Gjertrud Davidsdatter Herheim (28 Apr 1835 – alive 1 Jun 1900) was the daughter of David Olson Herheim (1808 – before 1865) and Brita Eiriksdatter indre Sundve (1809 – ). She was born at the Herheim farm in Vossestrand on 28 Apr 1835 and baptized on 17 May 1835. She came to America about 1873 although I have not found her emigration record. It may be possible that she came to America to help her sister’s husband Gundor Olson with his four motherless children. Gjertrud’s sister Sigvor had been married to Gundor and died in 1872 when her youngest was just about two years old. Two years after Gjertrud’s arrival, on 29 Sep 1875 she and Gundor were married.

Gjertrud and Gundor made their home in Mount Valley Twp. in Winnebago County, Iowa and Gundor continued to farm. They had two children: Susan Karoline (1 Oct 1878 – 15 Jun 1951) and Carl Dartinius (30 May 1880 – 21 Oct 1968).

Susan was married 22 Jan 1895 to Fred Dell Huffman. Some time before 1910 they left Iowa for California where they spent the remainder of their lives. The lived in the Pasadena and Long Beach areas of Los Angeles. Fred was employed as a house plasterer. Susan and Fred raised 9 children.

Carl was married to Tone Moen who was a Norwegian immigrant. For a time Carl was a farmer and in 1920 he was an assistant bank cashier and in 1930 a bank cashier. They had an adopted daughter Ruth. Carl and Tone are buried in Trinity Cemetery in Wanamingo, Goodhue County, Minnesota.

A special thanks to Cynthia McDonald for providing the photos and the permission to use them. The photo of Brita is from my own personal collection and was painted by my great-great grandfather Anders Guleikson Sundvesflyne.

For more about Gjertrud and her descendants click here.

Eirik was born at Arnetveit in Vossestrand and his parents were Sjur Eirikson Arnetveit and Marta Larsdatter Tveite Hb. He was 30 years old when he and his wife of 3 years; Gjøri Kolbeinsdatter Store-Høn; and their year old daughter Kari set sail for America. Like many of the Vossings before they went to Dane County, Wisconsin where they stayed for more than 10 years before moving on to Winnebago County in Iowa. There were many people from Voss in Winnebago County, my great-great grandparents being among them. Erick first used Syverson as the family name and later Severson. Gjøri became known as Julia, and Kari became Carrie and later she was known as Caroline. Erick and Julia had 4 more children and raised them to adulthood. Erick made his living by farming and eventually owned his property. Some of his grandchildren and great grandchildren graduated from university and had good careers. One was a teacher at a university. I’m sure Erick and Julia’s dreams for their family were realized. A grandson and at least one great grandson made their home in Alaska. A family migration from Norway, to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Oregon, and finally Alaska. They are the first Vossings I have actually located in that northern state, although I know many went there, attracted first by the gold during the rush; and then remained to make it their home.

I have not found anything on Erick and Julia’s children Lewis (Lars) b. 1854; Charley (Charles) b. 1860; Marie b. 1860, or John b. 1862. If you know anything and would like to contribute, please contact me.