The Enger farm in Nedre Eggedal, Buskerud, Norway
I am very fortunate, being a genealogy buff, that I not only happened to be born into a story-telling family--but also a story writing family--and I have been blessed to have acquired several of these writings to enhance my family history research.
In genealogy of course, it is important to know and to authenticate the names of your ancestors, and the dates of births, marriages and deaths, but in my estimation the exciting part of genealogy is learning about the life stories. These ancestors of mine were much more than names and dates--they were real people. Who were they? What did they do? What were they like? That is the exciting part!
Enger cousins, Paul & Ivan Berg (sons of Ida Enger Berg), Keith "Skip" Enger
and Irene Navarre at the Bonanzaville Museum in Fargo, July 2011
One of the most prolific writers in my family's past was Ida Josephine Enger Berg, one of the daughters of Palme and Marie Enger, born May 26, 1893, in Davenport North Dakota. In 1931 she married Timan Grant Berg and raised a family, and in her later years she took on the task of writing the Enger family history.
Her account of the departure from Eggedal, Norway was no doubt gathered from the stories of her father Palme who was six years old at the time of the journey, and her older aunts.
Ida writes that it was Peder Ellingsen Enger who finally succumbed to "America Fever" so prevalent in all of Norway. Peder had inherited the Elling-Engar farm from his father Elling Palmeson who died in 1844, and his mother Ingeborg and his two sisters Ina and Mari, continued to live there while Peder had moved to the farm Øygarden with his wife Aase. In 1860 Peder turned over the Engar farm to his son-in-law Ole Kristensen Jokstad, who was married to Peder's oldest daughter Ingeborg. Ownership was transferred to the young couple with the stipulation that Peder's mother Ingeborg would have a home and care at Elling-Engar until her death. (She died in 1864.)
Ida continued, "The home of Peder and Aase Enger was saddened by the thought of leaving their beloved country. It was not easy to make the final decision but with a large family and a small income, it seemed the sensible thing to do. It required much courage and caused much heartache to leave a comfortable home, an aging mother, a daughter and son-in-law, and a grandson born shortly before they left--most likely never to see them again--as well as practically all their earthly possessions. But the lure of better conditions and opportunities for the family overcame any misgivings. So with the six children still at home and the seventh soon to be born, they began to make preparations for a long, dangerous and unpredictable journey. We are apt to forget the courage of the women involved in all of this. Peder's wife (our grandmother) expecting her tenth child almost any day, preparing to leave all and set out for an unknown fate. What courage! What devotion! What faith! Could we in our generation compare to these pioneer women?"
"Peder Ellingsen Enger was born September 13, 1811 in Eggedal, Norway. He married Aase Ellefsdatter in Eggedal on December 27, 1837. To this union ten children were born: Elling, who had already left for America in 1854 at the age of 18; Ingeborg who married and remained in Norway; Sigrid, Ellev, who died in childhood; Joran, Aase, Ellev, Palme, Mari and Gunhild, born in Drammen in 1861."
"The proverbial immigrant trunk (chest) was constructed of heavy lumber and reinforced by metal pieces on the corners. It also had a lock and a large key, as well as hand wrought handles on the end. These trunks were painted red as was the custom and the name and address of the owner painted clearly in white on the side. The large chest had a dome-like cover perhaps to provide a little more room."
"The proverbial immigrant trunk (chest) was constructed of heavy lumber and reinforced by metal pieces on the corners. It also had a lock and a large key, as well as hand wrought handles on the end. These trunks were painted red as was the custom and the name and address of the owner painted clearly in white on the side. The large chest had a dome-like cover perhaps to provide a little more room."
"There were two chests--the larger about 4' x 27" x 18" and a much smaller one. It seems reasonable to suppose that the smaller trunk would hold the things needed every day and would need to be opened often en route: food for a family of eight and a few articles of clothing--diapers and swaddling clothes, for they were expecting a baby. Then the larger (trunk) would be packed with as much as it would hold, including some tools that would be needed to make and serve food: the large wooden bowl for mixing bread, the round-bottomed kettle for making mush, their basic food; their spoons and bowls hand carved from wood, and a wooden beater (called 'turu' in our dialect). The tools most necessary in providing shelter--the ax, knife, hammer and saw and perhaps a scythe and cradle. Not much clothing was necessary as their homemade clothing of homespun was sturdy, but they needed some bedding especially for the smaller children. The older girls carried their shawls which would serve as covers at night. But they would need more clothing when they were settled in the new country so they included the combs used to comb sheep's wool in preparation for spinning, the spinning wheel, and no doubt, the knitting needles."
"Extra shoes were not needed for their journey was to begin in the spring. The children were accustomed to walking barefoot most of the year and the soles of their feet were as hard as leather. But the old cobbling outfit would have probably come with them from Norway."
"After carefully selecting and packing their physical necessities, the most essential--their books--were placed on top. There was the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Children's Explanation Book (Folklaring) and Luther's Small Catechism. These books are still in our possession."
"The chests were piled on carts called "emigrant wagons" and the smaller children rode on top of these as the procession left Eggedal for Drammen. I assume there were many families that left at the same time and many more who had already arrived at Drammen--their embarkation port. Sometimes the emigrants had to wait for days before there was a boat available for transportation to England. The Engers departed via the Drammen route rather than Oslo, for the birthplace of the tenth child is listed as Drammen. Her birthday is May 11, 1861, and the family's departure for England is recorded as having sailed May 13, 1861. Small steamboats were used at Norwegian ports to pull the larger sailboats into deeper waters so the sails could function better."
"From Drammen to Hull, England, was usually a rough voyage as the North Sea was often very turbulent. They went by train from Hull to Liverpool where they embarked for America. On their stopover at Liverpool, they were well treated and fed so they left in better spirits. They set sail in a three-master ship that carried between 500-700 (sp) passengers. It was no luxury liner, and comforts were few, but their voyage was probably much the same as for many others. Our father, Palme, related an incident that occurred en route:
"From Drammen to Hull, England, was usually a rough voyage as the North Sea was often very turbulent. They went by train from Hull to Liverpool where they embarked for America. On their stopover at Liverpool, they were well treated and fed so they left in better spirits. They set sail in a three-master ship that carried between 500-700 (sp) passengers. It was no luxury liner, and comforts were few, but their voyage was probably much the same as for many others. Our father, Palme, related an incident that occurred en route:
'A large ship painted red circled our ship. The captain of the emigrant ship called to the strange ship through a large horn. There was no response and there seemed to be no one aboard. The boat sailed away, but soon returned and came directly toward the emigrant ship. The captain seemed frightened and called all men on deck (and there were many big brawny men among these passengers.) The pirate ship--for this is what it was--turned away so fast that the bow of their ship scraped the side of the emigrant ship and sailed quickly away.'
Note from Dianne: It was later determined that the ship actually landed in Quebec as that was the easiest route for the English ships to take since Canada was an English colony. From Quebec the immigrants would typically board a smaller boat to come through the Great Lakes and then overland to their ultimate destination.
In 2002, through the website norwayheritage.com, I found that the emigrant ship that carried the Enger family was the bark "Askur" which in 1861 departed from Drammen on May 17 and arrived at the quarantine station at Grosse Ile near Quebec on July 12. The ship was carrying 3 cabin and 260 steerage passengers. There had been three deaths on the voyage. She was mastered by Captain C. Dechmann and a crew of 13.
In 2002, through the website norwayheritage.com, I found that the emigrant ship that carried the Enger family was the bark "Askur" which in 1861 departed from Drammen on May 17 and arrived at the quarantine station at Grosse Ile near Quebec on July 12. The ship was carrying 3 cabin and 260 steerage passengers. There had been three deaths on the voyage. She was mastered by Captain C. Dechmann and a crew of 13.
The reason we know that the Engers were on this ship is from an announcement that was printed in Norwegian newspapers as a testimonial of the voyage and to encourage others to sail with this company. The announcement reads:
"To Mr. Captain Dechman, commander of the ship Askur. We cannot abandon you or your good ship without, on behalf of the emigrants, laying before you our hearty thanks to you for the swift, friendly and true human kindness you have shown to us on the whole journey. The untiring way with which you, day and night, looked out for our comfort and our best will never be forgotten by us."
"To Mr. Captain Dechman, commander of the ship Askur. We cannot abandon you or your good ship without, on behalf of the emigrants, laying before you our hearty thanks to you for the swift, friendly and true human kindness you have shown to us on the whole journey. The untiring way with which you, day and night, looked out for our comfort and our best will never be forgotten by us."
"The same is true for your on board crew. They assisted those of us who were sick every time with great favor and medicines. We pray for God's blessings on them and their ship, and that He may be with them on their long journey back to Norway."
"Having been elected as a committee by all of the immigrants, we herewith present to you as a remembrance, from the thankful emigrants on the ship Askur in 1861, the accompanying silver article and gold ring, hoping that you will have a friendly remembrance of us, just as we no doubt constantly will remember our good Captain. God be with you. That is the wish of all."
"The signers of this testimonial were as follows: Engebret Halvorsen Soland, Eggedal; Asle Ericksen Olbergsundet, Krødsherad; Erik Ellingsen Solum, Eggedal; Elling Anderson Carlsbraaten, Sogndal; Peder Ellingsen Engen (Enger), Eggedal; Halvor Arntsen Havaldstad, Nes in Hallingdal; Anders Person, Ny Lagenvers Sogn I Sverige (Sweden), Lars Eriksen Svartaas, Krødsherad; Narve Olsen Bjoreeie, Krødsherad."
Because the National Archives of Canada did not start keeping passenger lists until 1865, and the Norwegian emigration records did not start before 1867, there is no other surviving passenger list for this voyage.
To conclude Ida's narrative: "Our father in later years had a decided distrust and dislike for English-speaking people and it seems reasonable to attribute this feeling to the miserable treatment they received on their cross-country trek. But in all fairness to the English, we must admit these 'newcomers' were a motley crew; ill clad (probably they had lived in the same clothes for weeks on end, dirty, smelly, hungry, unable to speak the language, unhappy, possibly resentful, regretful and rude.) And then too, the time was wartime in America--1861--the Civil War. Perhaps boxcars and small boats were all that was available and perhaps, male help was difficult to secure as well because of army conscription. At any rate, they reached southern Minnesota in the fall of 1861 where they had friends. The Enger family came to a family named Guberud who made it financially possible for Peder's family to come. It must have been a happy reunion--all nine Engers arrived safely."
"The family had left for America in 1861 without testimonial (proper papers) from Norway, so on April 8, 1863, they wrote to pastor Jens Stub, parish minister for Sigdal church, for a transcript. They evidently needed this information and proof of birth to make application for citizenship in the United States. Following is the translation of the original transcript:"
"Married folks Peder Ellingson and Aase Ellefsdatter Enger of Eggedal's Parish were married in Sigdal's main church December 17, 1837. He was then about 26 and she just 18 years old. They partook of the Lord's Supper the last time here in Eggedal's church on November 11, 1860. About two years ago (1861) these people immigrated to America without bringing testimonial from here. The following children accompanied their parents. The oldest son, Elling, had gone to America in 1854, with a cousin, Ole Rustan. The oldest daughter had married and chose to remain. (2) Sigrid, now about 22 years, confirmed and partook of the Lord's Supper in the spring of 1861. (3) Joran, now about 17 years, confirmed and partook of the Lord's Supper at the same time. (4) Aase, born September 28, 1848, baptized October 21st in Eggedal's church. (5) Ellef, born May 17, 1852, and baptized in Eggedal's church June 14th. (6) Palme, born March 7, 1855, and baptized March 25th in Eggedal's church. (7) Mari, born September 11, 1857, baptized October 4th in Eggedal's church. All the children except Gunhild were baptized in Eggedal's Church, Holman's Prestegard, Norway. (8) Gunhild was born en route in 1861 (Drammen, May 8, 1861)." They paid 32 schillings for the transcript.
The descendants of Peder and Aase Enger are now many and their lives have taken many diverse paths but thanks to family reunions of Peder and Aase's descendants in the 1990's, information has been transmitted and updated. Contacts and friendships have also been made between the descendants in America and Norway which have endured to the present day.
To my knowledge the first American Enger to visit Norway was Paul Gilbert Enger, a grandson of Palme living in New York and a writer for CBS, who wrote on April 30, 1861:
Eggedal Kirke 2010
View of Eggedal Valley from the Nerdalen home, 2010
"I left Oslo early in the morning setting out for a town called Amot by train. From Amot I took a bus the remainder of the way, traveling through Enger-roa and Sigdal reaching Eggedal about noon. As you leave Amot the scenery grows more and more breathtaking and Eggedal, or the setting in which it is placed, is the perfect climax: mountains, still snow-capped; meadow, valleys, waterfalls, rushing rivers. It surely ranks as one of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen. As you approach Eggedal you climb higher and the road becomes more winding and wooded. Eggedal itself is small--not even a wide spot in the road. It is dominated by the church; in fact, it is known accurately as 'Eggedal Kirke.' There are two small stores, a post office, and a tiny 'Kafe' where I had my noon meal as soon as I arrived. I set out with my camera to take pictures of the church, graveyard, etc. While taking pictures, a young man came up to me and in halting but understandable English, told me to be at the Kafe at 3 o clock to meet Nerdalen. It seems that the Kafe operator had called the Nerdalen farm and told them that an American was inquiring after them and then he (the proprietor) had gotten this young fellow to translate the message--a most thoughtful gesture. While still taking pictures a small panel truck drew up alongside me on the road and a man got out, shook my hand, and by consulting an English-Norse dictionary let me know he was Bjarne Nerdalen, and he would take me to the farm. After Bjarne's wife (Ingeborg) had set out a big meal and we had eaten we went out again, driving to Enger-roa which is a beautiful valley located at what is called Nedre (Lower) Eggedal. It is dominated by the huge Enger farm, now occupied by Per Enger--a big hearty man who reminded me of Dad. Directly behind the present house is where Elling Palmesen Enger lived and presumably is buried."
Dianne Enger Snell with Per & AnneMarie Enger, Eggedal 2010
Since Paul's initial contact many Enger family visitors have been entertained in Eggedal by both the Nerdalen family (Bjarne Nerdalen was a descendant of Peder Ellingsen's sister Mari Enger who married a Nerdalen); and the Enger family, (Per and AnneMarie Enger who own the Enger farm in Nedre Eggedal are descendants of Erick, a brother of Elling Palmesen Enger); and both the Enger and Nerdalen family descendants have also been entertained by Engers in America.
Two stubbars on the Enger farm in Nedre Eggedal. These
buildings were (still are) used on Norwegian farms for food
storage and are designed to keep out varmints!
When my late husband Dale and I made our first trip to Norway in 2000 we boarded with Per and AnneMarie Enger for several days. By then they had retired from the farm to their lovely retirement home just down the road, and their son Per was operating the farm. What a thrill it was for me to see the two old stabburs (storage buildings) on the farm from the 1700's and the family heirlooms inside the house! I felt that the spirits of my forefathers were there with me!
Joran Nerdalen and Nils & Line Nerdalen, Eggedal 2010
Two cousins, Shirley Augustine and Irene Navarre, were also on the trip in 2000 and they stayed with the Nerdalens. A highlight of the whole adventure was a "family reunion" at the Nerdalen home with Bjarne and Ingeborg Nerdalen, son Nils (Line); daughters Bjorg (Bjorn) and Joran; Per and AnneMarie Enger, daughter Kari and her daughter Marthine; and our closest Norwegian relative, Anna Braaten, a descendant of Peder and Aase's daughter Ingeborg who was married and stayed in Norway when the rest of the family emigrated. Anna Braaten was our closest relative in Norway until she passed away in 2008.
When I traveled again to Norway in the summer of 2010 I was transported by Joran Nerdalen who now lives at Hønefoss in Ringerike, and hosted by Nils and Line Nerdalen who operate the family farm in Eggedal. Both of their parents, Bjarne and Ingeborg, had passed away during the 2000's decade. Joran and I were guests for lunch with Per and AnneMarie Enger and it was so good to see them again. It is a real privilege to maintain connections with these very special cousins!
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