Aksel and Family

Aksel Martinsen and family.

Sam Thomasen

Sam and Tobina

THE OLSENS

Otto Olsen with Katrina, Mabel and Edward.

Nils A. Nilsen

Photograph from Naturalization papers, Brooklyn, N.Y.

SISTERS

Guri, Anna and Karen

Young Nils

Salov's Studio

Great Grandmother

Louise Olsdatter 

Kleven

KÅDA

Ingeborg and Martin's house is the one farthest in the distance, top center, closest to the Sound.

The Children

The children of Ingeborg and Martin. Mathilde, Didrikke, Sofie, Olava, Nils and Aksel. There appears to be a "ghost image" over Mathilde and to the left of Didrikke. Ingeborg and Martin's first born, Didrik, died in infancy.

PHOTOS

Ingeborg and Martin

A Favorite Photo

My grandmother's birthplace in Liknes. Her brother Thomas Thomasen holds the horse. Thomas's wife Olga Serine Edwardsdatter holds their daughter Thora Olava. She sits next to Thomas's mother, Louise Olsdatter. 

Some Thoughts Upon Starting

I hope to write about the experience of discovering these families. The journey into both lines began with old photographs. Then I was able to uncover a great deal of information from work done by those who preceded me in this endeavor. I had a lot of invaluable help. My journey continues and it has become clear to me that writing about my ancestors depends upon sharing with their descendants.  

Hello and Welcome!

I've created this blog to provide a place for conversation regarding our Vest Agder Roots. In my case, I am interested in the lineage of Martin Nilsen and Ingeborg Svensdatter of Hidra, and Anthoni Thomasen and Louise Olsdatter of Liknes, or Kvinesdal. These are my great grandparents. My grandfather, Nils Nilsen, was the son of Martin and Ingeborg. My grandmother, Anna Thompsen, was the daughter of Anthoni and Louise. 

I have been researching their lineage for some time now, and am getting ready to write something. I'm not sure what yet, but I will request permission to use anything that is posted here. Rather than concentrating on one specific line, I thought it might open things up a bit to center the conversation around Vest Agder. I know I have many questions regarding the land of our ancestors, and my experience of Norway, through travel and research is very limited.

So please feel free to say anything and share anything. I think a casual, unhurried conversation might reveal new treasures from our past.

Tom