Thursday, March 31, 2011

1870 US Federal Census: Asbjørn ROE Family


Detail of 1870 US Federal Census. Asbjørn ROE family. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Roe, Asban [Asbjørn] / 57 / M / W / Farmer / Norway
_____, Richoma [Ragnhild] / 53 / F / W / Keeping House / Norway
_____, Ole / 16 / M / W / At School / Wisconsin
_____, Anna / 19 / F / W / Domestic Servant / Norway
_____, Knut / 13 / M / W / At School / Wisconsin
_____, Andrina / 11 / F / W / At School / Wisconsin
Roe, Mattie [?] / 67 / F / W / Retired / Norway




Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Amherst, Portage, Wisconsin; Roll: M593_1732; Page: 64B; Image: 132; Family History Library Film: 553231.

Source Information:
Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Minnesota census schedules for 1870. NARA microfilm publication T132, 13 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

Letter from David L. ROE to Anders ROE (28 Dec 1871)


Letter. David L. ROE to Anders RAA (28 Dec 1871). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.
 
St. Lawrence, Dec. 28th/71

Dear Friend! Anders Raa and family.

After such a long time I must take my pen and try to write you a few lines but it has been so long and I am so ashamed.

I must then first tell you that we are all healthy as of now and hope we hear the same from you. I don't have any news to tell you. At this time it is cold and we have from 10 to 18 inches of deep snow. I have stayed home almost the entire time other than eight months starting in spring when I was at a sawmill up by Stevens Point and earning $26 a month. Anders and Johannes were also there.

There is now quite lively Pinery works here and the pay is about $30.00 a month but I am not going to go there since we have cleared about 6 acres and have worked almost the entire winter to get rid of all the trees. We had quite a miserable year, the wheat was so miserable that many did not want to harvest it. We planted 16 bushels and got back 33 but the winter wheat was what we would call good we planted 7 acres and got back 85 bushels. Oats 139, rye 29, grain and potatoes were somewhat good. The railroad is running and going to Stevens Point also Green Bay and the Lake Pepin track is finished to New London, about 25 miles east of here.

I must end my disjointed writing with a sincere greeting from all of us and to wish all of
you a wonderful New Year.

Your devoted David L. Roe
Write back soon.

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Letter from Asbjørn to Anders ROE (1 Mar 1872)



Letter. Asbjørn to Anders ROE (1 Mar 1872). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear Son Anders Raae with wife and children,

Now is gone by so long a time since we heard news from you and have sent to you 2 letters, one 4 weeks before Christmas and one other after Christmas, but still no answer has arrived so I will then send you some more word in hope that you, if you still are in this life, without delay must write to us. We have been and become more and more worried and especially your mother when we fear that you are not well, we console ourselves also thereby that perhaps the letters are lost enroute.

As far as existing circumstances are concerned, so we have been and still are healthy in body, thank God who controls everything well by his powerful Word. There has been and is much illness around in the settlement.

Many are sick from the so-called spot fever and some dead. Villiam Olson married to Gudmund Martha has been near death of this sickness and is still severely ill and his wife lives in “child-bed” so we have had to entrust Anna and Ole to them. The so-called small pox goes also in the settlement, so it works much with vaccination which in many cases is not effective.

We have had to live in the little log house which you helped me to build on the new land. The winter came so severe that we with difficulty got on the old and the winter has been _____ then not so severe after Christmas, average snow with good sleighing.

Ole Fredrikson is by his same sickness has not been in bed for a six weeks time, his sickness is such that he can seldom lie in the bed or can for a short time, but must sit by the bed in a _____ inner scaffolding, can now and then go over the floor with help of cane. He consists for the most with pain in the stomach with coughing, shortness of breath and nausea so it has been especially difficult for them now for ten months _____. I hope it has improved him on the soul’s behalf.

Closing is you with family many loving greetings from us all wishing that we all must by the heart seek the grace in the grace’s time so that the creed and confession which we confess us to should not become us to the great judgment and death, but to life and salvation. Amen!

Amherst the 1st March 1872

Asbjørn H. Raae

Write soon

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Letter from Ole to Anders ROE (23 Oct 1872)


Letter. Ole to Anders ROE (23 Oct 1872). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Albert Lea
Oct. 23, 1872

Dear Brother,

I take now my pen and write some word to you and tell that I am healthy and live well. I have had letters from home, they are all healthy, except mother who is about the same. I can tell that Haagen Petersen is dead. He died the 2nd of Oct., 1 1/2 hrs. after midday. He was to Albert Lea the day before and was as usual. He was completely sober, he became sick in the night and died the next day. He was buried the 9th of Oct. It was supposed to be heart sickness he had. I am supposed to greet you from father's brother and family. They are all healthy. He will "take you after the eyes" if you do not write to him. I must then close for this time with a hearty greeting to you all. Greet all known from me.

Ole Roe
Write back soon.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Letter from Asbjørn to Anders ROE (10 Nov 1873)



Letter. Asbjørn to Anders ROE (10 Nov 1873). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear Son Anders! in our Lord Jesus' name God's grace and peace.

Your letter of 13th last month is received in which we see that you have a little damage on your farm. This has saddened us on the one hand and on the other it is regarded as a sign of God's goodness there to discipline you to _____. When I think back on my 60 years course so has it been more and more periods where almost everything relating to occupation has turned out badly so it has often appeared as if I was supposed to fall into complete poverty, this has neither not happened and neither has it done me other damage than that I have with great seriousness sought my God by Jesus Christ and in him remission of sins, peace with God in addition light and power to overcome all pain. These earthly and in themselves useful and good things lie so near our longing and desire in as much as they are necessary for livelihood. Not it alone but it is strange to have something to display and flaunt with in the world. When now God sees everything this redounds us only to destruction, he begins to demolish our idols so we must _____ to our land, creation, own capability and everything and therefore forces to believe that God rules all things with his powerful word. Then can the word "seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness so shall all these things be added to you" get entrance to our house (among us).

You seek after high offices, this can be good enough if it does not give cause to keep you away from the highest of all offices, namely God's Kingdom. You think that changing place or changing your occupation for fate's sake is _____ for me because God rules everywhere but if God Himself will alter your position it is another matter. So far I know there is not like spiritual awakening in Jackson and uplifting meetings held there ? visit these frequently and allow it not to anger you if it appears (pitiful), is conflict and dissension among the restored, and very unsociable in daily life, there are some who have followed in more or less degree continuous if (in case) the Lord has had _____ he calls _____.

As far as our situation is concerned so it is approximately about the same. No sickness of consequence has, thank God, afflicted us except your siblings have the cough severely in our house as almost over all. They say it is whooping cough.

This year's crops were as follows: timothy hay very good; spring wheat according to common opinion has not stood so good for 4 years, winter wheat more questionable on account of the hard last winter, corn enough ripe, but small. A drought during August gave it a setback, the same for the potatoes. Wheat harvest we have 247 bushel, rye 108 ditto, 44 ditto oats. The wheat has varied from 90 to 100 _____ price at the depot. With regard to milk and butter in previous summer was it, the least we have gotten since we came here. As will come there of _____ to _____ the pasture is very scant now to that we had only 1 old cow and 2 goats that milked.

Then I sold 3 milk cows last year in order to help me not to come into debt because of the considerable outlay I have had to have to build up a new place. This year I must absolutely attempt to build a granary and besides in debt to Johannes Olsen Raa for a "grubb" job 40 dollars. We got grubbed over 8 acres this summer but we could not get cleared and broken more than 5 of them.

How unfortunate that we are not able to help you very much, we then wishing it, but we know the Lord helps all who fear and await his mercy. The worse is when work animals are away on a farm. You have perhaps steers which can come to _____ is good reason to raise cattle there or perhaps you will have to sell them in order to help you.

Concerning around us here is it approximately about the same. The people became alarmed at cattle festival this fall, when Mrs. Blasker and Hartman lost each 5 pieces horned cattle in short time. Hoffman is supposed to also have lost some but we have not since heard more about it.

Ole Fredricksen has been a little better this fall so he has gotten up and has worked a little. We have recently buried their middle child Olina who died of whooping cough. She was a miracle of intellect not full three years old could she also pray to God in her sickness. It is remarkable how a small child can humiliate the wise and great. I had often occasion to talk with her when she lived how sensible this little and wise girl could talk though not always clear. Lars Johnsen was also here for the funeral. We were then also in our store keeper Johan Hole and some with him. It appears that they will join our church organization. Amherst have we also had meeting. There are some converted? from the Trom-- who live there.

Of the rest it is the same as usual with the others known here and are past well in the body. Lars Rowe was also here and also greetings from him can I say the same. We have had already snow for 14 days so we have been able to use sleigh a little but it looks like it will dry off again now. I can and tell that we have planned a little fruit orchard and produced for first time 1/2 bushels apples, we have now 40 apple trees which are ready to bear and other different berry kinds in addition to a couple red grapevines which still not have begun to bear.

Finally I will close my long letter with a loving greeting to your wife and children from me, your mother and siblings plus all known. O. Fredrikson likewise many greetings, their youngest child Fredrik suffers also of whooping cough and their oldest child Carl to a lesser degree. Your mother will try to send a little remembrance in the mail consisting of a pair of gloves and two scarves all home worked. She greets Elsa especially.

Amherst the 10 November 1873
Asbjørn H. Raae

Write back soon as possible that we can know if the package is arrived.

I Anna greet Elsa and ask to write back soon so will get letter for Christmas.
Anna

Sunday, March 27, 2011

1874 Plat for Amherst, Portage, Wisconsin


1874 plat for Amherst, Portage, Wisconsin. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Land owned by A. H. Roe can be seen in Sections 9 and 10. Ole Fredrickson, father of Else Fredrickson who married Asbørn Roe's son, Anders, has adjacent acreages in Sections 10 and 3.

Letter from John O. ROE to Anders ROE (26 May 1874)


Letter. John O. ROE to Anders RAAE (26 May 1874). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Le Roy, P.O. Mower, Minnesota
May 26, 1874

Good Friend!

I received your letter of the 15th a long time ago and I am ashamed for not having written back to you and ask you for your forgiveness. The reason is that I promised you a portrait and I have still not had it done. So I will still answer your letter but I will send you one in a letter later because the one who takes portraits will not be back until fall. I see that you are all well as of the date of your letter which makes me happy and I can report to you in my letter that I am hale and hearty as of now. Thanking God for being so kind and good to me by making me healthy and well.

I can now tell you that we have had a hard spring, after the start of spring we had a snowstorm and the snow we got was more than anything we had during the winter and it lay for over a week so there was no spring weather until the middle of May. Since that time the fields have been very dry and do not look good but we hope for a nice fall and pray to God for abundance and His blessings on both fields and pastures.

I don't have any news to tell you but I ask you to please greet David from me next time you write to him. I don't have anything else to write this time so I will end my simple and unintelligible letter with a sincere and friendly greetings to all of you and wishing God's blessings on you from your devoted friend John O. Roe to Anders Raae.

Write back and don't say you can't because I can't write either and then it will be a long time before I answer your letter so I ask you to write since I know you can. You can look at my example of someone who can't write. (JRaa)

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library.

Letter from Peter Lysne to Anders ROE (27 Jun 1874)


Letter. Peter H. Lysne to Andres H. [sic] Raae (27 Jun 1874). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Albert Lea
June 27, 1874

Good friend and cousin when I got home I saw the letter that you had written to father and me. I read in your letter that it looks bad regarding the grasshoppers. I also read that you are all healthy and hardy and I can report the same about us down here.

I also read that you have thought about going out to work and if you come down here I will have a job for you right away and pay you good wages for this area. I work as a carpenter and I have a place with hay and need help harvesting and I will not hire anyone until I hear from you. The yield looks very good.

I have to stop for now with friendly greetings to you and your family from your cousin Peter H. Lysne. Father and mother send their greetings to you and family, and Haagen and Kari sends greetings to you and family. Write as soon as you can, there is work here for as long as you want and a house for your family so they will live well.

from Peter H. Lysne to you Andres H. Raae

Letter from Peter Hysen [Lysne] to Anders ROE (1875)



Letter. Peter Hysen [Lysne] to Andres RAAE. (1875). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Risland
___ 22, 75

Good friend Andres Raae,

It has been a long time since we have been in contact with each other and I have been very ill since I last talked to you. So today I want see if I can write a few words to let you know how I am. I can thank God that I can at least sit up for a while during the day so that the day does not seem so long. It has now been over five weeks that I have been bedridden. I have had three (doctors?) see me but there has been little improvement. My illness affects my liver and kidney and also arthritis so I am now as weak as a baby because it has now been over three weeks since I have eaten other than enough to keep me alive. I must tell you that the rest of the people are hale and hardy. (The wheat looks better than it has for many years.) Write back and tell me how you are doing up there at your place. I have to end because my hand is shaking so from your friend Peter to you Andres Raae.

Father and mother send a friendly greeting to you and family.

I will give you more information when I get a little stronger. I think that you won't be able to read this scribble so what you can't understand you will have to guess.

So good night from your friend Peter Hysen I almost forgot to tell you that Peter Overgaard and young Johanes's wife died and now old Johanes has sold some land and bought a farm Steel Count.

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Letter from Hoyan Petersen Lysne to Anders ROE (12 Jan 1876)


Letter. Hoyan Petersen Lysne to Anders RAA (12 Jan 1876). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Risland
January 12, 1876


Dear Friend Anders Raa,

I received your dearly awaited letter yesterday and I was so happy to hear from you and yours again and to read what is happening up there this year and I see by your letter that you and yours are now in good health again and that was the best news in the world. And I can report the same to you that we are all healthy and hardy and the same goes for my parents and siblings. We had a good harvest this year; I got 1,300 bushels of wheat, oats 410 an acre. Grain 200 an acre and lots of potatoes. I must tell you that I have bought my brother Peter's forty this fall and will give him 600 and I have sold one of mine for the same that I gave him. Father got so much wood this year 830 bushel and Peter got 820 bushels and Lase did it simple and used the machine that you knew he had bought but he could not pay for at first... they came and took it back but luckily no one had signed for it so he was happy to get it back. And this fall Lase worked and got 55 dollars a month and was there for three months so he did much better this fall. I must tell you that I bought Vods Harvester this summer and like it very much and this summer I will get 100 (can't make out the rest).

I see in your letter that you will have the same problems again next year. I think that it would be best if you moved away and not stay up there any longer. There have been many that have moved down here from grasshopper land and have received wheat and money. The weather has not been good. It is hard for people suffer and have such great need. Now I have to end for this time with a friendly greeting to you, your wife and children from me, my wife, and children.

Hoyan Petersen Lysne

Write back soon at your convenience but I am afraid that you cannot understand my writing. Live well in God, my wish for you, H. P. L.

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library

Letter from John O. ROE to Anders ROE (14 Feb 1876)


Letter. Johan O. ROE to Anders A. ROE (14 Feb 1876). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Le Roy [MN], February 14, 1876

Dear Friend,

After being so terribly long in neglecting to respond I take my pen to send you some words to let you know how I am living. I am and have been to date healthy and find myself well. And I have to tell you that the weather has been very good. Haagen O. Grøthe that you know, and I have bought some land. Plowed and all planted with wheat and we harvested 972 bushels of the same. Your brother Ole, as you probably know worked in Minnesota this summer. He stopped by on his way home, stayed here about a week and left two days before Christmas and continued on his way in the company of David L. Roe and Cristina Monson. The latter two mentioned came back a long time ago. What was acquired and witnessed and ratified or if nothing was done, I don't know.

This is a really old and moldy settlement. There is no entertainment, marriages or any activity happening here. They are all, as I must say, like sheep in this muggy atmosphere and I have no news to report. So I will now end my simple writing with a dear greeting to you Anders A. Roe, your wife, and children from me, Johan O. Roe.

Write back.

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library

Letter from John O. ROE presumably to Anders ROE (17 Mar 1876)


Letter. John O. ROE presumably to Anders Roe (17 Mar 1876). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Le Roy [MN]. March 17, 1876

Good friend, since we are having a snowstorm today and have to stay indoors I will take my pen and scribble it over this paper and send it to you. Your treasured letter of February 2 has arrived and I am happy to hear that you and your family are all doing well. And likewise I am happy for you that Henry Knudson has not yet finished his courting. I hope that you have somewhat good wages for having Power of Attorney over his place. I don't think that what happened with the threshing and the profit would happen here. This fall it was overflowing with thrashing machines.

My hands are more than full as "Pebersvend" supervising the farm. We now have over 70 acres fallow land and when this is to be plowed I won't have time to do any threshing.

I am healthy and doing well. I have not had a letter from Wisconsin all winter. If you have heard any news from them would you let me know when you write. This will have to be enough for this time. Closing with greetings to you and your family.

Affectionate greetings from your friend, John O. Roe.

Write

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library

Letter from Knut to Anders ROE (18 Dec 1876)



Letter. Knut to Anders ROE (18 Dec 1876). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Amherst Dec 18/76

Dear brother,

We have received your letter of 12 Nov for which thanks. As an answer I can relate that we are all well to date except mother who is often poorly. Anna is not home, she works for Dr. Guernsey. Otherwise everything is the same as usual; there seldom happens anything new around here. I see by your letter that the "hoppers" have held a large banquet out there this year. I believe it is better that you sold all your livestock and came back again so you could either be here on the farm while I was out working or have your family stay with us and hire yourself out until the hoppers have moved from there.

Concerning the religion so everything is about the same here. Since Lars Jonson died we have not had any steady minister. Andreas Nilsen has been here 2 times, Marcus Samson 1 time, and H. S. Haakensen of Augustana synod several times and we expect him again in some days.

You ask why Wisconsin is going so democrat. There are no doubt many democrats in Wisconsin but the Republicams won. Nevertheless this year Cate was not reelected to the Congress. He did not get more than about 50 votes in Amherst out of 350. We had a large political meeting in Amherst this fall, a parade of 2-300 men with torches and music marched through the streets and one Pratt from Ohio how was personally known by Hayes gave a brilliant speech.

I have not gotten any letters from brother Ole for a long time. I believe he is coming to be in Freeborn over the winter. I have to finish my simple writing for this time with a loving greeting to you from your brother.

Knut Roe

Mother greets you all, Andrina likewise. When you write again then I should like to know if you became County Judge or not. Write soon.

P.S. Herewith sends a little help to you from our parents.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Letter from D. L. ROE to Anders ROE (23 Sep 1877)


Letter. D[avid?]. L. ROE to Anders RAA (23 Sep 1877). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Le Roy, Minn. Sep 23rd, /77

My often remembered friend Anders!

Your long awaited letter has arrived, and many thanks especially for the enclosed item.

The next time you write you must tell me the name of the little one. I must then tell you in old Norwegian fashion that I am healthy and agile and living well.

We are now busy with the thrashing, tomorrow we will be on our way to G. O. Roe to find out the size of his harvest and at the same time I can tell you that he is now married. I don't know how long ago it was but it was right before the harvest. I don't think you know his wife, it has not been that long ago since she came from Norway. Her name is or was Tøri Oveson from Lærdal. She is a big strong woman, weighing about 160 Ibs more over than under and I believe she is a clever wife.

We had an exceptionally good harvest this year of both wheat and oats. Mons got a little over 26 bushels per acre for wheat. Price per bushel here in Le Roy is from .86 to .89. So at this time the farmers are in pretty good moods. I am happy to hear that the grasshoppers have left you even if there are few that have anything to harvest this year there is hope that it will be better for you next year. Perhaps Jackson will get out of the mud yet.

Where is your brother Ole? I have heard that he has started drinking but I hope that it is not true. Not much to write and will therefor end for this time with a dear greeting to all of you.

From your friend D. L. Roe

I hope you keep your promise and write to me. DR

Translation: Solveig Quinney, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library 

Postcard: Asbjørn to Anders ROE (24 Nov 1877)


Postcard (Both sides). Asbjørn to Anders ROE (24 Nov 1877). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear Son Anders

When you yearn well that to hear about your mother’s condition I can say that little improvement is set in November. Eats and drinks more than before. Notices and talks little. Prays God about how long. The weather mild still without snow and frost. All the rest are the same as usual. Many greetings,

Amherst 24 Nov 1877
Asbjørn H. Raae

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Letter from Asbjørn to Anders ROE (29 Dec 1877)



Letter. Asbjørn to Anders ROE (29 Dec 1877). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear Son Anders,

God's grace and peace!

I have received postcard from you I think at least 2 I have also sent you at least 1 concerning your mother's sickness but now I can then say that the Lord has brought an end to this suffering. She is dead. She died the night in between 19th and 20th December. The last 7 days she lived, she lay as if in a trance not the least sound could she give from herself, not the least movement with her body, the only lifesign was that she drew breath and pulse beat. I sent request to Lars Raae and he came and was here the last 3 days. The night she died it fell after (during?) the turn of me and Lars to sit up. In between 1 and 2 a.m. we noticed that her breath became more heavy and long. I opened up the Bible and happened on the 116 David's psalm, read it out loud fell on knees for last time by her bed and prayed a short prayer and during this she expired so that when I stood up after the prayer, was breath and pulse ceased.

Although I can now not other than thank God for he brought an end to this misery, so was it a comfort in the house so long the life endured, so feel uncomfortable by the separation painful also on the other side.

I can now not other than hope and trust that she went redeemed if then understood she not at the last could give any account of her faith, so she had during her sickness before living admission and perception of the grace.

There are otherwise 4 death in all happened here. Old Lasse Ehrie at end of November, found dead by the road, like that was his body examined by the Dr. and he found to be that his heart was betrayed. The 2nd a 74 year old man from _____ iron works an old believer and he kept sense and power of speech now to the last and therefore could confess his faith so that he died in full assurance about his grace’s standing which took place 10 days before your mother's death and 3 days after death of TB a young woman a daughter of Jacob Aamodt and married to _____ John for 2 or 3 years after delivering a child. John is now a widower and working at Nelson’s mill. Henrik Lysnes youngest son Henry has also laid near death but they said yesterday that he was improving.

Your mother's funeral took place 3rd Christmas Day with an enormous funeral procession of neighbors, relatives and our congregation which consists of 8 families. The rest are all the same _____ and so in the middle that one can _____.

Finally loving greetings to family from us all here, wishing that we all must bear in mind our own death’s certainty that it should not become a terror for us.

Amherst 29th December 1877
Asbjørn H. Raae

P.S. Ole came also home some days before my wife's death but too late to speak with her. Then further I send my portrait _____ could soon be _____ so that you could have my picture.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Letter from Anna to Anders ROE (4 Mar 1879)


Letter. Anna to Anders ROE (4 Mar 1879). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Amherst March 4th 1879

Dear Brother,

I have received your letter of 3 Feb for which thanks. I see thereof you all are healthy, the same I can also tell. I am now come home and will be home a while. Drina shall move away to serve. I have no news except that Jørgen Skogen is married to an old bachelor whom they call Long Ever who lives in Amherst. In addition, that Asa Mitchem is married to a Norwegian girl by the name Kornene Oleson. I can also tell that Dr. Guernsey has broken his leg for the second time but is now improving and goes on his crutches. It will be desirable if you will send me a hair lock of each of you. I have intentions of learning to make hair flowers. So I will make a hair wreath which shall contain hair of our entire family. We have had a passably good winter without many cold days. We did not get sleighing conditions before the end of Feb. but now it appears that we lose our snow. It is very mild. Ole is home. Father has been away at a quarterly[?] meeting in Tremplo. There were many ministers of different groups [synods?] but most of our own, so I close for this time with a loving greeting to you all from me.

Anna Roe

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Letter from Ole Fredriksen to Elsa ROE (14 Jun 1879)



Letter. Ole Fredriksen to Elsa (Fredriksen) ROE (14 Jun 1879). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear daughter Elsa and family,

As I send these lines to you and intend to relate about my situation and that which is befallen me in that my dear beloved wife is departed by death which occurred the 26 May in childbed. The birth went successfully so she was delivered of a beautiful and shapely child but after 4 hours she slept away. Probably not of childbirth, but of another sickness she for a long time has had under her bust.

I sit now again in a helpless state and have lost my only support which I had in the world and sigh and grieve over my sad story. She was to me as a mother both in the _____ and earthly at the time of my sickness and weakness which I now have had for 8[?] years. The Lord rewards her therefore in the _____ land so I hope that she is freed from all distress because she had God and His word for _____ daily while she lived. I thank her heartily for each day of the 12 years we were together. She has born us 6 children in all, of which 4 are dead and which we hope she is in the company of in eternity.

My new born child has been and is still at the house of Jens Nilsen, and thrives good to this time. My son Carl is now 9 1/2 years old, is understanding but boisterous _____ but rather not particularly strong in health. My sickness is about the same, so it is the greatest part of the time I must support me in the chairs, and how dark the end appears for my future _____ so I trust me by God's mercy that he who has sustained me until this day will still not abandon me in the few days I still can have to live. _____ this alone that Jesus died for me and that I in Him have free access to God's father heart. This is my greatest comfort and so stand fast when all things perish. And this will I hereby ask you my dear daughter that you seek for all things that have part in ____ the release which is _____ by Jesus our and all the world's Savior so that we could gather with joy in the blessed eternity. Here in this life is not other than distress and misery. I send you my portrait which is taken before I got this sickness which can serve thereto that you have a picture of your father after I am dead. To close to husband and children loving greetings from me your mourning burdened father.

The others are healthy, _____ conditions good here around us for the time and the yield stand good and promising to this time. Be so good and write me shortly so I can know how you have it.

Amherst 14 Jun 1879
Ole Fredriksen

I have written this letter greeting you that we all are well.
Asbjørn H. Raae

Monday, March 21, 2011

1880 US Federal Census: Asbjørn ROE Family


Detail of 1880 US Federal Census. Asbjørn ROE family. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Roe, Asbjorn / W / M / 66 / Farmer / Norway / Norway / Norway
_____, Ole / W / M / 26 / Son / Works on Farm / Wisconsin / Norway / Norway
_____, Knudt / W / M / 24 / Son / Works on Farm / Wisconsin / Norway / Norway
_____, Andrena / W / F / 22 / Daughter / Keeping House / Wisconsin / Norway / Norway




Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Amherst, Portage, Wisconsin; Roll: 1442; Family History Film: 1255442; Page: 32B; Enumeration District: 134.

Source Information:
Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. 1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Original data: Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.