History

In the year 1801 was Christen Halvorsen born i Skien. He lived with his family in Bratsebergkleven 48. He was teached to be a shoemaker when he was about 23 years old, his professional teacher was shoemakermaster Ole Nilsen in Querendalsgaten, no 513 744 house 5.

His son Johan Dahl Christensen was born in Skien April 22, 1845, and became a sailorman. When he was 21 years old he came to USA (Chicago), where he changed his last name to Halvorsen (like his father's last name), and made his first name spell John. (details behind the link below).

In earlier days in Norway, it was common to give sons a last name composed by father's first name added by -sen (means son). Johan married Sophia Swensen (born in Oslo, Norway). One year later they settled in Nebraska, where they lived ever since. Their last residense was in Syracuse, Nebraska. They rised four children), one of them was Carl D Halvorsen.

Carl D Halvorsen's son Forrest Halvorsen (89 years old these days) visited Skien Monday, june 25th. His son Richard and daughter Kathy, grandsons Ryan and Kevin and granddaughter in law Lauren, brought him to Skien. They all wanted to find Forrest Halvosens roots, represented by the two places where his grand-grandfather Christen Halvorsen lived in Skien.

More facts.

JOHAN DAHL (BYDLER) CHRISTENSEN: Newspaper article: "John D. Halvorsen, a pioneer resident of this community and who has lived in Syracuse since 1899, died at his home in Syracuse Sunday evening April 13th at nine o'clock following a brief illness. Mr. Halvorsen was about during the week as usual and was downtown Friday and talked with a number of persons and seemed to be in his usual health but Saturday was taken with an attack of heart trouble which with other complications soon brought the end. John Dahl Halvorsen was born at Skeen, Norway, April 22, 1845 and at the time of his death had reached the ripe old age of 78 years, 11 months and 11 days. Born and raised in the city he became a sailor's apprentice in his native land during his early manhood and followed that vocation for years, sailing to many parts of the world on ocean ships. Following the close of the civil war in the United States he came to this country and located at Chicago, Illinois, where he followed his vocation of sailor in the summer on the Great Lakes working in the city during the winter. In 1868 he came to Nebraska with his young bride and they homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 22 in North Branch where he resided until coming to Syracuse in 1899 and which homestead they still own. Coming from the city life with little knowledge of farm work Mr. Halvorsen applied himself to his new calling with the same earnest endeavor that had characterized his former life and soon had made a success of his work in many ways. By frugality, hard labor and strict application to his work he soon accumulated a competency and built him a home surrounded with trees and vines that was his pride. Here their family was born and grew to maturity go forth into the world and make for themselves successful places in their chosen callings. Here his faithful and devoted wife and his companion in all their endeavors, walked by his side in harmony and affection and together they brought up their children to a righteous life in the fear of the Lord and in honesty and integrity. Early in life Mr. and Mrs. Halvorsen became members of the Methodist church and that denomination had few more faithful members than Mr. and Mrs. Halvorsen. Mr. Halvorsen loved the House of God and in all seasons and at all times was found in his accustomed place in the house of worship and he served as a member of its official board for many years. In civic life he was a quiet, sincere citizen, honest and steadfast, abhoring trickery or deceit and doing his best to live in his intercourse with his fellow man in strict accordance with the laws of honesty and sobriety, whether on the farm or in the village. He was liked for his strict integrity of character and his uprightness and had a host of friends in the community. Mr. Halvorsen was married to Miss Sophia Swensen in Chicago, shortly before coming to Nebraska and at his death is survived by his devoted wife, three sons, Robert H., of Palmyra; L.R., of Evansville, Indiana; Carl D. of North Branch; one daughter, Mrs. Edith Woods of North Branch; fourteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, besides one sister, Mrs. Ellen Zetterman of Shickley, Nebr. Funeral services for Father Halvorsen were held Wed- nesday afternoon from the Methodist church conducted by Rev. H.C. Capsey and were largely attended and all that was mortal of Mr. Halvorsen was laid to rest in the quiet but sacred precincts of Park Hill cemetery where they will rest till the call to arise shall be given. The community has lost a good citizen, the breaved children a kind father and the devoted wife a true companion but they will all rest in the consolation that his life was well spent, well ordered and of service to his country and his community." In the census return for Skien, Telemark, Norway,1865, list no. 479, he was listed as Johan Dahl Christensen, sailor boy, 21 years old.

Photo:

Johan Dahl (Christensen) Halvorsen who settled in Amerika, Nebraska, in 1865.His descendants visited Skien in June. Outside Tomtegt 72, is corresponding with 1840-address Bratsbergkleven 48. Left to right: Ryan Neubauer, Lauren Neubauer, Kevin Neubauer, Richard Halvorsen, Forrrest Halvorsen (89), Kathy Neubauer. Foto:Fred Øveraas)