Search for my grandfather

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Printed on: 19/04/2025

Topic:

Topic author: dtang
Subject: Search for my grandfather
Posted on: 26/07/2013 18:16:27
Message:

Looking for info on departure(Norway), arrival (NYC) and ship for my grandfather, Jens O (Olsen?) Tang. He was born 28 Apr1862 in Hafslo Co,Norway and emigrated on/about Mar 1882. He eventually settled in Clay Co, Minnesota. He had three sisters who may have come at same time or later; (1) Anna, (2) Sophie,(3) Mary (not sure of exact names).

Jens parents could be Ole Jensen Tang Smedegaard (father) and Anna Olsdatter Tang (mother).

Thanks.
Doug

Replies:

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 26/07/2013 18:38:33
Message:

- Jens Olsen Tang b. 1862, dep. Bergen March 10. 1882, Alan line
- Synneve Olsdatter Tang dep. Bergen 1882 with Jens.
- Anne Olsdatter Tang b. 1865, dep. Bergen Mai 8. 1884, American line
- Sofie Olsdatter Tang b. 1863 dep. Bergen March 22. 1895, Cunard Line
The 3/4? sister was Britha b. 1868, no em. rec. found on her.

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 26/07/2013 18:42:39
Message:

I believe Tang was Tangstræ,
The father Ole Jensen Smedegaard, Cottager and tree shoe-maker and family on Tangstræ 1875

Kåre

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 26/07/2013 21:10:45
Message:

Jens parents was Ole Jensen and Anna Olsdatter, Alme, see bapt record #37.

The parents were married May 13 1856, see #3, Ole Jensen was born at Løengen or Smedegaard, his father was Jens Olsen. Anna Olsdatter was born at a place under Tang and her father was Ole Olsen.

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 26/07/2013 22:19:30
Message:

Thanks!!! It will take me some time to follow up on this quick and valuable info. I don't read Norwegian so takes me awhile to translate to get basic info. I'm sure I will have more questions.

1. I received error messages when I attempted to open link #37 (bapt record).

2.. Am I correct that "born at a place under Smedegaarg (Tang, Tangstrae)" means "on the farm named" Smedegaard (Tang, Tangstrae)? Does the name "Ole Jensen Smedegaard" means Ole son of Jens born on the farm name Smedegaard (at Løengen)?

Doug

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 26/07/2013 23:41:17
Message:

Einar will fix the link to #37.
Tang was a abbr. for Tangtræ 1875, probably called Tang in the every day speech.

In 1910 the farm was called Tang.
Jens mother Anne Olsdatter occ. "Husmandskone" Cottager-wife, lived there as widow with her daughter Britha born 1866, she helped her mother in the house.

Ole Jensen (the father) was born on Løengen "el" or? Smedegaard.
Hmmmmm, it seems like he or the priest was not sure on which farm he was born, but used as name Ole Jensen Smedegaard, the mother Anne Olsdatter was from Tang and in 1910 she was named Anne Olsdatter Tang.

Ole Jensen and Anna Olsdatter was on Smedegaard with 4 children 1865

Kåre

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 27/07/2013 20:36:20
Message:

Link #37 is now corrected.

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 30/07/2013 21:24:56
Message:

Einar- I was able to open #37...thanks.

1. Is #37 a birth or bapt record? You referred to it as a bapt record, but the only date shown is 28 Apr 1862 which is the date of birth for Jens Tang.

2. Is there a source that gives the translation (English) for the headings that appear in the various types of church records? I am having a hard time reading/translating some.

3. I cannot make out the exact names of persons listed. Parents godparents,,? Can you help translate for me.

4. As I understand it, the church records would be maintained in a "main parish" which would be "Hafslo" . Is there is also a "local parish" (actual church) and are these located in specific towns/communities? I'm not sure I'm asking this correctly.

5. Was the "Tang" farm (#55) a "main farm" (matrikkelgader), a subdivision (bruk), or a "cotter"? The Census (1865,1910) seems to indicate they were the owner?


Thanks once again for helping.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 30/07/2013 22:10:25
Message:

1. In this case the baptismal record gives both the date for birth, 28 April and the date for baptism in the church, here "do." meaning same date as the record above being 4 Mai in Hafslo Church.

2. You may find this useful, link.

3. Parents Cottager Ole Jensen and wife Anna Olsdatter at Alme.
Godparents: Bachelor Johannes Hermundsen, wife Christiane Jensdatter, Alme, maiden Marie Hermundsdatter, Lomheim, Peder Anderen, Alme, bachelor Lars Olsen, Tang.

4. In the churchbooks for Hafslo local parish church is indicated together with the baptism date, example H (Hafslo), U (Urnes), F (Fet).

5. I don't have any general answer to this question, sorry.
Info in censuses and churchbooks could be used in each case.

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 31/07/2013 15:36:26
Message:

Einar

The link is very helpful and , and thanks for translating the names!

Under the date 4 May (4 Mai) in entry No. 36 there are two letters . The 1st is an H (Hafslo), but don't understand the second. The second letter seems to be be the same for all bapt dates . Does this stand for "parish?' H(Hafslo) Parish, F(Fet) Parish, U(Urnes) Parish?

No need to apologize for my Tang farm question. Getting 4/5 is a pretty good batting average.

Doug

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 31/07/2013 19:34:13
Message:

Iver Nielsen´s Tang was a main farm, the other tang farms were cottagers.
Difficult words to translate.
Matrikkel is another word for Farm register (Cadastre) and "Skylda" (Value) accounting for 1/6 of the farm`s annual return formed the basis for purchase and sale of a farm or by inheritance and formed the basis for taxation.

Until 1838 the value was estimated in hides, calfskin, grain, butter etc.
One hide was valued to 4 Daler.
One Laup buttter, 15,4 Kg was valued to 3 Daler.
Ca 7 Kg grain was valued 3 Daler
Some cultivars varying from district to district, and varied over the centuries.
This Daler was named Skylddaler. One Skylddaler was 5 Ort and one Ort was 24 Shilling.

Fantastic nice handwriting.
Matrikkel 1838 for Hafslo.

Northern Bergenhuus county, Sogn´s Bailiff district, Solvorn (in Luster municipality) juridical district, Hafslo "Præstegjeld" Parish.
Tang is farm nr 22....36 (Old Matrikkel nr) Tang......51 (new Matrikkel nr.) Owner/User Iver Nielsen....... - 1 2 (old measurement where the value was estimated in "Smør" Butter..... (New value in Daler, Ort and Shilling) 6 Daler 4 Ort and 1 Shilling)...(Sum) 6 Daler 4 Ort and 1 Shilling

Iver Nielsen Tang also farmed nr 9; Ugulsvik (Veitastrond subparish, Hafslo)

Kåre

Reply author: jwiborg
Replied on: 31/07/2013 19:47:28
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kåarto

Fantastic nice handwriting.
Matrikkel 1838 for Hafslo.

Kåre

---

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 31/07/2013 20:25:25
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jwiborg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kåarto

Fantastic nice handwriting.
Matrikkel 1838 for Hafslo.

Kåre

---

This is not handwriting, but printed letters.

Jan Peter

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 31/07/2013 23:38:09
Message:

All,

These exchanges (and links) have been provided a wealth of info to help me "fill in the gaps" in my Norwegian heritage. I feel comfortable attempting to find and decipher church and census records. I cannot thank you all enough for your efforts and time. I hope my questions do not become burdensome.

Doug

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 01/08/2013 00:29:39
Message:

Kåre (all),

Kåre,

1. Were "cottagers" considered "tenet" farmers (renters from main farm) or worked for (and paid by ) the main farm , but given (rented) a house (cottage) ?

2. Could more than one Tang family be on same Tang (cottager) farm or farms? For example, could Jens, g parents (paternal or maternal), uncles, etc. be living on the same farm (Tang).
The 1865 census shows only 6 people. In other words, how would you know there were more than one direct descendents (gg parents, ..) living on the main Tang farm (s) or how to find where they were originally from (county, municipality, parish, farm)? I believe I have found a number of names "Tang" in the 1801 (1838?) census.

Doug


Doug

Reply author: Hopkins
Replied on: 01/08/2013 02:03:37
Message:

This is a link to a good article about the situation for tenant farmers and the history of the system. The structure of the relationship and the may be quite different from area to area and from individual to individual.
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~norway/na27.html

The people living on a Tang farm in 1865 or 1801 - perhaps in several different houses or residences there - would not be named Tang. They might use that farm name (address) as part of their identification but it was not their name. So your question is confusing. Tang family?
Online study material to learn about Norwegian naming practices and patterns:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~norway/na12.html
http://www.nndata.no/home/jborgos/names.htm
http://www.norwayheritage.com/norwegian-names.htm
http://www.nndata.no/home/jborgos/farms.htm


If there are relationship words on a census that you do not understand try using any of the online lists of translated words - here are a few -
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~norway/census_abbreviations.html
http://home.online.no/~otjoerge/files/word.htm
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~norway/na17.html


The only way you can learn who was related to any others is to do the research - one step at a time. That is the only way you will know.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 01/08/2013 10:01:10
Message:

A good explonation Hopkins.

Only 4 familes lived on the 4 Tang/Tangstræ farms in 1865, three of them, Tangstræ, were cottager farms and these could feed only 2-3 cows.

Only Iver Nielsen`s Tang in the 1838 Matrikkel was big enough to feed more than one family with 4 horses,18 big cattle, 50 cheeps and 5 pigs, but only his family lived there.

Kåre

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 01/08/2013 12:35:34
Message:

Tang is located at lake Hafslo "Hafslovatnet" to the left at the small headland before/in front of the bay.
In the background is the Lusterfjord where the em. started on the journey to Bergen link
Tang means "Tange" headland.

Kåre

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 03/08/2013 00:23:07
Message:

Beautiful picture of the "Tang" farm setting. Meaning of Tang = headland seems appropriate,

Jane- Your response seems to have been deleted. Yes, I am interested in contacting any known relatives, that could provide info.

Hopkins- Thanks for references! Sorry , I meant Tang farm (not Tang family), and sorry to appear that I am going too fast. I do try to take "one-step-at-a-time", but the info comes fast and is all inter-related. I do read all the material from the links provided (and then some). Sometimes I forget when I ask questions. With all the excellent help I have received, I believe I can complete an important item in my "bucket-list" that I started about 10 years ago (I'm now 75), but did not pursue (many reasons). Thanks again, to all who weigh in.

I am trying to resolve some uncertainties about the census data that was provided for for my gg parents in 1865 (Smedegaard farm) and 1875 (Tangstre) ... both links provided before. Most important is that two of Jens Olsen Tang's (my g father) sisters ....Martha Olsdtr (f. about 1855) and Sonneva/Synneve (f. about 1859) appear in the 1865 census, but not 1875. Martha was 10 in 1865, so could have died before 1875. I will check the church records when I have time. Sonneva /Synneve was cited (Kåarto) as emigrating (10 Mar 1885) with Jens Olsen Tang . I assume that in the 1875 census that Britha Olsdtr (Tangstre) (f.1868), Knud Olsen (Tangstre)(f. 1871), and Soffie Olsdgr (Tangstre)(f. 1873) were three children born to Ole and Anna between 1865 and 1875 (Tangstre farm). I have found an arrival record (Ellis Island) for "Sophie O. Tang" (doa US 8Apr 1875; ship Umbria (Cunard) from Liverpool & Queenstown). This closely matches the info provided by Kåarto for Sofie (Sofie Olsdatter Tang b. 1863 dep. Bergen March 22. 1895, Cunard Line). I have not been able to track the emigration of Jens Olsen Tang (Tangstre) and his sister, Sonneva/Synneve , or his other sister Anne (Anne Olsdatter Tang b. 1865, dep. Bergen Mai 8. 1884, American line).

My wife and I leaving tomorrow for Minnesota to visit friends/ relatives (mother's side), where I plan to attempt to get some information on my mother's (Swedish) side.

Thanks again to all.

Doug

Reply author: Hopkins
Replied on: 03/08/2013 02:27:02
Message:

"Martha" Oldtr and her sister "Sonneva/Synneve" would be of age in 1875 to be living elsewhere -- probably working for another farm. They should have been confirmed and that is a point where they may move away from their parents and likely work as servants for others. This was a common thing and I've seen it happen repeatedly in my own research of rural Norwegian families.

Have you learned to use the databases of emigrants leaving from the various ports of Norway? These databases are available at the Digitalarkivet website.

A POSSIBLE Synneva Olsdtr in the 1875 census - http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste_e.aspx?ft=1875&knr=1425&kenr=003&bnr=0081&lnr=00
Obviously "Martha" Olsdtr in the 1875 census, no doubt - http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste_e.aspx?ft=1875&knr=1425&kenr=002&bnr=0030&lnr=00

I've been tracking Swedish ancestors for my spouse's family. The most important items to collect if you can are WHERE in Sweden they were from (a parish name can save you years of work), what name(s) they were ever known to use, when born and when emigrated from Sweden. I've discovered Swedish parish records are easily accessed at the local LDS Family History Center. I sit down and use them at least once a week at the center and haven't been struck by lightning yet! My grandmother Hanson always warned me.... and would sing a little tune about chasing Swedes through the weeds...

Good luck in Minnesota.

Reply author: Hopkins
Replied on: 03/08/2013 02:57:43
Message:

Persons registered as leaving through port of Bergen whose father's given name started with 'Ol', who mentioned Tang as a prior residence and who gave info as having been born in Hafslo. The info included in the emigrant register after the date leaving were -- Førenamn, Farsnamn, Etternamn, Kjønn, Stand, Yrke, Fødd år, Alder, Fødestad, Bustad, Billett, Merknad Linje

1880 Mai 5 -- Niels, Olsen, Tang, m, gift, 1814, 66, Hafslo, Hafslo, , , Anker Linie,
1882 Mars 10 -- Jens, Olsen, Tang, m, ugift, 1863, 19, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Tjenestedreng, Allan Linie
1882 Mars 10 -- Synneva, Olsdatr, Tang, f, ugift, 1867, 15, Hafslo, Haflso, , Indersts Datter, Allan Linie
1884 Mai 8 -- Anne, Olsdatr, Tang, f, ugift, 1865, 19, Hafslo, Hafslo, prp, Husm's Datter, American Line
1895 Mars 22 -- Sofie, Olsdatter, Tang, f, ug, Husmdtr, 1872, 23, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Cunard
1904 Mai 5 -- Marie, Olsdtr, Tang, f, ug, Tjpige, 1876, 28, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Amerikan pp

http://home.online.no/~otjoerge/files/word.htm

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 03/08/2013 04:38:36
Message:

Hopkins: Thanks for info about "Martha" Oldtr and her sister "Sonneva/Synneve". I will check confirmation records for both. I have been learning how to use all the digital databases.

The emigration records look promising . I will check to see if they show an intermediate destination ((Hull) and final (New York, Canada, ,,,). My understanding is that most emigrants went by a "feeder line to Hull, UK, then to Liverpool (rail). and then to US or elsewhere (e.g. by Allan, American, Gunard, ..). My understanding is that they arrived New York, but I cannot seem to locate using Ellis Island (or other NYC ports)

My g mother Anna Elizabeth Johnson was born (19 Apr 1890 ) in Dalsland (Dals-Ed?), came to US in 1905-06, then to Michigan, Duluth Minn, and finally Minneapolis. Brothers were Alfred, Oluf (Olaf), Fred: sisters Ester, ...? She supposedly arrived in port of New York, but I can't locate. I have good records from about 1910.

As a child visiting my g mother in Minneapolis I remember family gatherings when all were speaking English, then suddenly switch to Swedish. We always thought they were now gossiping or telling off-color jokes.

Your g mother Nelson's saying about chasing Swedes through the weeds brought back fond memories. My g mother and others (some Norwegian) would add "and 10.000 Norwegians chasing after them."

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 03/08/2013 05:07:10
Message:

Correction: I meant to say :"10, 000 Swedes went through the weeds (at the battle of Copenhagen) and chased by one Norwegian."

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 03/08/2013 07:18:50
Message:

Hi - I deleted the comment because I didn't have time to research the needed sources for the connections. I'll go ahead and post what I've found to start.

I found a family tree on Ancestry.com for June, daughter of Ella Fossum (married name Kingsley), daughter of Anna Tang (married Olaf Fossum) so the tree creator is a likely cousin of yours. Another family tree here: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.2.1/M723-89J
summary of info:
Anna Tang
birth: 25 March 1865 Hafslo, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
married Olaf Olson Furuknappen / Fossum
death: 16 July 1926 Staples, Todd, Minnesota, USA
Anna's parents Ole Jensen Smedegaard and Anna Olsdatter Tang


1895 Minnesota state census
Lake Park Village, Becker, Minnesota
Olaf O Furnknappen 31y Norway
Annie Furnknappen 31y Norway <----------
Oscar Furnknappen 4y Minn
Annie Furnknappen 5y Minn
Helmina Furnknappen 2y Minn
Arnt Furnknappen 9m Minn
Sofia Tang 22y Norway <---------------


Possible parents of the above Olaf
1895
Ole Furnknappen M 56y Norway
Annie Furnknappen F 60y Norway
Petter Furnknappen M 24y Minn
Theodore Furnknappen M 17y Minn

The name changes to Fossum.
Children's records show mother's name Tang (for example see Ella birth record at Minnesota Historical Society website) and also suggest Furuknappen = Fossum (e.g. Oscar Alfred Fossum World War I draft reg born 1891 in Lake Park, Becker, MN). The name change may be family knowledge rather than an online record.

1900
Lake Park Village, Becker, Minnesota
Olaf Fossum 36 born Feb 1864 Norway to USA 1867
Annie Fossum 36 born Mar 1864 Norway married about 1889 to USA 1884 <-------
Annie Sofie Fossum 11 Minnesota
Oscar Alfr Fossum 9 Minnesota
Helmina Fossum 7 Minnesota
Aent Oliver Fossum 5 Minnesota
Robert Ber Fossum 4 Minnesota
Ruth Ocdelia Fossum 2 Minnesota

1910 in Staples, Todd, Minnesota Anna Fossum born 1864 to USA 1884 (see Family Search)

1920
Staples, Todd, Minnesota
Oluf Fossum 55 Norway to USA 1866
Anne Fossum 54 Norway to USA 1884 <---------
Bennard R Fossum 23 Minnesota
Ruth O Fossum 21 Minnesota
Elvina C Fossum 19 Minnesota
Ella M Fossum 17 Minnesota
Anneta O Fossum 16 Minnesota

Anna died 1926

1930
Staples, Todd, Minnesota
Olaf Fossum 66 widowed Norway to USA 1866
Benard R Fossum 33 son Minnesota
Ella M Fossum 27 daughter Minnesota - [ married Kenneth Kingsley, daughter June]

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=40119931

See Emigrants List this website, Ole Furuknappen (Olaf's father) plus 5 family members emigrating 1866

We haven't posted records for Jens Olsen Tang but if I remember correctly he lived in Lake Park Village, Becker, Minnesota before moving to Clay County.

I didn't find the sisters getting married in the Minnesota Official Marriage System online (MOMS). One trick to help track them is to search the Minnesota Historical Society birth index for mother maiden name Tang. This brings up some possibilities. However, there is more than one family adopting Tang as a surname in Minnesota.

Ellis Island opened in about 1892. I didn't find Jens entering Canada at Quebec or entering the USA at Castle Garden in New York, or in Boston, Philadelphia, etc.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 03/08/2013 11:20:41
Message:

You are right:
Oluf Olsen Fossum was born on Furuknappen in Elverum Feb. 7. 1864.
Perents; Farmer Ole Olsen and Anne Marie Olsdatter.
Furuknappen 1865

Kåre

Reply author: Hopkins
Replied on: 03/08/2013 12:51:16
Message:

quote:

---

My g mother Anna Elizabeth Johnson was born (19 Apr 1890 ) in Dalsland (Dals-Ed?), came to US in 1905-06, then to Michigan, Duluth Minn, and finally Minneapolis. Brothers were Alfred, Oluf (Olaf), Fred: sisters Ester, ...? She supposedly arrived in port of New York, but I can't locate.

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 03/08/2013 13:53:35
Message:

Hophins - I didn't expect you to cross over the genealogy border to Sweden ... but many thanks, and glad you again have avoided the lightning bolt.

Jane- Glad you are back. I thought I may have hit the wrong button. Thanks (and to Kåre) for info about Anna Tang. Jens Tang did live in Lake Park. I do have dates and places of marriage and death in the US, and locations where he lived later. I was about 5 yrs old when Jens died (18Apr 1943). I came with my father (Lars Bernard Tang) from Winnemucca, NV to attend his funeral in Brainard, MN. What is missing are the details of arrival to US (date, port, border crossing, etc. ). I am trying to trace the full trip from Norway --> Hull (?) --> Liverpool --> US (Canada?) --> Minnesota. I did try to locate arrival in other places than Ellis Island and in Canada, but no success. I feel somewhat better that you have not been successful either.

We leave in a bit for Minnesota, but look forward to my return so I can continue the search for my roots.

Doug

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 03/08/2013 20:59:17
Message:

Hi Doug, Since you are going to Minnesota perhaps you will be near the Minnesota Historical Society and have time to stop in for a bit? The Society will have the following on microfilm. Free to view and free to use the library. The original documents may tell the name of his transatlantic ship and his port of arrival in North America. Also, most libraries like this one have researchers who will do a look up like this, for a fee. As Hopkins found Synneva Olsdatr, Tang could be on the same ship.

as Indexed on Ancestry.com:

Declaration of Intent To Become a US Citizen
Name: Jens O. Tang
County: Becker
Reel: 1
Code: 2
Volume: 2
Page: 201
Document Type: Declaration
Years: 1884 -1896
Numbers: 1-611


Final Papers Granting US Citizenship Name: Jens O. Tang
County: Clay
Reel: 4
Code: 13
Volume: 4[D]
Page: 439
Document Type: Final Papers
Years: 1897 -1898
Numbers: 1-454

===========================================================
Here is a possibility for a Synneva Tang born about 1867. [Back in an edit to say Synneva Tang is found to be a first cousin to Jens Olsen Tang and seemingly travelled to America with him. The birth date of Jens's sister Synneva was later found - it is 1860.]

Sonia Susan Tang
Birth 17July 1867 in Norway
Death 13 August 1931 in Staples, Todd, Minnesota, USA
married
Brynjulf Angell Hanson
Birth 24 August 1858 in Bergen, Norway
Death 13 Oct 1933 in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, USA
SOURCE: Ancestry.com family tree

I do not find this death in the Minnesota Death Index at MnHS.


1885 Minnesota State Census
Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota
Brynjulf Hanson 26 born in Norway
Sussie Hanson 17 born in Norway
Ida Hanson 5m Minnesota

Below, this family on SAME CENSUS PAGE AS ABOVE in 1885 in Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota:
Ole Faraknapen 47
Anne Faraknapen 53
Hans ? 23
Oluf 21 <---------------------future husband of Anna Tang
Keena ??? 17
Petter 15
Theodore 9

1900
Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota
--- Hansen 41
Susie Hansen 33 born Oct 1866 Norway, married 17 years (married 1883), mother of 9 children 9 living, to USA 1882
Ida Hansen 15
Otillia Hansen 14
Astrid Hansen 12
Alice Hansen 10
Daniel Hansen 8
Anna Hansen 6 [ married Henry O. Tang?]
Sigrid Hansen 4
Laurity Hansen 2
Christian Hansen 4/12 (also the youngest child shown in 1910)

1905 in Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota, Ida Angell Hansen age 20 and Ottilia Angell Hansen age 18 living on their own

In 1910 in Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota, "Brynjuk Hansen" is age 51, divorced, and has children Alice, Daniel, Anna, Lauritz, and Christian

1919 DEATH
Name: Esther Noll, age 31, Lake Park, Minnesota
Birth: 23 Jan 1888
Death Date: 08 Apr 1919
Death Place: Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota
Burial Place: Brooten, Minn.
Occupation: Housewife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: C. R. Noll
Father: B. Hanson b Norway
Mother: Susie Tang b Norway
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02435-7
System Origin: Minnesota-EASy
GS Film number: 2218036
Reference ID: cn 19132


DEATH
Name: Brynjulf Angell Hanson
Death Date: 13 Oct 1933
Death County: Polk
State File Number: 011743
Certificate Number: 011743
Certificate Year: 1933
Record Number: 654249


1940
Staples, Todd, Minnesota
Danill G Hanson 47 <------ likely Daniel the son of "Susie," who could be Synneva Tang
Lillian Hanson 51
Winnifred Hanson 20
Daniel C Hanson 18
Wallace Hanson 17
Roger Hanson 14
Avis Hanson 9

Jens O Tang buried Solem cemetery, Hawley, Clay, Minnesota.
There's another Susan O. Tang (married name Larsen) buried here but she is too old. (Source Findagrave)
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSsr=201&GScid=980161&


A Sophie Tang (1875-1961) buried Solem Cemetery - same cemetery as Jens O. Tang.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSsr=201&GScid=980161&GRid=66949543&

Her Minnesota Death Certificate. Can it be Jens's sister Sophia?
MISS SOPHIA TANG
Date of Birth: 25 APR 1875
Place of Birth: MINNESOTA
Mother Maiden Name: KVAM
Date of Death: 07 JAN 1961
County of Death: BECKER

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 04/08/2013 00:31:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang

Correction: I meant to say :"10, 000 Swedes went through the weeds (at the battle of Copenhagen) and chased by one Norwegian."

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 04/08/2013 01:31:16
Message:

:D

Here's a discussion of Brynjulf and Susie Hansen of Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota. Includes this statement:
"Susie was alive when Brynjulf sent your [grand]mother Ida and her sister Otillia back to Norway. She died in 1931. Daniel and Aunt Alice were to go to Norway also but cried and fussed and ran away from the depot. "
http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.minnesota.counties.becker/11/mb.ashx


Their son Lauritz seems to be the Lauritz Hanson being discussed here:
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NORWAY/2007-10/1192726654

Lauritz Anton Angell Hanson
born Nov. 27, 1897 Becker Co., MN
married Jan. 22, 1921 Detroit Lakes, Becker Co., MN
Margaret H. Brown
CHILDREN:
Lauritz Brynjulf Angell Hanson born Nov. 9, 1921 Becker Co., MN
Richard Ainslee Hanson born Oct. 4, 1924 Becker Co., MN

According to a newspaper article posted, Lauritz was survived when he died in 1948 by "two sons, Richard of Grand Forks, and Lauritz, Jr., in Chelsea MA; a brother, Daniel Hanson at Staples; and four sisters, Mrs. Samuel Syvertson of Grand Forks, Mrs. Frank Morrison of Staples, Mrs. Ida Haden of Buffalo NY and Mrs. P. Anderson in Norway." Thus it seems that if Ida and Ottilia did go to Norway, Ida returned to the USA and Ottilia stayed in Norway.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 04/08/2013 02:46:46
Message:

Minnesota Marriage Index Online

BECKER COUNTY A-0551 11 May 1885 James O Tang married Betsy Brickson
BECKER COUNTY A-0478 03 August 1884 Brynjulf Hanson married Lussie Tang


from Doug: "I have found an arrival record (Ellis Island) for Sophie O. Tang (doa US 8 Apr 1875 1895; ship Umbria (Cunard) from Liverpool & Queenstown. This closely matches the info provided by Kåarto for Sofie (Sofie Olsdatter Tang b. 1863 dep. Bergen March 22. 1895, Cunard Line)."

Well done - The original passenger manifest lists her destination as "Lake Park."

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 17/08/2013 03:19:33
Message:

All: Returned from Minnesota and found no Norwayheritage website and panicked. I did find out the reasons; and, needles-to-say, am relieved and thankful you are back.

Kåre (04/08/13) –Thanks for good history about the guy who chased the Swedes! I could never be on the losing side…my maternal gmother is Swedish and my paternal gfather was Norwegian I have been fishing in “Tordenskjold” Township ( Otter Tail County, MN) where there is supposed to be a statute.

Hopkins (03/08/13)

- Thanks for the info from the 1875 census for the possible locations of “Sonneva/Synneve” Olsdtr Tang (Hillestad farm) and “Martha” Olsdtr Tang (Alme farm). These sure look like Jens’s sister in question. I will follow-up to see if I can find church Confirmation records (Hafslo, Hafslo). The 1865 census shows the name “Martha” (Olsdtr. Tang), but in 1875 census as “Marite” (O. Tang). I assume this is a name variation, recording error, .. ?

- You found 6 ‘Tang’ emigrants – from port of Bergen, father’s name begins with ‘Ol’ , prior residence = ‘Tang’. I do not find Niels, Olsen, Tang (emig, 5 May 1880) in either census (1865, 1875) with other known family members. The other five appear in one or both the 1865 and 1875 censuses. Does this effectively rule Niels out as a sibling of Jens?

- In the emigration records for Marie, Olsdtr, Tang (5 May 1904) I can’t find meaning of ‘pp’ (Line = ‘Amerikan pp’) or the meaning/implication for the ‘Ja (Yes?) under the column for Tax Remarks.

JaneC (03/08/13)

- Ella Fossum (dtr of Anna Tang) would be my father’s (Lars B. Tang) 1st cousin. I vaguely remember my dad and uncle talking about playing cards with some cousins from Lake Park (“Minnie”,..)

- I will check parish church records (birth, bapt, confirmation) for Synneva Olsdatr Tang = (?) Sonia Susan Tang (b. 17July 1867). I am doing this for all the possible siblings of my grandfather, Jens O. Tang

- Many thanks for the refs to Jens’s citizenship records. The first census that I can find Jens O. Tang after arrival in US (1882) is in the 1905 Minn state (Clay CO.) census. Listed are: Jens, Louise, and Joseph (my uncle). My dad, Lars Arnt Bernard. Tang was born 14 Jan 1906 (Clay CO), and first appears in the 1910 US census. I have found all census info forward from 1910-1940.
The only important info missing is the immigration info (port, date, ship) for Jens. If I had that I could try to fill in the interesting details of how he came from Hafslo -> Bergen -> ? -> port of entry -> Minnesota I will keep trying, but the fact you cannot locate any port of entry (US or Canada) is not comforting.

- Sorry to say, but when in Minnesota, I was not able to get to the MN Historical Society.

JaneC (04/08/13)

- From Jane “BECKER COUNTY A-0551 11 May 1885 James O Tang married Betsy Brickson.” (Minnesota Marriage Index Online).”
I began my interest in the Tang family history in 2001 (which I didn’t follow-up until now) after I received a call from a Lars Oyane (in Norway). He was writing a history of farms (Luster Co ) and was working on the volume that would include the “Tang farm” (Hafslo, #147?). He was trying to update info for the Jens Olsen Tang and wanted to know if I was related to a Jens (my paternal gfather). In our phone conversation and in a draft history (in Norwegian) of he sent he related that Jens emigrated to US in 1882 (no details), went to Detroit Lakes (Becker CO.), Minn, and married a Betsy (known as “Bessie”) Brickson on May 14, 1885. They separated after only 4 days and formally divorced in 1902 (exact date?). Jens married my paternal gmother, Louise/Louisa S. Mikkelson (28 Nov 1902; Clay Co., Minn).

My imperfect translation of above is from Lars Oyane’s draft of the Tang farm history (2001) ….“Jens Olson{Tang}, f. {Hafslo, Luster Co., Norway} 28.4.1862, Jens O. Tang ulvandra til America I 1882 og gifte sey første gongen i Detroit Lakes, Minn. 14.5.1885, med Betsy Christine Brickson, kjend som Bessie …. Men Jens og Bessie flytte frå kvarandre etter berre fire dagar… nard et gjeld Jens Tang, so gifte han seg att I Clay Co., Minn 28.1902.. Når det gjend Jens Tang, so gifte han seg att I Clay Co., Minn. 28.11.1902 med Lpuise S.”

Louise Mikkelson Tang died 4 Apr 1908. I have a fairly extensive history (by others) for the Mikkelson/Mickkelson family.

The first name “James”( O. Tang) and marriage date to Bessie Brickson (“11 May 1885)” from the MMIO source are close to the info I had been working with. In the 1885 Minn State census (Becker CO) -- where Jens and Betsy (Bessie) were married I found a Betsy Brickson (father Thomas Brickson). The digitized record indicates a James Tony (20yr) was living in the household. The hand written record could actually be Jens Tang. James Tony is 20 yrs old (same as Jens) . If James Tony = Jens Tang, then I have located Jens 1885 location (in Brickson household). However Betsy is listed as 16 yrs??

Good to be back in search of Jens Tang's (my) family history and thanks to al for helping. I am having a good time discussing all this ( the exchanges and refs) with our children.

Doug

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 17/08/2013 10:49:57
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang

All:
Kåre (04/08/13) –Thanks for good history about the guy who chased the Swedes! I could never be on the losing side…my maternal gmother is Swedish and my paternal gfather was Norwegian I have been fishing in “Tordenskjold” Township ( Otter Tail County, MN) where there is supposed to be a statute.
Doug

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 27/08/2013 17:06:45
Message:

Hi Doug, in another thread you wrote a very gracious note, wondering if volunteers had lost interest in this thread and in your opening question. I'm just writing to assure you that there is only one reason no immigration record for Jens was posted - it's because no record was found. Certainly interested volunteers did search for that information and more.

You suggested that perhaps you should start a new thread. Sometimes this can help to refocus on new questions that have emerged. If you do start a new thread you can post a link to this one, thereby sharing all the data accumulated to date. It's frustrating not to find a needed record. Don't know if it helps, but perhaps I could say that most of us have a similar situation in our own searches. It could be that in future years as more information is digitized, the record will come to light. I hope so.
-- all good wishes and best hopes for your project, Jane

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 27/08/2013 18:31:53
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang

All:

My imperfect translation of above is from Lars Oyane’s draft of the Tang farm history (2001) ….“Jens Olson{Tang}, f. {Hafslo, Luster Co., Norway} 28.4.1862, Jens O. Tang ulvandra til America I 1882 og gifte sey første gongen i Detroit Lakes, Minn. 14.5.1885, med Betsy Christine Brickson, kjend som Bessie …. Men Jens og Bessie flytte frå kvarandre etter berre fire dagar… nard et gjeld Jens Tang, so gifte han seg att I Clay Co., Minn 28.1902.. Når det gjend Jens Tang, so gifte han seg att I Clay Co., Minn. 28.11.1902 med Lpuise S.”

Doug

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 27/08/2013 18:47:18
Message:

Thanks Jane- I did not intend that my reply in the other thread to sound like a "complaint." I hope people didn't take it that way. I just wanted to say how very much I appreciate the efforts by all, in spite of not getting an answer to my original question. I know that there are gaps in the available records, but will continue the hunt and try to remain patient (with myself). Thanks for reminding me that others are in the same boat.

For the time being I will continue to post to this thread. I still am uncomfortable with
using links like #37 to link to an entry in a record.

Doug

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 27/08/2013 19:13:37
Message:

Kåre - Thanks for checking translation for me.

Doug

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 27/08/2013 19:45:12
Message:

As mentioned before the naturalization records for Jens could give you the approximate date of his arrival and at which port. This information is copied from the Iron Range Interpretive website, where you pay a fee & can order a copy of his records. Unfortunately there are no dates in the base or which might be his first or second papers:

First Name Last Name
JENS O. TANG

Location: BECKER
State: MINNESOTA
Reel #: 1
Vol #: 2
Code #: 2
Page #: 201


First Name Last Name
JENS O. TANG

Location: CLAY
State: MINNESOTA
Reel #: 4
Vol #: 4[D]
Code #: 13
Page #: 439

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 27/08/2013 21:27:35
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang

All:
Kåre (04/08/13) –Thanks for good history about the guy who chased the Swedes! I could never be on the losing side…my maternal gmother is Swedish and my paternal gfather was Norwegian I have been fishing in “Tordenskjold” Township ( Otter Tail County, MN) where there is supposed to be a statute.

Doug

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 27/08/2013 22:41:12
Message:

Kåre - Thanks for info about Iron Range source. I will follow-up to get copies and let you know.

The lake I fished in is" Long Lake." This was many years ago with my Swedish side grandparents. It is one of the major lakes listed in your link (Ottertail Co.). There are 6 Long Lakes in Ottertail Co. and don't know exactly which "Long" Lake it was. There are 26 Long Lakes listed in Minnesota. Minnesota is known as the " land of 10,000 lakes"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_in_Minnesota

Doug

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 28/08/2013 07:57:04
Message:

quote:

---

These sure look like Jens’s sister in question. I will follow-up to see if I can find church Confirmation records (Hafslo, Hafslo).

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 28/08/2013 10:06:05
Message:

Two of Ole Jensens "uægte" cildren:
Johanne, born Febr 24 1855, #27 - mother Kristi Nilsdatter,
Johannes, born Sept 21 1852, #85, mother Anne Endresdatter.

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 28/08/2013 12:56:19
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang

Kåre - Thanks for info about Iron Range source. I will follow-up to get copies and let you know.

The lake I fished in is" Long Lake." This was many years ago with my Swedish side grandparents. It is one of the major lakes listed in your link (Ottertail Co.). There are 6 Long Lakes in Ottertail Co. and don't know exactly which "Long" Lake it was. There are 26 Long Lakes listed in Minnesota. Minnesota is known as the " land of 10,000 lakes"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_in_Minnesota

Doug

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 28/08/2013 14:48:50
Message:

Hi - Very nice Kåre.

Doug, just a little correction - thanks go to the always fabulous jkmarler for posting the Iron Range source.

Eibache has furnished the crtitical birth records of the siblings. If you'd like to confirm the sibling information in the USA, a next step is to compare these birth dates with the birth dates given in American records. The death record for each individual should state parents' names and date of birth (of course this is not always the case). The online transcriptions do not list all the information on the original. Death records of Minnesota citizens can be ordered from the Minnesota Historical Society for a modest fee. Other places to look for abbreviated versions of the death records include Ancestry.com, Family Search, and Minnesota Historical Society website.

Below are the "Olsen Tang" siblings (not counting the half sibilngs, children born to Ole before his marriage) [and back in an edit to add the new birth findings by eibache] [and back in an edit to add the births posted by Doug]:

Marthe b 23 Febr 1856 (uægte)
Jens Olsen b 02 Feb 1858 - d 14 Mar 1860
Synneva Olsdtr b 16 Jan 1860 ... (called Sønneva in 1865 census)
Jens Olsen Tang b 28 April 1862
Anna Olsen b 25 March 1865
Britha Olsdtr b 09 June 1867
Ole Olsen b 16 Oct 1869
Knud Olsen b 09 May 1871
Sophie Olsdtr b 19 April 1873
Marie Olsdtr b 02 Feb 1876

Boldface names are the siblings thought to have gone to the USA.

You began this thread by stating the above birth date for Jens (we don't know your source) but anyway, what you said matches the Norwegian birth record.
The birth date for Anna found in an online family tree matches the birth date eibache found for Anna, but no source is listed in the family tree. 1900 census says the Anna in America was b Mar 1864, which I consider a match
Sonia or Susie in Minnesota was born October 1866 (per 1900 US census), which does not match Sønneva. The Ancestry.com family tree says dob 17 July 1867, also not a match - with the possibility I transcribed that date wrong, I suppose.
The Miss Sophie Tang we found in Minnesota buried same cemetery as Jens has birth date of 25 April 1875 (per Minnesota Death Record), not really a match, or not a solid match

So it's kind of a mess. My guess is that the American records have mistakes.

1865 Norwegian census
Ole Jensen 38 Hafslo Prgj. Husfader g Husmand med Jord
002 01 Anna Olsdatter 32 Hafslo Prgj. hans Kone g
003 01 Martha Olsdatter 10 Hafslo Prgj. deres Datter ug
004 01 Sønneva Olsdatter 6 Hafslo Prgj. deres Datter ug
005 01 Jens Olsen 4 Hafslo Prgj. deres Søn ug
006 01 Anna Olsdatter 1 Hafslo Prgj. deres Datter ug


1875 Norway census
Ole Jensen Smedegaard Husfader G Husmand, Træskoarbeider 1827 Hafslo, Hafslo
Anne Olsdtr Kone G 1833 Hafslo, Hafslo
Jens Olsen Søn forsørges af Fadren 1862 Hafslo, Hafslo
Anne Olsdtr Datter forsørges af Fadren 1865 Hafslo, Hafslo
Britha Olsdtr Datter forsørges af Fadren 1868 Hafslo, Hafslo
Ole Olsen Søn forsørges af Fadren 1869 Hafslo, Hafslo
Knud Olsen Søn forsørges af Fadren 1871 Hafslo, Hafslo
Soffie Olsdtr Datter forsørges af Fadren 1873 Hafslo, Hafslo

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 28/08/2013 15:37:10
Message:

Britha, born June 9 1867, #47,
Ole, born Oct 16 1869, #83,
Knud, born May 9 1871, #32.

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 29/08/2013 17:44:24
Message:

All--I logged in to post some info I found about the siblings of my g-father, Jens Olsen Tang and to ask some related questions. Did I get a pleasant surprise….thanks to all!!

jkmarler - First of all let me apologize to for not correctly attributing the Iron Range source to you...sorry. Thanks Jane for correcting me.

Based on the 1865 and 1875 census there appeared to be 8 children born to Ole Jensen Tang/Smedegaard and Anna OLdsdtr. I had a couple located in the churchbook and was in the process of trying to locate the rest, but many thanks to Einar, I now have all of these 8 births (and baptisms) documented. The following family tree (part of the same one mentioned by Jane C) … https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.2.1/M723-83Q lists10 children born to Ole Jensen Smedegaard (Tang) and Anna Olsdtr Tang. They all show Smedegaard as farm name, but can’t really be true. The 10 listed children include the 8 found in the 1865 and 1875 census In addition there is Jens Olsen Smedegaard (b. 2Feb1858, d.14Mar 1860), a son (2 yrs) who died before the 1865 census, and Marie OLsdtr (b. 2Feb 1876) who was born after the 1875 census.

For Jens and Marie, I find the following in the churchbooks:

- Jens Olsen Smedegaard (b.2Feb1858, d. 14mar1860) is #71(baptisms; year 1858) and #41 (deaths; year 1860)

- Marie Olsdtr Tang is #18 (baptisms; b. 2Feb1876).

I assume this child ,“Jens” , who died is a younger brother of my g-father Jens Olsen Tang ( b. 28Apr1862) and Marie Olsdtr Tang is a sister? If so, then this brings the number of legitimate children of Ole Jensen Tang (Smedegaard) and Anna OLsdtr Tang to 10. And they all have documented birth/baptism dates (churchbooks, Haflslo Parish).

My g-father, Jens Olsen Tang, (b. 28Apr 1862) seems to be named according to tradition (the 1st son named after paternal g-father (Jens) and after a 1st son (Jens) dies the next son is named (Jens) the same as son who died).

Einar - I quessed that Marthe/Martha was illegitimate ("uægte") when I found her birth record and saw that her birth date (b. 23Feb1856) was before Ole and Anna were married (m. 13 May 1856). Under mother and father's remarks I find "2den gang leiermaal" and "4rde gang leiermaal." Is this a counting of the number of illegitimate births?

Jane- I don’t have much in the way of USA records for Jen’s siblings who emigrated (none on those who remained in Norway. The 1st official record of Jen’s location in US is 1905 MN census. By then ( and after marriage to Betsy Brickson) he was married to Louise S Tang (Mickkelson) with their first son Joseph Laur Oliver Tang (my uncle). Jen’s birth date (28Apr1862).was generally known by close family and was in my Dad’s bible (Norweigian, pub. 1919). Somewhere I have a picture of Jens taken in US with, supposedly, three sisters (? Synneva, Anna, Sophie). I have always assumed they were the only 3 sisters who came to US, making a total of four who emigrated. Based on Hopkins info (posted 03/08/2013) a Marie Olsdtr Tang (#18, b. 2Feb1876) also emigrated from Bergen (5May 1904).

Kåre – Great music … my youngest grand-daughter (age 8) gave it a thumbs-up . Wish I understood Norweigian to be able to appreciate the words about Thor.


Doug

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 29/08/2013 18:51:34
Message:

! You have been busy! I added the births you found to the summary of siblings. It seems possible the sister Marie went to the USA (to immigrate or to visit).

About Jens's earliest records in the USA:

1885 Minnesota Census was taken during the months of May and June.

1885 Minnesota state census you found James Tang or Tony? (hard to read handwriting), age 20, with Thomas and Rachel Brickson family in Hamden, Becker, Minnesota - including Betsy Brickson age 16

1885 Minnesota state census, here the name is transcribed as James TONG and Ancestry.com transcribes the name as Tong: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/becker/census/1885/hamden.txt

14 May 1885 (in the midst of the census) James O. Tang married Betsy Brickson in Becker County, Minnesota

They stayed together for four days (per the Norwegian genealogist). Jens is next found having moved out of the county. Do I sense a shotgun wedding? (only one of many possibilities)

no 1890 US federal census
1895 Minnesota state census - not yet found
1900 US federal census - not yet found

28 November 1902 Jens Tang married Louise Mikkelsen in Clay county, Minnesota

1905 found in the Minnesota state census in Clay county

It's not proven that the guy in the Brickson household in 1885 is your Jens - but it makes common sense that he would be.

Note: some immigrants Anglicized their names and then returned to their true names. We have a Gunnerius who became George and then Gunnerius.

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 30/08/2013 02:47:39
Message:

Here is a Jens Tang age 69 in 1930 relationship is uncle:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3CG-3L1

Hmmm a Sonneva in the household in Minnesota 1885 census:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MQF8-FFP

Here is Nils Hillstad's death record in 1935. His mother is listed as Senneva Johnson:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FD81-6NJ

Einar Nilsen, Synneva Olsdatter & Nils Einarson departing for America:
http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/gen/vis/8/pe00000000670685
http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/gen/vis/8/pe00000000670686
http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/gen/vis/8/pe00000000670687

Nils Hillstad's baptism #61, mother curiously identified as Synnive Nielsdatter Tang:
Source information: Sogn og Fjordane county, Hafslo, Parish register (official) nr. A 11 (1873-1886), Birth and baptism records 1878, page 33.
Permanent pagelink: http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:kb_read?idx_kildeid=6863&idx_id=6863&uid=ny&idx_side=-32

Here is Synniva Olsdatter Tang's and Einar Nielsen Hillestad's marriage #20. Her father is identified as Ole Jensen Tang:
Source information: Sogn og Fjordane county, Hafslo, Parish register copy nr. A 1 (1866-1908), Marriage records 1879, page 250.
Permanent pagelink: http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:kb_read?idx_kildeid=5256&idx_id=5256&uid=ny&idx_side=-258

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 30/08/2013 04:23:31
Message:

Here are two interesting fellows in the Minnesota Death Index. Their mother's maiden name is Tang and she appears to be a "Susan Larson" in the 1910 census, b abt 1860 (udv unfortunately transcribed as 1862), married to Ole N. Larson:

LARSON, CHRISTIAN LEONARD
Date of Birth: 14 Feb 1895
Place of Birth: MINNESOTA
Mother Maiden Name: TANG
certid# 1970-MN-016642
Date of Death: 09 Jul 1970
County of Death: CLAY

LARSON, HENRY S.
Date of Birth: 01 Jun 1887
Place of Birth: MINNESOTA
Mother Maiden Name: TANG
certid# 1970-MN-016655
Date of Death: 28 Jul 1970
County of Death: CLAY

Here is a possible working theory. Synneve is a name often Anglicized to Susan. What if Einar Nielsen Hillestad dies and Synniva is remarried to Ole Larson and continues family building? This Susan Tang Larson is a first cousin to Jens Tang.I haven't been able to find Einar in later censuses.
See later.

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 30/08/2013 04:27:18
Message:

27 November 1879 Marriage in Hafslo
Original handwritten document: Synneva Olsdatter Tang born 1859 (father Ole Jensen Tang) marries Einar Nielsen Hillestad born 1854 (father Niels Einarsen)

Here's a funny transcription of the marriage record that doesn't match the original document):
http://da4.uib.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&sidenr=1&filnamn=hafsvi&gardpostnr=2423&personpostnr=2423

Their son Nils born 20 AUGUST 1878

15 May 1883 - Departing Bergen:
Synneva Olsdatr Hillestad, married, age 23, born about 1860 in Hafslo
Einar Nilssen Hillestad, married, age 28, born about 1855 in Hafslo
Nils Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo
Ole Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo <--------------not shown in Nils's birth record - maybe a mistake; he must be younger

About the Nils Hillestad who dies in 1935 in Becker County, Minnesota, mother Senneva Johnson - Johnson could be the Americanization for Jensen ? (her father was Ole Jensen)

Family tree for Nels Hillestad (1875 Norway -1935 Becker County, Minnesota) parents not noted; he is said to marry Karen Oleanna Jacobsen:
http://mindrumfamilyhistory.com/getperson.php?personID=I3873&tree=mindrum

Find a Grave memorials to the Nels Hillestad family:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSln=Hillestad&GSiman=1&GScid=82660&

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 30/08/2013 04:39:06
Message:

It's a little confusing with all the people who choose the name Tang ...The above post was my way of staring at your latest findings.

Back in an edit to delete Susan O. Tang Larsen b July 1859 in Norway married to Ole N Larsen and lived in Becker County and then Clay County (per Find a Grave). Useful to know she's ruled out..

Minnesota Naturalization Record
Name: Einar Hillestad
County: Becker
Reel: 1
Code: 2
Volume: 2
Page: 181
Document Type: Declaration
Years: 1884 -1896
Numbers: 1-611

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 30/08/2013 05:08:16
Message:

Well, the cookie has crumbled. Jens O. Tang is not listed amongst her survivors. So the Hillestads are still in, but the Susan Tang Larson is out of the running to Jens' sister but she is Jens' first cousin..

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 30/08/2013 05:25:23
Message:

Plus she immigrated age 3 with her parents ...

And yes the Hillestads are in. That's a hot lead.

from Hopkins, page 2 of this thread, a Synneva Olsdtr in the 1875 census (Hillestad farm) working alongside Einer Nilssen:

http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste_e.aspx?ft=1875&knr=1425&kenr=003&bnr=0081&lnr=00

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 30/08/2013 06:04:10
Message:

Think I've got him. Synniva apparently died and Einar marries a second time, 1900 census, udv 1883 2nd wife Mary married about 1890:

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MMK7-Y92

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 30/08/2013 09:29:58
Message:

quote:

---

Under mother and father's remarks I find "2den gang leiermaal" and "4rde gang leiermaal." Is this a counting of the number of illegitimate births?

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 30/08/2013 09:44:52
Message:

quote:

---

15 May 1883 - Departing Bergen:
Synneva Olsdatr Hillestad, married, age 23, born about 1860 in Hafslo
Einar Nilssen Hillestad, married, age 28, born about 1855 in Hafslo
Nils Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo
Ole Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo <--------------not shown in Nils's birth record - maybe a mistake; he must be younger

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 30/08/2013 09:52:36
Message:

quote:

---

Here's a funny transcription of the marriage record that doesn't match the original document):
http://da4.uib.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&sidenr=1&filnamn=hafsvi&gardpostnr=2423&personpostnr=2423

---

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 30/08/2013 17:57:59
Message:

Thanks for your help with all that eibache. (Link #20 didn't work for me, but my computer can be weird sometimes.) About the transcription of the emigration, I wasn't very clear. I should have explained I was just transcribing the record posted by jkmarler in the link headed by this line: "Einar Nilsen, Synneva Olsdatter & Nils Einarson departing for America:"

Here's a transcription of a Minnesota state census posted by jkmarler (I like transcriptions, hope you all won't mind):

1885
Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota
Ainar Helestad 28 b abt 1857 Norway
Soneva Helestad 23 b abt 1862 Norway
Nils Helestad 7y Norway
Ole Helestad 3y Norway
Inger Helestad 1y Minnesota

More posted by jkmarler:
1900
Lodi, Columbia, Wisconsin
Ener Helestad 47 b Aug 1853 Norway, to USA 1883
Mary Helestad 40 Norway, married 10 years, has 5 children
Nels Helestad 22 son Norway
Ole Helestad 19 son Norway
Melvin S Helestad 9 son Wisconsin
Lawrence B Helestad 8 son Wisconsin
Morris N Helestad 6 son Wisconsin
Correl L Helestad 4 son Wisconsin
Juroma B Helestad 1 daughter Wisconsin
Boarder - Arnt Anderson 59 Norway

In 1900 and 1910 in Eglon & Hawley Townships, Clay, Minnesota, an Inger Hilestad b Sep 1883 (age17 and 26) works as a servant in the Kjelmyren household, parents b Norway

Find a Grave memorial for "Father Hillestad" in Lodi, Dane County, Wisconsin 1926:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Hillestad&GSiman=1&GScid=87757&GRid=74346645&

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 31/08/2013 14:21:39
Message:

quote:

---

(Link #20 didn't work for me, but my computer can be weird sometimes.)

---

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 31/08/2013 15:25:55
Message:

Re Inger Hillestad--Here is a link to the Skjerva family in Clay county in 1920. Bernard Skjerva's birth index listing gives his mother's maiden name as Hillestad:

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWY9-Y8X

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 31/08/2013 15:32:07
Message:

Amazing and valuable exchanges (and info). I hesitate to jump in ...I find some info or have a question and when I get on to post you all are one (or more) steps ahead of me .

From previous Hopkin's post on emigration (children of Ole Jensen Tang (Smedegaard) and Anna Olssdtr Tang)

quote:

---

Persons registered as leaving through port of Bergen whose father's given name started with 'Ol', who mentioned Tang as a prior residence and who gave info as having been born in Hafslo. The info included in the emigrant register after the date leaving were -- Førenamn, Farsnamn, Etternamn, Kjønn, Stand, Yrke, Fødd år, Alder, Fødestad, Bustad, Billett, Merknad Linje

1880 Mai 5 -- Niels, Olsen, Tang, m, gift, 1814, 66, Hafslo, Hafslo, , , Anker Linie,
1882 Mars 10 -- Jens, Olsen, Tang, m, ugift, 1863, 19, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Tjenestedreng, Allan Linie
1882 Mars 10 -- Synneva, Olsdatr, Tang, f, ugift, 1867, 15, Hafslo, Haflso, , Indersts Datter, Allan Linie
1884 Mai 8 -- Anne, Olsdatr, Tang, f, ugift, 1865, 19, Hafslo, Hafslo, prp, Husm's Datter, American Line
1895 Mars 22 -- Sofie, Olsdatter, Tang, f, ug, Husmdtr, 1872, 23, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Cunard
1904 Mai 5 -- Marie, Olsdtr, Tang, f, ug, Tjpige, 1876, 28, Hafslo, Hafslo, , Amerikan pp

Edited by - Hopkins on 03/08/2013 03:04:58

---

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 31/08/2013 17:10:06
Message:

Your question:

Under column “Billet”what does pp (prp) mean? …paid passenger? Who else would pay? Not all passengers have an entry in this column?
Yes, lots of folks' fare were paid by relatives or future employers in America.


Your question:
Could Neils Olsen Tang (b. 1814) be a brother of Ole Jensen Tang ?

If he was, he'd have to be a half-sibling from his mother's side. Olsen as part of his name indicates his father's given name was Ole whereas your Ole's father name is Jens.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 31/08/2013 22:11:46
Message:

quote:

---

The post by Hopkins indicates that Jens Olsen Tang and Synneva Olsdtr Tang emigrated together (10Mar 1882). This seems to conflict with the info (jkmarker) about emigration of Synneve Olsdtr Hillestad (Tang) with husband Einar Nilssen Hillestsd (and two children).

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 31/08/2013 23:25:13
Message:

Thanks Einar, I have been fixated on Jens and sister Synneva Olsdtr emigrating together (1882).

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 00:15:19
Message:

Find a Grave memorial to a Lawrence Hillestad who married Tillie Feten and buried in Lodi, Columbia, Wisconsin:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=58865323

...and living descendants noted here:
http://sunprairieplus.info/getperson.php?personID=I42001&tree=June2013


1940 US Census
Lodi, Columbia, Wisconsin
Lawrence Hillestad 48 b Wisconsin
Tillie Hillestad 44
Earl Hillestad 25
Vern Hillestad 21
Robert Hillestad 19
Lawrence Hillestad 18
George Hillestad 14
Donald Hillestad 11

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 00:56:08
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by eibache

quote:

---

The post by Hopkins indicates that Jens Olsen Tang and Synneva Olsdtr Tang emigrated together (10Mar 1882). This seems to conflict with the info (jkmarker) about emigration of Synneve Olsdtr Hillestad (Tang) with husband Einar Nilssen Hillestsd (and two children).

---

- the Synneva Olsdatter who emigrated in 1882 is said to be born in 1867 - this is most likely her baptismal record, #55 - parents Ole Johannesen, Smedegaard and Ingeborg Olsdatter, Tang.

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 01/09/2013 08:57:08
Message:

quote:

---

There is a 27 year old single woman, Ingeborg Olsdatter, on one of the Tangstræ farms in 1865.

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 01/09/2013 09:33:23
Message:

Anna Olsdatters parents, Ole Olsen, Nøstaaen (28) and Syneve Hansdatter, Sterri (25), was married Nov 30 1831, #31.

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 09:50:08
Message:

So Jens travelled to America with his first cousin....

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 16:31:46
Message:

"So Jens travelled to America with his first cousin...." = their mothers were sisters?

So the Synneva Olsdatter who emigrated in 1882 is born in 1867 to PARENTS Ole Johannesen, Smedegaard and Ingeborg Olsdatter, Tang. PARENTS to Ingeborg Olsdatter, Tang are Ole Olsen,Nøstaaen and Søneva Hansdatter, Hildestad (or Sterri). Ingeborg is sister to Anna Olsdtr, mother to "Doug's" Jens Olsen Tang.

Do I have that right?

Sponsors at baptisms of siblings to Jens Olsen Tang:

A Niels Olsen Tang is baptismal sponsor at baptism of Knud Olsen Tang born May 9 1871 (link to record posted earlier by eibache)

Ole Olsen Tang and pigen Ingeborg Olsdttr Tang are sponsors at baptism of Synneva Olsdtr Tang (link posted by eibache)

Lars Olsen Tang (bachelor) is a sponsor at baptism of Anna Olsdtr Tang (link posted by eibache)

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 17:38:49
Message:

Looks like it.

Pondering about the Tang who married Brynjulf Hansen children who were packed off to Norway (as well as those who fussed and didn't go). Perhaps when the parents split Ida and Otillie went to Norway with their mother? It would have to have been after 1901 following the birth of Synneva's youngest child. There are lots of Ida born Amerika in the 1910 Norwegian census.....

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 18:20:47
Message:

The Ida you mention perhaps became Mrs. Ida Haden of Buffalo, New York - if the logic is correct on page 2 of this thread.

[Back in an edit to say the Susie found below is found to be the first cousin of Jens Olsen Tang - she is daughter of his mother's sister Ingeborg.]

In the 1900 census in Lake Park, Becker, Minnesota, family of Brynjulf Hansen and Susie Tang, Susie is age 33, born Oct 1866 Norway, married 17 years (married 1883), mother of 9 children 9 living, to USA 1882 .On an Ancestry.com family tree, this Susan is called Sonia Susan Tang born 17 July 1867 in Norway, which does not match the birth date on the 1900 census.

Also interesting is the family of Ole Olsen Tang b 1829 in Hafslo who maried Sophie Sjursdatter Quam who lived in Wisconsin, then Becker County Minnesota, then Clay County Minnesota. Their daughter Anna Sophia b 1875 is likely the "Miss Sophie Tang" whose death record I posted showing mother's maiden name Kvam. This family is further detailed on Find a Grave, buried at Solem Cemetery where Jens Olsen Tang and wife Louise are buried:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSln=Tang&GSiman=1&GScid=980161&

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 18:41:03
Message:

There's a 50/50 chance that the Ole Tang family who migrated in the 1860s to Minnesota and ended up in Becker and Clay counties could be a relative also to Jens (like an uncle!). Here is copy of the two Ole Olsen births in 1829 in Hafslo:

6407 Ole 1829.04.13 1829.04.17 m e Ole Olsen Børtness Huusm Karie Pedersdatter Hafslo

6421 Ole 1829.05.17 1829.05.28 m u Ole Olsen Nøstøen Ungkarl 2den gang leiermaal Sønneve Hansdr Steen 2den gang leiermaal Hafslo

If this is true I'll probably have to undo my cross out on Susan Tang above!

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 18:55:51
Message:

BINGO

> "Ole 1829.05.17 1829.05.28 m u Ole Olsen Nøstøen Ungkarl 2den gang leiermaal Sønneve Hansdr Steen 2den gang leiermaal Hafslo" <

Find a Grave:
Ole Tang
Birth: May 17, 1829
Death: Mar. 31, 1904
Gravestone Inscription: Hafslo, Sogn, Prestegjeld, Norge [sic]
Burial: Solem Cemetery, Hawley, Clay, Minnesota (where Jens Olsen Tang and wife are buried)


1880
Eglon, Clay, Minnesota
Ole Tang 51 Norway, farmer
Sofia Tang 49 Norway
Anna Tang 18 Norway
Syvert Tang 13 Wisconsin
Henry Tang 8 Minnesota
Anne S. Tang 5 Minnesota [ Minnesota birth record SOPHIA?]
Christian E. Tang 4 Minnesota [MN birth record Erick Christian]

Sophie (Sjursdatter Qvam?, called Seversen in husband's bio)
Birth: Jul. 14, 1821 Hafslo, Sogn, Prestegjeld, Norge
Death: Feb. 20, 1904
[from inscription on tombstone, FIND a GRAVE]

I think one of the Brynjulf Hansen girls married a guy named Henry Tang....oy vey.

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 19:14:33
Message:

This appears to be Jens' sister first cousin (per the ancestry database JaneC quoted earlier) Brynjulf's ex:

OLSON, SUSAN
Date of Birth: na
Place of Birth: na
Mother Maiden Name: na
certid# 1931-MN-015309
Date of Death: 13 Aug 1931
County of Death: TODD

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 19:26:03
Message:

From the Dalby Database:

BOOK - COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA, PUBLISHED 1902. Tang, Ole. Ole Tang, one of the venerable settlers in Clay county, whose home is in section 32, Eglon township, wh4ere for long years he has carried on farming operations on an extensive scale, was born on the Tan farm in Bergen Swift, Norway, in 1829, and is the son of a farmer who lived and died in the old country. Ole Tang was the oldest in a family of many children born to his parents and was reared and educated in his native community. When he was eighteen years old he began at the shoemaker's trade, and for many years was devoted to that occupation in Norway, and also after his coming into Clay county. In 1859 he was married, in Norway, to Miss Severson, by whom he had twelve children, six of whom are still living: Susan is married; Annie taught school and is now married; Severt, who was born in Wisconsin, is a school teacher; Sophia and Christian, both of whom were born in Freeborn county, Minnesota. Mr. Tang came to the United States in 1862 and settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where he followed his trade. When the Civil War was ended he moved to Wauzeka, Crawford county, Wisconsin, where he followed his trade two years. At Albert Lea, Minnesota, he had his home ten years, working at his trade and also carrying on a small shoe store. In 1877 he moved into Becker county, locating on a farm in Lake Park township where he remained one year, then removing to a homestead in section 32, Clay county, and devoted himself to making his present comfortable and attractive farm home. He put up a log house and began farming with a boundless determination to succeed. His first crop of wheat ran fifteen bushels to the acre. For several years he did all his farm work with oxen, but now has every convenience that modern farming demands. He owns a farm of two hundred acres with about eighty under the plow, and is regarded as a very capable and successful man. Mr. Tan holds to Democratic ideas and has been on the town board, of which he was chairman one term. For several years he has been school treasurer. He and his family are earnest and devoted members of the Lutheran church, where his character and known integrity give him a good standing.

Burials on the Dalby Database include Jens Olsen Tang, his wife, and other people who adopted the surname Tang:
http://www.dalbydata.com/user.php?action=cemsearchresults

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 01/09/2013 19:36:06
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jkmarler

This appears to be Jens' sister (per the ancestry database JaneC quoted earlier):

OLSON, SUSAN
Date of Birth: na
Place of Birth: na
Mother Maiden Name: na
certid# 1931-MN-015309
Date of Death: 13 Aug 1931
County of Death: TODD

---

Reply author: jkmarler
Replied on: 01/09/2013 19:54:58
Message:

Yes 1st cousin sorry. Here she is in 1930 census with husband Hans Olson:

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3DY-Q58

Well daughter Ida came back to get married:
http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&sidenr=11&filnamn=EMIBERG&gardpostnr=73576&merk=73576#ovre

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 02/09/2013 19:05:58
Message:

All-Thanks for your continued efforts. I need to tie up some things to make sure I understand all the recent info that has surfaced.

:My conclusions are:

- When my paternal g-father, Jens Olsen Tang (b.28 Apr 1862) emigrated to US on 10 Mar 1882, he traveled with Synneva Olsdtr Tang (b. 1867), who was his 1st cousin (mother’ side).

-Synneva’s parents were: Ole Johnannesen, Smedegaard and Ingeborg Olsdatter, Tang (b. Jan 5 1837 #13 by Einar).

- Ingeborg Olsdtr Tang was a sister of Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’s mother) and was Jen's aunt (mother’s side).

PARENTS to both Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’s mother) and Ingeborg Olsdtr Tang ( Sonneva’s mother, Jen’s aunt) are: Ole Olsen,Nøstaaen and Søneva Hansdatter, Hildestad (or Sterri).

- Jen’s sister, Synneva Hillestad (born Tang)(b. 16 Jan 1860) emigrated 15 May 1883 with her husband Einar Nilssen Hillestad (b.~1855), and two children Nils and Ole Einarssen. She later dies and Einar remarries (Mary Helestad/ Hillestad)

Is # 6265 the birth record for Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’smother)? It gives parents as above for Anna and Ingetborg Olsdtrs, Tang.

http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&sidenr=43&filnamn=Hafslodb&gardpostnr=6265&merk=6265#ovre

- The birth date for Anna OLsdtr Tang( 1827.08.30) is almost 2 years earlier than the marriage date [ Nov 30, 1831; #31 (Einar)] for the parents : Ole Olsen,Nøstaaen and Søneva Hansdatter, Hildestad (or Sterri).

- The birth is uekte (born outside of wedlock) … which seems to be common. Does the mother’s and father’s remarks = 1ste gang leiermaal mean that Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’s mother) was the 1st illegitimate child for both her parents or did each one have a previous? Why the long delay in getting married?

The following is the 1875 census (Kåre) provided earlier http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste.aspx?ft=1875&knr=1425&kenr=003&bnr=0020&lnr=00 . Are persons #9-11 possibly related to either Ole Jensen Smedegaard (Tang/Tangstre) or Anna Olsdatr Tang? I don’t want to stray to far, but with all the uekte births I don’t know what to expect.

Doug

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:29:11
Message:

quote:

---

Is # 6265 the birth record for Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’smother)?

---

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:33:02
Message:

quote:

---

The birth is uekte (born outside of wedlock) … which seems to be common. Does the mother’s and father’s remarks = 1ste gang leiermaal mean that Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’s mother) was the 1st illegitimate child for both her parents or did each one have a previous? Why the long delay in getting married?

---

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:33:50
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang


The following is the 1875 census (Kåre) provided earlier http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste.aspx?ft=1875&knr=1425&kenr=003&bnr=0020&lnr=00 . Are persons #9-11 possibly related to either Ole Jensen Smedegaard (Tang/Tangstre) or Anna Olsdatr Tang? I don’t want to stray to far, but with all the uekte births I don’t know what to expect.

Doug

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:39:19
Message:

Thanks Einar- I should have said transcription (index). I will try to be more precise. I wanted to first try to verify before trying to read the original record.

Doug

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:42:08
Message:

Yes to all - though I am glad eibache and others may also confirm.

> "The birth date for Anna Olsdtr Tang (1827) is almost 2 years earlier than the marriage date (1831) for the parents: Ole Olsen,Nøstaaen and Søneva Hansdatter, Hildestad (or Sterri) ... Why the long delay in getting married?" <

I am guessing no one can answer why the marriage took so long in this particular case. It was not uncommon then and still happens nowadays.

> "The birth is uekte (born outside of wedlock) … which seems to be common. Does the mother’s and father’s remarks = 1ste gang leiermaal mean that Anna Olsdtr Tang (Jen’s mother) was the 1st illegitimate child for both her parents?" <

Yes Anna was the first child born for both parents - although I hope a speaker of Norwegian will also answer. Anna's father is noted as "ungkarl" which means bachelor.

> In the 1875 census, "Are persons #9-11 possibly related to either Ole Jensen Smedegaard (Tang/Tangstre) or Anna Olsdatr Tang?" <

I don't think anyone has investigated the relationship. The mother (person #9) is listed as "Inderste." I think this means boarder / lodger.

I'll check back tomorrow to see if there are corrections to what I said. Happy Labor Day Doug! We're off to a picnic.

Reply author: eibache
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:48:05
Message:

quote:

---

Are persons #9-11 possibly related to either Ole Jensen Smedegaard (Tang/Tangstre) or Anna Olsdatr Tang?

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 02/09/2013 20:59:00
Message:

Thanks Einar, Kåre,and JaneC.

Jane- Enjoy your Labor Day picnic

Doug

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 06/09/2013 18:56:47
Message:

Been away for a few days. A couple of new pieces of info.

(1) To help me tie down any immigration info for Jens Olsen Tang, I followed the suggestion by jkmarler (28/08/2013) to get Jens Olsen Tang’s naturalization records from Iron Range. I just received copies of his papers for US citizenship ….Declaration of Intention (2 Nov 1886, 11th Judicial District Court, Becker CO., MN) and Final Papers (17 Nov 1898, 7th Judicial District Court, Clay CO., MN).

- According to Declaration: “….Jens O. Tang emigrated to the US, and landed at the port of New York on or about the month of March in the year 1882.” The Mar 1882 date of landing in NY is consistent with the 10 Mar 1882 emigration (from Bergen) date I have. If March landing date is correct, then that would indicate a trip of no more than about 20 days. But as I have learned well (thanks to you all) dates are not always trustworthy. In fact the Declaration of Intention has Jen’s DOB stated as 1861, rather than 1862!

According to Final Papers: The witnesses for Jens O Tang were A. K (?) Ferguson and Oluf Fossum (or Fossom). I believe Oluf (Ole, Olie) Fossum could be the husband of Jens Tang’s sister, Anna Olsdtr Tang (b. 25Mar 1865).

(2) I have been going through boxes we had in storage and found the following (below) about who was in the wedding party for Jens O. Tang and Louise L. Tang ( Mikkelson)…from a clipping of marriage notice for Jens O. Tang and Louise L. Mikkelson (my paternal g-parents ). I also found a marriage photo with identifying info of very similar names: ….Christ Tang (Erick C. Tang?), Ander Larson) (Andrew Larson), Sophie Tang (Sophia Tang), Susan Larson, Nels Hildestad , Ella Quam. Some of these are names that seem to have come up before.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Hawley County Herald (December 5, 1902)…. Paper in Clay Co. , Minnesota

EGLON

“Married-Nov 26, 1902, Mr. Jens O. Tang and Miss Louise L. Mikkelson at the Solem church at2 o’clock in the afternoor. Miss Julia Erickson played the wedding march. Misses Ella Quam, Sophia Tang, and Susan Larson acted as bridesmaids. Messars. Nels Hildestad, Andrew Larson, and Erick C. Tang were best men. Rev. B. J. Larson of Lake Park tied the knot. After the ceremony was over everybody went to the home of C. Jorgeuson for dinner. The evening was spent playing games, such as “pig in the parlor” and others.”

Found funny “pig in the parlor” game (old Norwegian game?).
----------------------------------------------------------------
In the wedding party

- Could “Nels Hildestad” be Nils Einarssen Hillestad, the son of Einar Nilssen Hillestad (b.~1855) and Jen’s sister, Synneva Hillestad (born Tang, b. 16 Jan 1860) … ? From before … Sonneva emigrated 15 May 1883 with her husband Einar Nilssen Hillestad (b.~1855), and two children Nils and Ole Einarssen. She later dies and Einar remarries (Mary Helestad/ Hillestad).

- Could “ Susan Larson” be Jen’s 1st cousin (jkmaller 30/08/2013) ? Andrew Larson?

- Christian E. Tang 4 Minnesota be Jen’s 1st cousin? [MN birth record Erick Christian, 1880 US census…by Jane C (01/09/2013).

- Sophia (Sofie) Tang ?
- Ella Quam?

(3) Also found a 1900 picture (not very clear) of the Solem Church choir (Clay CO., MN). There are 18 people. Those listed, excluding the several MIkkelson’s (related to my maternal g-mother) are: Susan Larson, Andrew Larson, Carrie Larson, Jens Tang, Sofie Tang, Sivert Tang, Henry Tang, Christ Tang, (and Bertha Erickson, Ella Quam, Sophie Erickson, Bynhil;d Johnson). I don’t believe this photo info is very helpful, but I am including just for me to be able to have these names all in one place.

Doug

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 06/09/2013 20:10:51
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtang



----------------------------------------------------------------
In the wedding party

- Could “Nels Hildestad” be Nils Einarssen Hillestad, the son of Einar Nilssen Hillestad (b.~1855) and Jen’s sister, Synneva Hillestad (born Tang, b. 16 Jan 1860) … ? From before … Sonneva emigrated 15 May 1883 with her husband Einar Nilssen Hillestad (b.~1855), and two children Nils and Ole Einarssen. She later dies and Einar remarries (Mary Helestad/ Hillestad).
Doug

---

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 06/09/2013 21:03:47
Message:

[
Kåre - I’ m confused. Based on below (by Einar) I thought this "Nels Hildestad" would be a son of “Einar Nilssen Hillestad and Synneva Olssdtr Hillestad (born Tang; Jen’s sister)” …not a son of a “Einar Nielsen and Sønniva Ingebrigtsdatter? Am I missing something?

quote:

---

Kåre (06/09/2103)
Einar Nielsen and Sønniva Ingebrigtsdatter had a son Niels born on farm Sterei/Sterri August 28. 1869.

---

quote:

---

Einar (30/08/2013)
15 May 1883 - Departing Bergen:
Synneva Olsdatr Hillestad, married, age 23, born about 1860 in Hafslo
Einar Nilssen Hillestad, married, age 28, born about 1855 in Hafslo
Nils Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo
Ole Einarssen Hillestad age 4 born Hafslo <-------not shown in Nils's birth record - maybe a mistake; he must be younger
-------------------------------------------------
Einar (31/08/2013)… Synneva Olsdatter was born 1860, the baptismal record is #11 and she emigrated in 1883 with her husband and two children.....noted above

---

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 06/09/2013 22:17:03
Message:

The answer
The Hillestad family was to young to have a son Nils 1869.
There were two couples of Einar Nilsen and Synnøva Ingebrigtsdatter in Hafslo with a son Niels.

Kåre

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 06/09/2013 23:50:40
Message:

Kåre - You made me feel better. The age of Nils (b. 1869) was what prompted my question. I should have been more clear as to my clue. I am trying to use dates etc to help rule in or rule out possibilities. Born in 1869 would have made him about 39 at time of wedding. The other NIls who emigrated (age 4) in 1863 with parents “Einar Nilssen Hillestad and Synneva Olsdtr Hillestad (born Tang; Jen’s sister)” would have been about 31yr. The marriage photo looks more 31 than 39 (but who knows).

I still not clear as to the possible “Einar Nielsen and Sønniva Ingebrigtsdatter connection? I thought Sonniva ( Sonneva) would be a "Olsdtr?

I hope the" cousin" (of Jens O Tang) issue is not too much of a distraction from tying down direct links to Jens Tang. The cousin issue is just a way (somewhat indirect) to determine the names of the siblings of my paternal/maternal gg-gparents [ Ole Jensen Tang (Smedegaard)(b. 21 Jan 1838) and Anna Olsdtr Tang )(b. ~1835)].

Thanks again.

Doug

Reply author: dtang
Replied on: 12/09/2013 17:54:32
Message:

Thanks to the many volunteers of the Norway Heritage Community I have found out much information about my g-father, Jens Olsen Tang (farm name)), born in Hafslo (28 Apr 1862).

I especially want to thank Kåre (Kåarto ), Einar (ibache), Hopkins, and jlmarler who provided an amazing amount of valuable information about my g-father and his family in Norway. I also want to very much thank JaneC (USA) for all her contributions and moral support. I appreciated the patience you all showed me as I tried to learn how to make use of the many resources and ask better questions.

There have been some 67 replies since I began this thread. Because of your efforts I now have many possible paths of inquiry to possibility follow-up. I believe the current thread has already become too complicated for all to deal with. For that I apologize. In order to better focus on specific questions that have come up I think it best to open up new threads. I would link to the current thread , and I would try to provide as much known information as possible to minimize redoing research. I believe I finally figured out how to include links with a context name.

I would appreciate any thoughts or advice about how best to continue and/or how I can help to make your efforts to help me a bit easier.

Again, I want to thank all the dedicated volunteers of the Norway Heritage Community for their time and excellent research to help those of us who are trying to find information about our Norwegian roots. You are all the greatest.

Doug

Reply author: JaneC
Replied on: 12/09/2013 22:45:02
Message:

Good plan!

Reply author: Kåarto
Replied on: 12/09/2013 23:31:08
Message:

You are welcome Doug

Kåre

Norway Heritage Community : http://www.norwayheritage.com/snitz/