Exploring Norwegian Genealogy, a Book Review
It has been calculated from the 2000
U.S. Census that there are over 4.5 million people of Norwegian descent living
in the United States.[i]
Therefore, many genealogists do not have to go back very many generations
before they encounter a Norwegian immigrant ancestor, since the largest numbers
of Norwegian immigrants have come to the United States since the Civil War.
Fortunately, Liv Birgit Christensen and Margaret Strand have compiled a guide
to help us.
The book follows families from a farm that may have been established around 500 AD. Written records are available from about 1615. Using these individuals to illustrate research examples provides continuity and increases understanding of the research technique the author is illustrating.
For those who are just beginning Norwegian research, an
overview of the history and geography of the country provides a foundation for
understanding the types of records available and their contents. I suggest that
when you determine the timeline of your ancestor’s life, you seek other
resources to broaden your knowledge of Norwegian history at that time.
The detailed and thorough explanation of the patronymic
naming system helps identify your ancestor.
As I identify the siblings of my great-grandparents and see the names
repeated in their children, I am more confident that I have identified them
correctly. It also explains some family
names. For instance, my middle name is Carolyn (modernized from Caroline, my
paternal grandmother’s name). Also, one of my paternal grandfather’s sisters
was named Caroline.
Norway conducted a nationwide census in 1801, but not again
until 1865. There are some partial registers before 1865, but that census is
particularly valuable to genealogists because it recorded almost every citizen
of Norway before the great waves of emigration began. It recorded every
citizen’s name, age, marital status, and occupation. Additionally, Norway
conducted national censuses in 1875, 1891, 1890, 1900, 1910, and 1920. Censuses after 1920 are not generally
available due to Norway’s strict privacy laws.[ii] The FamilySearch wiki census pages
give useful overviews of the headings and content in each of the major
censuses.[iii]
Parish records are the main source of vital records (births,
marriages, and deaths) until 1930.[iv]
Church books (kirkelker) are generally available from about 1700, and in
some parishes a few decades earlier.[v]
From l810, vaccination of children against smallpox was compulsory, and
starting in 1811, pastors were required to record this.[vi]
The Digital Archives of Norway have collaborated with Ancestry, FamilySearch,
and MyHeritage to transcribe Norwegian church books. There are many
errors, so always try to look at the original record.
Norwegians often appended the farm name where they resided to
their name. The FamilySearch wiki contains a helpful list of farm names.
This may help you locate your ancestor. The further you go back in time, the
less common this becomes.
The Appendices contain pages of useful links and a
bibliography.
Best Wishes Getting to Know Your Norwegian
Ancestors!
Barbara Boye Mattoon
[i] Christinsen, Liv Birgit and Strand,
Margaret Helen, Exploring Norwegian Genealogy, Orting, Washington, Family
Roots Publishing Co., LLC, 2023.
[ii]
Ibid. p. 126.
[iii]
Ibid. p. 139.
[iv]
Ibid. p. 155.
[v]
Ibid. p. 156.
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