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olavveka
Starting member
Norway
14 Posts |
 Posted - 22/06/2016 : 19:26:50
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I have a couple of old family photos, one from studio J.O.Oleson in De Kalb, Ill: of a family, parents and two young women ca. 1900. Another photo of the parents sitting outside their farm building. Written on the back 'Olli Østhenson', probably Ole Østensen. No clues so far, I am on the point of giving up. Key words: Norwegian immigrants from Ryfylke, Norway, perhaps Suldal or Sand since they were sent to family members in this area. But no immigrants from this area fit so far. Strangely enough the studio 'J.O.Oleson, Photographer, De Kalb, Illinois' does not turn up in a general web search.
Grateful for clues or hints or any ideas. Tusen takk. |
O.Veka |
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jwiborg
Norway Heritage Veteran
Norway
4961 Posts |
Posted - 22/06/2016 : 20:04:38
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Photographer J.O. Oleson can be found in DeKalb Township, DeKalb city, DeKalb county, Illinois, census-1900.
He is born October 1844 and emigrated from Norway in 1866. He's been married with Bertha (born Oct 1854) since 1877. Together they have the sons Ross M born June 1879 and Chester G born 1885.
Census-1870 list him as "Jonah O. Oleson"
From "The biographical record of De Kalb County, Illinois":
J.O. OLESON, photographer, Postoffice building, De Kalb.
It is safe to say that there is no branch of industry, art or science, in which more marked advances have been made during recent years than in photography. From the date of Da-guerre's first discovery of retaining impressions on material substances, by the aid of light and chemical appliances, its progress has been nothing less than a continuous march of success, and yet the end has not been reached. Notwithstanding all that has been attained, much yet depends upon skill and judgment of the operator in obtaining favorable and desirable results. Among the prosperous ard well-patronized men of De Kalb, our subject has always maintained a most enviable reputation for superior workmanship and liberal business methods.
Mr. Oleson is a native of Norway, born in 1845. In 1868 he emigrated to the United States and located in Chicago, at which time he began business as a photographer. In 1872, after serving under the best photographers in Chicago, he opened an establishment on his own account, and was eminently successful. He continued his residence in Chicago for ten years, coming to De Kalb, in 1878, where he established himself in his business, and for sixteen years was the only permanent photographer in the city. His studio was on Main street up to 1896, but he is now situated on Third street, over the postoffice. The premises he occupies for his business are spacious and commodious, easy of access, and the reception room and office are handsomely furnished. His gallery and finishing room are fitted up with the latest appliances known to the profession, including the best light accessories. Indeed, the whole establishment is fitted up in first-class style. Sitters are posed by Mr. Oleson, who is recognized as an artist of marked ability, and the most careful attention is given to every detail which is likely to enhance the beauty and faithfulness of the picture. The beauty of design, fineness of finish, and the artistic workmanship of everything manipulated, are matters of just pride to Mr. Oleson. His merits are indorsed by hundreds of patrons in city and country.
On the 8th of October, 1876, Mr. Oleson was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in 1854, and to them were born three children. Derby D., born in 1877, died January 17, 1898. Ross M. was born in 1879, and Chester G., in 1885. For twenty years Mr. Oleson has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held several responsible offices. In politics he is a Republican. |
Edited by - jwiborg on 22/06/2016 21:19:38 |
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AntonH
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
9301 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 03:02:34
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Jonah O. Oleson
in the 1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Jonah O. Oleson
Age: 34
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birthplace: Norway
Home in 1880: De Kalb, DeKalb, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Bertha Oleson
Father's Birthplace: Norway
Mother's Birthplace: Norway
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Photographer
Name Age
Jonah O. Oleson 34
Bertha Oleson 25
Derby D. Oleson 2
Oleson 1
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JaneC
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
3020 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 11:36:55
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quote:
Originally posted by olavveka
I have a couple of old family photos, one from studio J.O.Oleson in De Kalb, Ill: of a family, parents and two young women ca. 1900. Another photo of the parents sitting outside their farm building. Written on the back 'Olli Østhenson', probably Ole Østensen.... Key words: Norwegian immigrants from Ryfylke, Norway, perhaps Suldal or Sand since they were sent to family members in this area.
Are you saying that the photos were sent from the USA to Norway?
To whom were the photos sent?
The recipient of the photos is probably the best clue, after "Olli Østhenson" and "De Kalb, Illinois." Presumably Ole Østensen was a relative, friend, or neighbor of the recipient - or his wife was - so the recipient's name and precise, specific location are key. |
Edited by - JaneC on 23/06/2016 11:44:09 |
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olavveka
Starting member
Norway
14 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 11:48:06
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| Thank you all three for prompt replies, especially with information about the Oleson studio. Yes, the pictures were sent from De Kalb to Norway, but the family who has them, is not able to sort out any family connection. They have all tried without success. As we all know, we cannot trust the surname Osthenson to be the 'right' or formal one, I will check into other possibilities. Thank you. |
O.Veka |
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JaneC
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
3020 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 12:00:46
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Østensen is highly likely a patronymic (Ole's father was Østen) because of the context, though yes, agreed, that's not 100% certain.
Illinois Cyberdrive Genealogy website hasn't turned up an Ole Ostensen marriage or death record. link
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Edited by - JaneC on 23/06/2016 12:08:55 |
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AntonH
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
9301 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 16:15:21
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Ancestry.com has several Ole Ostensens or Ostensons but they are mostly found living in Minneosta or Wisconsin. However there is one Ole Ostensen born in Norway and living mostly in and around Chicago. Here is his arrival. He lists his father as Ole Ostensen Hagersgard ? (Hauges Gade) Drammen, going to Chicago Ill
Ole Ostensen
in the New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
Name: Ole Ostensen
Arrival Date: 24 Jul 1907
Birth Date: abt 1889
Birth Location: Norway
Birth Location Other: dramud
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: Scandinavian
Port of Departure: Christiania
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: Oscar II
Here is his WWI Draft Registration
Name: Geo George Ostensen
[Ole George Ostensen]
City: Chicago
County: Cook
State: Illinois
Birthplace: Norway
Birth Date: 16 Oct 1888
Race: Caucasian (White)
Draft Board: 79
He is single and lists Drammen Norway as his place of birth
Probably him living with his family in the 1900 Norwegian Census
http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/ftliste_e.aspx?ft=1900&knr=0602&kenr=010&bnr=0009&lnr=01 |
Edited by - AntonH on 23/06/2016 18:01:31 |
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JaneC
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
3020 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 19:30:50
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| The Ole Østensen in question has two young adult daughters as of about 1900? (Let's say age 20 by 1890-1910, born 1870-1890, to allow leeway in the dating of the formal family portrait taken in De Kalb.) So seemingly Ole George is too young.... |
Edited by - JaneC on 23/06/2016 19:31:40 |
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olavveka
Starting member
Norway
14 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 20:49:07
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| Yes, you are right. Actually, I also found this younger Østenson, but he also left from another part of the country. My Østenson might have emigrated around 1880. I will try another family line just in case the family name actually was not Østenson, but some thing else, like his father's patronymic. I will keep you informed. Thank you anyway for your research. |
O.Veka |
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jwiborg
Norway Heritage Veteran
Norway
4961 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 21:22:51
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Census-1920 for Akan, Richland, Wisconsin has a record of one Ollie B Austenson, born abt 1890.
She is married to Martin G Austenson born 1881, and they have a son Keith L, born 1916. All 3 are listed as born in Wisconsin.
Martins parents are from Norway, while Ollies parents are from Wisconsin. A man named Ben Opsahl (50) lives in the same household.
Akan, WI is abt 180 miles (290 km) north of DeKalb, IL. |
Edited by - jwiborg on 23/06/2016 21:33:19 |
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AntonH
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
9301 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 22:17:58
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Probably the baptism record for the Martin Austenson found by Jan Peter directly above.
Gulbrand Martinius Ostensen
in the U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940
Name: Gulbrand Martinius Ostensen
Event Type: Baptism
Birth Date: 30 Apr 1880
Baptism Date: 20 Jun 1880
Baptism Place: Fennimore, Wisconsin
Father: Johan Ostensen
Mother: Martha Evensdatter
Church Name: Castle Rock Evangelical
Church Location: Fennimore, Wisconsin
Martin and Ollie in 1910 probably recently married
Martin Ostenson
in the 1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Martin Ostenson
Age in 1910: 30
Birth Year: abt 1880
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Home in 1910: Watterstown, Grant, Wisconsin
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Ollie Ostenson
Father's Birthplace: Norway
Mother's Birthplace: Norway
Native Tongue: English
Occupation: Farmer
Employer, Employee or Other: Own Account
Home Owned or Rented: Rent
Farm or House: Farm
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Years Married: 1
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Martin Ostenson 30
Ollie Ostenson 20
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Edited by - AntonH on 23/06/2016 22:22:45 |
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AntonH
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
9301 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2016 : 22:29:15
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Probably the birth record for Olive B Tracy ie Ollie Austenson.
Tracy
in the Wisconsin, Births and Christenings Index, 1801-1928
Name: Tracy
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birth Date: 8 Dec 1887
Birth Place: Richland, Richland, Wisconsin
Father: Chas Tracy
Mother: Mary E Squires
FHL Film Number: 1305150
Olive B Tracy
in the 1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Olive B Tracy
Age: 10
Birth Date: Dec 1889
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Home in 1900: Boscobel, Grant, Wisconsin
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's name: Mary Tracy
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Occupation: View on Image
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Mary Tracy 39
Charles H Tracy 14
Olive B Tracy 10
Ida Bell Tracy 8
William Mck Tracy 6 |
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jkmarler
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
7790 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2016 : 03:53:27
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Maybe he is known as something other than Osthenson in US? Here are all the men named Ole with other than patronymic last names (except for Olson which I left in because it might be an adaptation of Ostenson) who lived in DeKalb county, Illinois in 1880:
Looks like Milan twp is ground zero for Norwegians in DeKalb.
Ole Baker Julia Paw Paw, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1846 Norway )
family database with this Ole at rootsweb: http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=lockwd&id=I123570
Ole A. Billand Gun Hild Victor, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1831 Norway
Ole Holtz Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1855 Norway
Ole O . Langrud Anna O. Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1835 Norway
Ole P. Lyse Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1858 Norway
Ole Mollen Paw Paw, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1863 Norway
Ole J. Norem Julia Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1835 Norway
Ole B. Oleson Julia Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1834 Norway
Ole Oleson Anna P. Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1839 Norway
Ole H. Oleson Bertha Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1844 Norway
Ole Oleson Malta, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1856 Norway
Ole J. Raunaus Anna Afton, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1837 Norway
Ole P. Travlin Mary A. Milan, DeKalb, Illinois abt 1856 Norway
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Edited by - jkmarler on 24/06/2016 04:16:57 |
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Hopkins
Norway Heritage Veteran
USA
3351 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2016 : 16:47:22
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The northern counties of Illinois were a location where MANY Norwegian emigrants first stopped, settled and or made temporary residence before moving on to locations further west or northwest. The counties of Lee, DeKalb, Ogle, LaSalle, Kendall and Grundy were common sites beginning as early as the 1850s in my own emigrant family. Early Norwegian settlers there often helped the later emigrants get started on their own American lives before they moved on.
I still have distant cousins who live in those Illinois areas while my own branch of the family went further west after the US civil war and when westward travel became easier to cross the Mississippi River and the rapid expansion of railroads.
The town of DeKalb was a bit larger than many of the little rural hamlets that were scattered through those counties and would have been a central place and fairly convenient location to have a professional photograph taken. We have one or two cabinet photos from the same photography studio for early relatives who did not actually reside in that county... but not far away. |
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olavveka
Starting member
Norway
14 Posts |
Posted - 24/06/2016 : 18:21:46
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| A lot of helpful information here, but neither names nor dates fit. Yes, I guess DeKalb might have been more like a stop-over on the way north as suggested, since the best land in Illinois was occupied in the 1880's. I will check both this and other surnames, as mentioned. Anyway, thank you all. There are many experts out there! |
O.Veka |
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Ostenson, De Kalb, Illinois
