Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's Cold!!
The past couple of days have been cold! Today's high was 27 degrees. Although it was cold, the skies were crystal clear and the sun was shining.
Although it was cold outside, it was nice and warm inside the boat- a nice place for lunch. Only problem: I was fresh out of beer!
Although it was cold outside, it was nice and warm inside the boat- a nice place for lunch. Only problem: I was fresh out of beer!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
More relatives found!
In the past several days, more relatives living in Trondheim have appeared.
Through Petter's blog we found Marit, who's great grandfather, Oscar was one of Carl's brothers. I've not yet made contact with Marit directly, but look forward to doing so.
Another contact was made via the DIS Norge Slektsforum. Randi is the grand daughter of Carl's sister Gudrun. We've been in contact by e-mail, and two of her kids Kjetil and Aud and I are corresponding on Facebook.
The first relative contacted was Henrik, who's grandfather was Carl's brother Arnulf. We made contact a few weeks ago, with the help of Petter.
More to follow as more information comes along!
Through Petter's blog we found Marit, who's great grandfather, Oscar was one of Carl's brothers. I've not yet made contact with Marit directly, but look forward to doing so.
Another contact was made via the DIS Norge Slektsforum. Randi is the grand daughter of Carl's sister Gudrun. We've been in contact by e-mail, and two of her kids Kjetil and Aud and I are corresponding on Facebook.
The first relative contacted was Henrik, who's grandfather was Carl's brother Arnulf. We made contact a few weeks ago, with the help of Petter.
More to follow as more information comes along!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Success...
In my last post I mentioned the opportunity to help making a connection to an American relative for a gentleman from Norway.
Arthur, who lives in Trondheim, Norway contacted me to ask if I could help locate some relatives that may be lving in the Seattle area. I began searching for records, and he furnished me with some facts to guide the search. I located some old immigration records, census records, and a newspaper obituary that pointed to a man named Dean.
After searching telephone listings, I decided to give Dean a call to see if he was the person we were looking for. When a woman picked up the phone on the other end, I was quick to let her know that I was not some sort of telemarketer and that I was an OK guy. I explained the reason for my call, and that I was hoping to connect their family with relatives in Norway. Her husband, Dean, was not at home, but she was sure that he would be excited and return my call soon.
The next morning, I recieved a call from Dean, who was excited to learn the news, and was looking forward to hearing from Arthur.
It is exciting to have the opportunity to help another, as I've learned that helping oneanother is a big part of genealogy.
Arthur, who lives in Trondheim, Norway contacted me to ask if I could help locate some relatives that may be lving in the Seattle area. I began searching for records, and he furnished me with some facts to guide the search. I located some old immigration records, census records, and a newspaper obituary that pointed to a man named Dean.
After searching telephone listings, I decided to give Dean a call to see if he was the person we were looking for. When a woman picked up the phone on the other end, I was quick to let her know that I was not some sort of telemarketer and that I was an OK guy. I explained the reason for my call, and that I was hoping to connect their family with relatives in Norway. Her husband, Dean, was not at home, but she was sure that he would be excited and return my call soon.
The next morning, I recieved a call from Dean, who was excited to learn the news, and was looking forward to hearing from Arthur.
It is exciting to have the opportunity to help another, as I've learned that helping oneanother is a big part of genealogy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
An opportunity to help...
I've made contact with a relative living in Trondheim, Norway. His grandfather was my great grandfather's brother. We've exchanged e-mail messages and sent photos to one another, and I look forward to learning more history of the family from him.
I never would have located him if it weren't for my other new relative Petter, who made the connection. I am truly grateful to all of the people I have encountered through this project, and have been amazed at how generous people can be with their time.
I had hoped that perhaps someday I would be able to help someone locate American relatives.
Such an opportunity arose when I was contacted by a gentleman in Norway with relatives most likely living in the Seattle area. Supposedly some of his ancestors came to America and settled in the Poulsbo area. I've done a bit of checking, and found some records that will hopefully lead to some living relatives.
I never would have located him if it weren't for my other new relative Petter, who made the connection. I am truly grateful to all of the people I have encountered through this project, and have been amazed at how generous people can be with their time.
I had hoped that perhaps someday I would be able to help someone locate American relatives.
Such an opportunity arose when I was contacted by a gentleman in Norway with relatives most likely living in the Seattle area. Supposedly some of his ancestors came to America and settled in the Poulsbo area. I've done a bit of checking, and found some records that will hopefully lead to some living relatives.
Mistaken Identity?
As the family tree has been taking shape recently, I've been trying to fill in some of the gaps working with little information available. Much of what I had to work with was word of mouth information that my dad, my aunt, and my uncle remember their grandparents telling them as they were growing up. I've found that something as simple as a person's name and the place they came from can be very helpful.
As I began, I knew very little about my great grandmother Inga Monrad, who was married to Carl Monrad. I knew her maiden name was Anderson and that she came from Norway, but that's about as far as it went.
A few months back, I ended up with some great old family artifacts. One was a scrapbook about Carl Monrad that my aunt put together as a school project in the 1960's. The other was my Dad's baby book. Both were full of old photographs, letters, and other memorabelia. In dad's baby book was a hand-written family tree showing three generations of his ancestors. I had already found information the "Monrad" side of the family, but the "Anderson" side was another story. The family tree showed Inga's parents as "Anders Sundvoll" and "Bergette" with no surname.
My dad and aunt mentioned brothers and a sister of Inga that they had known of. An older brother Eilert, a younger sister Jenny, and another brother were mentioned. I began searching, and in the process made some assumptions. Right away I found a census record for an Anderson family in Ballard with a head of household named Andrew Anderson, a son named Eilert, a son named Arthur, and a daughter named "Clara", which I assumed must have been a misprint. The birthdates were reasonably close for me to surmise that this was the family I was looking for. I had heard that census records were only as reliable as the person that recorded the information, and often names were misspelled and birthdates estimated. I began to attempt to trace the family back to Norway, but didn't have much luck.
A few weeks ago at a family birthday, I had the chance to "show off" what I had found so far and to ask some questions. My aunt relayed the story of Inga travelling to America with her sister, Jenny from Bergen, Norway where she was born. This did not fit with the family I had been researching...
I figured I would once again try my luck with the DIS chat. Just as I did the first time, I entered the chat and saw a whole lot of Norwegian words flying across the screen. I asserted myself with a "hello" and was quickly greeted by the kind folks on the other side of the globe and a nine hour time difference. I asked a few questions, and furnished the few facts that I had. In no time at all I had some answers and some information to help me move forward. One of my helpers "Iris", came up with the 1900 Norwegian census showing Inga's family. From there, we were able to track down emigration records for Inga and her sister Jenny departing from Bergen, Norway on March 31, 1913
So, as it turns out, the family I thought was mine isn't. Inga's father's name was Anders Engelsen Kumle, and as often the case with Scandanavian names, used the place he came from as a surname. In his case it appears he went by Sundvoll for the villiage of Sundvollen. Inga's mother was Bergitte Berntsdatter. The rest of the family included: Adine Andersdatter, Eilert Andersen, Olav Andersen, Peder Andersen, Inga Andersdatter, Johanne Andersdatter, and Jenny Andersdatter. A bit of light reading on the subject of Norwegian names can be found here.
Just a case of mistaken identity, cleared up for now...
As I began, I knew very little about my great grandmother Inga Monrad, who was married to Carl Monrad. I knew her maiden name was Anderson and that she came from Norway, but that's about as far as it went.
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| From Monrad Family Photos |
A few months back, I ended up with some great old family artifacts. One was a scrapbook about Carl Monrad that my aunt put together as a school project in the 1960's. The other was my Dad's baby book. Both were full of old photographs, letters, and other memorabelia. In dad's baby book was a hand-written family tree showing three generations of his ancestors. I had already found information the "Monrad" side of the family, but the "Anderson" side was another story. The family tree showed Inga's parents as "Anders Sundvoll" and "Bergette" with no surname.
My dad and aunt mentioned brothers and a sister of Inga that they had known of. An older brother Eilert, a younger sister Jenny, and another brother were mentioned. I began searching, and in the process made some assumptions. Right away I found a census record for an Anderson family in Ballard with a head of household named Andrew Anderson, a son named Eilert, a son named Arthur, and a daughter named "Clara", which I assumed must have been a misprint. The birthdates were reasonably close for me to surmise that this was the family I was looking for. I had heard that census records were only as reliable as the person that recorded the information, and often names were misspelled and birthdates estimated. I began to attempt to trace the family back to Norway, but didn't have much luck.
A few weeks ago at a family birthday, I had the chance to "show off" what I had found so far and to ask some questions. My aunt relayed the story of Inga travelling to America with her sister, Jenny from Bergen, Norway where she was born. This did not fit with the family I had been researching...
I figured I would once again try my luck with the DIS chat. Just as I did the first time, I entered the chat and saw a whole lot of Norwegian words flying across the screen. I asserted myself with a "hello" and was quickly greeted by the kind folks on the other side of the globe and a nine hour time difference. I asked a few questions, and furnished the few facts that I had. In no time at all I had some answers and some information to help me move forward. One of my helpers "Iris", came up with the 1900 Norwegian census showing Inga's family. From there, we were able to track down emigration records for Inga and her sister Jenny departing from Bergen, Norway on March 31, 1913
So, as it turns out, the family I thought was mine isn't. Inga's father's name was Anders Engelsen Kumle, and as often the case with Scandanavian names, used the place he came from as a surname. In his case it appears he went by Sundvoll for the villiage of Sundvollen. Inga's mother was Bergitte Berntsdatter. The rest of the family included: Adine Andersdatter, Eilert Andersen, Olav Andersen, Peder Andersen, Inga Andersdatter, Johanne Andersdatter, and Jenny Andersdatter. A bit of light reading on the subject of Norwegian names can be found here.
Just a case of mistaken identity, cleared up for now...
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Rainy Season
The rainy season is among us...
While the nice weather was still here, I was glad to get the boat away from the dock for an afternoon cruise. A perfect fall day...
While the nice weather was still here, I was glad to get the boat away from the dock for an afternoon cruise. A perfect fall day...
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| From Misc Photos |
Monday, October 27, 2008
Another Interesting Discovery...
In my previous posts, I have shared information that I had learned about my Dad's side of the family. For some reason I figured that side of the family was going to be easier to research, partly due to everything I had heard about Norway's vast genealogical records available. My family tree was looking lopsided, so I decided to begin looking for ancestors on my mom's side of the family.
A few weeks ago, my mom and I sat down and went over some names and dates associated with her side of the family. My mom's cousin had traced the Sackman family back several generations, and had provided a whole bunch of documentation, which was fantastic!
I began plugging known names and dates into Legacy (the genealogy program I am using). The tree was beginning to not look so lopsided...
For some of my research, I've been using ancestry.com . I began searching for records for my grandfather George E. Clark and found several family trees that contained his name. After further checking and confirming names, dates, and places I realized my grandfather, along with many of his ancestors were listed.
I was interested to learn that the family had a long history in New England, with many immigrants from England.
The most noteworthy person appears to be Edward Doty. If the information is correct, he appears to be my 10th great grandfather, and was actually a passenger on the Mayflower. Doty was in his early twenties when he came to America as a servant of another passenger. He apparently was quite the trouble maker among the colonists, and reportedly engaged in a sword duel with another servant. Neither were killed in the battle, but both were wounded. More information on Edward Doty can be found here and here too..
More to follow...
A few weeks ago, my mom and I sat down and went over some names and dates associated with her side of the family. My mom's cousin had traced the Sackman family back several generations, and had provided a whole bunch of documentation, which was fantastic!
I began plugging known names and dates into Legacy (the genealogy program I am using). The tree was beginning to not look so lopsided...
For some of my research, I've been using ancestry.com . I began searching for records for my grandfather George E. Clark and found several family trees that contained his name. After further checking and confirming names, dates, and places I realized my grandfather, along with many of his ancestors were listed.
I was interested to learn that the family had a long history in New England, with many immigrants from England.
The most noteworthy person appears to be Edward Doty. If the information is correct, he appears to be my 10th great grandfather, and was actually a passenger on the Mayflower. Doty was in his early twenties when he came to America as a servant of another passenger. He apparently was quite the trouble maker among the colonists, and reportedly engaged in a sword duel with another servant. Neither were killed in the battle, but both were wounded. More information on Edward Doty can be found here and here too..
More to follow...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
When One Question is Answered....
Something that my new-found relative Petter has told me a few times... When the answer to one question has been found, new questions are left unanswered.
After my last entry, much has been discovered. However as each new bit of information is found, we are left with more questions...
Discovered was another child in my great grandfather's family. It appears that there were two different sons, both named Arnulf. The first was born in 1892, and died very young in 1893. The second was born in 1894.
At this point, these are the known children of Adolf Groth Monrad and Anna Rebekka Olsen:
Johan (1872, Mother was Mathilde Gunnelie Bye)
Christiane (1876)
Johannes (1878)
Oscar (1880)
Gudrun (1882)
Carl (1885)
Gustav (1887)
Aasta (1889)
Arnulf (1892)
Arnulf (1894)
Trygve (1898)
It appears that the family moved several times within Trondheim over the years. Apparently the baptism records for the children show several different addresses. The reason for this is not known.
Petter was in contact with the museum in Verdal, Norway where he learned that the Monrad family had a long history at the Ekle Farm in Verdal, north of Trondheim. He also learned that the family possibly had ties to Denmark.
Another new-found relative in Norway provided an excerpt from a book printed in Denmark in 1929 about the Monrad Family history for 500 years prior. The portion of the book we have shows family trees going all the way back to the 1500's. We're still trying to connect known ancestors to this extensively documented family tree.
Another interesting finding is regarding Adolf Groth Monrad, my great-great grandfather. Adolf was born 12-July-1894 in Odderoen, Norway and bpatised 24-May-1850. Records show his parents as Johannes Fredriksen and Christiane Trappenaes, both from Trondheim and not married.
What is interesting is the records indicate that Christiane was on a ship travelling from Trondheim, and came ashore to give birth. Wording in the way she is listed in records indicate that Christiane may have been a person of status.
More to follow as we track down more facts...
After my last entry, much has been discovered. However as each new bit of information is found, we are left with more questions...
Discovered was another child in my great grandfather's family. It appears that there were two different sons, both named Arnulf. The first was born in 1892, and died very young in 1893. The second was born in 1894.
At this point, these are the known children of Adolf Groth Monrad and Anna Rebekka Olsen:
Johan (1872, Mother was Mathilde Gunnelie Bye)
Christiane (1876)
Johannes (1878)
Oscar (1880)
Gudrun (1882)
Carl (1885)
Gustav (1887)
Aasta (1889)
Arnulf (1892)
Arnulf (1894)
Trygve (1898)
It appears that the family moved several times within Trondheim over the years. Apparently the baptism records for the children show several different addresses. The reason for this is not known.
Petter was in contact with the museum in Verdal, Norway where he learned that the Monrad family had a long history at the Ekle Farm in Verdal, north of Trondheim. He also learned that the family possibly had ties to Denmark.
Another new-found relative in Norway provided an excerpt from a book printed in Denmark in 1929 about the Monrad Family history for 500 years prior. The portion of the book we have shows family trees going all the way back to the 1500's. We're still trying to connect known ancestors to this extensively documented family tree.
Another interesting finding is regarding Adolf Groth Monrad, my great-great grandfather. Adolf was born 12-July-1894 in Odderoen, Norway and bpatised 24-May-1850. Records show his parents as Johannes Fredriksen and Christiane Trappenaes, both from Trondheim and not married.
What is interesting is the records indicate that Christiane was on a ship travelling from Trondheim, and came ashore to give birth. Wording in the way she is listed in records indicate that Christiane may have been a person of status.
More to follow as we track down more facts...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Family History Part 2
On a damp, rainy day as summer came to a close, I decided to pick up where I had left off with the research of my family history. I checked the sources I had used before, but didn't really find anything new... I had basically gone as far as I knew how to.
I ended up at the website of the Genealogy Society of Norway. I was hoping for a breakthrough to help me go further. I decided to enter the DISchat where I hoped to make contact with someone who could point me in the right direction. Once I established that I didn't speak or write Norwegian, I connected with some very helpful folks who suggested I try my luck on the Slektsforum (The Genealogical Forum). I posted what I knew about the family that remained in Norway when my great-grandfather came to America. I knew some names and knew they lived in Trondheim, Norway.
Within an hour, I recieved a reply that offered some new information. I knew that my great-great grandparents (Adolf and Anna) had eight children listed on the 1900 Norwegian Census records: Christiane, Oscar, Gudrun, Karl, Gustav, Aasta, Arnulf, and Trygve. With the first reply to my post I learned of two more children; Johannes, born in 1878, and Johan Martin, born in 1872. I was interested to learn that Johan was born prior to Adolf and Anna's marriage. His mother was Mathilde Gunnelie Bye, and she and Adolf were not married. Johan died of pneumonia as an infant in 1873.
Several other replies followed offering more information. Then, I received a reply from Petter Stene, a Norwegian gentleman who has been active in researching his family's genealogy for several years. He offered some information that was exciting and a little shocking at the same time. It seems that Petter's great-grandmother had a son named Henry Alfred Eide with Karl Otto Monrad (my great grandfather). They were not married. Henry was born in 1907, the same year Carl came to America. His baptism records indicate his father "living in America".
Petter has since provided more information and we have exchanged numerous e-mails and spoken on the phone. I guess you could say we are "distant half-cousins", and it is very exciting to make contact with new relatives!
Petter did some more research and has contacted another relative- a grandson of one of my great-grandfather's brothers. I've not made contact with this new relative yet, but I am looking forward to doing so...
More to follow for sure.
I ended up at the website of the Genealogy Society of Norway. I was hoping for a breakthrough to help me go further. I decided to enter the DISchat where I hoped to make contact with someone who could point me in the right direction. Once I established that I didn't speak or write Norwegian, I connected with some very helpful folks who suggested I try my luck on the Slektsforum (The Genealogical Forum). I posted what I knew about the family that remained in Norway when my great-grandfather came to America. I knew some names and knew they lived in Trondheim, Norway.
Within an hour, I recieved a reply that offered some new information. I knew that my great-great grandparents (Adolf and Anna) had eight children listed on the 1900 Norwegian Census records: Christiane, Oscar, Gudrun, Karl, Gustav, Aasta, Arnulf, and Trygve. With the first reply to my post I learned of two more children; Johannes, born in 1878, and Johan Martin, born in 1872. I was interested to learn that Johan was born prior to Adolf and Anna's marriage. His mother was Mathilde Gunnelie Bye, and she and Adolf were not married. Johan died of pneumonia as an infant in 1873.
Several other replies followed offering more information. Then, I received a reply from Petter Stene, a Norwegian gentleman who has been active in researching his family's genealogy for several years. He offered some information that was exciting and a little shocking at the same time. It seems that Petter's great-grandmother had a son named Henry Alfred Eide with Karl Otto Monrad (my great grandfather). They were not married. Henry was born in 1907, the same year Carl came to America. His baptism records indicate his father "living in America".
Petter has since provided more information and we have exchanged numerous e-mails and spoken on the phone. I guess you could say we are "distant half-cousins", and it is very exciting to make contact with new relatives!
Petter did some more research and has contacted another relative- a grandson of one of my great-grandfather's brothers. I've not made contact with this new relative yet, but I am looking forward to doing so...
More to follow for sure.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Family History Research
Some time around last Christmas, I began researching my family history. My Mom and Dad and I were going through some old photographs that I was scanning to preserve and make copies for myself. My grandmother had passed away not too long before this, so there were photos that I had not seen that were discovered when the family dealt with her home and belongings.
There were many great old photos of my dad, aunt, and uncle growing up. A few of my brother and I when we were young that I had never seen. My favorite is a picture of my Grandma Jo with my brother and I. It brought back all kinds of memories when I first saw it.
Since that time, I became very interested in learning more about my family's history. I decided to begin with the "Monrad side" of the family first. Armed with an introductory subscrition to Ancestry.com, I began my search.
I was amazed at the information I found within minutes. I found old US Census records from 1910 and 1920 showing my great-grandparents. I found the ship register showing my great grandfather Carl coming to America from Norway in 1907. With each new record I found, I learned more and more about how to search for documents, opening the door to more information.
SS Ivernia, the ship that brought my Great Grandfather Carl Monrad to America in 1907.
Carl Otto Monrad, 1885-1971.
One day I decided to begin searching Norgegian sources. I had always heard that Norway had excellent resources for genealogical records. I ended up at the website for the Norwegian Digital Archive, which offers vast records of Census data and church registers going back centuries. The first record I located was the Norwegian Census for the year 1900, where I found my Great Grandfather as well as the names of his parents and siblings.
At the same time, my Uncle Brad came up with some pictures believed to be that of my Great-Great Grandparents Adolf Groth Monrad and Anna Rebekka (Olsen) Monrad.
I continued my search and found more and more information. I began to build my family tree and found that each new fact I gathered helped to open the door to another... I was amazed at the information available at my fingertips, but eventually I rached a point that I couldn't go any further. I had simply gone as far as I knew how to.
I was thrilled to have learned what I had, but one of my goals was to hopefully make contact with some relatives living in Norway. I found that it was easy to trace the family back to a point, but I had no idea how I would trace the family "forward" to modern times...
Then, the weather got nice, summer arrived and the project was put on hold.
This story gets more exciting. Oh yes, it does...
There were many great old photos of my dad, aunt, and uncle growing up. A few of my brother and I when we were young that I had never seen. My favorite is a picture of my Grandma Jo with my brother and I. It brought back all kinds of memories when I first saw it.
 |
| From Monrad Family Photos |
Since that time, I became very interested in learning more about my family's history. I decided to begin with the "Monrad side" of the family first. Armed with an introductory subscrition to Ancestry.com, I began my search.
I was amazed at the information I found within minutes. I found old US Census records from 1910 and 1920 showing my great-grandparents. I found the ship register showing my great grandfather Carl coming to America from Norway in 1907. With each new record I found, I learned more and more about how to search for documents, opening the door to more information.
SS Ivernia, the ship that brought my Great Grandfather Carl Monrad to America in 1907. |
| From Monrad Family Photos |
One day I decided to begin searching Norgegian sources. I had always heard that Norway had excellent resources for genealogical records. I ended up at the website for the Norwegian Digital Archive, which offers vast records of Census data and church registers going back centuries. The first record I located was the Norwegian Census for the year 1900, where I found my Great Grandfather as well as the names of his parents and siblings.
At the same time, my Uncle Brad came up with some pictures believed to be that of my Great-Great Grandparents Adolf Groth Monrad and Anna Rebekka (Olsen) Monrad.
I continued my search and found more and more information. I began to build my family tree and found that each new fact I gathered helped to open the door to another... I was amazed at the information available at my fingertips, but eventually I rached a point that I couldn't go any further. I had simply gone as far as I knew how to.
I was thrilled to have learned what I had, but one of my goals was to hopefully make contact with some relatives living in Norway. I found that it was easy to trace the family back to a point, but I had no idea how I would trace the family "forward" to modern times...
Then, the weather got nice, summer arrived and the project was put on hold.
This story gets more exciting. Oh yes, it does...
My New Blog
Sooooo, this is a new thing for me. I've never had a blog before, but I am going to give this a whirl...
Why Blog?
I'll share exciting developments, if there are any...
In the past, I used to love writing, and at one time I thought I was pretty good at it. Just like any skill, when you don't use it, you loose it.
Anyhow, stay tuned....
Why Blog?
I'll share exciting developments, if there are any...
In the past, I used to love writing, and at one time I thought I was pretty good at it. Just like any skill, when you don't use it, you loose it.
Anyhow, stay tuned....
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| From Monrad Family Photos |
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