Tollefsdatter, 29 August 1857.

[16] Baptism, see Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 10, 1841–1855, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 262, line 20, baptism of Syverine, 22 December 1855; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8840/42889/190 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Church Book for Vang Parish 1855–1870 (0141Q) (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/255/pd00000012920939 : accessed 8 July 2020). Death, see Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Døde og Begravede [Died and Buried], p. 299, line 8, death of Syverine Gudbrands, 26 December 1856; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/8841/277 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Church Book for Vang Parish 1855–1870 (0414Q), (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/267/pg00000000252941 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[17] 1865 census for Norway, Hedmark county, Vang parish, census district 010 Opsahl, image 287, line 6 (unnumbered), Nybakken farm, Mikkel Mikkelsen household; digital images, Digitalarkivet (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/38032/287 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Digitalarkivet, 18xx census for 0414L Vang/Vang og Furnes, census district 010 Opsahl, rural residence 0109 Nybakken, transcription; www.digitalarkivet.no/census/person/pf01038032009127 : accessed 8 July). Mikkel is listed as a husmand med Jord (cotter or tenant farmer with land) and a tømmermand (carpenter).

[18] For Mina, Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 53, line 69, baptism of Mina, 1 May 1859; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/8841/42902/49 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Ministerialbok Vang prestegjeld, Vang sokn 1855–1870 (0414Q), (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (www.digitalarkivet.no/view/255/pd00000011395666 : accessed 8 July 2020). For Severine, Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 94, line 83, baptism of Severine, 20 July 1862; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8841/42902/90 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Church Book for Vang Parish 1855–1870 (0414Q), (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/255/pd00000011399276 : accessed 8 July 2020). For Tonetta, Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Ministerialbok nr. 12, 1855–1870, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 131, line 55, baptism of Tonetta, 19 November 1865; digital images, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (media.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8841/132 : accessed 8 July 2020). For transcription, see Church Book for Vang Parish 1855–1870 (0141Q) (Hedmark, Norway); transcription, Digital Archives of Norway (media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1495/67278/103 : accessed 8 July 2020). Also, Vang Parish (Hedmark, Norway), Klokkerbok nr. 10a, 1854–1896, Fødte og Døpte [Born and Baptized], p. 190, line 128, baptism of Tonetta, 19 November 1865; digital items, National Archives of Norway, Digitized Parish Registers (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/255/pd00000011402770 : accessed 8 July).

[19] Mildred Hovick Monge, “Remember,” family history, 1974; “Remember,” blog entry, Hovick Lohman History, blog (hovicklohmanhistory.wordpress.com/2020/08/26/remember/ : accessed 30 August 2020), pdf, pt. 1, ch. 4, “Recollections with Pauline,” p. 45 (printed).

[19] For base map, Kartverket (www.norgeskart.no). Details added by author.

[20] “Emigrants from Oslo 1867–1930,” Mikkel Mikelsen Braaten, 15 April 1868; transcription, Digital Archives (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8/pe00000000390971 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[21] “Bark Nornen, Brødrene Rød,” Norway-Heritage: Hands Across the Sea (http://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=norna : accessed 8 July 2020).

[22] “Passenger List 1868 – Bark Nornen,” Norway-Heritage: Hands Across the Sea (www.norwayheritage.com/udvandret.asp?type=passengerlist&ps=37555&jo=1349 : accessed 8 July 2020).

[23] Børge Solem, “Sailing Ship Provisions – Food and Drink,” Norway-Heritage: Hands Across the Sea (www.norwayheritage.com/provisions.htm : accessed 8 July 2020); quoting “Det Norske Udvandringsselskap,” Oslo, 1870s.

[24] Monge, “Remember,” 45.

[25] “Fartøyet Nornen av Trondhjem med fulle seil,” Digital Museum (digitaltmuseum.org/011025188940/bilde : accessed 8 July 2020).

[26] “Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865–1935,” 6 July 1868, list 59, SS Nornen, page 2, line 19 (unnumbered), Mikkel M Braaten; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020) > Quebec, Quebec > 1868 > July > image 57; citing Library and Archives Canada microfilm series RG 76-C, roll C-4523.

[27] Odd S. Lovell, Across the Deep Blue Sea: The Sage of Early Norwegian Immigrants: From Norway to America Through the Canadian Gateway (Saint Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2015), 37, 145.

[28] For base map, Kartverket (www.norgeskart.no). Details added by author.

[29] For Anne’s departure, “Emigrants from Oslo 1867–1930,” Anne Tollefsdatter, 24 July 1869; transcription, Digital Archives (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8/pe00000000401572 : accessed 8 July 2020). For Mina, ibid, (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8/pe00000000401573 : accessed 8 July 2020). For Severine, ibid, (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8/pe00000000401574 : accessed 8 July 2020). For Tonnette, ibid, (www.digitalarkivet.no/en/view/8/pe00000000401575 : accessed 8 July 2020). For arrival in Quebec, “Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865–1935,” 8 August 1869, SS Moravian, p. 11 (unnumbered), lines 22–25 (unnumbered), Anne Tollefsdatter, et. al.; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020) > Quebec, Quebec > 1869 > August > image 48; citing Library and Archives Canada microfilm series RG 76-C.

[30] SS. Moravian, Mennonite Archival Image Database (archives.mhsc.ca/ss-moravian : accessed 8 July 2020).

[31] Ramsey County, Minnesota, naturalization intent form, Mikkel Braaten, 5 April 1869; photocopy, author’s personal collection, 1995.

[32] 1870 U.S. census, Hennepin County, Minnesota, population schedule, Minneapolis Ward 3, p. 48 (penned), dwell. 248, fam. 820, line 28, Michel Gortheen [sic] household; digital images, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020), citing NARA microfilm publication M582, roll 132.

[33] Map of the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota (Minneapolis: Cutler & Craves, 1873.) Details added by author.

[34] “Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1899-06-22/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 22 June 1899, image 3, column 3. Article “Old Settlers Association” cites his arrival in Friberg Township in 1872.

[35] “Minnesota, Naturalization Records Index, 1854–1957,” final papers, Mekel Braaten; Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020), citing 1877–1880, reel 4, code 11, volume C, page 25, numbers 1–378.

[36] “Land Patent Search,” images, General Land Office Records (glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx# : accessed 8 July 2020, Mikkel Braaden, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, document no. 2498.

[37] Fergus Falls Township, Otter Tail County Plat Book, 1884, Historic Map Works (www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/478655/Fergus+Falls+Township/Otter+Tail+County+1884/Minnesota/ : accessed #.). Details and highlighting added by author.

[38] For birth of Martin (the elder), 1870 U.S. census, Hennepin County, Minnesota, population schedule, Minneapolis Ward 3, p. 48 (penned), dwell. 248, fam. 820, line 28, Michel Gortheen [sic] household. For Martin M, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Births 1872, p. 34, line 212, male child, 23 July 1872; digital images, “Minnesota, County Birth Records, 1863–1983,” FamilySearch (familysearch.org : accessed 8 July 2020). For August Henry, “Ministerialbog, for Den Evang. Luth. Kongeberg Menighed, Ottertail, Co. Minn. (Ministerial Records, Kongsberg Lutheran Church, Otter Tail County, Minnesota), 1872–1918,” Døbte (Baptized), p. 3, 1875, line 3, August Henry, 18 May 1875; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020). For Anne Maria, ibid., p. 4, 1877, line 3, 20 May 1877; image 514. Kongsberg later merged with another congregation to form Bethlehem, as referred to in the database. See “Welcome,” Bethlehem Lutheran Church (bethlehemff.org/welcome.html#history : accessed 22 March 2019), para. 5.

[39] Find A Grave (findagrave.com/memorial/40783571 : accessed 8 July 2020), memorial 40783571, Anne T. Braaten (1831–1882), citing First Lutheran North Cemetery; memorial created by Churndash, maintained by David Hovick Lohman.

[40] David Hovick Lohman, 13 June 2016.

[41] “Ministerialbog, for Den Evang. Luth. Kongeberg Menighed, Ottertail, Co. Minn. (Ministerial Records, Kongsberg Lutheran Church, Otter Tail County, Minnesota), 1872–1918,” Ægteviede (Married), p. 56, line 6, marriage of Mikkel Braaten and Mrs. M. Pedersen, 2 April 1883; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020).

[42] Kay Pederson Cripe to David Hovick Lohman, email, 29 July 2020; privately held by author. Kay is granddaughter of Mathea’s son August Hjalmer Pederson (1870–1943).

[43] For birth of Inger Pauline, ibid., Døbte (Baptized), p. 9, line 21, birth of Inger Pauline, 29 January 1884; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020). For birth of Johan, ibid., Døbte (Baptized), p. 14, line 36, birth of Johan Arnt, 16 June 1886; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020). For death of Johan, ibid., Jordfæstede (Buried), p. 65, line 36, death of Johan Arnt, 3 February 1887; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020).

[44] Mildred Hovick Monge, “Remember,” family history, 1974; “Remember,” blog entry, Hovick Lohman History, blog (hovicklohmanhistory.wordpress.com/2020/08/26/remember/ : accessed 30 August 2020), pdf, pt. 1, ch. 4, “Recollections with Pauline,” p. 47 (printed).

[45] “Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-07-08/ed-1/seq-5/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 8 July 1891, image 5, column 6.

[46] “Seventy-Five Years Ago – 1899,” Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 8 April 1974, p. 4, col. 5, para. 3. This 1974 article quotes the 22 April 1899 issue.

[47] Monge, “Remember,” 47.

[48] Mikkel Braaten, official street sprinkler, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, ca. 1899; digital image, author’s private collection. Enhanced and colorized by MyHeritage.com.

[49] Otter Tail County, Minnesota, death certificate, Mikkel Brosten, 28 January 1901; photocopy, “Hovick Genealogy, vol. I,” binder, author’s private collection, 1995. Also, “Death of Mikkel Brotten,” obituary, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 28 January 1901, p. 3; photocopy, “Hovick Genealogy, vol. I,” binder, author’s private collection, 2016. Also, Congregational Records, Bethlehem Lutheran, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Jordfestede (Buried), p. 58 (stamped), 1901, line 1, Mickel Braaten, 28 January 1901; digital images, “U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in American Church Records, 1781–1969,” Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 8 July 2020).

[50] Find A Grave (findagrave.com/memorial/199769039 : accessed 8 July 2020), memorial 199769039, Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901), citing Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery; memorial created and maintained by David Hovick Lohman.

[51] Family tree, Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901); created by David Hovick Lohman.

Mikkel in the News

26 August 202026 October 2020 David Hovick Lohman1 Comment

The Fergus Falls Ugeblad – the Weekly Norwegian-Language Newspaper of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Mikkel Braaten (inset)

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These articles reveal a good neighbor, a dedicated dairy farmer, an advocate, even a bereaved parent, and finally, a man respected and grieved by his community.

Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901)

Introduction

With this new technological advance, searching for my great-grandparents, Mikkel Mikkelsen Braaten (1834–1901) and Gunhild Mathea Johannesdatter Pedersen Braaten (1844–1921), brought up more than I had hoped for. The articles that follow are those that mention Mikkel. Mathea and their daughter (and my grandmother) Inger Pauline will be the focus of later posts. One of the wonderful things about small-town newspapers is that they can write about mundane events of daily life in ways that big-city newspapers cannot.

Over the course of his life, my great-grandfather appeared in the newspaper thirty-five times. The first was in 1886, the last being shortly after his death in 1901. These articles shed invaluable light on his daily life during those fifteen years. They reveal a good neighbor, a dedicated dairy farmer, an advocate, even a bereaved parent, and finally, a man respected and grieved by his community.

Welcome to the daily life of Mikkel Braaten.

[1] “About Chronicling America,” Library of Congress (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/about/ : accessed 20 July 2020.)

[2] Odd S. Lovell, Norwegian Newspapers in America: Connecting Norway and the New Land, (Saint Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2010), ix.

Mikkel’s Biography

Setting the Stage

*Mikkel Braaten’s farm in Section 18 of Fergus Falls Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, 1884*

Fergus Falls Township, Otter Tail County Plat Book, 1884, Historic Map Works (www.historicmapworks.com/Map/US/478655/Fergus+Falls+Township/Otter+Tail+County+1884/Minnesota/ : accessed 20 July 2020.). Details and highlighting added by author.

The Articles

Impassable Roads

16 June 1886, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mikkel Braaten from Section 18 of Fergus Falls Town[ship] declares that he has lived here – hasn’t it been 8 years – and so far he has not had another way from his home that does not lie over marshes and swamps. He cannot travel with horse and a large load except at the driest times of summer or when it is frozen in winter. And this stretch of road can only be called a road, insofar as it has once been designated a road, but has never been worked on. Now, it has also been decided to move that stretch of road completely. Regardless of all this, one has never failed to get Mr. Braaten’s assistance with road work, even when it would be of no use to him.

Mr. Braaten has striven to get the road laid out, but nothing is done.

How can this be?

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1886-06-16/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 16 June 1886, image 4, column 1.

New Dairy Factory

7 July 1886, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Earlier this year, there was a lot of interest in the creation of a dairy factory here in the city. And now, Mr. D. C. Chase has created one. Perhaps now is the time to take stock and see how it goes and to determine how many [dairy farmers] supply milk to this new enterprise. The milk supply has been in steady growth, so yesterday 2,950 pounds were delivered. 192 pieces of cheese have now been made, or a total of 6,800 pounds.

The following is a list of those who deliver milk to the dairy:

[list]

Mikkel Braaten

[list continues]

If there is anyone who wishes to know what advantage there is to supplying milk to the dairy, he will probably be able to receive a message from one or another of the above-mentioned gentlemen.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1886-07-07/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 7 July 1886, image 4, columns 2–3.

Mikkel Wins First and Second Prizes

15 September 1886, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Mikkel Braaten of Fergus Falls Town[ship] won first prize for a four-month-old foal and second prize for a three-year-old mare.

Note:

This was most likely at the Otter Tail County Fair of 1886.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1886-09-15/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 15 September 1886, image 4, column 2.

Death of Youngest Braaten

9 February 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

― The youngest child in Mikkel Braaten’s family, a boy of about seven months, died last Thursday of a fifteen-day illness. He was a nimble and strong little boy and will therefore be missed so much more. The funeral will take place tomorrow, Thursday, leaving the house of the bereaved around 11:30 a.m.

Note:

This was Mikkel and Mathea’s youngest child, Johan Arndt, born 16 June 1886 and died 3 February 1887. He was named after the German Lutheran theologian, Johann Arndt (1555–1621). He is buried in an unmarked grave alongside his parents in Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

Gratitude from Grieving Parents

16 February 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Fergus Falls Town[ship], 14 February 1887

Mikkel Braaten.

Mathea Braaten.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

6 April 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

― A vagabond came to the home of Mikkel Braaten in the town[ship] of Fergus Falls on Monday evening. He asked to borrow a spoon to take some medicine. And when this wish was fulfilled, he had a good time, got fed, and stayed the night. On Tuesday, he laid down all day and had dinner brought to him, but in the evening got up and ate. He hadn’t asked to, but he stayed, and no one forbade him because he was ill. He was thus also in the house the next night, but on Wednesday morning, when he had eaten lunch, he went on his way. On the same day, he was supposed to have come here to the city. After he had left, one of Mikkel Braaten’s daughters discovered that he had taken some savings which she had kept in a suitcase in the room next to where he had been lying. A simple but new tobacco pipe was also missing after he left. ― Grateful people, these vagabonds!

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-04-06/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 6 April 1887, image 4, columns 3–4.

Come Claim Your Calves

18 May 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Two small unknown calves have arrived at Mikkel Braaten’s in the town[ship] of Fergus Falls and are asked to be picked up. An unknown heifer, which for three weeks was mixed among Braaten’s cattle, was picked up by a couple of people who went to great lengths not to reveal their names or speak to anyone.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-05-18/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 18 May 1887, image 4, column 4.

Wagons for the Church Picnic

20 July 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

The Conference Congregation School Picnic last Sunday was a very successful affair, apart from the financial side of it. About 100 children and quite a few adults participated, and everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves the best. People left the city around 9 o’clock. Three wagons from J. S. Billings & Co. took most of the children and some adults. Two of these wagons were appointed for hay transport, so there was room for many. One had four mules strapped on. Mr. Mikkel Braaten from the town[ship] of Fergus Falls was also out with three wagons and took many, and grocer Sivert Lee made a three-seater buggy and two horses available.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-07-20/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 20 July 1887, image 4, column 2.

Gratitude for the Wagons

20 July 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

The Sunday School gives its heart-felt thanks to J. S. Billings & Co., Mr. Mikkel Braaten, and Mr. Sivert Lee for their helpful assistance by providing horses and vehicles to use at our disposal. Further, thanks to Mr. L. A. Berge, who kindly left room, as well as one boat to use as well.

Mikkel Hosts Threshing

5 October 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Threshing is cut

Peter Halsnes threshed 1,023 bushels of wheat in five hours at the home of Mikkel Braaten in the town[ship] of Fergus Falls.

Mr. Knud Bondy from Clitherall got 35 bushels of wheat per acre from 8 acres of land. When it was time to thresh, it seemed that there were many who wanted to try it out on the wheat. Knud Overland tried and hit 18 bushels in 5 minutes. Kolbjørn Mortensen threshed 17 bushels in the same time, and Martin Knudsen did 16½ bushels.

Knud then thought that it was time for him to start and that, of course, he would surpass them all. But by then, the stack of wheat was gone.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-10-05/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 5 October 1887, image 8, column 2.

Mikkel Concerned Over Dairy Shortage

19 October 1887, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Mikkel Braaten from the town[ship] of Fergus Falls is one of those who is most concerned about the cheese factory, says the cheese maker down here. The cheese factory has for some time received milk only every other day, since there are such small quantities which can be delivered. The operation will soon be stopped for this year.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1887-10-19/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 19 October 1887, image 8, column 2.

Mikkel Seriously Injures Leg

29 February 1888, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— When Mikkel Braaten from Fergus Falls Town[ship] was down here the other day to sell potatoes, he had the misfortune to slide with one leg as he was carrying in a sack of potatoes at the home of Peter Gunerius. It was so painful that Braaten thought that he had broken his leg. It was not broken, however, and the pain went away after a while, so it seemed like it was all going to be over soon, but we heard yesterday that Mr. Braaten has not been able to get outside the house since that time, and it is now almost four weeks. He cannot walk in the slightest but must either lie down or sit in a chair.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1888-02-29/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 29 February 1888, image 8, column 3.

Mikkel Voices Opinion on Market Days

21 August 1889, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Currently, the farmers have probably been too busy to give any attention to Market Days. We have not heard anything more about numbers, whether they want one or two days’ admission. Mikkel Braaten is the only one who has spoken up. He says there is no doubt that one day is better than two. That way, everyone will gather on the same day and will know what must be accomplished. There will be no unwise Benten, which may lead to more expenses and more waste of time. According to him, a few years ago in Wilmar, there was only one market day at a time, and they found this to be important.

Note:

Perhaps “Benten” refers to a financially unsuccessful market day (county fair, perhaps?) held in Benton County, Minnesota.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1889-08-21/ed-1/seq-5/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 21 August 1889, image 5, column 2.

Braaten Child Seriously Ill

18 September 1889, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Both Mr. and Mrs. Julius Pederson of Fergus Falls are terribly ill. Likewise, a little girl at the home of Mikkel Braaten and an approximately twelve-year-old boy at the home of Ole Holte are both seriously ill.

Note:

The only little girl in their household at the time was their daughter, Inger Pauline (my maternal grandmother), who would have been five years old.

Interest Rate Too High

8 April 1891, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Fergus Falls 6 April 1891

We, the undersigned, are in favor of slightly reducing the interest rate to below ten percent, as no farmer can afford such high rates.

Signed,
Andrew Anderson, Mikkel Braaten, John Hindrum, Peter Tømmerdahl, and Sivert Johnson.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-04-08/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 8 April 1891, image 4, column 3.

Harvest Available

8 July 1891, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— At the home of Mikkel Braaten in the town of Fergus Falls, some of the harvest can be obtained if the owner receives a third of the hay caught in stacks.

Note:

The same issue contained a notice that Mikkel’s farm was for sale, due to his failing health (see below).

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-07-08/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 8 July 1891, image 8, column 4.

Braaten Farm for Sale

8 July 1891, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Farm for sale.

Approximately 230 acres in Fergus Falls Town[ship], Otter Tail County, Minn., with or without crops and livestock. 70 acres have been sown, 23 acres will soon be sown with millet. 8 horses, 27 dairy cows, and some young cattle. Good houses, enough forest for your own use. Opportunities for brickwork and milling. Sale is due to increasingly frail health. Further information by inquiry to the owner, Mikkel Braaten, Fergus Falls, Minn.

Note: The same ad ran the following weeks on 15 and 22 July 1891.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-07-08/ed-1/seq-5/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 8 July 1891, image 5, column 6.
“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-07-15/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 15 July 1891, image 8, column 4.
“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1891-07-22/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 22 July 1891, image 8, column 5.

Mikkel Gravely Ill with Influenza

6 January 1892, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— There are many complaints from the [vagabonds?] that influenza is appearing again. In many places, almost the entire family is ill, so that it is difficult to care for the cattle. The towns of Elizabeth, Pelican Rapids, and Eagle Lake have reported much illness. Last week, Mikkel Braaten from Fergus Falls Town[ship] was so ill that his life was considered to be in danger. It was influenza that had spread to pneumonia.

Note:

Pneumonia would claim his life in 1901.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1892-01-06/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 6 January 1892, image 8, column 3.

Mikkel Seeks Shepherd Boy

18 May 1892, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Mikkel Braaten of Fergus Falls seeks a shepherd boy.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1892-05-18/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 18 May 1892, image 8, column 4.

Mikkel’s Daughter Moves to Beltrami County

6 March 1895, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— A daughter of Mikkel Braaten writes home from Beltrami County, where her husband has acquired a piece of land under a different set of laws, and says that there is still quite a bit of land yet unoccupied. Grain and fish are in abundance. The settlement discussed here lies 95 miles from Fosston, 100 miles from Red Lake Falls, and 150 miles from Fergus Falls. It is 30 miles to the nearest post office in St. Agnes.

Note:

Which daughter is unclear.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1895-03-06/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 6 March 1895, image 8, column 2.

Lost and Found

4 December 1895, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Henry Braaten, son of Mikkel Braaten, was ill-tempered for a while here in the city on Monday. He thought that he had lost his money book containing $55 of his own money and a wheat check for about $29 which belonged to his father. In a moment, however, he found the book in another pocket, and after this happy discovery, there has not been a happier man than Henry in Fergus Falls.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1895-12-04/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 4 December 1895, image 8, column 3.

Jury Awards Mikkel $500

20 May 1896, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Some farmers in this county, including Mikkel Braaten, have each brought individual lawsuits against the Great Northern Railroad and demanded compensation for the company’s failure to fence off the track. The jury awarded Mr. Braaten $500, but the decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court. In H. C. Johnson’s similar case, the jurors could not agree.

Note:

This money would be worth over $15,000 in 2020. It is unknown whether or not this case was taken up by the Supreme Court.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1896-05-20/ed-1/seq-5/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 20 May 1896, image 5, column 4.

Concordia Women’s Association Meeting

17 June 1896, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Concordia Women’s Association will hold a party and auction at the home of A. Anderson Quam in the town of Fergus Falls on June 24^th at 10 a.m. The revenue is for the church of Salt Lake City. Free dinner will be served, while ice cream and lemonade can be obtained for a reasonable payment; Carlisle Music Corp will play, and there will also be speakers present. This is the same meeting that was previously held at the home of Mikkel Braaten.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1896-06-17/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 17 June 1896, image 8, column 2.

Scarf and Cape Found

26 January 1898, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Mikkel Braaten has found one large, wide scarf and a leather cape. Can be reclaimed if this announcement is paid for.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1898-01-26/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 26 January 1898, image 4, column 1.

Mikkel to Move into Town

9 March 1898, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Mikkel Braaten has purchased 26 “lots” from the veterinarian Norman in the northwestern district in the city and intends to move here.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1898-03-09/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 9 March 1898, image 4, column 1.

Judge Burbank Sells House to Mikkel

29 March 1898, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Judge Burbank has sold his house to Mikkel Broten of Fergus Falls Township.

“Rodhuggeren (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1893–1898,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn90057595/1898-03-29/ed-1/seq-8/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 29 March 1898, image 8, column 2.

Mikkel Buys House

13 April 1898, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— Mikkel Braaten has purchased the home of D. Burbank in the northwest part of the city and will move into it this week. Mr. Burbank will also live there for a while until he has built a new home.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1898-04-13/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 13 April 1898, image 4, column 1.

City Accepts Mikkel’s Bid

22 April 1899, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Transcription:

At the adjourned meeting Thursday the council also agreed on downtown streets that will be sprinkled this coming summer. The bid of Mikkel Braaten to cover the sprinkling route for $2.50 a day was accepted. Alderman O’Hara said the bid was too low and he did not believe in paying such wages.

“Seventy-Five Years Ago – 1899,” Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 8 April 1974, p. 4, col. 5, para. 3. This 1974 article quotes the 22 April 1899 issue.

Mikkel Braaten, Official Street Sprinkler, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, ca. 1899

Old Settlers Association

22 June 1899, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

A majority of those who first settled in this county met here last Thursday to participate in the 2^nd annual meeting of the “Old Settlers’ Association.”

There were so many, both from the city and the country, that the courthouse hall was full and there was not enough room for everyone.

The band from Dalton was present and provided music, and furthermore, there was singing by a choir consisting of young people from here.

President E.W. Dewey held the main party-speech and after that, Colonel Marden and Pastor Craig spoke for a short time.

Three of the Association’s members had passed away during the year, namely Osgood Abley, Oliver Oliverson, and Dr. Solly.

H.A. Bickford was appointed to write an appropriate obituary for Mr. Adley, Lars Nelson for Mr. Oliverson, and Mrs. Burns for Dr. Solly.

The following members were admitted into the Association. (The years shown indicate when they came to the place mentioned for each.):

[list]

Mikkel Braaten, Friberg, 1872.

[list continues]

The Association’s constitution was amended so that all who live in this county who came to Minnesota before 1858 may become members.

It was decided to hold the next annual meeting in Pelican Rapids or somewhere nearby.

The following officials were elected:

[list]

Hon. H. P. Bjørge gave a speech reminiscing on the many adventures of the early settlers:

Bjørge’s father lived with his family in the vicinity of what is now Evansville, and the supply of provisions was completely exhausted. A trap was set to see if some wild animals could be caught. After a short time when the trap was checked, and a silver fox was discovered. It is a rare animal, and they sold it at the trader’s, the one in Brandon, and were so astonished to hear that it was worth $35. Mr Bjørge then informed us that the man who owned the store and bought the fox was the secretary of the association, George F. Cowing. Mr. Cowing informed us that he also remembers this incident and often asks himself if Bjørge was one of the boys that caught the fox.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1899-06-22/ed-1/seq-3/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 22 June 1899, image 3, column 3.

Mikkel’s English-Language Obituary

29 January 1901, Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Death of Mikkel Braaten, obituary, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 28 January 1901, p. 3, unknown column; photocopy, “Hovick Genealogy, vol. I,” binder, author’s private collection, 2016.

Polly Brotten to Return Home for Father’s Funeral

28 January 1901, Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Sad News of Mikkel’s Death

29 January 1901, Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Sad news of Mikkel Braaten’s death, Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Daily Journal, 29 January 1901, p. 2, unknown column; photocopy, “Hovick Genealogy, vol. I,” binder, author’s private collection, 2016.

Mikkel’s Norwegian-Language Obituary

31 January 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— The news of unexpected mourning has come close to the city today. It was barely known that Mikkel Braaten was ill with pneumonia in his home in the northwestern part of the city before Monday morning when it was made known that he had already died at approximately 2:30 in the morning. He was sick last Thursday morning. Apparently, his health had been bad for a long time, yet he was out and worked right up until his death. Our deceased neighbor was sixty-seven years old. He was from Hamar in Norway, had been in the United States for fifty-six years, and in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area for twenty-eight. He had nothing more than a single house when he first came here. He leaves a wife from his second marriage, six children from his first marriage, and from his second marriage, a girl who has just been confirmed. Of siblings, he has a brother who lives near Crookston. He has two married daughters who live near here, Mrs. Nils Gorden, who lives in the third ward, and Mrs. Mathias Halden, who lives north of town. The funeral shall take place departing the house tomorrow at 1:00, and from Our Savior’s Church at 2:00.

Note:

The article is incorrect in stating that he had been in the United States for fifty-six years. He arrived in 1868, so he had lived in the U.S. for thirty-three years. The paper would correct their error in the following issue (see below).

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-01-31/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 31 January 1901, image 4, column 3.

Mikkel’s Funeral

7 February 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

— The funeral of Mikkel Braaten took place last Friday afternoon at the Our Savior’s Church. He was laid at the church cemetery to the south of the city. The service was conducted by Pastor Tjørnhom.

It was a misunderstanding when last week we stated that he had been in America for fifty-six years. It was actually thirty-two years ago this summer since he came. His daughter, Mrs. Louis Thompson of Hillsboro, N.D., is still here following the funeral. We mentioned last week that Mrs. Math. Halden and Mrs. N.L. Gorden are daughters of the deceased. Two of his sons, namely Martin and Henry Braaten, work at the Hospital. Daughter Pauline, the youngest, came home from the Norwegian Deaconess Home in Chicago, and was still home as of a few days ago.

Note:

Mikkel is buried in an unmarked grave, alongside his wife Mathea and their son Johan Arndt, in Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

Mikkel’s Death Among Many

21 March 1901, Fergus Falls Ugeblad

Translation:

Had this been during an epidemic, it would not have been strange, However, it was not. First Peder Ellesseth died of tuberculosis. Soon after, Mikkel Braaten died of pneumonia, followed by young Julius Bye of encephalitis, and most recently, Christ. Gunerius, church singer, killed in an accident. Special encouragement to all to to and prepare his house.

“Fergus Falls Ugeblad (Fergus Falls, Minn.) 1882–1938,” Chronicling America, (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025227/1901-03-21/ed-1/seq-4/ : accessed 20 July 2020), 21 March 1901, image 4, column 4.

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Inger, Inga, and the Family on the Aursland Farm

29 May 201721 March 2021 David Hovick Lohman4 Comments

For more recent research, see The Great-Grandparents Project: Inger and Torbjørn.

Inger

Inga

My great-grandmother, Inger Nielsdatter Øritzland (1838-1924) had a younger sister named Inga (1848-1931). Growing up in the same house, I’m sure there was more than occasional confusion…

MAMA:

Inga!

INGER:

Yes, Mama?

MAMA:

No, I was calling for Inga!

INGER:

(sigh)

I am guessing that they were close, for years later when Inger, widowed with seven children, decided to move the family to America, Inga came with them. However, after coming to America, Inger moved to Minnesota while Inga stayed in Iowa, and no family stories about her have been passed down. So I was excited to make some discoveries. You can read about them here. But for now, back to Inger and Inga.

Their parents were Nils Nilsson and Astrid Torgersdatter, owners of the Øritzland (now Aursland) farm in the parish of Tysvær (formerly within Skjold Parish) in southwestern Norway. At some point, the family name evolved into Oritzland and Øritzland. (And for those in the family who came to America, the name further morphed into Orsland.) The family that remained in Norway later moved from the farm to the nearby town of Haugesund, south of Bergen. (Marilyn Monroe’s father came from the area, and there is a statue of her in the Haugesund harbor.)

Haugesund in the west, Aursland farm in the center, and the Håvik farm just to the north

As farm owners, they were in a class well above that of the lowly tenant farmer. When Inger married my tenant farmer great-grandfather, Torbjørn Andorsen in 1862, she took quite a step down the social ladder. She moved from what would have been a relatively nice home to a small, two-room, dirt-floored cottage called Grasdalen, part of the larger Håvik farm, where Torbjørn lived and worked. She must have married for love!

Grasdalen on the Håvik farm

During our visit in August 2016, my sister Jeanne and I were taken to visit the Aursland farm. The original buildings are gone, but new ones have been built upon the foundations of the old.

The stream beside the house, their source of fresh water

Stone shingles from the original farm house

Bygdebok

Here is the entry, first in Norwegian, then my translation in English, for Nils’ and Astrid’s family, found in the parish’s bygdebok(farm book).

A few editorial notes:

– Inger is listed both here and on her baptismal record as Ingrid.

– The location listed next to the birth year could is sometimes the birthplace, but is often simply where they lived at the time that the history was captured.
– Judging by what is included and not included, I am guessing that this information was collected and written down sometime before Inger’s emigration in 1889.

Tysvær: Gard og ætt, Vol. 5, p. 459

Farm: Aursland

21. Nils Nilsson f. 1797 på Aursland (10g), d. 1865, g. 1. 1826 m. Ingrid Knutsdatter f. 1803 på Nes (16b), d. 1833, g. 2. 1837 m. Astrid Torgersdatter f. 1811 på Romsaland (32g).

Born av 1. ekteskap:

a. Marta f. 1828, d. 1828 (8 dagar).

b. Nils f. 1830, USA, gm. Gurina Nilsdatter Eilerås.

c. dødfødd gutebarn f. 1833, d. 1833.

Born av 2. ekteskap:

d. Ingrid f. 1838, Grasdalen u. Håvik (54).

e. Torger f. 1840, Haugesund, g.1.m. Sina Helene Nilsdtr, 2.m. Gustava Garvik.

f. Erik f. 1842, Haugesund, gm. Lene Johanna Torsteinsdatter Mykje.

g. Sigve f. 1845, Haugesund, gm. Alis Torbjørnsdatter Eikeskog.

h. Inga f. 1848, Haugesund.

i. Bård f. 1851, flytta i 1867 til Haugesund.

j. Åsa f. 1854, Haugesund.

Skøyte 1825, skifte 1834.

Astrid Torgersdatter flytta som enkje i 1865 til Haugesund. Der budde ho framleis ti år seinare, som folgekone og med «underhold af Søn». Ti år deretter igjen, i 1885, budde ho hjå sonen Sigve i Møllerveien i Haugesund.

TRANSLATION:

21. Nils Nilsson was born in 1797 at the Aursland farm (10g), and died in 1865. He was first married in 1826 to Ingrid Knutsdatter, who was born in 1803 at the Nes farm (16b), and died in 1833. Nils married a second time in 1837 to Astrid Torgersdatter, born in 1811 at the Romsaland farm (32g).

Children from the first marriage:

a. Marta, born and died in 1828, after having lived only eight days

b. Nils, born in 1830, moved to USA, married Gurina Nilsdatter Eilerås

c. Stillborn boy, born and died in 1833

Children from the second marriage:

d. Ingrid,born in 1838, later lived at Grasdalen, part of the Håvik farm (54)

e. Torger, born in 1840, Haugesund, married first to Sina Helene Nisdatter, married a second time to Gustava Garvik

f. Erik, born in 1842, Haugesund, married Lene Johanna Torsteinsdatter Mykje

g. Sigve, born in 1845, Haugesund, married Alis Torbjørnsdatter Eikeskog

h. Inga, born in 1848, Haugesund

i. Bård, born in 1851, moved in 1867 to Haugesund

j. Åsa, born in 1854, Haugesund

A property deed was filed in 1825, and probate occurred after Nils’ death in 1834.

Astrid Torgersdatter moved as a widow in 1865 to Haugesund. She was still living there ten years later as a pensioner and was “taken care of by her son.” Another ten years later, in 1885, she was with her son Sigve in Møllerveien in Haugesund.

Here’s more about the family. It is assumed that each child was born at the Aursland farm. They were all baptized at the nearby Skjold Kirke. The church building from their time is gone now, replaced by one newer. However, they have thankfully kept the foundation of the original. It was very moving to walk up those stairs, knowing that generations of my family had regularly walked them, marking major life events – baptisms, marriages, and deaths.

Nils Nilsson (1797-1837)

Born to Nils Olson (1758-1834) and Inga Eriksdatter (1764-1806) on the Grinde farm in Tysvær parish, Rogaland County, Norway.

[Reference: Tysvær: Gard og ætt, Volume 5, p. 456]

Astrid Torgersdatter Romsaland (1811-1894)

One of nine children born to Torger Kistoffersen Romsaland (1768-1845) and Åsa Sigvesdatter (1774-1853) on the Romsaland farm in Tysvær parish, Rogaland County, Norway.

[Reference: Tysvær: Gard og ætt, page 83]

The Romsalands seem to have been a prominent farm-owning family. We visited the Romsaland farm in August 2016.

d. Inger Nilsdatter Oritzland (1838-1924)

Born on 19 August 1838 and baptized at the Skjold Kirke on 2 September 1838 (line 22 on the parish record, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10954/18]

She was confirmed on 31 October 1852 (line 27, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10957/68]

e. Torger Nilssen Øritzland

Born on 26 August 1840 and baptized on 30 August 1840 (line 24, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10955/28]

He married Sina Helene Nilsdatter on 13 October 1883, and together they had six children. Sina died in 1895, and Torger later married Gustava Olsen, with whom he had four more children.

He died on 23 January 1926, and is buried in Haugesund.

f. Erik Nilssen Oritzland (b. 1842)

Born on 24 August 1842 and baptized on 16 October (line 20, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10955/39]

Erik married Lena Johanna Torsteinsdatter (1846-1922) on 26 November 1875 in Haugesund. They had three children.

g. Sigve Nilssen Oritzland (1845-1898)

Was born on 5 July 1845 and baptized on 27 July (line 22, below).

[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10955/57]

He married Alice Torbjørnsdatter Eikeskog (1851-1907), and they had eight children. One of them, Ditlef Moller Oritzland (1893-1952) came to America and for a time, lived with my grandparents, Charles and Pauline Hovick, at their farm in Madison, Minnesota. Moller, as he was called, ended up marrying a granddaughter of Inger’s, making them not only man and wife, but first cousins once removed.

Sigve died in 1898 in Haugesund.

h. Inga Nilsdatter Oritzland (1848-1931)

Born on 8 March 1848 and baptized on 25 April (line 15, below).

For much more on her life, read Great-Aunt Inga – Love in Her 40’s.

i. Bård Nilssen Oritzland (1851-1927)

Born on 12 February 1851 and baptized on 23 February (line 2, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10955/85]

Bård was the first of the entire family to immigrate to the United States, which he did in 1872 at the age of 21. On 12 March 1885, he married Martha Emily Buland (1859-1919). They settled in Buena Vista County in NW Iowa. When Inger’s family, along with Inga, came over between 1886-1889, they first came to live with Bård, who by that time changed his name to Barney Orsland. I need to do some focused research on his life and see what else I can turn up. He died on 27 March 1927.

j. Åsa Nilsdatter Oritzland (1854-1935)

Born on 11 November 1854 and baptized on 16 November (line 12, below).
[Reference: media.digitalarkivet.no/view/1649/10954/89]

The only photo that we have of any of Inger and Inga’s siblings is this one of Åsa, taken in Haugesund.

She married Sivert Brogenvik at some point, and passed away in 1935.

Bygdebok: The Family of the Grasdalen Farm

8 May 201629 August 2020 David Hovick Lohman2 Comments

Before I share what is written about the family living at the Grasdalen (“grass valley”) farm, let me put this into some geographical context. As I wrote about in my last post, Norway is broken into nineteen counties and over a thousand parishes. Each parish is then broken into farms. And sometimes farms are split into sub-farms. That is the case with where my grandfather was born.

My grandfather, Charles Hovick (born Tjerand Torbjørnson in 1873) lived with his family (parents, six siblings, two aunts and two uncles) in this two-room house on the Grasdalen farm, which is a sub-farm, part of the larger Håvik farm.

The Håvik farm is in the northwestern corner of the parish of Skjold.

And Skjold parish lies in the county of Rogaland in southwestern Norway.

So when it came time to find out what light could be shed on my family history by the bygdebøker (the historical farm books), I looked to the two-volume set on the Skjold parish.

Skjold

Gard og ætt

Skjold

Farm and Family

The chapter on the Håvik farm begins on page 17 of volume I. And here, on pages 31 and 32, in Norwegian, is the information on my family living on the Grasdalen sub-farm.

GRASDALEN (og kalla Dalen)

Skyldsett i 1955 som bruk 8.

53. Andor (Anders) Tjerandson (Kjreranson)fra u. Førde i Sveio (147a), f. 1802 u. Berge i Sveio, d. 1846, g. 1827 m. Brønla Torbjørnsdtr f. 1800 pa Årek (10n), d. 1861.

Born:

a. Tjerand f. 1827, d. 1827 (½ time).

b. Tjerand f. 1829, d. 1854, ug.

c. Torbjørn f. 1833, Grasdalen u. Håvik (54).

d. Siri f. 1836, d. 1922, ug. (skredderske/fattiglem).

e. Rasmus f. 1843, Grønnemyr u. Bjerga (29) og Hatlastad (38).

Andor kom flyttande hit som «TienesteKarl» eit par månader før han og Brønla gifta seg i 1827. Brønla var søster til Ariel Torbjørnson, ein av gardbrukarane her.

Det blei halde skifte etter eldste sonen Tjerand i 1855. Auksjonen over det han åtte, hadde innbrakt-nesten 55½ spesiedalar. Denne summen blei ikkje redusert med meir eon vel 8 dalar under skifteforretningen. Ungkaren Tjerand Grasdalen åtte seks verer, ein sau og eit svart saulam då ban dødde. Han var elles godt utstyrt som fiskar med m.a. eit par gamle sjøstøvlar, skinntrøye og skinnbukse og sju vårsildegam. Han åtte vidare halvparten i ein fiskebåt med segl og «øvrigt Tilbehør». Båten hadde ein verdi på 14 dalar, sildegama kom opp i 12½ dalar.

54. Torbjørn Andorson f. 1833 i Grasdalen u. Håvik (53c), d. 1881, g. 1862 m.

Inger (Ingrid) Nilsdtr f. 1838 på Aursland (21d).

Born:

a. Brønla f. 1863, flytta i 1887 til Iowa, USA.

b. Astrid f. 1865, flytta i 1887 til Haugesund.

c. Nils Andreas f. 1868, flytta i 1888 til USA.

d. Andreas f. 1871, flytta i 1888 til USA.

e. Tjerand f. 1873, flytta i 1888 til USA.

f. Torger f. 1875, flytta i 1887 til Haugesund.

g. Inga Serina f. 1878, flytta i 1887 til Hau-gesund.

Torbjørn er allereie i 1855 nemnd som husmann i Grasdalen. Først sju år seinare, etter at mora var død, gifta han seg. I 1865 heldt han og kona Inger tre krøte_r og 19 sauer på Grasdalen-plasset. Dei hadde satt 1¾ tønne havre og 2½ tønner poteter. Ti år seinare var buskapen auka til tre-fire kyr eller ungfe, 16-20 sauer og fire geiter. To av kyrne; 12 av sauene og alle geitene heldt Torbjørn i foster for andre. På åkerteigane sine hadde plassfolket i 1875 sått halvanna tønne havre og same potetmengda som ti år før. Av dette rekna dei med å hausta åtte korntønner og ti potettønner.

Torbjørn og Inger heldt to tenarar i 1865. Tenesteguten var 15 år og heitte Bård Nilsson. Åsa Nilsdtr var «Barnepige». Begge to var sysken av Inger. Dei to andre som budde på plasset, Rasmus og Siri, var sysken av Torbjørn. Rasmus var skulelrerar og Siri skreddar.

Torbjørn var delvis «Fattigunderstøttet» i l 875, sjølv om han berre var vel 40 år. Kan henda var det sjukdom som v􀀡 skuld i at han måtte ha hjelp utanfrå. Berre seks år seinare døydde han før 50 årsleitet var nått. Enkja Inger flytta i 1887, saman med nokre av boma, til Haugesund. Andre av dei drog til Amerika. Dottera Brønla budde elles alt i 188 5 i Haugesund. Ho arbeidde «for løn hos Skipsreder Halvor H. Wiig».

Thanks to Solveig at the Norwegian American Genealogical Association & Naeseth Library who translated this for me. A few words on how to interpret this information:

Each number indicates a nuclear family. So number 53 below is the record of Andor and Brønla (my great-great grandparents) and their five children; number 54 is of Torbjørn and Inger (my great grandparents) and their seven children.
There is no indication that number 52, Anders and Alis are in any way related to my family. I believe that they were simply the prior occupants of the house.
Children are assigned letters in order of birth (oldest = a, second-oldest = b, etc.).
There are parenthetical references throughout to numbers and letters. Because one person can be both a child in one nuclear family and a parent in another, this is the system for making those connections. For instance, in family number 53, Andor is the father. As indicated, he will also be found in the Sveio parish on the Førde farm as the oldest child of family number 147 “(147a).” His wife Brønla will be found in the same parish on the Årek farm, the 14th child (!) of family number 10 “(10n).”
A hussman translates to a cotter, a tenant farmer with a lease to the land.

So many stories of joy and sadness are only hinted at in the few short paragraphs of this historical record. And yet I have such profound gratitude that even these hints have survived!

Skjold: Gard og Ætt, I

Skjold: Farm and Family, Volume I
Chapter: Håvik

GRASDALEN (also called Dalen) under Håvik

53. Andor (Anders) Tjerandson (Kjæranson) from the Førde farm in Sveio (147a), was born in 1802 at the Berge farm in Sveio, and died in 1846. In 1827 he married Brønla Torbjørnsdatter, who was born in 1800 at the Årek farm (10n) and died in 1861.

Children

a. Tjerand born and died 1827 (lived for ½ hour).

b. Tjerand born 1829, died 1854 unmarried.

c. Torbjørn born 1833, Grasdalen under Håvik (54).

d. Siri born 1836, died 1922, unmarried (tailor/pauper).

e. Rasmus born 1843, Gønnemyr under Bjerga (29), and Hatlastad (38).

Andor moved here as a hired-hand a couple of months before he and Brønla married in 1827. Brønla was the sister of Ariel Torbjørnson, a farm operator from here.

In 1855, probate was held for their son Tjerand. The auction of his belonging brought in almost 55½ spesiedaler*. This sum was only reduced by 8 dalar** according to the probate records. Tjerand Grasdalen owned six rams, a sheep and a black lamb when he died. He also had good fishing equipment, which included a pair of old rain-boots, leather jacket and pants, and seven spring-herring nets. He also owned half of a fishing boat with sail and accessories. The boat was valued at 14 dalar, and the herring nets at 12½ dalar.

54. Torbjørn Andorson was born 1833 in Grasdalen under Håvik (53c) and died in 1881. In 1862 he married Inger (Ingrid) Nilsdatter, born 1838 at the Aursland farm (21d).

Children:

a. Brønla born 1863, moved in 1887 to Iowa, USA.

b. Astrid born 1865, moved in 1887 to Haugesund.

c. Nils Andreas born 1868, moved in 1888 to USA.

d. Andreas born 1871, moved in 1888 to USA.

e. Tjerand born 1873, moved in 1888 to USA.

f. Torger born 1875, moved in 1887 to Haugesund.

g. Inga Serina born 1878, moved in 1887 to Haugesund.***

In 1855, Torbjørn was already referred to as a cotter at Grasdalen. Seven years after the death of his mother, he married. In 1865, he and his wife Inger had three cows and 19 sheep at the Grasdalen place. They planted ¾ barrel**** oats and 2½ barrels potatoes. Ten years later the stock had increased to 3-4 cows, 16-20 sheep and 4 goats. Two of the cows and twelve of the sheep and all of the goats Torbjørn took care of for others. In 1875, they had planted 1½ barrels of oats and the same amount of potatoes as ten years earlier. Of this, they calculated they would harvest eight barrels of grain and ten barrels of potatoes.

Tobjørn and Inger had two hired-hands in 1865. A fifteen-year-old boy named Bård Nilsson and Åse Nilsdatter the “baby-sitter.” Both were Inger’s siblings. The two others who lived on the place, Rasmus and Siri, were Torbjørn’s siblings. Rasmus was a school teacher and Siri a tailor.

In 1875 Torbjørn was supported by welfare even though he was only 40 years old. It could be that illness was the reason he needed outside help. Six years later he died, right before his 50^th year. In 1887 his widow Inger moved to live with some of her children in Haugesund. Some of the others went to America.***** Their daughter Brønla was living in Haugesund in 1885. She was employed by the ship builder Halvor H. Wiig.

* an archaic monetary value
** another monetary value

*** details on how their names were altered and Americanized are here
**** 1 barrel = about 4 bushels

***** the widowed Inger and all her children immigrated between 1886-1889.