This Home Page is interested in the Norwiegian ancestors of the Moen and Kongslie families who came to the USA and settled in North Dakota. Any additions or comments would be appreciated.
Norway has been the homeland of the Norwegians for 2000 years or more. It is a wonderful, beautiful and beloved, as illustrated in story and song.
“Kan du glemme gamle Norge?
Aldri jeg dig glemme kan,
BeenMed de stoite klippeborge
Du er min fedres land”
In Norway is a relatively small country. The south part where Valdres is located it is only about 250 mi. across (North Dakota is 360 mi. from east to west).
Norway is divided into 20 " fylker " or counties Valdres is a part of Oppland fylke and includes these five “herreder” or townships: Vang, Vestre, Slidre, Ostre Slidre, Nord-Aurdal, Sor-Aurdal and Etnedal. Etendal did not become a “herad” until 1894. Before that time”Nothe Etnedal”was a part of the herad Nord-Aurdal and the south part called “Bruflat”was a part of the Sor-Aurdal. All oour ancestors were born in “North Etnedal”, which was at that time only a part of the herad Nord-Aurdal.
Etnedal is located about 75 mi. north of Oslo Norway. It derives its name from the river Etna, which flows down through it. On both sides of our river people have built their homes; some, lowdown; others, higher up; while others are located near the top of the hills. On account of a steep sloping ground, most in every house is set on post on one side. The ground is sandy and must be heavily manured. Pits are provided under all cattle barns where all fertilizers is carefully saved. The farms are small and the cultivated area seldom exceeds three or 4 acres. Our forefathers grew up at a time when people in Etnedal as well as other parts of Norway experienced a siege of most trying conditions, as you will see later in the histories of our people. On account of extensive crop failures caused by drought and frost, all kinds of food stuffs became scarce. Many families in poor circumstances went hungry and had to resort to go begging for a little to eat. There was no organized system for the support of the poor and needy as is the case now.
The large majority of the pioneers at that time had one thing in common; they were all poor people. Poor people working for the landowners in Norway were called “husmand” meaning they lived on the farm where they were employed, and the rent for a small house in which they lived was paid for by their labor. Thus they had no prospect of ever owning either house or land and the deplorable part of it was that the children of poor parents were neglected in public schools because they could not afford necessary equipment. Many did not learn to write. The only books studied were those that eventually would prepare them for confirmation. Many worked as sheep and goats herders from the time they were eight years old, besides attending school whenever that was in session. Went confirmed, then hired out. In some instances their parents or in dire need of assistance and their small salary had to be turned over to them. Others again were bent on saving their pay, hoping someday to be able to continue their schooling or emigrate to America, where the opportunity for young men and women was brighter.
Compared to other parts of Norway, Valdres valleys were heavily populated. With scarcity of land, poor wages, poor economic conditions and the fact that people were longing for independence of owning their own land-their eyes were open towards America. The news of the “ Homestead Act” of 1862 in the United States and the end of the and the Civil War added to their desire to go. After the first few years, letters from families already in the United States spread the “ America fever” fast.
Norway gave the U.S. Almost one-fifth of its population from1865 to 1890. Most of these were under 30 years of age. Men, women and children in their best years, strong, healthy, vigorous, full life and hope. The popula
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