Finnestad Ancestry

I've discussed in previous posts Ole and Mari Finnestad's eldest daughter, Elizabeth Olsdatter, who had married Ole Andreas Knutson. Here is an index card that led me to the immigration documents for Elizabeth's husband which had been filed at the Ogle County, Illinois clerk's office. The original immigration document was signed September 5, 1890. At the time, King Oscar II was the ruler of Norway and Sweden. A second document was signed February 28, 1910, which provided more information, though unfortunately, Ole did not know which ship or have the correct date he had arrived in New York from Norway. At the time of this second document, Norway had broken off from the rule of Sweden and King Haakon VII was king of Norway. I do not know why a second immigration document was completed by Ole Knutson, but it did provide additional information that was not contained on the 1890 document. What is interesting about this document is that: - Ole had a tattoo "OAK...

From the Hjelmeland/Fister parish records, Elisabeth (listed as #6), the eldest child of Ole and Mari, was confirmed in 1858. The month and day were not listed. Note that Lizabet or Lisabet was written, rather than Elisabeth.

Based upon US Census records, Ole and Mari had 11 children. I have only been able to track down 10 of those, leading me to believe one may have died during childbirth. According to the Hjelmeland/Fister parish records, Ole and Mari's first child was Elisabeth, born, April 10, 1844. She was baptized May 5, 1844. It can be assumed she was the first child since Ole and Mari were married 3 months later.