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Archiver > IAALLAMA > 2000-04 > 0955327486


From: "Brenda Linkeman" <>
Subject: Re: [IAALLAMA-L] Why they came. . .
Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2000 19:44:46 -0500
References: <v03007801b515a16105db@[144.92.181.123]>


I agree with Susan, Norm's story was wonderful. Four of my great-great
grandparents came from Norway.

One set of g-g gparent's came over because their family was growing, and the
farm they lived on in Buskerud County, Norway was small. My great great
grandpa and his family crossed the country from Canton, further into Dakota
Territory and Homesteaded. He built his house out of sod, because when they
arrived there were no trees! Just prairie grass waving in the wind. He
also filed on a Tree Claim, or a Timber Culture. This meant he agreed to
plant a certain number of acres with trees, and in exchange he could have
the whole quarter section of land. They had to go down to the river and dig
up seedlings of trees to plant, because of course they did have the
nurseries we have today. He was very resourceful. He made skiis, sleds,
wagon wheels, furniture, coffins, and had a blacksmith shop he let the
neighbors use. He made harnesses, sharpened plow lays, and made countless
other articles. He made his own grinding mill. The tower and its wheel were
made of wood. The neighbors came with corn and wheat to make cereal and
flour. He also had the first threshing machine in his community. There
were nine children and one son became very knowledgeable in selective corn
breeding. In particular he developed a strain and type of corn adapted to
the late springs, minimum rainfall, and early frosts which confronted the
farmer in that area.

I am still trying to find out where my other gg grandpa came from in Norway.
His wife came over from Oppland County with a four year old son after the
civil war was over. Her first husband had been killed in a logging
accident. She came over with a group of people on the ship Nymphen in 1866.
I feel she was very brave to have made the trip. I do not know where or
when she married her second husband, my gg gpa. They had a farm in
Allamakee county. All of this I have only learned since October, 1999.

No stories were passed down in the family about our ancestors journeys. I
do know that one gg gma came over on the Nymphen. There were 381 passengers
on the ship. It was a 699 gross ton wooden hulled ship built in Freeport,
Maine in 1855. She sailed from Drammen to Quebec. Four passengers died on
the voyage (three children and on woman). Four children were born.

I have a growing respect and love for my ancestors knowing the hardships and
joys they went through with such incredible determination.

Brenda






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