Early Years

THE HARALDSONS IN AMERICA

Compiled by
Mabel Laffin and Amy Oosterhuis 1980

The Early Years

Little is known about the lives of Harald Haraldson and his wife, Thorbjor (sometimes spelled Torborg, Torbjorg, or Torbjor) Siggurdsdatter. They were born in Hjartdal (pronounced Yartdahl), Telemark Province, Norway. Thorbjor’s father was Sigurd Thorson; mother, Martha Hermandsdatter. Harald spent some of his young manhood as an apprentice – sailor on the sea. From their eight children’s baptismal and confirmation records*, it is known that they lived on several farms, all in this area, each having a name. The name of the farm was often added to the surname. Anne, (pronounced Ah-neh’), the first child, and probably Thor and Olle were born at Kasestuel under Hotvedt. (Sometimes spelled Haatvedt). Kasestuel is a cottars allotment. Later the family lived at Guttenhuus, Skolehuise and Praestegaarden. The three younger children were born on the farm Hvaale, Hvaalsbak.

Thorbjor and Harald Haraldson.

The education of the children was accomplished through the church. Confirmation study was included as well as reading and writing. Arithmetic was considered unimportant for the girls so only the boys had this subject in school, Nevertheless, in this family, the girls were taught some arithmetic at home. At times, there were as
many as 100 students in their school. They attended school primarily in the winter for as soon as they were physically able, they assisted with the farm work. After they immigrated to the U.S., only the youngest, Ingeri (Ida) received some formal education. Thor taught himself to read the Icelandic language because he loved to read the old sagas dealing with legends or historical exploits.

The older children early learned to help with the farm work. Summers were often lonely. Then, they left their family, moving to the “‘seter’, the mountain meadows while making cheese and herding the grazing goats and a few cows. Several neighbors
cooperated in using the same seter. (In some areas of Norway, this summer pasture area was called a stol). The building the children slept in was a primitive summer cottage called a “sel.” Hay was cut on the small patches of farm land and stored on the farm for winter use. Also small grain and potatoes were grown amongst the numerous rocks. According to the Hjartdal census of 1865, the family, then living on the Hvaale farm possessed two “big animals,” four sheep, four goats, and growing barley, oats and potatoes. At that time, this was considered a prosperous household.

The small village of Hjartdahl, birthplace of Haraid and Torbjor Haralson, is highlighted on this map of Norway. All eight of the Haraldson children were also born here, later emigrating to America.

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The storehouse — or Stabbur — is the only building left of the Haraldson farm at Hjartdahl, Norway.
With the help of his uncle, Thor Sigurdson in America, Thor left Norway four years earlier than his family, coming to Davis, Illinois in the spring of 1871. He was then 17 years old and could speak no English. After working on farms for four years he had saved sufficient money to repay his passage and help the rest of his family come to the U.S. Meantime, the other older children were also earning money. Ragnild, who was then only 15, had saved $40 for her passage.
On April 30, 1875, Harald, Thorbjor and the other seven children left from the port of Christiania®, sailing on the ship “Hero” with destination: Beloit, Wisconsin. Enroute, the ship docked in Liverpool where they stayed one week. Later, the children reminisced about the fun they had playong ont he docks and the kindness shown by the sailors in the area. There they tasted their first tomatoes and oranges. Ragnild bit into a tomato thinking it would taste like an apple, but it “tasted awful.” Descendants also recall hearing tales of Harald’s great generosity. Food on the ship was limited. There were times when Thorbjor was worried that their children would be denied necessities because her husband was so willing and ready to share food and possessions.
The steamship took them to Quebec and down the St. Laurence River, where they took an emigrant train to Chicago and Davis, Ill. Passenger seating was on long ben- ches along the wall of the box car. Often these same cars were used for transporting cattle. When they finally arrived in Davis, Ill., across the state border from Beloit, Wis. father Harald had spent almost all of his money. A lady in Davis fed the children bread and milk which “tasted so good” since they had been without fresh food during the trip.
As with many of these sturdy pioneers, their dauntless spirit and good humor sus- tained them through these difficult times. They were fun-loving, enjoyed a joke and loved to dance. Harold II was especially good with the “hollingkast.” This was a solo dance whereby, with kicking, a young man tried to remove a hat on top of a pole held by a second man. Descendants recall hearing that “Harold II could kick almost as high as the ceiling.”
After about three years’ residence in Illinois, the family moved to Buena Vista County, lowa.
Thor Sigurdson, a brother of Thorbjor Siggurdsdatter, had come to the U.S. in 1861 and lived in Illinois and Wisconsin until 1877 when he purchased land in Sec- tions 28 and 21, Barnes Township of Buena Vista County. From court records, it is known that Thor Haraldson purchased 40 of these acres from Thor Sigurdson in July, 1877 for $300.
Harald’s first land purchase was in March 1886 when he purchased 40 acres for $220 from the lowa Falls and Sioux City R.R. Co. This was located in Section 21 of Barnes Township, SW of SW.

* Now Oslo. It was renamed after Danish rule ceased.

Hjartdahl Lutheran Church, where the Haraldson family attended. It is now restored and floodlighted at night.
The following year in April 1887, Harald purchased 80 acres from Thor Sigurd- son, E’ of SE% in Section 2] for $176. A year later, in December 1888, Harald pur- chased 40 acres from his son, Thor, who was then married and living in Illinois, This parcel, NW of NW of Section 28 was the same 40 acres that son Thor had earlier purchased from his uncle. Harald paid $300, or $7.50 an acre. Thus he owned a total of 160 acres, Section 21 is across the road from Section 28 and is located three and a-half miles southeast of Linn Grove, Iowa.
At first Harald and family lived in a log house, Later a frame house was built for them by Hans Beck for about $200. The house was located on the northwest corner of the land in Section 28, adjoining the Sigurdson farm.
It was at this time that Hans Beck became acquainted with the Haraldson’s daughter, Anne, whom he later married. Axel Engebretsen rented land from and lived with Thor Sigurdson, and through this connection, he met Thebe (Thorbjorg) Haraldson, whom he later married.
The Haraldson sons worked on farms and helped build the railroad in the area. Sons Harold II, Sam (Soren) and Ole eventually owned farms near Rembrandt in Buena Vista County. Driving past these farms, one is still impressed with the prevalence of evergreen trees, a poignant reminder of the land from which these pioneers had come. Ole, who came to own a half-section, bordered his land on three sides with evergreen trees.
Thor Haraldson purchased a farm in Stephenson County near Davis, iinois in 1902. He had been employed as a farm laborer for Hellick Knudson, later marrying his daughter, Alice Knudson. With his brother-in-law, Halvor Loe (Ragnild’s husband), he purchased a % section of land nine miles southwest of Hanley, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1906, but later sold his interest. Halor Loe bought the south % section 4.
Harald and Thorbjor’s family worshiped God in the Little Sioux Valley Lutheran Church built in 1887 in the southwest corner of Section 27 of Barnes Township. Hans Beck also helped build this church. Thor Sigurdson was one of the signers of the Ar- ticles of Incorporation. The Haraldson daughters, Ingeri (Ida) and Thorbjorg (Thebe) were confirmed in this church in 1882 and 1886 respectively.
After Harald’s wife died, he was cared for by daughter Thebe who lived with him until her marriage in 1901. Harald then lived with his daughter, Ragnild (Nellie) Loe in Linn Grove until his death in 1902. Harald and Thorbjor were buried in the Little Sioux Valley Cemetery which was adjacent to the church. There was no will. Ragnild’s husband was appointed administrator of the estate. The farmland was soon sold with the subsequent warranty deeds drawn up by H.E. Loe, attorney in fact.
In February, 1902, 40 acres were sold to Thor Sigurdson for $7.50 an acre. In April of the same year, the heirs sold another 40 acres to N.P. Nelson for $45 an acre. Then the following year in March 1903, the remaining 80 acres were sold to Oluf Sewalson for $65 an acre. Oluf was married to Ingri Sigurdson, the daughter of Thor Sigurdson, and a niece of Thorbjor Haraldson. The Sewalsons lived in the house for several years. Then the house was sold and moved to Rembrandt where it still stands in the northwest part of town. It has since been remodeled and a room has been added to the original structure. Oswald Sewalson, Oluf’s son, now owns the farm and it was declared a “Century Farm” in 1977.

From the Church Record... .

CHILDREN OF HAROLD AND TORBJOR HARALDSON

Hjartdal Kirkebok, Oslo, Norway 1844-1859 – Children of Harald and Torborg (Sigursdatter) Haraldson
Folio 39°80
Anne – Born July 16, 186] on farm Haatvedt. Baptized July 22, 1851. Vacc., 1853. Conf., October 7, 1866. F. 214-20.
Folio 6549
Thor – Born December 30, 1853 on farm Haatvedt. Baptized January 22, 1854. Vacc., 1854. Conf., October 18, 1868. F.225-57.
Folio 96*118
Ole – Born December 17, 1855 on farm Guttehuus. Baptized December 25, 1855. Conf., October 9, 1870. F.232-12.
Folio 135*116
Harald – Born September 16, 1858 on farm Skolehuise. Baptized October 10, 1858, Conf, October 12, 1873. F.410-32.
Folio 25*5
Ragnild – Born January 17, 1862. Baptiz- ed February 2, 1862.
Folio 59*44
Soren – Born May 7, 1865. Baptized May 28, 1865.
Folio 91°38
Ingeri, Ingrid, Ida – Born May 20, 1868. Baptized May 31, 1868.
Folio 132*12
Torbjorg, Thebe – Born February 27, 1873. Baptized March 2, 1873.

Baptismal Sponsors

Anne Haraldsd. Kasestuel under Hotvedt, Hjartdal. Baptized July 22, 1851. Spon- sors: Ole Nirisen Hotvedt, Halvor Olsen and Helge Elligsd. ibid. Kjersti Thorsd. Dyss- jaas and Thor Sigurdsen Kasestuel. (Par. rec. 1 8/99 Hjartdal.)
Thor Haraldsen.* Hotvedt, Hjartdal. Baptized January 22, 1854. Sponsors: Halvor Tordsen and Kjersti Johansd. Dyssjaas, Thorbjérn Thorbjérnsen and Mari Olsd. Hvaale, Ingeri Thorbjérnsd. ibid., (par. rec. 1 8/65 Hjartdal).
Ole Haraldsen. Hotvedt, Hjartdal. Baptized December 25, 1855. Sponsors: Thorbjérn Thorbjérnsen and Mari Olsd. Hvaale, Aslaug Sérensd. Hotvedt. Ingeborg Torbjérnsd. Hvaale, Halvor Tordsen Dyssjaas. (Par. rec. | 8/96 Hjartdal).
Harald Haraldsen. Guttehuus. Baptized October 10, 1858. Sponsors: Mari, Ragnild Sdrensd. Hovland, Ragnild Thorsd. ib. Séren Saersland and Torbjérn Hvaale. (Par. rec. | 8/135 Hjartdal).
Ragnild Haraldsd. Prae stegaarden. Baptized February 2, 1862. Sponsors: Anne Olsd. Aslougberg, Mari Olsd. Finsaeker, Torbjérn Olsen Lofthuus, John Sérensen Dys- jaa and Ole Haraldsen Saersland. (Par. rec. 6/25 Hjartdal).
Sdren Haraldsen Hvaale. Baptized May 28, 1865. Sponsors: Mari Olsd. Hvaale, Torbjérn Torbjérnsen Hvaale, Hélje Kittilsen Midbden, Mari Olsd. Hvaale (séndre) and Ingeri Torbjérnsd. Hvaale. (Par. rec. 6/59 Hijartdal).
Ingeri Haraldsd. Hvaale, Hvaalsbak, Baptized May 31, 1868. Sponsors: Ragnild Haraldsd. Midbéen, Christian Johnsen Valopsen, Ole Olsen @verbé, John Johnsen Baekkehuus and Ragnild Mathisd. Maeland. (Par. rec. 6/91 Hjartdal),
Torbjérg Haraldsd. Hvaalsbak. Baptized March 2, 1873. Sponsors: Ole Olsen Over- bg, Anne Kittilsd. ib. Asloug Sérensd. Haekkenhuushougen, Ole Haraldsen Norbé and Kittil Holjesen Midbéen. (Par. rec. 6/132 Hjartdal).
* Sen is Danish, was changed to English son after Danish rule.
The house of Harald and Thorbjor, now remodeled and moved to the northwest section of Rembrandt, lowa.
Harold Haroldson died very suddenly Tues- day, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.M. Loe. The elderly gentleman had been quite poorly for several months but this condition was not considered serious until a few minutes before his death.
Miss Ida Haroldson arrived Wednesday fram Spirit Lake where she is teaching school.
From The Storm Lake Pilot Tribune – Friday, February 28, 1902.
Copy of an inventory page for Haraldson family possessions at the close of 1965. It shows that although the family posessed no horses, it did own 2 ‘big animals”, a circumstance deemed fairly prosperous for the times.
A Norwegian census page of 1865 counting the Haraldson family. Penciled notations translate some of the headings.

HARALDSON FAMILY

OF HJARTDAL, TELEMARK, NORWAY

Harald Haraldson
RESEARCHERS’ NOTE:
“When Anne was born they lived at Kasestuel under Hotvedt. Kasestuel is a cot- tars allotment. Probably they lived at Kasestuel when Thor and Ole were born. Then they lived at Guttehuus when Harald was born. | am not sure what Guttehuus is, a farm or a cottars* allotment, but I may find out. When Ragnild Haraldsd. was born, Harald Haraldsen was farmer at Praestegaarden, probably a tennant. Then he moved to Hvaale, Hvaalsbak.””

* Cottars must mean tenant.

* An explanation for the difference in birthdates is perhaps that early church records listed the baptismal date as birthdate rather than the actual day.

Generation

  • I. Harald Ambrosiusen - (farm Haatvedt). M. Anne Vaale (farm Vaale)
  • II, Harald Haraldsen - B. (Tombstone) August 2, 1824. (Archives)* February 2, 1824; D. February 25, 1902.
    M. Torborg Sigurds dtr. - B. (Tombstone) January 2, 1826 — (Archives)* January 4, 1826; D. August 13, 1893. 8 children
  • III. Anne - B. July 16, 1851 (farm Haatvedt); D. February 5, 1928.
    M. Hans Beck 5 children
    • IV. Thora Christine - B. December 13, 1883; D. April 28,1932.
      M. Hans W. Christenson 5 children
    • IV. Robert Harold - B. September 10, 1886; D. August 28, 1954.
      M. Elenora Stephenson 4 children
    • IV. Clara Serena - B. May 2, 1888; D. March 5, 1971. M. Peter Lewis Hjelm 5 children
    • IV. George Edward - B. December 27, 1889; D. December 26, 1939.
      M. Lorene Presten 3 children
    • IV. Anna Henriette - B. December 7, 1891; D. May 25, 1968
      M. Alfred Underwood. 4 children
  • III. Thor - B. December 30, 1853 (farm Haatvedt); D. December 8, 1932.
    M. Alice Knudson - B. January 14, 1862; D. September 11, 1933. 10 children
    • IV. Harald William - B. November 18, 1883; D. September 25, 1961.
      M. Mae Anderson 5 children
    • IV. Clarence Henry - B. March 2, 1886; D. March 23, 1886.
    • IV. Osmund Herbert - B. May 23, 1887; D. May 20, 1976.
      M. Anna Reaney 2 children
    • IV. Clarence Elmer - B. February 17, 1889; D. August 11, 1929.
      M. Myrtle Cross 4 children
    • IV. Thora Adelle - B. April 14, 1891.
      M. George Fisher 8 children
    • IV. Carl Abner - B. February 10, 1893; D. May 21, 1914.
    • IV. John Raymond - B. June 26, 1895
      M. Frances Boomer 4 children
    • IV. Martin Theodore - B. May 26, 1899; D. March 8, 1940.
      M. Louise Kneubuehl 2 children
    • IV. Mable Luella - B, May 6, 1902,
      M. James B. Laffin 2 children
    • IV. Alice Ruth - B, October 27, 1905.
      M. J. Webb Herron 3 children
  • III. Ole - B. farm Guttehuus, Hjartdal. December 17, 1855; D. May 24, 1926.
    M. Margit Haraldson (no relation) 5 children
    • IV. Amanda - B. May 18, 1886; D. August 4, 1893.
    • IV. Taletta - B. January 10, 1888; D. September 20, 1958.
      M. Hans Christenson
    • IV. Hinda - B. September 22, 1889; D. June 7, 1977.
    • IV. Amandell - B. January 31, 1895
      M. Sadie Jepson - B, November 24, 1903.
    • IV. Comyn - B. September 2, 1896; D. November 10, 1958.
      1st M. Sarah Kirkland - Divorced
      2nd M. Venice Courhas
  • III. Harald - B. September 16, 1858 (farm Skolehuise, Hjartdal); D. February 10, 1931.
    M. Karine Leed 6 children
    • IV. Harbert T. - B. September 23, 1888; D. September 15, 1958.
    • IV. Hilda J. - B. February 4, 1890; D. November 27, 1969.
      M. Oliver Berger
    • IV. Carl A. - B. July 12, 1892; D. November 20, 1918.
    • IV. Edward - B. June 4, 1894; D. December 7, 1952.
      M. Rosa Poenisch. 3 children
    • IV. Otto B. - B. May 12, 1896; D. May 14, 1975.
      M. Irene Everman. 4 children
    • IV. T. Ruben - B. April 26, 1898.
      M. Mayme Frandle. 1 child
  • III. Rachel (Ragnild) - B. January 17, 1862; D, November 11, 1946. M. Halvor Loe. 11 children
    • IV. Ellis Orville - B. February 27, 1882; D. March 29, 1925.
      M. Elizabeth Jones. 2 children
    • IV. Helmer Bernard - B. October 13, 1883; D. April 4, 1968.
      M. Freda Hollinger. 3 children
    • IV. Beatta Julia - B. November 6, 1885; D. January, 1915.
      M. Emmud Eglson.
    • IV. Theresa Martha - B. September 14, 1888.
      M. Mervn Bru 9 children
    • IV. Anna Mabel - B. August 14, 1890.
      M. Selmer Lee. 2 children by previous M.
    • IV. Esther Helene - B. October 22, 1892; D. November 1, 1978,
      M. Edward Bohrson. 5 children
    • IV. Raymond Herbert - B. August 24, 1894; D. October 16, 1918 (of flu in army camp).
    • IV. Curtis Selmer - B. June 30, 1896; D. December 7, 1978.
      M. Emma Johnson. 3 children
    • IV. Blanche Elois - B. August 8, 1901; D. August, 1903.
    • IV. Leslie Thideman - B. August 19, 1902; D. August 1, 1903.
    • IV. Blanche Louise - B. June 14, 1905.
  • III. Sam (Séren) - B. May 7, 1865; D. April 14, 1931.
    M. Alice (Aslaug) Sigurdson. 4 children
    • IV. Helmer Theodore - B. July 21, 1891; D. December 1, 1966.
      M. Mary Grodall, 7 children
    • IV. Martha Tomine - B. September 9, 1893; D. January 13, 1958.
      M. Adolph Ness. 2 children
    • IV. Ingetta Theresa - B. March 26, 1901; D. April 19,1965.
      M. Albert Rothrock
    • IV. Anna Helene - B. March 30, 1905.
      M. Henry Genson 2 children
  • III. Ida (Ingeri) - B. May 20, 1868; D. August 4, 1942.
  • III. Thebe (Torbjérg) - B. February 17, 1873; D. September 20, 1957.
    M. Axel Engebretson. 6 children
    • IV. Arthur Thomas - B. December 6, 1902.
    • IV. Martha Helen - B. August 11, 1904.
    • IV. Everett - B. June 19, 1908.
      M. Wilma Snyder I child
    • IV. Herman Gehard - B. September 25, 1910.
      M. Martha E. Glenny / daughter
    • IV. George Raymond - B. July 10, 1912.
      M. Duane Doyle 4 children

ANCESTRY CHART — Harald

ANCESTRY CHART — Torbjor

ANCESTRY CHART — Half
Brothers and Sisters (After the death of Harald Ambrosiusen,
Anne later married Torbjorn (Taarbidrn) Ambrosiusen, brother of Harald.)

NOTES TO CHARTS and
RESEARCHERS’ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ambrosius and Ingeri Olsen’s sons:
  • M. Ole Ambrosiusen — Baptized May 26, 1776
  • M. Torbjorn Ambrosiusen — Baptized May 15, 1778
  • M. Harald Ambrosiusen – Baptized November 14, 1779
  • M. Ambrosius Ambrosiusen — Baptized December 25, 1782
  • M. Ole Ambrosiusen — Baptized May 22, 1785
  • M. Torbjorn Ambrosiusen — Baptized July 13, 1788
  • M. Harald Ambrosiusen — Baptized September 18, 1791

Children of Soren Hdljesen and Ragnild Olsd.
  • M. Ole Sérensen
  • M. Hélje Sérensen
  • M. Harald Sérensen
  • F. Asloug Sérensd.
  • F. Anne Sérensd
  • F. Ingeri Sorensd.
(Sisters and brothers of Harald Haraldson’s mother, Anne)

Anne S¢rensd later married Torbjorn (Taarbi¢rn) Ambrosiusen (brother of Harald Ambrosiusen) on March 12, 1829. Their children:
  • M. Torbjorn
  • F. Inger
  • M. Soren
  • F. Ingeri
(When these children were born, Anne Sérensd. lived at Hvaale (Vaale), Hjartdal.

Ole Ambrosiusen Ingeborg Svendst. Haatvedt (brother of Harald Ambrosiusen, uncle of Harald Haraldsen Baptized May 26, 1776 at Lofthuus M. July 3, 1810 to Ingeborg Svendst.

Children:
  • M. Ambrosius
  • M. Svend
  • M. Ole
  • M. Tow

Ingeborg’s parents: Svend Biornsen
Ingeborg Tovsdt.

M. = Male; F. = Female.
The tombstone of Harald and Torbjor Haraldson car- ries birthdates as August 2, 1824 and January 4, 1826 respectively. The archives record the dates as February 2, 1824 and January 4, 1826.

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The haraldson family