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Submitted: 9/27/11 • Approved: 9/28/11 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R133307-G0-S3
1839 - 1896
Iver Alness, a stone mason, was born in 1839, and Berit Alness a "saeterjenten" (milkmaid), in 1847. They grew up in a small village, "Alness," Romsdal, Norway. Although they had the same surname, they were not related. After their marriage, they came to America - a 14 week trip by sailboat. Decorah, Iowa, was a clearing point for many of the Norwegian "Newcomers." From there they came to Dakota Territory in 1870. They filed a homestead claim on the land two miles north and one-half mile east of Romsdal Church. Home was their covered wagon until a sod shanty could be built. Five children lived to adulthood: Edwin, Carrie (Mrs. Matt Enebo), Marie (Mrs. Ingvold Alness), Andrew, and Ellen (Mrs. Albert Grane), They also raised two foster children: Petra Dahle, who married and lived in Norway; and Anna Ronnie, who lived in California until she died. Iver was a charter member of Romsdal Church and was on the church board when the church was built. He also helped build the first school house. Berit was one of the charter members of the Romsdal Ladies Aid. Iver died in 1897 and Berit in 1939. (Source: The History of Lincoln Co, SD 1985, page 249-250)
Contributed on 9/27/11 by revilo
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Record #: 133307