Tr.heim 12-12-38

Kjære broder

Vil nu skrive nogle ord som en Julehilsen til dere.  Jeg har ventet og høre fra dig i hele sommer, helt siden jeg fik denne “Bibel” sendt.  Jeg ventet nemlig og faa høre dødsbudskabet, da det var klæbet fast en papirlap på første blad, sålydende

Når jeg er død skal denne bibel sendes til O. Holm osv.  Jeg synes det var en nokså raa spøg.  Jeg blev nemlig siden underrettet derbortefra at du og din kone befinder dere i bedste velgående, og at du iblant hamrer på din Ambolt (envil) (han har føyd til det engelske ordet for amboldt) Kl. 6 om morgenen så det synger i nabolaget, ja dette er bra, men det kan være grænse for spøg.  Herhjemme er alt som vanlig  vi er frisk alle vi søsken, skal hilse fra alle  Alle stræver på hver sit vis  Axel & Conrad var her forleden søndag, for Conrad er det noksaa troublesome (han slenger inn noen engelske ord her og der).  Laura er nede ved Oslo, og Hanna er oppe i Narvik.  Jeg har ikke været i Hegra på 2 aar, har intet og gjøre der, og nesten alle gamle kjendinger er død.  slig er livets lov  de gamle forsvinder og en ny slægt opstaar.

Fik du Aviserne jeg sendte dig ivår.  Her i Tr.heim har vi ikke hat “sne” enda og knap kuldegrader, rigtig vaarveir  Skal hilse fra kona og alle døtre  alle fem er busy working  den yngste er nu 17 aar  Vi hadde sølvbryllup nu Nov 11^th  tiden gaar.

Et lite foto af en flok af os på tur oppe på “Gråkallens” høieste top near Tr.heim  myself to the left.

Du skal vel på “New York fair” til sommeren?  Da kommer du vel en tur hjem.

Ser du, hvordan Djævelen og hans engle regerer i Europa, i “Tyskland” og “Italia”  Tyskerne & the digos er galne, og Englands og Frankriges Statsmen er nogen feige uslinger  Verden gaar sin opløsning imøte, Vi lever i en Babels forvirringstid no. 2.  Jeg er glad for at jeg er saa gammel at min tid er snart forbi, det er godt og tænke paa at vi har et bedre sted og flytte til, hvor ingen nød eller sorger er.

Ja jeg haaper du og kona er fremdeles i bedste velgaaende.  Saa maa du hilse Alma saa meget fra os  haaper alt er bra med hende.  Jeg maa tilstaa at jeg er svært sløv har blet naar det angaar og skrive men nu skal jeg ta fat  jeg skal nu skrive til “Florence Winters”  har ikke hørt fra hende paa længe.  Mine jenter har det saa travelt med og stelle til Jul nu  stor stas  mange besøkende for vi saa jeg har det ikke ensomt nei, mange møter og Fester uafladelig.

Ja saa haaper vi og faa et langt brev fra dig  fortel alt du vet.

Hils Halvor Oien saa meget fra mig.

Jeg sender dig kanske et Foto af hele dameflokken min efter Jul.  Maa da slutte for denne gang med de allerbedste “Julehilsener” fra os alle alle.

Skal hilse fra Jertine broder Markus’ enke  hun har det bra  voksne kjække barn har hun.

Good bye

Olav Holm

Rosenborgsgt. 14, Trondheim

 

Tr.heim 12-12-38

Dear brother

I’ll write a few words as a Christmas greeting to you all.  I’ve been waiting to hear from you all summer, ever since I received that “Bible”.  You see I expected to get a notification of your death, because a note was glued to the first page, saying

When I am dead this bible is to be sent to O. Holm etc.  I think that was a rather crude joke, since I was later informed from over there that you and your wife are in the best of health, and that you sometimes hammer on your envil at 6 in the morning so that it echoes in the neighbourhood, which is good, but there ought to be a limit for joking.  Here at home everything is as usual  all your sisters and brothers are well, they all say hello.  They’re all struggling each in his own way  Axel and Conrad were here last Sunday, for Conrad things are rather troublesome. Laura is down by Oslo, and Hanna is up by Narvik.  I haven’t been to Hegra for 2 years, have no business there, and almost all old aquaintances are dead.  such is the law of life  the old folk disappear and a new generation comes into being.

Did you get the newspapers I sent you this spring.  Here in Tr.heim we haven’t had any “snow” yet and hardly below freezing, almost springlike.  My wife and all my daughters say hello  all five of them are busy working  the youngest is 17 years old now  We celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary this Nov 11th  time flies.

A little photo of a group of us on a trip up to the highest point of “Gråkallen” near Tr.heim  myself to the left. 

I guess you’re going to the “New York fair” this summer?  If you do you might as well come home for a while.  Do you see, how the Devil and his angels are ruling in Europe, in “Germany” and “Italy”  the Germans & the digos are crazy, and England’s and France’s Statesmen are just cowardly wretches  The world is heading towards dissolution,  We are living in a Babylonian confusion era no. 2.  I’m glad that I’m so old that my time is almost over, it makes me feel good to think that we have a better place to move to, where there is no distress or sorrow.

Well I hope you and the wife are still in the best of health.  Say hello to Alma from us  hope everything is well with her.  I must admit I’ve become very slow with regard to writing but now I’ll get going  I’m now going to write to “Florence Winters”  haven’t heard from her for a long time.  My girls are so busy preparing for Christmas right now  great fun  we’re getting a lot of visitors so you can say I’m not at all lonely, many meetings and Parties constantly.

Well we hope to get a long letter from you  tell us all you know.  Say hello to Halvor Oien from me.  I might send you a Photo of all my ladies after Christmas.  Will end this for now with the best of wishes for Christmas from us all. Jertine Markus’ widow says hello  she’s doing well  has good grown up children.

Good bye 

Olav Holm, Rosenborgsgt. 14, Trondheim

     

 

 

 

 

Dear Brother

Glædelig Jul og gott Nyt år ønskes fra os alle  Vi har det alle bare bra,  Haaper dere det samme.  Tak for brev

Bedste hilsen fra os alle.

Ole

 

Dear Brother

Merry Christmas and happy New Year is wished by us all.  We are all fine,  Hope the same with you.  Thank you for your letter

Best wishes from us all

Ole

Tr.hjem 26/1-30

Kjære Broder

Jeg vil skrive nogle ord så du ser vi lever, som vanlig.  Vi er bra frisk alle og det er et stort gode.  Jeg har ingen Nyheter  Axel var her forige Søndag, bare bra med dem, ligedan Conrad og Laura og Hanna  alt på det gamle.   Bare det at alle klager på dårlige tider, og det er elændige tider og anderledes blir det vist ikke i vor tid.  Det er lit styr og stell for utstillingen nu, men ubetydelig arbeide for folk, men det blir vist masse besøg af folk, og meget intresant.  Kommer der mange fra So. Dak.  Det skulde være morsomt, og faa besøg fra nogen kjendte.  Har du bestemt dig enda?  Du maa faa sammen en klik og komme.  Du har vel nok og gjøre, med Hestskoing og Auto reperationer.  Du maa ha Mange tak for Calender pencils og Aviser  det er morsomt og faa  jeg har ingenting og sende dig.  Jeg skulde ha stor lyst på og faa tag i et Magazine for Electrician  det er electric arbeide jeg driver mest med ser du, om du kunne sende mig Adrs. til noget “Electric Magazines” Publishing Co. var du snild.  Vi har hat en ualmindelig mild vinter iaar.  Det har ikke i mands minde været saa milt, næsten ikke noget sne, og ubetydelig kulde, saa jeg tror, det blir en Verdensomveltning snart, saa vi har spart endel brændsel.  Haaper det er bra med dig og dine, du maa hilse Alma, og alle kjendte.  Jeg vet ikke mere og skrive om denne gang,  Kom en tur til sommeren  du kommer til og træffe mange kjendte og faa det hygelig.  Jeg skal hilse saa mange tak for kort fra kona, hun er ikke saa rigtig frisk som ønskelig, men det gaar da  hun er ikke bra i Nyrerne desværre.  Hun ber mig hilse saa hjertelig.  Du hilses da paa det bedste fra os alle

Lev vel Skriv snart

Ole

Tr.hjem 26/1-30

Dear Brother

I’ll write a few words so that you’ll see we’re alive, as usual.  We are all fairly healthy and that’s a great blessing.  I have no News  Axel was here last Sunday, all is well with them, the same goes for Conrad and Laura and Hanna  everything as usual.  Only  everybody complains about bad times, and they are bad times and it doesn’t look like anything will change in our time.  There is some hubbub going on for the exhibition now, but insignificant work for people, but it looks like there will be lots of visitors and very interesting.  Are there a lot coming from So. Dak.  It would be fun, to have someone I know visit me.  Have you made up your mind yet?  Get a gang together and come.  I guess you have plenty to do, with Horseshoeing and Auto repairs.  Thank you very much for the Calendar pencils and Newspapers  it’s fun to get  I have nothing to send to you.  I would very much like to get a hold of a Magazine for Electrician (these are Ola’s own words in English)  it’s electrical work I do the most you see, if you could please send me the Adrs. to some “Electric Magazines” Publishing Co. (again Ola’s own words).  We’ve had an unusually mild winter this year.  Never in the memory of man has it been this mild, hardly any snow at all, and insignificant cold, so I think, there will soon be a big global change, so we’ve been saving on fuel.  Hope you and yours are doing well, say hello to Alma, and everyone I know.  I don’t know what else to write about for now.  Make a trip this summer  you’ll meet a lot of people you know and have a good time.  My wife says many thanks for your card, she’s not as well as one would wish, but doing ok  it’s her Kidnies unfortunately.  She asks me to give you her warmest regards.  And best wishes to you from all of us.

Live well  Write soon

Ole   

Trondhjem 25/3-25

Kjæreste Broder.

Du kan tro det blev glæde og surprise, over dit “brev” og “check”  Jeg var saa modløs og tungsint den morgen før dette kom, men naar nøden er størst saa er hjælpen nærmest.  Ja jeg vet ikke hvordan jeg skal takke dig, men jeg maa si som saa mange siger, Gud velsigne dig John, for din snilhet, og jeg haaper du maa ha lykke og held med dig til gjengæld fordi du ikke lukker dit hjerte for en som trænger en haandsrækning og hjælp.  Nu skal jeg betale dig renter paa disse penger, og sette det paa bok paa dit navn, og jeg skal faa Banken til og sende dig kvitering for renten pr aar lig et andet laan.  Jeg har nu leiet mig et litet rum og skal til og indstallere mig, men det er mange ting som skal være og alt er saa dyrt her, men det skal nok gaa.  Du kan være sikker paa at jeg gjør hvad jeg kan for og faa noget ut af det.

Jeg skal samtidig hilse fra kona og sige at hvis hun hadde vist at det kom penger, saa havde hun ikke skrevet det sidste brevet til dig,  men nu er det for sent  hun ber dig undskylde, for kvinder skulde man aldrig ha noget med og gjøre.

Ja vi har faaet en hel del læsestof det er inresant, og faa, det er som et pust fra en anden verden, og jeg liker saa godt og læse Engelsk for ikke og glemme sproget.

Det er inet nyt her, bare bra med vores folk.  Vi har hat en meget fin vinter iaar.  Faar da slutte for denne gang, med et mange mange tak foreløbig.  Pengene er ikke kommet enda, men dem kommer vist en af første dagene.  Ja jeg skal da hilse saa meget fra kona, og alle pikerne, og mig selv.

Jeg skal snart skrive igjen.

Broderligst

Olav

Rosenborgsgt 14

Tr.hjem

Trondhjem 25/3-25

Kjæreste Broder.

What joy and surpirse, to get your “letter” and “check”  I was so down and miserable that morning before it arrived, but the greater the need the nearer the help.  I don’t know how to thank you, but will say the same as so many do, God bless you John, for your kindness, and I hope you’ll have a lot of happiness and luck on your side in return for not closing your heart to someone who needs a helping hand.  I want to pay you interest on this money, and put it in an account in your name, and I’ll get the Bank to send you receipts for the interest per year like any other loan.  I have now rented a small room and am getting ready to settle myself in, but there are several things that are needed and everything is so expensive here, but it will work out.  You can be sure I’ll do what I can to get something out of it.

My regards also from the wife who says that if she had known there was money on the way, she wouldn’t have written that last letter to you, but now it’s too late  she apologizes, for one should never have anything to do with women.

Well we have received a lot of reading materials, that’s interesting to get, it’s like a breath from another world, and I so much enjoy reading English so that I wont forget the language.

There’s no news here, everything is fine with our folk.  We’ve had a very fine winter this year.  Will end this for now, saying thank you very very much for the time being.  The money hasn’t arrived yet, but will probably be here in the next few days.  My wife sends her best regards, and all the girls, and myself.

I’ll write again soon.

Most Brotherly

Olav

Rosenborgstgt. 14

Tr.hjem

Dear brother

Jeg vil sende dig nogle ord, og lade dig vite at denne “Tools” kom ikke med “Tyrefjord” den var her forige uge, men det var ikke noget med til mig, men den kommer vel med nogen anden Baat, saa vi for ta det med ro, og vente, saa kommer det vel.

Vi har noksaa haard vinter allerede, og en stille tid.  Jeg vet ikke hvad jeg skal gripe til i vinter da mit arbeide skal indstilles og jeg maa slutte, og arbeide er ikke og opdrive, jeg beklager at jeg ikke har et shop for mig selv, for da kan man finde paa mangt og gjøre, men det koster penger og starte op, og vanskeligt om hus til det ogsaa, haaper at jeg kan faa istand noget til vaaren, og da er det mere rush med Autos.  Du burde komme hjem til vaaren, saa vi kunde starte et ordentlig “repair shop” og det er ikke tvivl om andet end man kunde tjene penger.  Ja du maa tænke over det broder og du kunde ha godt af og opholde dig i Norge en tid for det er deilig her om sommeren særlig, og du har nu ogsaa slit ondt længe nok derborte.

Jeg har ingen nyheter alle vores har det paa det gamle.  Smaajenterne mine snakker saa ofte om onkel John, dem spør mig nu om du forstaar norsk.  Vi har fortalt dem forskellige historier om dig. 

Jeg sender dig en af dagene en “lommealmanak”.  Ja jeg vilde bare sende dig disse ord, og saasnart noget kommer skal jeg skrive.  Haaper alt er bare bra med dig, lev da saa vel, og vær paa det kjærligste hilset fra os alle.  Fruen ber mig hilse saa meget, hun sitter og læser og dovner sig for øieblikket men det er ikke ofte, hun hænger i sent og tidlig, for hun har et stor hus og holde styr paa. Vi har et room til dig naar du kommer, og hun siger at det skulde være moro og stelle for dig.

For slutte for denne gang, med det bedste hilsener

Din Olav

Rosenborgsgt. 14

Tr.hjem

 

Dear brother,

I want to send you a few words, and let you know that this “Tools”, did not arrive with “Tyrefjord” she was here last week, but there was nothing on her for me, but it will probably come on another boat, so we’ll just have to take it easy and wait, and it will come.

We have quite a hard winter already, and a quiet time.  I don’t know what I’ll be doing this winter as my job will be cancelled and I have to quit, and work can’t be found, I’m sorry I don’t have a shop of my own, because then one can find a lot of things to do, but it costs money to get started, and it’s also difficult to find  a place for it, I hope I can get something going this spring, and then there is more rush with Autos.  You ought to come home this spring, so that we could start a proper “repair shop” and there’s no doubt one could earn lots of money.  Well, think about it brother and it could do you good to live in Norway for a while because it’s lovely here especially in the summer time, and also you have worked too hard long enough over there.

I have no news all of ours are the same as usual.  My little girls often talk about uncle John, and they are now asking me if you understand Norwegian.  We have told them various stories about you.

I’ll send you a “pocket almanac” soon.  Well, I just wanted to send you these words, and as soon as something arrives I’ll write.  Hope everything is ok with you, live well then, and be lovingly greeted by all of us.  The wife asks me to say hello, she’s sitting here reading and relaxing right now, but that doesn’t happen often, she works hard all day, for she has a big house to keep up.  We have a room for you when you get here, and she says it would be fun to take care of you.

Will end this for now, with the best regards

Your Olav

Rosenborgsgt.14

Trondheim

Trondhjem den Dec. 26-1917

Kjære Broder

Kun nogle ord som en Julehilsen, formodentlig faar du ikke dette brev heller  Jeg tænkte at det er bedre og skrive Engelsk for da kan det lettere passere censuren.

We are all well at present, having fine weather & Moonlight Xmas.  I am still working at “The Harbour arrangements” and making good Money, but toke about Money now the question is Food, of course we been having some yet, but I suppose its going to be smaller rations yet, so you understand that I wouldn’t object if you could send me a “bag” of “Flour” haha.  I hope you are all well, are you still at the same business?  Jertine had goten letter from you.  Our brothers & Sisters here are very well.  Don’t forget to greet Sis. Anna from me, also Oians (Oiens? Øians?) too.  I suppose no use write any more hard telling if you ever get it.  I am certainly anxious to hear from you soon  Will close with best wishes for a happy New Year to you from The girls Wife & Myself

O Holm

Rosenborgsgt 14

Trondhjem

Trondhjem Dec. 26-1917

Dear Brother

Just a few lines as a Christmas greeting, you probably wont receive this letter either.  I thought it would be better to write in English because then it will get through the censor more easily.  (The rest is written in English):

We are all well at present, having fine weather & Moonlight Xmas.  I am still working at “The Harbour arrangements” and making good Money, but toke about Money now the question is Food, of course we been having some yet, but I suppose its going to be smaller rations yet, so you understand that I wouldn’t object if you could send me a “bag” of “Flour” haha.  I hope you are all well, are you still at the same business?  Jertine had goten letter from you.  Our brothers & Sisters here are very well.  Don’t forget to greet Sis. Anna from me, also Oians (Oiens? Øians?) too.  I suppose no use write any more hard telling if you ever get it.  I am certainly anxious to hear from you soon  Will close with best wishes for a happy New Year to you from The girls Wife & Myself

O Holm

Rosenborgsgt 14

Trondhjem

 

Trondhjem Oct.19-14

Dear Sis,

Paa forlangende af vor Svigerinde og mig selv tillader jeg mig at meddele den triste nyhed at vor Broder Markus omkom ved et ulykkestilfælde med øieblikkelig død tilfølge han blev overkjørt av et stort Godstog under arbeide i byens nærhed.  Hans legeme blev totalt knust og sønderlæmmet, begge ben afskaaret over laarene samt den ene arm og underlivet og bakhovedet, og alt var gjort paa et øieblik.  Jeg tror ikke han blev opmerksom paa toget før forsent.  Stakkels Markus hvilken ende han fik.  Jeg talte med ham kvelden førud, paa en visit derude.  Han har 6 ukonfirmerte børn med (mener han men?) Hustruen for vist bra pension af Staten samt understøttelse af Foreningen og private som (mener han saa?) hun blir bra forsørget.  Her hjemme er alt bare vel foresten  “Fader” trives godt hos M. Dybvad, og har det bra, forøvrigt bra med alle andre.  Det er stor arbeidsløshed, og dyrtid, her saa det er ikke greit og klare sig.  Jeg har vært arbeidsløs i hele høst, og vær blir det vist her, saa længe Krigen staar paa.  Haaber at alle Tyskere snart maatte Myrdes saa det blev fred.  Haaber alt er bare vel med dere, og at alle har det bra.  Hvordan er tiderne der borte?  Haaber dere skriver og forteller mig hvordan i har det.

Greet all the young generation, hope Hilda or Cleo(?) writes me soon.

I have no other news so I must close for this time

with the heartiest regard

Yours Ola

Adr. Rosenborgsgt. 14

Trondhjem

Norway

 

Trondhjem Oct. 19-14

Dear Sis

On behalf of our sister in law and myself I take the liberty of informing you of the sad news that our Brother Markus has died in an accident resulting in his immediate demise he was run over by a large freight train while working near the city.  His body was totally crushed and mutilated, both legs severed above the thighs as well as one of his arms and abdomen and the back of his head, and it all happened in the blink of an eye. I do not think he became aware of the train until too late.  Poor Markus what an end he got.  I spoke to him the night before, while visiting out there.  He has 6 unconfirmed children but it seems his Wife will receive a good pension from the State and also support from the Union and privately so she will be well provided for.  Here at home everything is otherwise fine.  “Father” likes being at M. Dybvad’s and is doing well, all the others are also fine.  There’s a lot of unemployment and high prices here, so it’s not easy to keep it going.  I have been unemployed all through this fall, and things will probably get worse here, as long as the War goes on.  Hope that all Germans would be murdered soon so that there could be peace.

Hope everything is fine with you all and that everybody is doing well.  How are the times over there?  Hope you will write and tell me how you all are doing.

Greet all the young generation, hope Hilda or Cleo(?) writes me soon.  I have no other news so I must close for this time

with the heartiest regard

Yours Ole

Adr Rosenborgsgt. 14

Trondhjem

Norway    

Kjære broder

Mange tak for brevet.  Har idag den triste nyhed og meddele at Broder Markus omkom ved et ulykkestilfælde under arbeide, nemlig overkjørt af et Tog.  Du vil se hvordan i de utklip af avisen jeg sender.  Du kan tænke hvilken sorg i hjemmet jeg sad oppe hos dem natten derpaa.  Jertine er næsten af sig selv.  Jeg var derude kvelden før det hændte vi taltes ved om forskillige ting og dette var sidste gang.  Stakkels Markus, at han skulde faa en slig grufuld død.  Han var omtrent midt paa sporet da Toget ramte ham, han fik Trillebåren over men selv blev han rammet i skulderen og revet med under det lange Godstog og slæpt med (det står “men”, men han mener sikkert “med”) en 25 a 30 meter helt knust Begge Ben afskaaret og den en arm delt fra legemet. Baghovedet og underlivet isønderknust tænk noget saa frygteligt.  Han viste vistnok ikke hvad som hændte sig da alt var gjort paa et Sekund.  Ja hvor snart maatte ikke han gaa ind i evigheten.  Familien for vistnok bra understøttelse saa det vil vist ikke bli nogen mangel, men tænk hvor ondt og huske paa, det var i sidste øieblik du fik anledning til og se ham ogsaa.  Jeg har intet arbeide, og jeg ved ikke hvordan dette blir da priserne blir høiere, og værre om arbeide.  Ja det er en slem tid.  Er glad for at du har det bra.  Alle er bare bra her hjemme.  Far er vel og trives godt.  Haaber og høre snart.  Begravelsen blir vist den 22de  Ja lev vel da og hils alle.  Skriv snart

Olav

Glem ikke denne Revolver

 

T.hjem 17-10-14

Dear Brother

Many thanks for your letter.  Today I have to inform you of the sad news that our Brother Markus was killed in an accident while working, run over by a Train.  You will see how in the newspaper clippings I send.  You can imagine what grief in the home I stayed up with them that night.  Jertine is almost beside herself.  I was out there the night before it happened we talked about various things for the last time as it turned out.  Poor Markus, what a horrible death he got.  He was almost right on the track when the Train hit him, he got  the Wheelbarrow across but he himself was struck in the shoulder and pulled along underneath the long Freight train and dragged about 25 to 30 meters completely crushed Both Legs cut off and one arm severed from his body.  The back of his head and his abdomen torn apart imagine how horrible.  He apparently did not know what happened to him as it was all over in a Second.  How soon he had to enter into eternity.  His family will apparently receive good financial support so it doesn’t look like they’ll be in need, but imagine how painful to remember.  It was at the last minute you had the opportunity to see him too (probably means John’s visit in 1914). I have no work, and I don’t know how this will go as the prices are going up, and harder to get work.  Yes, these are bad times.  I’m glad that you’re fine.  Everybody here at home is fine.  Father is well and likes it where he is.  Hope to hear soon.  The funeral is apparently on the 22^nd. So live well then and say hello to everyone.  Write soon

Olav

Don’t forget that Revolver

Nesttun søndag 25-1-1948.

Onkel Johan m fam.

Jeg vill herved få takke dig så hjertelig for den 10 dollaren, du sendte mig, igjennem min søster Klara.  Den kom svært godt med, da jeg da hadde gått syk i reumatisme, nesten hele vinteren.  Som du kanskje hvet, så har jeg vært sjømann i nogen år, og var kommet gått ivei, på at få mig en god stilling på sjøen, men sykdommen sa stopp for denslags mere, så jeg måtte gi mig, og ta mig arbeide iland.  Jeg er gift å bosatt i nerheten av Bergen, har tre kjekke gutter, og en småpike.  Min mor og søster Maia, var her på besøk en tur ifjor i mai måned, nu til sommeren venter jeg min tvillingbror og kona hannes på besøk hertil, kanskje min søster Klara og kommer en tur.  Det skal bli morro.  Har jeg bare hatt ett familje bildet av oss, så skulde jeg ha sendt dig ett nu, med det samme, men økonomien, har ikke tillat mig det enda.  Min kone er også ifra Trondhjem.  Det er mange av hennes bekjente her i Bergen, som nu drar over til Amerika.  Min kone står ikke i Den norske statskirke, sånn som mig, hun står tilsluttet Jesu Kristi Kirke av siste dagers hellige, og Kirkens hovedsete er i Salt Laik City.  Det hvet vell kanskje du Onkel.  Reisetillatelse er der ganske lett at få nu, sålenge Truman er President derborte, men der må stilles garanti av bekjente eller slektninger da.  Og som vi hører, så trives dem svært godt, dem som er reist over nu, efter denne siste krigen.  Jeg reiste på Norskekysten under hele krigen, så at si da, og det gikk bra heldigvis, men gikta sa stopp, det siste krigsåret.  Her i Bergen og på Vestlandet sier Doktoren min, er der for fuktig klima til mig og sykdommen min, så jeg lurer så smått på, at dra opover til Thjem med familjen.  Der er der litt tørrere klima, men nokså kaldt om vinteren desverre.  Så jeg hvet ikke enda, hvad jeg kommer til at gjøre.  Fikk brev i forrige uke ifra Mor, og der skriver hun om, at Bestemor er dårlig og sengeliggende, hennes mange levedager nu, er vell kanskje talte Onkel.  Ellers så er der vist bare bra med familjen Holm i Trondhjem og Trøndelag.  Klara hun skriver vell av å til til dig, så du får følge med litt, hvad som foregår sig, som er av din intresse?  Hvordan er det med arbeidet og diverse ting der borte i Amerika nu Onkel?  Tror du, om at jeg har tatt med mig mine her, og drad over, at jeg da har kunnet fått noe å gjøre, så at jeg har kunnet eksistert på det, på en noenlunde tilfredstillet måte?  Min kone vill så gjerne, dra avsted sier hun, for at følge sine kjente av Kirken, og samtidig få være i nærheten av kirkens hovedsete.  Hun er svært intresert i Kirken og dens videre arbeide.  Barna vore er døpt og velsignet i Jesu Kristi Kirke.  Vær så snild å skriv å fortel mig Onkel, hvad du synes om dette, og mitt spørsmål.

De beste hilsninger til dig og dine fra din brors sønn Olaf m familje.

Min adresse er

Olaf Holm

Sandalen

Nesttun st.

Pr Bergen

Sender dig ett lite foto av mig.

På baksiden av familiebildet står det:  Lillemor er ikke med der, hun kom sist.  Den 10-7-45.  Dette er Far Mor – Tor – Odd – Jan.

Bak på bildene av Olaf alene står det:  O Holm, 21-5-44

Nesttun Sunday 25-1-1948.

Uncle Johan w fam.

I hereby want to thank you so much for the 10 dollars, you sent me, through my sister Klara.  It came in really handy, as I had been sick with rheumatism, almost all winter.  As you may know, I’ve been a sailor for a few years, and was well on my way, to getting a good position at sea, but the illness put a stop to that, so I had to give it up, and take work on shore.  I’m married and live near Bergen, have three fine boys, and a little girl.  My mother and sister Maia, were here for a visit last May, this summer I’m expecting my twin brother and his wife for a visit, maybe my sister Klara will come too.  That’ll be fun.  If only I’d had a family photo of us, I would have sent you one now, right away, but my finances, haven’t allowed it yet.  My wife is also from Trondheim.  There are many of her acquaintances here in Bergen, who are going over to America now.  My wife doesn’t belong to The Norwegian state church, like I do, she belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days’ Saints, and the main seat for the Church is in Salt Lake City (he spells it Laik).  You probably know that Uncle.  It’s easy to get travel permission now, as long as Truman is President over there, but then acquaintances or relatives must place a guarantee.  And from what we hear, they like it very much, those who have gone over now, after this last war.  I sailed on the Norwegian coast all through the war, just about that is, and fortunately that went well, but the arthritis stopped that, the last war year.  Here in Bergen and in the Western parts my Doctor says, the climate is too humid for me and my illness, so I’m thinking about, going up to Theim with the family.  The climate is a little drier there, but quite cold in the winter unfortunately.  So I don’t know yet, what I will do.  Had a letter last week from Mother, and there she writes, that Grandmother is sick and bedridden, her many days of life, are perhaps over Uncle.  Otherwise everything sounded fine with the Holm family in Trondheim and Trøndelag.  Klara writes to you now and then I assume, so that you keep up with, what goes on, of interest to you?  How are things as far as work and various things over there in America now Uncle?  Do you think, if I had brought my family, and gone over, that I could find something to do, that I could exist from, in a fairly satisfying manner?  My wife would so much like to go, she says, to follow those of the Church whom she knows, and at the same time be close to the main seat for the church.  She’s very interested in the Church and its further work.  Our children were christened and blessed in Jesus Christ Church.  Please write and tell me Uncle, what you think about this, and my question.

Best wishes to you and yours from your brother’s son Olaf w family.

My address is:

Olaf Holm

Sandalen

Nesttun st. (Station)

Pr. Bergen

I’m sending you a little photo of myself.

On the back of the family pictures (3 in a row) it says:  Our little girl is not on this one, she came last.  The 10^th of July-45.  Here are Father Mother – Tor – Odd – Jan.

On the back of the pictures of Olaf alone it says:  O Holm, 21-5-44  

Trondheim 28/2-41

Kjære onkel Jon!

Takker dig så meget for brevet som vi mottok idag.  Først må jeg kansje fortelle hvem jeg er.  Jeg er altså Olas ynste datter.  Her er alt bra, og det håper jeg det er hos dere.  Far arbeider hver dag med sitt vanlig arbeide, og ellers har vi arbeide alle sammen.  Som du sikkert vet er Sonja gift, og vi andre står på kolonialforretninger.  Evelyn den næst yngste av oss, er nu søster på Trondhjem Sykehus.  Her er full vinter enda, og vi driver både ski og skøytesporten.  Det har været kaldt her i lang tid, men, det blir vel bedre nu når våren står for døren.  Det blir så en ser så lyst på livet, når det går mot våren.  Håper alt retter på sig snart.  Far sitter nu borte ved radioen og venter på nyhetene.  Man må jo følge med dagens begivenheter.  Jeg håper du forstår dette jeg skriver, men jeg kan desverre ikke engelsk, så jeg skriver bare norsk.  Jeg skal hilse fra alle slekninger her.  Som du vet har Conrad været syk, men begynner nu å være oppe.  Skal ellers hilse fra alle Conrads døtre her.  De er gifte og bor her i byen.  Skal nu hilse så meget fra far, mor, Agnes, Sonja, Gerd og Evelyn.  Lev vel,

Beste hilsninger Effi.

Husk og skrive snart.

 

Kjære Broder

Tak for brev, det er morsomt og se du har det bra  Jeg læste brev fra Alma til Konrad idag, ser det er bare bra med alle.

Du vet det er rationering på alle varer her, også på clothing (klær).  Jeg skulle ønske du kunne sende mig 1 par sjorter (shirts, helst brugte skitne og krøllet (long sleeves)  Vi er alle friske både Store og små, og bra med arbeide, men det er mangel på dvs.  Kan ikke skrive mere, bare så du ser vi lever  Vi har hat en hård vinter men nu stunder det mot lysere tider, så vi har det bra hittil.

Du må hilse alle slægt og venner og skrive snart igjen  Overalls bukser er så dyre også her.

Må slutte, med hilsen fra kona og alle jenterne

Lev så inderlig vel da begge to og husk også os i deres bønner, så treffes vi til slut, hvor alt er godt.

Din broder Olav

Trondheim 28/2-41

Dear uncle Jon!

Thank you so much for the letter we received today.  Maybe I should start by telling you who I am.  I’m Ola’s youngest daughter.  Everything is fine here, and I hope the same goes for all of you.  Father works every day at his usual job, and all the rest of us also have jobs. As you probably know Sonja is married, and the rest of us work in grocery stores.  Evelyn the next youngest of us, is now a nurse at Trondhjem Hospital.  We still have winter here, and we ski as well as skate.  It has been cold here for a long time, but, I guess it’ll get better now that spring is around the corner.  Life looks so much brighter when spring approaches.  Hope everything gets better soon.  Right now father is sitting over by the radio waiting for the news.  We have to keep up with the happenings of the day you know.  I hope you understand what I’m writing, but unfortunately I don’t know English, so I’m writing in Norwegian.  All relatives here send their greetings.  As you know Conrad has been sick, but is now starting to be up out of bed some.  Conrad’s daughters here also send greetings.  They are married and live here in town.  Father, mother, Agnes, Sonja, Gerd and Evelyn send their best wishes.  Live well,

Best wishes Effi.

Remember to write soon.

 

Dear Brother

Thank you for your letter, it’s fun to see that you’re doing well  I read the letter from Alma to Konrad today, I see everyone is doing fine.

You know there’s rationing of all goods here, on clothing too.  I wish you would send me a couple of shirts (preferably used dirty and wrinkled, long sleeves)  We are all healthy the Big ones as well as the little ones, and enough work, but shortage of various things.  Can’t write any more, enough to let you see that we’re alive.  We’ve had a rough winter but now brighter days are approaching, so we’re fine sofar.

Give our regards to all relatives and friends and write soon again  Overalls are also so expensive here.

Have to quit, with greetings from the wife and all the girls.

Keep well then both of you and remember us too in your prayers, and we’ll meet in the end, where everything is good.

Your brother Olav   

Kjære broder

Har den triste nyhed og meddele at vor Kjære Fader afgik ved døden iaften kl.6.30 i en alder af 79 aar 30 dage.  Han sovned ind stille og rolig, og var vist glad ved og faa dø. Konrad han var her igaar, Gjertine og Laura ogsaa.  Han blir begravet her i byen da han var utskrevet fra Hegre og hørte nu stiftelsen til.  Hvilken dag begravelsen foregaar er enda ikke bestemt.  Ja nu er vi Foreldreløs, og lykkelig er dem som har vandret bort.  Jeg tænker og indbyde disse som deltager i begravelsen til mig.  Gjertines Fader døde ogsaa dagen før Fader saa jeg har to begravelser denne uge hans begravelse forekommer Torsdag.  Jeg skulde hilse saa meget fra Konrad alt vel der.  Hos mig er alt paa det gamle jeg har det udmerket i forbindelse arbeide, og smaapigerne voxer hurtig, og Madammen er vel tilfreds, søster Hanna har faaet sig en Søn igjen, saa det fødes, og dør uafladelig.  Haaber du har det bra i alle dele (og alle dere?)  Tusend tak for brev, Aviser, og tænderen.  Jeg betalte 1. Krone i Told, paa grund af Fyrstik revennen(?) (revenuen?), men den var morsom og faa saa tak skal du ha.  I anledning denne Lampe du skriver om saa er det jig hvad jig trænger, men her er dem saa dyr, saa jig har ikke havt raad til og kjøpe nogen hvad Tolden angaar saa blir vist ikke det saa meget hvis den sendes som “Sample” og i  “parcel post” Saa tilslut en hjertelig hilsen fra os alle, skal skrive efter begravelsen igjen.  Lev inderlig vel

Broderligst Olav

Rosenborgsgt. 14

 

 

Dear brother

Have to inform you of the sad news that our Dear Father died this evening at 6:30 at the age of 79 years and 30 days.  He died peacefully and appeared to be pleased to die Konrad was here yesterday, and so were Gjertine and Laura.  He will be buried here in town as he was no longer registered in Hegre and now belonged to the foundation.  The day of the funeral has not been decided on yet.  Well, now we are orphans, and happy are those who have crossed over.  I plan to invite those who attend the funeral to my place.  Gjertine’s Father also died the day before Father so I have two funerals this week his funeral takes place on Thursday.  Konrad sends his regards all is well there.  With me everything is as usual I’m doing excellently as far as work, and the little girls are growing fast, and the Madam is content, sister Hanna has had another Son, so there are births and deaths continuously.  Hope you are all well.  Thank you very much for your letter, Newspapers and the lighter.  I paid 1. Krone in duty, because of the Match (I can’t understand the next word, looks like “revenue”), but it was fun to get so thank you.  As for this Lamp you’re writing about it is what I need, but they are so expensive here that I haven’t  been able to afford one as for the Duty it shouldn’t be that much if it’s sent as “Sample” and in “parcel post” I’ll end this with the warmest regards from all of us, will write more again after the funeral.  Keep well

Most brotherly Olav

Rosenborgsgt. 14  

Hegra 22/1.47.

Kjære Svoger og Svigerinne

Godt Nytaar og tak for de gamle

Di får rigtig unskjilde mig for at jeg ikke ha skrevet før, jeg ha vært syk og er det enda.  Jærtelig tusind tak for den store og kjærkomne gave di sente mig 14 dage før jul, jeg må sig at du er snil mot mig, jeg kan ikke jenjelde dette jeg.  Strømpene og Skoene er saa pene og passe til mig.  Sæpe og traa alt er saa kjærkoment  den lille kaapen blir pen til lille piken hendes Anna, naar hun syr den om.  Jeg ønsker at Conrad skul ha levd nu og set alt de jeg ha faat hos dere, jeg tenkker han ha blet gla  han var saa taknemmelig om han fik noget.

Vordan staar til met dig da Karoline?  ær du god i dine Hender nu?

Du svaager kommer væl aldrig til Norge mer?  de ha vært morsomt og snakka met dig nu, Du vet væl at Helga hans Aksel liger paa Hegra Pleijejem for døden.  ja hun gaar snart ind til hvilen hos Gud.  Jeg sines saa sind om Aksel stakkar.  Aksel var aavermaate snil mot os, naar Conrad var syk, jeg glemmer aldrig vor snil han var.

Vi har enda ikke haft snø her i vinter men staarm har vi nok af.  Vi har lite van, alt for lite, de har ikke regna og snedd her i vinter.  det er saa tørt alt for tørt.  bor di paa lanne eller i byen?  Det ha vært morsomt og titta ind til dere,

jeg maa slutte nu

Di maa leve saa inderlig væl, og jærtelig tusin tak for alt sament, tusin tak

saa er di mange gange hilset fra Olava Holm

 

Hegra 22/1.47.

Dear Brother in law and Sister in law

Happy New Year and thank you for the old one

Please forgive me for not having written before, I’ve been sick and still am.  Many thousand thanks for the large and welcome gift you sent me 14 days before Christmas, I must say you’re kind to me, I can’t return this you know.  The stockings and the Shoes are so nice and fit me.  Soap and thread everything is so welcome  the little coat will be nice on Anna’s little girl, when she alters it.  I’d wish Conrad had lived now to see everything I’ve gotten from you, I know he’d be glad he was so grateful if he got something.

How are you then Karoline?  are your Hands well now?

You brother in law will never come to Norway again will you?  it would be fun to talk to you now,  I suppose you know that Aksel’s Helga is at Hegra Nursing Home close to dieing.  yes she’ll soon go to her rest with God.  I feel so sorry for poor Aksel.  Aksel was extremely kind to us, when Conrad was sick, I’ll never forget how kind he was.

We still haven’t had snow here this winter but storms we have enough of.  We have little water, much too little, it hasn’t rained or snowed here this winter.  it’s so dry much too dry.  do you live in the country or in the city?  It would be fun to peek in on you,

I must quit now

You must live very well, and many thousand thanks for everything, many thanks

You are many times greeted from Olava Holm

Hegra 3/2-46

Kjære Alma Vilson!

Jertelig tusin tak for dit kjærkomne brev, og fotografier.  Det var morsomt og faa høre i fra Ammerika.  Her i Hegra er det fredelig nu.  Det er mere madt nu, bare den som har penger nu, saa faar vi i madt, men de er saa frigtelig dyrt aldt sament.  Af klær er der ingen ting og faa fat paa, uvist er det om de blir noget ogsaa, ja det ser mørgt ut.  Jeg har 9 barn, jift er dem alle sammen  dem har det rigtig bra alle sammen.  Jeg Ventet Odd til Jul men han kom ikke heim.  Han er nu paa reise til Sidishave met forsiniger til Valfangerne en reise som tar 3 maaneder  Odd siger at han kommer heim til jul.  Det er over 8 aar siden vi saag Oddeman.  Odd er en rigtig snil gut  Det er rigtig et nydelig brudepar du sente mig, brudgommen er saa lik min søn Jarl  akurat som jeg ser ham.  Vordan staar det til met onkel Johan og hans frue.  Du maa hilse dem titusen ganger.  Jeg er alene her jemme og de er trist, det er meget trist efter Conrad, det er et stort savn efter ham, det var 3 aar 6 januar siden han døde.  han døde af Tuberkolose  naar man faar den sykdommen er det ingen redning.  Har du aldrig haft lyst til og ta dig en tur til Noarge Alma?  Du er vel føt i Ammerika du Alma?  kan du snakke nork?  kan du snakke nork?  (hun sier det samme to ganger)  er du datter til Johan?  (hun var datter til Johans bror Olaf.  Johan giftet seg med Olafs enke, Almas mor).

Du skriver saa pent du  jeg skriver saa stygt, jeg må slutte nu, hils alle dine. Mange hilsninger til Johan og frue.

Ha det rigtig bra og du er

Jærtelig hilset fra Olava Holm

Hegra 3/2-46

Dear Alma Vilson

Many thanks for your welcome letter, and photographs.  It was fun to hear from Ammerica.  Here in Hegra it’s peaceful now.  There is more food now, if you only have money, you can get a hold of food, but everything is so terribly expensive.  As far as clothes there’s nothing to be had, it’s also uncertain whether there will be any, yes things look bleak.  I have 9 children, they’re all married  they’re all doing well.  I expected Odd for Christmas but he didn’t come home.  He’s now on his way to the Antarctic Ocean with supplies to the Whalers a trip which takes 3 months  Odd says that he’ll be home for Christmas.  (He was able to come home that spring).  It’s been over 8 years since we saw our Odd.  Odd is a really kind boy  It’s a very beautiful couple you sent me, the groom looks so much like my son Jarl  just like seeing him.  How is uncle Johan and his wife.  You must greet them ten thousand times.  I’m on my own here at home and that’s sad, it’s very sad after Conrad,  he’s terribly missed, it was 3 years on January 6 since he died.  he died of Tubercolosis  when you get that disease you can’t be saved.  Have you never wanted to take a trip to Norway Alma?  I suppose you’re born in Ammerica Alma?  can you speak Norwegian?  can you speak Norwegian?  (written twice) are you Johan’s daughter?  (she was the daughter of Johan’s brother Olaf.  Johan married Olaf’s widow, who was Alma’s mother).

Your handwriting is so pretty  mine is so ugly, I must end this now, greet all of yours.  Many greetings to Johan and his wife.

Keep well and you are

warmly greeted from Olava Holm

Bartlesville, OK November 5 2000

Dear cousins, and future readers of these letters.

Here's the last batch of letters. Again, I've tried to stay as true to the originals as possible as far as style and use of –language–. Letters written by the generation after John are fairly easy to understand, but the ones written by his generation are something else! I'd really wish I could copy the spelling in some of these letters, but that would be next to impossible to do. As you can see, Laura continues to put her commas, periods and capital letters all over the place. Axel gets carried away sometimes, and his sentences tend to keep running on and on, so at times it has taken some in depth studying of them on my part to figure out exactly what he means. Edvard capitalises all his D's, among others, and I've decided to capitalise the corresponding word in my translations. Also, he never (or very rarely) uses paragraphs in his letters, presumably to save on paper, and I've kept the translations the same.

Again, I've inserted an extra space in sentences where there are no periods, just to make it a little easier to see that a new sentence is starting.

You'll notice that on most of the letters I've copied the way the addresses were actually written on the envelopes, and also the way the dates were written on the letters themselves. It may seem unnecessary to include the address on each and every letter, as it stays the same for years, but I did that in case the letters should get separated at one point; that way the information will always be on the individual letter, even if they all get scattered later on. I've repeated the information on the stamps for the same reason.

I wanted to comment on one of the very earliest letters, written by Mrs. A.H. Voler on April 4, 1916 (in the first folder I sent). I mentioned there that she spells Jesus with a Y, but I've since noticed that many people wrote their J to look more like a Y at that time, so in the Norwegian version of that letter all the words that I have written up with a Y should most probably start with a J. No big deal, but still–¦

I was rather touched by a line in one of Axel's last letters. He says that pretty soon the communication across the ocean will be a thing of the past. Well, here I am, 50 years later, translating all these letters! Communication has been reestablished between the Norwegian side and the American side of the two families. Axel would have been pleased!


Enjoy!

Best wishes

Åse Siri (Holm) Lawson
The granddaughter of John Holm's (and Axel's) brother Conrad Lauritz.

Dear, newly found cousins,

Thank you so much for entrusting me with these letters, what a treasure they are!

I wanted to explain a few things to you regarding my translations. I wasn't quite sure how to do it, whether to write them up in correct English, or try to translate them more or less in a way that reflects the grammar and spelling of the originals. The ones that are written by John's sisters and brothers are written in the old Danish style, but the next generation seems to have learnt a different spelling and grammar, and a less formal style. I decided to translate them in such a way that they reflect the original style as far as possible. This results in a somewhat clumsy language here and there, especially where no commas or periods are used, and capital letters will often be in the –wrong– place. At other times there will be lower case letters where capitals should be used, commas where periods should be used etc. (especially in Laura Karlson's letters, she places her commas and periods all over the place!). But I felt it was important to stay true to the language of the originals in order to at least get a –feeling– of the way they were written. In other words, I have copied the punctuation and capital/lower case letters of the originals, but otherwise I've tried to keep the spelling correct, even though it's not always correct in the original Norwegian version (it's kind of hard to translate bad spelling!). Herborg Holm's letters have the most correct spelling and punctuation of them all. In cases where no punctuation is used at all in the originals, I've tried to make them easier to read by adding an extra space to indicate the end of a sentence and the beginning of another. I hope you agree with this method, and that you are able to understand them.

The italic text in parenthesis in some of the letters indicates my own comments and/or explanations.

Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have! I feel as if I've gotten to know them all, though I never met most of them.

Best wishes
Åse Siri (Holm) Lawson

WAR TIME STAMPS:
German censorship was instigated in April of 1940 administered by –Befehlshaber der Ordnungspolizei–. All stamps carrying the king's or queen's portraits were forbidden as of September 30-1940. On Oct. 4-1940 the first altered stamp came out, with a lion on the 1 kr., 1,50 kr., 2 kr., and 5 kr. stamps, from an idea by bureau manager S. Hennum. A total of 102 editions then followed up until February 3-1945.

Censorship continued even after the war, until the spring of 1946.

Død i Amerika

Til bakermester Axel Holm er kommet melding om, at hans bror John Holm døde i Dell Rapids, S. Dakota, den 13 januar, ikke langt fra 80 år gammel.  John Holm var nest eldste sønn av Ola Markusen Hembre og Karen Jakobsdatter på Holmsplass i Hegra.  Han var født 30. juni 1868 og da det var mange barn i heimen på Holmsplass, måtte John i ganske ung alder — 10 år — som så mange andre i husmannsheimene, ta ut som gjetergutt. — Først to somre hos Johan østre Hofstad i Værnes sogn —  senere til Peter Trøite hvor han var to somre og gjetet på Trøites seter i Sundal.  I et brev som han forrige vinter sendte sin bror Axel skriver han blant annet:  –Du kan tro det ofte var lange dager å være borte fra mor og far og heimen — og på de trakter jeg for la jeg igjen mange tårer.  Om kveldene kunne jeg ofte være helt gjennom blaut og slik gikk jeg mangen gang og la meg i setersjulet og når morgenen kom var det atter å ta på seg de blaute klærne. — Om jeg i min barndom lei mye vondt — så er min barndomstrakt som mitt fedreland Norge det kjæreste jeg vet å nevne her på jord.–

Senere var John Holm hos fanejunker Knotten på Hembre og hos Peter Smågård.  En tid etter sin konfirmasjon kom John til Sme-Hans som smedlærling.  (Hans Hegre som hadde smie et stykke østenfor Trøitessanden) og var der til 1888, da han fikk arbeide som smed ved smelteverket på Nygården i Hommelvik som da var under oppførelse.  I mai måned 1889 emigrerte han til Amerika, hvor han hele tiden inntil for noen år tilbake har drevet med sitt håndverk.  Han har bodd i mange byer i Syd Dakota, bl, a. Colman, Sioux Falls og Silver Lake (jeg har en mistanke om at Silver Lake er i Iowa), men den lengste tid i Dell Rapids.

Han har vært gift to ganger og overleves av sin annen kone og to barn.  Her i gamlelandet overleves han av to brødre og to søstre:  Axel Holm, Stjørdalshalsen, Ole Holm, Trondheim, fru Laura Karlsen, Stjørdalshalsen og fru Hanna Eidum, Narvik.

Vet ikke om opplysningene vedr. to ekteskap og det at han etterlater seg to barn er riktig.  Den eneste vi vet om er Alma, som var stedatteren (broren Olaf’s datter); de tre barna han hadde med Karoline døde mens de var små.  Men det ER mulig at han kan ha vært gift før Karoline, da han hadde vært i America ca. 10 år før han giftet seg med henne.

 

DEAD IN AMERICA

Master baker Axel Holm has received notice, that his brother John Holm died in Dell Rapids, S. Dakota, on January 13, not far from 80 years old.  John Holm was the second oldest son of Ola Markusen Hembre and Karen Jakobsdatter at Holmsplass in Hegra.  He was born June 30 1868 and as there were many children in the home at Holmsplass, John, like so many others in the tenant homes had to go to work as a shepherd at a very young age – 10 years old. –  First for two summers at Johan eastern Hofstad’s in Værnes parish – later with Peter Trøite where he was for 2 summers shepherding at Trøite’s mountain farm in Sundal.  In a letter which he sent his brother Axel last winter he writes among other things:  “You can imagine the days spent away from mother and father and my home were often long– and in the areas I roamed I left many tears behind.  In the evenings I was often wet through and through and many a time that’s how I went to bed in the farm shed and when morning came I had to put on those wet clothes again. – Though I suffered a lot in my childhood – my childhood regions like my country Norway are the dearest I know to mention here on earth.”

Later John Holm was at ? (don’t know how to translate “fanejunker”, believe it’s something military) Knotten’s at Hembre and at Peter Smågård’s.  A while after his confirmation John came to Sme-Hans (Blacksmith Hans) as a blacksmith apprentice.  (Hans Hegre who had a blacksmith shop east of Trøitessanden) and was there till 1888, at which time he got a job as a blacksmith at the smelting factory at Nygården in Hommelvik which was then under construction.  In the month of May 1889 he emigrated to America, where he the whole time up until a few years ago has continued with his craft.  He has lived in many cities in South Dakota, among them Colman, Sioux Falls and Silver Lake (Iowa?), but stayed the longest in Dell Rapids.

He has been married twice and is survived by his second wife and two children.  Here in the old country he is survived by two brothers and two sisters:  Axel Holm, Stjørdalshalsen, Ole Holm, Trondheim, Mrs. Laura Karlsen, Stjørdalshalsen and Mrs. Hanna Eidum, Narvik.

I wonder if the information about John having been married twice, and the fact that he’s survived by two children is correct.  We know about Alma, his stepdaughter (his brother Olaf’s daughter), and the 3 children he had with Karoline who all died while they were small.  It IS possible that he had another wife before Karoline, as he had been in America  for about 10 years when he married her.

ULYKKE PAA JERNBANELINJEN.

En arbeider overkjørt av toget og partert istykker.

Paa jernbanelinjen utenfor Arildsløkken hændte igaar en sørgelig ulykke, idet jernbanearbeider Markus Holm blev overkjørt av toget og knust til døde.

Den forulykkede var beskjæftiget med at trille grus over linjen til utfylding mot elven.  Da godstoget ved halv 5-tiden kom, kjørte han netop med en trillebør over linjen.  Kameraterne som saa faren ropte til ham, uten at han dog tok hensyn til det.  Han kunde nok ogsaa ha kommet sig unna, men uheldigvis snublet han, idet han fikk reddet trillebøren over linjen og lokomotivet gik over ham.  Han blev bokstavelig talt skaaret istykker av hjulet, begge ben og en arm var skaaret av, og hodet og underlivet frygtelig tilredt.

Liket blev kjørt til Skandsen station og derfra til sykehusets likstue.  Den omkomne var i 40 aars alderen og efterlater sig kone og 7 barn, hvorav de 6 er ukonfirmerte.  Familien bor i den gamle lasaretbygning i Ilsviken.

ACCIDENT AT THE RAILROAD TRACKS.

A worker run over by the train and cut into pieces.

On the railroad tracks outside Arildsløkken a sad accident happened yesterday, when railroad worker Markus Holm was run over by the train and crushed to death.

The victim was working on transporting gravel across the lines for filling in towards the river.  When the freight train approached around 4:30 he was in the process of pushing the wheelbarrow across the line.  His friends who saw the danger called out to him, without him taking notice of that.  He could probably have escaped but unfortunately he stumbled while he managed to get the wheelbarrow across the line and the locomotive went over him.  He was literally cut into pieces by the wheel, both legs and an arm were severed, and his head and abdomen horribly mutilated.

The body was taken to Skandsen station and from there to the hospital mortuary.  The deceased was in his 40’s and leaves behind a wife and 7 children 6 of whom are unconfirmed.  The family lives in the old lasareth building in Ilsviken (Ilen Bay).  

 

EN STYG ULYKKE

indtraf igaar eftermiddag ved 4-tiden ute ved Arildsløkken, idet sydgaaende godstog, som gik herfra byen kl. 4.10, overkjørte en ca. 40 aar gammel anlægsarbeider ved navn Magnus Holm.  Manden, som var beskjæftiget med gruskjøring da ulykken indtraf, kom ind under maskinen og blev meget stygt tilredt.  Toget kjørte tilbake til Skandsen station med mandens avsjælede legeme, senere bragtes det til sykehusets likstue.  –  Holm efterlater sig hustru og 7 barn, hvorav bare et er konfirmert.  De andre seks er i alderen 1-13 aar.  Familien, som bor i den gamle lasaretbygning i Ilen, er yderst fortvilet over saa pludselig og paa en saa skrækkelig maate at ha mistet sin sorsørger.  Dens økonomiske stilling er som man kan vente, mindre god. 

A BAD ACCIDENT

occurred yesterday afternoon around 4 o’clock out by Arildsløkken, when a southbound freight train, which left this town at 4.10, ran over an approx. 40 years old construction worker by the name of Markus Holm.  The man, who was working on transporting gravel when the accident occurred ended up underneath the machine and was very badly mutilated.  The train returned to Skandsen station with the man’s desouled body, later it was taken to the hospital mortuary.  –  Holm leaves behind a wife and 7 children, only one of whom is confirmed.  The other 6 are ages 1-13.  The family, who lives in the old lasareth building at Ilen are in deep despair at having lost its provider so suddenly and in such a horrible manner.  Its financial circumstances are, as one can expect not very good.

I think the reason for pointing out that only one of the 7 children is “confirmed” is the fact  that once children were confirmed they were considered adults and able

2/12-48

Til John Holm.

Har idag mottatt Deres adresse fra en god venninde av mig.  Og jeg tar mig den frihet å sende Dem dette brev, får å høre om De har noe tøi som De kan avstå, om det er brukt gjør det ikke noe.  Her i Norge er det vanskelig om klævarer, og metervarer eksisterer ikke mere.  Og da vi under krigen blev helt ribbet har det hittil vært svært vanskelig å skaffet sig det nødvendige.  Ville derfår være Dem meget takknemelig om De kunne hjelpe oss med noe klær.  Jeg er gift og vi har 2 gutter  min mann driver fiske.  alder på barna er 11 og 12 år.  Min mann bruker nr 52 i dressnummer og jeg bruker nr 42 i kjole å kåpe.

Ønsker Dem en god jul!

Ærbødigst

Anna Pettersen

Båtsfjord

Finnmark

Norge

2/12-48 (December 2)

To John Holm.

Today I have received Your address from a good friend of mine.  And I take the liberty of sending you this letter, to ask if You have some clothes that You can spare, if they are used it doesn’t matter.  Here in Norway it’s hard to find clothing, and fabrics by the meter don’t exist anymore.  And as we lost everything during the war it has so far been very difficult to provide the necessities.  Therefore I would be very grateful to You if you could help us with some clothes.  I’m married and we have 2 boys  my husband is a fisherman.  the children are 11 and 12 years old.  My husband wears size 52 in suits and I wear size 42 in dresses and coats.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely

Anna Pettersen

Båtsfjord

Finnmark

Norway