Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Rudi 51/1, Store Rudi, Øs

Notes:

Han var Haugianer, og en meget strevsom og flittig mann, men han overtok gården i vanskelige tider og de sleit mye for å holde på eiendommen sin

Occupation:
grb 1804

Mikkjel married Kari Olsdtr KLEIVGARD in 1799. Kari (daughter of Ola Ingeretsen KLEIVGARD and Anne ARNESDTR) was born in 1778 in Kleivgård, Na; died in 1834. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Rudi 51/1, Store Rudi, Øs

Notes:

Han var en flink bonde som fikk gården på fote igjen. Han flyttet husene 150 meter vestover og bygde på dem, slik at det ble større plass både ute og inne. Store Rudi ble fra nå en velstandsgår. "Mekkjelson" var med i politikken, og satt i herreds tyret i flere år. Han satt i utvalget som forberedte delingen av Slidre og i byggekom. for den nye kirken i Rogne sokn.

Occupation:
grb 1820-

Family/Spouse: Ragnhild Knutsdtr HOLDAL. Ragnhild (daughter of Knut Nilsen HOLDAL and Anne OLSDTR) was born in 1811 in Holdal, Nord-Aurdal; died in 1897. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ragnhild Amundsdtr KAATA. Ragnhild (daughter of Amund Tordsen RUDLANG and Berit Knutsdtr RØN) was born in 1801 in Kåta (Køta) 72/1, Røn, Vestre Slidre; died in 1829. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ola Knutsen LIEKREN. Ola (son of Knut Olsen LIEKREN and Ragnhild Tollefsdtr MEISDALEN) was born in 1826 in Lineikra 49/2 Øvre Eller Hagin Øs; died in Lineikra 49/2 Øvre Eller Hagin Øs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Rudi 51/1, Store Rudi, Øs

Notes:

Occupation:
grb 1864-

Family/Spouse: Guri Olsdtr SKRAUTVÅL. Guri (daughter of Ola Olsen SKRAUTVÅL and Guri Eivindsdtr REIEN) was born in 1852 in Hakkestad 44/13 Vs; died in 1872. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Manfred, ND. USA
• Emigration: 1881, USA

Notes:

KNUT AND GURI MELBY

Knut Olson Rudi b. 1843, was the fourth son of Ole Mikkelson Rudi together with his second wife Ragnhild Knutsdotter Holdal. The Rudi farm was inherited by Knut's older brother, Ole. When Knut came of age he was ready to establish his own farm. He and Guri Christensdotter Melby b.1844 were married in 1861. Knut obtained his share of the inheritance money from his older brother, which he then used to buy the Melby farm from Guri's parents. Guri had been blessed with parents who had each inherited a farm. Her father, Christen Mikkelson Rogne had inherited Røgnemarke farm #43/5 and her mother, Guro Gudbrandsotter Melby had inherited Melby farm #41/1. Guri was the oldest child and when she came of age and was ready to marry, she was given the inheritance of the Melby farm. Her parents and her siblings then moved to Røgnemarke.

Knut and Guri commenced with farming Melby, and also began their family. Born to them in Norway: Guri 1862, Ole 1864, Christen 1868, Knute 1870, Ragnhild 1873, Gulbrand 1877, and Marit 1880. It was not so easy to provide for a large family living on the small Melby farm. There was the pull to go to America which they had resisted considering so far over the years. But the pull was becoming stronger because in the recent years several of Guri's siblings had immigrated to the USA and were sending back wonderful reports about that place where a large piece could be obtained for only the filing fee. They finally made the decision to go, sold the Melby farm and departed the spring of 1881 with their seven children, ranging in age from 19 to 8 months.

Their destination was to Goodhue County Minnesota where others from Valdres already had successful farms established. They stayed there three years while becoming acquainted with their new homeland. New areas further west were continually being opened for settlement. In 1884 they were ready to file on their own land and start farming. They first went to Griggs County, North Dakota where two more children were born to them: Caroline 1884 and Martin 1886, and in 1887 they moved a little further west and farmed in Foster County for six years. It was there that, Knut's home served as the first mail stop during those years. Also, Knud together with others in his family organized the first school district which was called Melby, and he served as it's first chairman. Knut and Guri's 10th child was born here: Oscar 1890.

The crops were failing during those years, so it was not easy for the people. The Soo Railroad track was being constructed westward through the region, so all the men went to work helping to build the track. But their first love was farming and so as the track was being laid they had opportunity to see the new lands that would be soon open to settlement. Knut and others in his family thought that Wells County looked good, and so they went to Sykeston, the location of the first court house in Wells County, and each filed on a new claim which were all located not far from the railroad track. Back in Foster County, they loaded up all their meager belongings on wagons... Knut even took his barn apart and laid it flat in sections on a wagon, they gathered their domestic animals together and caravaned to Wells County to their new claims in Manfred Township.

Everyone was busy with putting up sod houses to use as temporary quarters until they could obtain lumber to build their homes. Knut erected his barn, and it is this barn that can be seen on the photo of Knut and Guri proudly standing in front of their home. Their house still stands, though abandoned. And though the barn Knut had brought from Foster County did not survive the years, the granary and the pig and chicken house are still standing. The grainary can be seen in that same photo. The photo showing Knut and Guri with nine of their ten children, was taken at the home of their son, Ole, in the village of Manfred. This home still stands, though abandoned.

Knut was one of five founding fathers of Vang Lutheran Church in 1894. Many of their children were starting to have families of their own, and Guri always had lots of cookies on hand when they came. Music was always a part of family gatherings, and Knut and Guri were gracious hosts. Knut and Guri farmed until 1911, at which time they moved into Manfred and their son Oscar continued on their farm. Guri began to fail in her later years and died in 1921. After that, Knut would often stay at the home of one of his several children living in the area. Knut died in 1927. Both Knut and Guri are buried at Vang Lutheran Cemetery at Manfred.

Occupation:
farmer

Knut married Guri Kristensdtr ROGNE on 14 Apr 1861 in Rogne Kirke, Øs. Guri (daughter of Kristen Mikkjelsen ROGNE and Guro Gudbrandsdtr BUSTEBAKKE) was born on 8 Mar 1844 in Rogne 43/5, Marké Øs; died on 26 Mar 1921 in Manfred, ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Onstad 35/4 Øvre Øs

Family/Spouse: Engebret Torgeirsen ALFSTAD. Engebret (son of Torgeir Olsen ALFSTAD and Gro Engebretsdtr BEITO) was born in 1828 in Alfstad 24/4 Øs; died in 1911 in Onstad 35/4 Øvre Øs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Onstad 35/1 Nedre Øs

Family/Spouse: Erik Nilsen ROGNE. Erik (son of Nils Eriksen MØRSTAD and Ragnhild Knutsdtr ROGNDOKKEN) was born in 1828; died in 1908. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Køllstad 47/1 Øs

Notes:

Da Ola døde like etter at sønnen Halvor var født, giftet Ragnhild seg igjen med Lars Knutsen Kolstad fra nabogården 47/2.

Family/Spouse: Ola Halvorsen KOLSTAD. Ola (son of Halvor Halvorsen KOLSTAD and Ingeborg Olsdtr THON) was born in 1846 in Køllstad 47/1 Øs; died in 1878. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lars Knutsen KOLSTAD. Lars (son of Knut Larsen KOLSTAD and Mali Olsdtr HOVI) was born in 1859 in Køllstad 47/12 Køllstadvølladn; died in 1938. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Ferden 69/1 Røn Vs

Family/Spouse: Endre Olsen FERDEN. Endre (son of Ola Eivindson REIEN and Ingrid Endresdtr FERDEN) was born in 1841 in Ferden 69/1 Røn Vs; died in 1898. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Semelenge 64/ Vs

Notes:

Da Eivind døde, giftet hun seg igjen med Ola Monsen Røn, de brukte først Semelenge en stund, men ga den til stesønnen hennes og kjøpte Kvåle 76/1.

Family/Spouse: Ola Dy Monsen RØN. Ola (son of Mons Olsen RØN and Kari Olsdtr TØRSTAD) was born in 1837 in Røn Sørre 85/2 Vs; died in 1883. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Kari married Eivind Sevatson SEMELENGE in 1844. Eivind (son of Sevat (Sigvart) Halvorsen BER and Marit Eivindsdtr SEMELENGE) was born in 1815 in Semelenge 64/ Vs; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Rudi 51/1, Store Rudi, Øs

Notes:

Occupation:
grb

Family/Spouse: Ingebjørg Knutsdtr ROGNE. Ingebjørg (daughter of Knut Olsen ROGNE and Berit Rønjusdtr NORDTORP) was born in 1878 in Rogne 44/1 Søre Øs; died in 1964 in Rudi 51/1, Store Rudi, Øs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1. Guri Melby Ranum b. 1862

Note: There are four people by the name of Guri listed in this narrative: Guri Knudsdotter Melby Ranum herself, her mother Guri Kristensdotter Melby, her aunt Guri Kristensdotter Melby Opdahl, and her mother-in-law Guri Gulbrandsdotter Ranum.

Guri, also known as Julia, was the first child born to Knud and Guri Melby on February 17, 1862. She grew up on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended the Rogne school and church. In 1881 when she was 19 years old, her parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to the USA, Goodhue County, Minnesota. In 1884, her parents moved to Griggs County North Dakota where they filed on a homestead there, but Guri did not go there. Instead, she went to live in Lyon County in southwestern Minnesota where her aunt Guri Melby Opdahl lived with husband Anders Opdahl.

Ole was born September 10, 1858 in Stokkebryn, North Aurdal, Valdres, Norway. He came to the USA, southwest Minnesota in 1875. Here is an account passed down in the Ranum family about Ole: Ole was in Northfied MN on September 6, 1876 when the James Gang, including Frank, Jesse, three younger brothers, and three others, attempted to rob the First National Bank. During the shootout, a bank teller, a bystander, and a gang member were killed. Ole dived into a rain barrel. A few days later, the three younger brothers were captured, the two other gang members were killed, and Frank and Jesse escaped. Ole's parents had a farm near Ghent MN in Lyon County. Records show that the deed of 160 acres of land owned by his parents, Juel O Ranum and Guri (Julia) Gulbransdotter, was transferred to Ole in 1884. So it was here were Guri and Ole met each other and on May 30, 1885 they married at Minneota MN located in Lyon County. Guri and Ole farmed at Ghent MN Lyon County and it was here that several of their children were born: George Juel 1886, Konrad Oscar 1887 known as Oscar, and Emil Gerhard 1890. The rest of their children were also born in Minnesota: Ida Rosetta 1892, Clara Genette born 1894 at Cottonwood, and Gladys Oline born 1899 at Madison. Ida died in 1895 while they were still living in Minnesota.

Ole and Guri Ranum and family moved to Manfred by 1900 or before the summer of 1901, because school records for June and July of 1901 indicate their children Oscar and Clara attended school number 3 of Manfred Township. Konrad Oscar was confirmed at Vang Lutheran Church in 1903, and then died June 5, 1906 and is buried at Vang Lutheran Cemetery. It was also in 1906 that Ole and Guri Ranum and family joined as members of Vang Lutheran Church. Their daughter Clara was confirmed in 1909 and daughter Gladys in 1913. George, Emil, Clara, and Gladys went on to have descendants.

Ole J Ranum died March 26, 1938 and Guri M died October 22, 1938. Ole's parents had also come to Manfred in their old age, joining Vang Lutheran in 1907. His father Juel died June 25, 1916 and his mother Guri died July 17, 1933. The 1910 census shows that Juel and Guri Ranum were living with their son Ole and family.

Obituary - Wells County Free Press - November 3, 1938 front page, column 2

Guri married Ole Juel RANUM on 30 May 1885 in Minnesota, USA. Ole was born on 10 Sep 1858 in Stokkebryn, Nord-Aurdal; died on 26 Mar 1938 in Sanish, ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Goodhue Co., MN, USA

Notes:

Ole K Melby

Ole, also known as O.K.Melby, was the second child born to Knud and Guri Melby on December 13, 1864. He grew up on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended the Rogne school and church. In 1881 when he was 161/2 years old, his parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to the USA, Goodhue County, Minnesota. It is said that Ole returne d to Norway and spent two years there working to pay off a debt the family had incurred so that they could come to America. In 1884, his parents moved to Griggs County North Dakota where they hadfiled on a homestead there, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County. Here Ole filed on his own land and started farming.

In December 23, 1889 he married Marit Skattebo. Mary was born in Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway on September 18, 1872 to Karina Skattebo and Nils Nordtorp. Mary immigrated to the USA with her family in 1884. They settled at Northfield MN remaining there three years, and then moved to Foster County in 1887. There she met and married Ole, and one child Gurina Olava Melby was born to them pass ing away in infancy. In 1890,Ole, his father Knud, his uncle T.K. Rogne together with others founded the Melby School District.

In 1892 the crops had failed, so times were desperate. Because the railroad was, at that time, building the track through the region, all the men were able to go to work for the railroad. As the track was being laid westward, they had the opportun ity to see the land of Wells County. They saw that it was good and decided to file on this land newly opened for settling. In the spring of 1894, several family and friends formed a caravan moving their belongings and animals to this new land. Ole farmed successfully for eight years , which included owning and operating a threshing outfit for the fall harvest. He also bought grain in the early years, then in 1902 established a lumberyard in Manfred and built a home there, where Ole and Mary lived the rest of their lives. Late r, he was also associated in a garage business. Ole and Mary were charter members of Vang Lutheran church, and were very active throughout the years. Mary died November 8, 1936 and Ole died October 24, 1940. Both are buried at Vang Lutheran Cemetery of Manfred ND.

Ole married Marit Nilsdtr SKATTEBOFoster County, ND. Marit (daughter of Nils Kristoffersen NORDTORP and Kari "Karrina" Knutsdatter SKATTEBO) was born on 18 Sep 1872 in Moadn Under Skattebu 39/6, Øs; died on 8 Nov 1936 in Manfred, ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Christen K Melby

Chris, also known as C.K. or Christ Melby, was the third child born to Knud and Guri Melby on January 11, 1868. He grew up on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended the Rogne school and church. In 1881 when he was 13 years old, his parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to the USA, Goodhue County, Minnesota.

In 1884, his parents moved to Griggs County North Dakota where they filed on a homestead, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County. In the fall of 1889 he left home, and in 1890 at age 22 years old, he settled in Lyon County were his aunt Guri Opdahl and sister Guri Ranum both lived.

Chris married October 3, 1891 in Minneota MN to Mary Haas Marken Larson born May 11, 1874 Minneota MN. She was the only child of Arnt Larson and Jorgina Haas who were both born in Mosjøen, Norway. Thirteen children were born to them: Clarence 1892, George 1894, Almer 1895, Grace 1897, Orvin 1899, Agnes 1902, Julius 1903, June 1904, Olga 1907, Kermit 1909, Lillian 1911, and Harriet 1915. Chris was not only a farmer, but he was an influential businessman. He helped shape the beginnings of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank in Minneota and served as cashier. He was in the hardware and implement business from 1911 to 1918. In 1916, Chris was elected to the House of Representatives serving two terms in the Minnesota legislature.

In 1919, he moved to North Dakota and bought his father's farm. He and his family became very active in the Manfred community and in Vang Lutheran Church. Music was a very important part of Chris' life, and at Manfred he directed the Vang Lutheran Choir, and his entire family was very musical. His daughter Grace played the organ until she passed away in 1932. In the fall of 1929, the family returned to a farm in Lyon County. Throughout Chris' life he was in public service and a leader in many organizations: township, county commissioners, Hope Lutheran Church, farmer's cooperative elevator, creamery, and oil company.

Chris died December 13, 1936 and Mary died August 21, 1937. Both are buried at Minneota MN. Five children preceded them in death: Agnes, Julius, and Kermit died in infancy. Orvin was killed by lightening as he was going through a gate with his two horses, who also died. Grace's daughter Julie died in infancy and Grace died at nearly 35 years of age during an operation. Eight children went on to have descendants.

Christen married Marit Haas Marken LARSON on 3 Oct 1891 in Minnesota, USA. Marit was born on 11 May 1874 in Menneota, Minnesota, USA; died on 21 Aug 1937 in Menneota, Minnesota, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Knute K Melby

Knute, also known as K. K. Melby, was the fourth child born to Knut and Guri Melby on November 10, 1870. During his childhood, he lived on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended the Rogne school and church. In 1881 when he was 101/2 years old, his parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to Goodhue County, Minnesota. In 1884, his parents moved to Griggs County North Dakota where they filed on a homestead, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County.

By this time Knute was a young man, ready to go on his own. He went north to Ramsey County ND where he was in the grain business at Souris and Edmore. Later he became a representative for Hixson and Grannon Grain Co. His job took him to Nebraska, and it is here that he met and married Josephine Jurgensen in 1896 at Omaha. Two children were born to them there: Beatrice Melby 1897 and June 1900. Later, Knute and his family moved to North Dakota first living in Manfred for awhile, before settling at Grand Forks. It was at Grand Forks that Knute worked for the Tenney company, auditing the books for elevators in the region which included the elevators at Manfred ND. One of the elevator managers in Manfred at that time was Paulson. These frequent job-related visits to Manfred gave Knute the opportunity to visit his parents and others at Manfred. It is remembered that he would have coffee with folks during his stops.

During the years living at Grand Forks, Knute was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks, and also the Masonic Lodge, Sons of Norway, and the Union of Commercial Travelers. It was here that both of their daughters graduated from the University of ND, June graduating in 1923. Josephine died April 1936 in Grand Forks. Knute later moved to Minot living there for 16 years, first with his daughter Beatrice and husband Paul Miller, and then at the Lutheran Home for the Aged during his final years. Knute died in 1959 at Minot ND. Knute and Josephine are both buried at Grand Forks ND.

Knut married Josephine JURGENSON in 1896 in Omaha, NE, USA. Josephine was born in Nov 1876; died in 1936 in Grand Forks, ND., USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ragnhild Melby Wolding

Ragnhild, known as Nellie, was the fifth child born to Knut and Guri Melby on October 7, 1873. During her earliest years, she lived on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended the Rogne school and church. In 1881 when she was 71/2 years old, her parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to Goodhue County, Minnesota. In 1884, her parents homesteaded to Griggs County, North Dakota, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County and farmed there for six years. It was during the years in Foster County that she married Ole G Skattebo. He was born March 13, 1868 in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway to Gulbrand Knutson Skattebo and Marit Olsdotter.

Ole and Nellie joined with others in the family in the westward move to Wells County by filing on a homestead on section 11 of West Norway Township, about 10 miles northeast of Manfred. They became members of Vang Lutheran Church in 1895, and Ole served at a Deacon beginning in 1896. The nice life they had begun together was shortlived, when Ole learned that he was terminally ill. He then longed to return to Norway to spend his final days, so Ole together with Nellie went back to Øystre Slidre where he then died on May 29, 1899. Nellie then notified her brother Ole K Melby of what had come to pass, and he departed for Norway with the mission of escorting Nellie back to North Dakota. The 1900 census indicates that Nellie went to live with her parents on their farm together with her sister Caroline and two brothers Martin and Oscar.

On December 29, 1901, Nellie married Olaf Wolding. Olaf was born in Iowa in 1871. And like so many others, he come to Wells County and homesteaded. His first farm was at the southern edge of Fram Township on section 35 boarding Manfred Township to the north. So in this way Nellie and Olaf had the opportunity to meet through living in the same community, and after their marriage they started a new farm at section 19 in Hillsdale Township located in the most northeast corner of Wells County about halfway between Harvey and Martin. Six children were born to them: Beatrice 1902, Gladys 1905, Lila 1907, Cora 1909, Orvin 1912, and Alfred 1916. In 1919, Olaf and Nellie moved further west in ND to Big Bend Township in Mountrail County. They helped found Grand Valley Lutheran Church and are buried there. Olaf died March of 1942, and Nellie on December 16, 1955.

Family/Spouse: Ola Gudbrandsen SKATTEBU. Ola (son of Gudbrand Knutson SKATTEBU and Marit Olsdtr SKATTEBU) was born in 1868 in Skattebu Nedre 42/1 Sørre Øs; died on 29 May 1899 in Østre Slidre. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Olaf WOLDING. Olaf was born in 1871 in Iowa Co. WI. USA; died in Mar 1942 in Wells Co, West Norway Twsp, ND, USA; was buried in Grand Valley Cemetery, Big Bend Tnsp, ND. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Bowbells ND, USA

Notes:

Gilbert is remembered as having been so musical, as are his children. He was the band director of the Coteau Band, where he is shown holding a clarinet. Later he was director of the Bowbells Band. he also played the violin. [Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 2 M-Z, Ed. 5, Social Security Death Index: U.S., Date of Import: Mar 20, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.112.5.15884.57]

Individual: Melby, Gilbert Social Security #: 502-01-7001 SS# issued in: North Dakota

Birth date: Apr 4, 1877 Death date: Oct 1963


Gulbrand K Melby

Gulbrand, known as G.K. or Gilbert Melby, was the sixth child born to Knud and Guri Melby on April 4, 1977. During his earliest years, he lived on the Melby farm in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and attended Rogne church. In 1881 when he had just turned 4 years old, his parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to Goodhue County, Minnesota. In 1884, his parents homesteaded to Griggs County, North Dakota, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County and farmed there for six years, and then in 1893 his parents moved again to the newly opened land of Manfred Township in Wells County.

Gilbert was too young to file on a homestead having just turned 16, but he was able to helped his parents start up their new farm. Gilbert was very musical and could play several instruments. With his great love of music it is very likely that he played with some of the local orchestra groups. It was at Manfred where Gilbert met Esther LeGrand. She was born September 7, 1873 in Skane, Gotland, Sweden, with the given name of Astrid Hildegard LeGrand, to Joseph Alfred LeGrand and Anna Kristina Lindstrom. She had immigrated to the USA in 1885 with her parents, first settling at Northwood ND before coming to Manfred Township.

Gilbert and Esther were married on December 11, 1895 at Manfred. Gilbert and Esther bought the land located in section 30 of Manfred Township that had been in the LeGrand famly. Sometime during these years at Manfred, Gilbert was working in one of the elevators. Due to an accident while employed there, he lost a foot but didn't let this hold him back in any way. With the help of an artificial foot he managed very well, as if he had two feet. Few even realized that he had an artificial foot, having only a slight limp.

Gilbert and Esther moved to Kenmare in 1904, to Coteau in 1909, then to Bowbells, and lastly to a farm west of Bowbells. Thirteen children were born to them: Cecelia 1896, Carlton 1897, Arthur 1899, Marion 1900, Ida 1901, Elmer 1902, Gordon 1904, Morris 1906, Evelyn 1907, Raymond 1909, Earl 1911, Alice 1913, Irene 1916. Nine have descendants, Cecelia did not have children, Gordon died at age 24 from tuberculosis, Morris remained single, Evelyn took ill and died at age 18.

Gilbert farmed most of his life and was a wonderful musician. He directed the Coteau Band and many of his sons also played in his band. He was also the band director at Bowbells. He was also well known as a grain buyer, school board member of Coteau, served in the Minnesota Township and Ward Township Boards of Burke County, served on the Selective Service Board for Burke County during both World Wars I and II, served one term as Burke County auditor 1914-1920. He belonged to the Bowbells Masonic Lodge and the Minot Elks Lodge. Gilbert was afflicated with hodgkin's disease, which his daughter Alice also has. Esther was quiet, so caring and thoughtful regarding each family member, a fine Christian woman, and well respected in the community. Esther died May 30, 1938 at the Bowbells Hospital as the result of heart and kidney complications. Gilbert died October 9, 1963 at the Kenmare Hospital of complications resulting from a stroke.

Occupation:
farmer og musiker

Gulbrand married Esther LEGRAND in 1895 in Wells Co, ND, USA. Esther was born on 7 Sep 1873 in Sverige; died in 1939 in Bowbells ND, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Foster County, ND, USA

Notes:

Marit Melby Satterberg

Marit, known as Mary was the seventh child born to Knud and Guri Melby on September 13, 1880 in Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway living there only in infancy. In 1881 when she was just eight months old, her parents sold the Melby farm and the whole family emigrated from Norway to Goodhue County, Minnesota. In 1884, his parents homesteaded to Griggs County, North Dakota, and in 1887 they moved to Foster County and farmed there for six years. It was here that her father and older brother Ole helped to establish the Melby School District in 1888 where she attended most of her grade school years. In 1893, her parents moved to the newly opened land of Manfred Township in Wells County where she completed her schooling in 1896 at age 16.

Arvid Satterberg, an avid horseman, and his brother John filed on homesteads in Fram Township bordering Manfred Township to the north. Arvid's land was in section 26, and in this way Arvid and Mary had the opportunity to meet through living in the same community. They were married around the turn of the century at Manfred and farmed for some years in Fram Township. It is very interesting to note that Arvid and Mary's land was located in the next section north from Olaf Wolding, who later married Mary's sister Nellie. Olaf and Nellie moved further west to Hillsdale Township and started up a new farm there.

Six children were born to Mary and Arvid: Roy, Elmer 1902, Arvid 1904, Ruby 1905, Lillian 1907, Marion 1909. Five children have descendents. Marion did not have any children. The family later moved further west to Montana for a while, and then on to California. Though California was a long way from North Dakota, Mary was able to see her brothers and sisters from time to time. She died in 1957 and is buried in California.

Family/Spouse: Arvid SATTERBERG. Arvid was born in 2 Jan; died in Manfred, Wells Co, ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Caroline Melby Anderson

Knud and Guri Melby, together with their seven children had emigrated from Rogne, Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway in 1881. They destination was Goodhue County Minnesota where they stayed for 3 years while they were gaining their bearing in this ne w land. Then in 1884 they moved to Griggs County North Dakota settling on their first homestead. It is likely that Knud with the help of his older children quickly built a sod house, then broke some of the land, and planted seed that they had brou ght with them from MN. Then on September 3rd of that year, their eighth child Caroline, known as Lena, was born. In 1887, the family moved a little further west to Foster County North Dakota. It was here that her father and older brother Ole helpe d establish the Melby School District in 1888 where she attended most of her grade school years. In 1893, her parents moved to the newly opened land of Manfred Township in Wells County where she completed her schooling, afterwhich she taught schoo l for a few years.

Caroline's future husband, Olaf Anderson was born in Norway in 1877. His last name there was Boe. His father's first was Anders, so Olav took the name Anderson. In 1897, he had settled in Hillsdale Township located in the northwest corner of Well s County. Manfred was a booming town with much railroad traffic, and an ideal place to start a livery. In 1900 he moved to Manfed, and built a large barn to establish a livery and feed stable, and started up a dray service to haul goods to and fro m the railroad. He also started up an ice business in the winter with a crew of several men, cutting ice from the James River and shipping it by train. And as a result of living in the same community, Caroline and Olaf had the opportunity to meet and where then married at Vang Lutheran Church in 1903. Four children were born to them: Clayton 1904, Gordon 1907, Alice 1912, Orvin 1917. Clayton di d not have children, the others havedescendants.

Caroline was active in the Vang Ladies Aid, cooked in the cook cars for threshing, and was well known for her yard filled with beautiful flowers. For Olaf, a natural addition to his dray service was to sell automobiles when they first became available and other farm equipment as well. Olaf died suddenly of a heart attack in 1931, and Caroline continued to live in her home in Manfred. She di ed in 1971, and both Olaf and she are buried at Manfred ND.

Caroline married Olaf ANDERSON on 22 Apr 1903 in Wells Co, West Norway Twsp, ND, USA. Olaf was born in 1877 in Norge; died in 1931 in Manfred, ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 2 M-Z, Ed. 5, Social Security Death Index: U.S., Date of Import: Sep 15, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.112.5.15885.40]

Individual: Melby, Martin Social Security #: 501-14-4564 SS# issued in: North Dakota

Birth date: Oct 7, 1886 Death date: Aug 1977

Martin K Melby

Martin, also known as M.K. Melby, was born to Knud and Guri Melby in Griggs County on October 7, 1886. His parents had filed on a homestead there in 1884. Prior to that, they had emigrated from Norway in 1881 together with their seven children ranging in age from age 19 to 8 months old. They lived in Goodhue County Minnesota for three years. Then in 1884, his sister Caroline was born right after the family moved to their first homestead in Griggs County North Dakota. Then in 1887, the family moved to Foster County North Dakota, the next county west. It was here that his father and older brother Ole helped establish the Melby School District in 1888 where he started his schooling. In 1893, his parents moved to the newly opened land of Manfred Township in Wells County where he completed his schooling.

Raised on a farm, Martin was well acquainted with field work and chores, and helped with the harvest too, all of which would serve him well in later years when he had his own farm and also was the owner/operator of a threshing rig which he ran for many years. Martin also had early training in business by working for his uncle, C.C. Melby for 10 years. In 1918 he served as a mail carrier, and in 1919 he bought into the Ford garage in Manfred retaining this until 1939. He drove a school bus until 1945 when he moved to a farm remaining there until 1963. Martin served on the Manfred Township Board, notary public, member of Cooperative Elevator, and school board. He was a member of the Harvey Masonic Lodge, Sons of Norway, and Vang Lutheran Chruch.

Martin married Alma Rosette Haugen on August 30, 1911 at Vang Lutheran Church. Alma was the daughter of Tollef Haugen and Bertha Jomen who farmed near Manfred. Alma's parents had joined Vang Lutheran Church in 1906 and she was confirmed there in 1909. So through the church and community, Martin and Alma had become acquainted. Martin's parents retired from farming that same year, and had moved into Manfred just east of the new brick school. The upstairs of this home was where Martin and Alma began their married life while their home in the LeGrand Division was being built. Four children were born to them: Myrtle 1914, Kermit 1916, Ellanora 1922, and Donald 1924. Martin died August 9, 1977 and Alma died March 6, 1982. Both are buried at Manfred ND.

Occupation:
farmer mm

Martin married Alma Rosette HAUGEN on 30 Aug 1911 in Wells Co, ND, USA. Alma was born on 28 Apr 1892 in Baldewin, WI, USA; died in Mar 1982 in Fargo, Cass Co, ND, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Oscar J Melby

Oscar, also known as O.J. Melby, was the tenth child born to Knud and Guri Melby on March 7, 1890 while they were living in Foster County. The crops were poor during that time. However, the Sioux railroad track was being laid through North Dakot a and so a source of income was possible for the folks. So, Knut and all his neighbors went to work for the railroad, building the track. It was through this work that they learned of the new land opening up further west in Wells County. Knud wa s impressed with the land and filed on section 8 in Manfred Township. In 1894 when Oscar was 4 years old, his family and other families moved in a caravan, herding their animals and hauling their belongings on wagons.

Oscar took all his schooling in Manfred Township. He became well-versed in farming having worked side by side with his father and older brothers through the years. His parents retired in 1911, and Oscar took over farming his father's land. He marr ied Bertha Nordtorp on July 10, 1910 in Millet Alberta Canada. Bertha was born May 12, 1891 in Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway to Gullik and Ragnhild Nordtorp. They had first immigrated to the USA in 1892 on Bertha's 1st birthday, but returne d to Norway in 1899, only to return again in 1906 on her 15th birthday. They settled both times in Manfred, and it was there that Oscar and Bertha became acquainted. They became engaged in 1908, but her parents moved to Canada and they needed he r help. Oscar and Bertha kept in touch and after the crops were planted in 1910, Oscar went to Canada for his bride.

In 1914, Oscar and Bertha bought land in section 30 of Manfred Township which had been passed from brother to brother Gilbert, then Chris, then Ole, and then finally to Oscar. Here they lived the rest of their lives. They owned and operated a threshing rig for 22 years. Oscar was very musical having a beautiful high tenor voice, and played the clarinet and violin. They were both very active in Vang Lutheran Church, and Sons of Norway, and other offices in th e community. Born to them were eight children: Cora 1912, Roy 1916, Ruth 1919, Muriel 1921, Orlien 1924, Kenneth 1925, Gene 1928, Ethel 1931. Oscar died February 16, 1954, and Bertha died November 11, 1985. Both are buried at Manfred.

Oscar married Bergit "Bertha" Gulliksdotter NORDTORP on 19 Jul 1910 in Millet, Alberta, Canada. Bergit (daughter of Gullik Rønjusson NORDTORP and Ragnhild Olsdtr HEGGE) was born on 12 May 1891 in Ringsaker, Hedmark; died on 11 Nov 1985 in Harvey, Wells Co. ND. USA; was buried on 15 Nov 1985 in Vang Lutheran, Manfred, Wells Co, ND USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Onstad 35/4 Øvre Øs

Notes:

Torger og Marit hade barna: Anne Eline 1899- 1971ugift arbeidet på gården, Engebret 1901-, Erik 1905-1929, Nils 1908-1986, ugift snekker

Occupation:
grb

Family/Spouse: Marit Eriksdtr ONSTAD. Marit (daughter of Erik Nilsen ROGNE and Ingeborg Olsdtr RUDI) was born in 1873 in Onstad 35/1 Nedre Øs; died in 1944. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Nord Dakota, USA

Notes:

Han var famer i Nord Dakota

Occupation:
farmer

Ola married Guri Eriksdtr ROGNE on 18 Mar 1909 in Manfred, ND. USA. Guri (daughter of Erik Bendiksen SKOGEN and Marit Larsdtr RUDI) was born on 7 Jul 1879 in Rogne 44/15 Skogen Øs; died on 11 May 1953 in Harvey, Wells Co. ND. USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Occupation:
dyrlege

Family/Spouse: Kari Jørgensdtr RINGESTAD. Kari (daughter of Jørgen Ivarson RINGESTAD and Kari Olsdtr ULVEN) was born on 26 Nov 1881 in Ringestad 36/1 Vs; died on 20 Aug 1936. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Occupation:
dyrlege

Family/Spouse: Margit HILE. Margit was born in Toten. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Heggenes Øs

Family/Spouse: Gullik Tollefsen WINDINGSTAD. Gullik (son of Tollef Nilsen WINDINGSTAD and Berit Gulliksdtr NYHAGEN) was born in 1871 in Windingstad 33/1 Øvre Øs; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Occupation:
lærer

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Onstad 35/4 Øvre Øs

Family/Spouse: Torger Engebretsen ONSTAD. Torger (son of Engebret Torgeirsen ALFSTAD and Anne Olsdtr RUDI) was born in 1870 in Onstad 35/4 Øvre Øs; died in 1963. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Onstad 35/2 Nordre Øs

Notes:

Occupation:
grb

Family/Spouse: Guri Nilsdtr JØRSTAD. Guri was born in 1880; died in 1941. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Fredheim 44/33, Rogne, Øs

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Drammen

Notes:

Occupation:
Lærer

Notes:

Occupation:
gm Anne Ranum-Hall

Notes:

Occupation:
fehandler

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Køllstad 47/1 Øs

Notes:

Halvor og Jenny hadde 4 barn: Ruth 1900-, Odd Amandus 1904-, Solveig Kaspara 1908-, Hjørdis 12.12.1919 ugift.

Occupation:
grb

Family/Spouse: Jenny Therese BØRRESEN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Melby 46/1 Øs

Family/Spouse: Knut Gudbrandsen MELBY. Knut (son of Gudbrand Knutsen HØVE and Anne Olsdtr HOVI) was born in 1878 in Melby 46/1 Øs; died in 1948. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ingeborg Olsdtr FAUSKE. Ingeborg (daughter of Ola Eriksen FAUSKE and Ingrid Torgeirsdtr VISTE) was born in 1888 in Fauske 81/6 Sørre Vs; died in 1972 in Ferden 69/1 Røn Vs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Ulven 67/1 Vs, Røn

Family/Spouse: Ola Olsen ULVEN. Ola (son of Ola Olsen ULVEN and Marit REBNE) was born in 1893 in Ulven 67/1 Vs, Røn; died in 1976. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Linjordet ble utskilt fra Ferden i to porjoner, første delen i 1939 og andre i 1945. Endre fikk denne delen av broren Olav.

Occupation:
grb

Family/Spouse: Ragnhild Andisdtr FYSTRO. Ragnhild (daughter of Andris Endresen ROGN and Ragna Nilsdtr FYSTRO) was born on 9 Nov 1915 in Fystro Nedre 83/1 Vs Lomen; died in 1967 in Ferden 69/2-3 Linjordet Vs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Halvor Øysteinsen JARSTAD. Halvor (son of Øystein (Østen) Nilsen FYSTRO and Gjertrud Halvorstdtr JARSTAD) was born on 10 Aug 1859 in Jarstad 47/1 Nordre Vs; died on 19 Jul 1910 in Jarstad 47/1 Nordre Vs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Røvang 27/1 Vs

Notes:

Occupation:
sjekk

Ragnhild married Alv Thomassen RØVANG about 1874. Alv (son of Thomas Alvsen RØVANG and Barbro Halvorsdtr KVISSEL) was born in 1843 in Røvang 27/1 Vs; died in 1923. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]