Abstract
1886 Norwegian immigrants to Reynolds, North Dakota
Administrative/Biographical History
Marius Gjelsnes (now spelled Gjelsness) emigrated in 1880 from Sander, Odalen, Norway, first to Wisconsin and then to Dakota Territory. Caroline Olsen came from Kongsvinger, Norway, in 1886. They met in Reynolds, Dakota Territory, at the home of Caroline's aunt, Olivia Peterson, who was married to Marius' cousin, Peter Peterson. Marius worked as a railroad section hand primarily from Larimore to Devils Lake. Caroline worked as a housekeeper for Grand Forks Sheriff Swan and one or two families in Crookston, Minnesota. Marius and Caroline were married August 21, 1888, in Hillsboro, Dakota Territory. They farmed near Reynolds and had six children: Clara Mabel, Rudolph, Fred, Helen, Ruth, and Walter.
