| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
TFOlsen
Junior member
USA
32 Posts |
 Posted - 03/07/2006 : 01:23:40
|
My great-grandparents, Johan OLSEN and Oline CHRISTIANSDTR emigrated from Norway in 1974 and 1879, respectively. (I'm working separately on tracing family roots in Norway.)
After they settled in the Portland Oregon area, specifically in Milwaukie in Clackamas County, they started a family in the early 1880s.
From US Census entries, and family lore, we know that Oline had six total children, only three of whom survived to adulthood:
Gurine OLSEN, b. 25-Dec-1883, d. 23-Apr-1960 (both in OR).
Bernhard OLSEN, b. 9-Sep-1889 in OR, d. 30-Dec-1978 in Indianapolis, IN.
Johann OLSEN, b. Feb 1894, d. After 1942.
But the names and vital statistics of the three deceased siblings are still unknown. Logically, all three would have been born before 1889, and family lore has all three perishing in the same week some time prior to 1900.
Obvious sources, like oral history or family bibles, are unavailable or unavailing. And Oregon didn't require reporting of natural deaths prior to 1903, unfortunately.
Does anyone have any leads to compilations of Lutheran church records, particularly christenings and funerals, in Clackamas and/or Multnomah counties in Oregon?
I tried writing to the Rector of what seemed to be the largest Lutheran church in Portland, but never heard anything back.
Obviously, suggestions are welcome. |
Tom Olsen
2024 Falcon Court
Bellingham, WA 98229 |
|
|
Jo Anne Sadler
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
1100 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2006 : 01:39:04
|
If a child died at birth, seldom was a birth/death record made, many times just buried on the family property but in your case that is just speculation on my part.
Here is a good site for old Lutheran records that I have gotten help from in the past:
http://www.elca.org/archives/
However, a funeral is not a sacrament or anything required for legal purposes, ie: christening, confirmation, marriage and are not usually officially recorded. If any records exist, they would most likely be in the pastors personal diary or log.
As far as not hearing from the rector, church organizations are underpaid, understaffed and their job is to minister to the living, not look up records on dead people. I hope you always send a donation with your requests along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Have you researched cemeteries in the area they lived in? Were the parents buried locally, getting a list of internment may lead to clues. Generally, with a first death, the family bought a plot that several family members would subsequently be interred in, the plot would be in the name of the head of the family. There will be fees, sometimes quite expensive and be warned, sometimes cemeteries will send you a bill for maintenance fees back to the 1800's. It has happened to me twice and one was over $8000. I just ignored it but don't say you are a descendant! |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Oregon Lutheran records?
