Randi Olsdatter BÖE

Notes:

She had several children die young before her last child, Ingvald, was born.

She and her son Ingvald came to the U.S. in 1876 and her husband followed in about 1877.

Birth:
Nordre Böe

Randi married Ingvald Persson FLATEN on 28 Oct 1839 in Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway. Ingvald was born in 1819 in Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway; died in 1883. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 3 Nov 1839, Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway
• Confirmation: 25 Jun 1854, Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway

Notes:

In the 1865 Norwegian census, he was gbr on a Bøe ovre farm. His father Ingvald P was foderaadsmand.

Birth:
quite a few sources incorrectly show his birth date as August 24, 1841

Confirmation:
age 14¾ at the Vangs church

Family/Spouse: Marit Olsdatter GRYTE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 17 Apr 1842, Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway

Notes:

In the 1880 census, he was a farmer in Warsaw Twp, Goodhue County.

From the book - RICE COUNTY FAMILIES. PUB. 1981:

Flaten Families, 1868--. Ole Flaten and Maren Wangensten Stelle migrated from Valdres, Norway, to Dennison, Minnesota, just on the line between Rice and Goodhue counties, with their one year old son, Nils, in 1868. Shortly after Maren's death in 1891, Ole moved to Northfield with his family of 6 children: Nils, Randi, Sigrid, Ingvald, Dorothea and Ole Jr. In the early 1900s Ole married Anna Martin. They had a son, Rudolph, born in 1904. Ole Jr. has written of his father: "He was a poor farmer with 2 beautiful hobbies, books and violins. Whenever he had money with which to acquire those treasured possessions he would make a trip to Minneapolis. In addition to buying violins and books, father never failed to bring bananas home. This we considered a treat fit for the Gods." Ole continued "In his spare moments, father would work on his violin, affixing the strings and adjusting the bridge and tuning post. Then he would price and sell them, always keeping one for himself. Father played the violin very well. Often he would go into the parlor at night and there in the dark he would play Norwegian folk tunes. As a child I sat quietly. Some of the livelier tunes, such as the ‘Halling' would awaken bright emotions in me and I would then interpret the music by dancing. Perhaps I'd look up and see my father watching me and I'd run quickly to a corner." The elder Ole Flaten had received his education in a teacher's seminary in Norway. He taught parochial schools for 30 years in the Dennison and Northfield areas. He established the first bookstore at St. Olaf College and the first bookstore in Northfield. As the family grew up they scattered to homes elsewhere. Only 1 son, Nils, returned to make his home in Rice County. His story of working his way through college is a poignant one. He received his B.A. in Classical Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1893. He interrupted his studies for 2 years, working and teaching in Buxton, ND. He had retained his father's interest in the violin. As a violinist, he organized and directed a touring band in Buxton. He returned to work there following his graduation. In 1894 he met his future wife, Inez Ruth Olson, who was then teaching in nearby Hillsboro, ND. They were married in 1896. Nils writes, "Of our 3 boys, Olav and Arnold were born in Minneapolis, Olav October 18, 1897, and Arnold May 18, 1900. Sigurd was born in Northfield April 3, 1907." From 1896-1900, Nils taught at U.C. seminary and continued his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, receiving his Ph. D. in Romance Languages, Latin and Arabic in 1900. In 1900 he was elected to head the Department of Latin at St. Olaf College at a salary of $1,000 a year. It was said that Nils was born with an "itchy foot." Thus, in addition to the urge to improve and use his foreign languages, he found traveling to be a tonic both mentally and physically. He spent the year 1909-1910 as a student in Spain, Italy and France. He returned in 1913, touring by bicycle. He financed this trip by writing daily for Decorahposten (at $3.00 a column). He was stationed in Italy in 1918-1919 as a secretary to the YMCA to teach English to Italian officers. In 1921 he began his trips to Europe as conductor of tourist groups, continuing this routine every summer for 11 consecutive summers. In 1925, Inez consented, for the first time, to accompany him on one of his tours. Inez took pride in organizing ladies aids in several Lutheran churches of southern Minnesota. She died in 1964. Nils translated and published a number of books and numerous articles during the year 1924-1934. He continued to teach at St. Olaf College until 1947. Their oldest son, Olav Nicolas, spent his adult life in the lumber business in Wyoming and Nebraska. He established a small community named Northfield near Gering, Nebraska. The youngest, John Sigurd, graduated from St. Olaf College in 1929. While working in Wyoming he contracted TB. Complications of his illness remained with him for the rest of his life. He returned to make his permanent home in Northfield. He died in 1974. Arnold Wangensten Flaten came to Northfield in the year of his birth, 1900. His years in the public schools and at St. Olaf College were marked by his interest and participation in athletics and in the visual arts. The latter was inspired by his mother who studied oil painting and by his father's descriptive letters and cards from European art centers. Arnold earned his way through St. Olaf "College, largely by making posters. He graduated in 1922 and entered Luther Theological Seminary. During those years in Minneapolis he took courses at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Following his graduation in 1925 he accepted a call to a mission congregation in Laurel, Montana. There his art was put to use in transforming a former laundry into a church. These were rich years for Arnold. In 1928 he returned to Minneapolis as assistant pastor to Dr. J. A. O. Stub at Central Lutheran Church. It was here that he met his future wife, Evelyn Solberg. At this time, Dr. L. W. Boe, President of St. Olaf College, asked Arnold to start a department of Art at the College. This involved a 2-year study period in Italy and France. Evelyn and Arnold were married in France. They returned to Northfield in 1932. Arnold immediately went to work designing and helping in the construction of the first Art building on the campus, called "The Art Barn." This was the first Art department in a college of the American Lutheran Church, and second department of Art in a private college in Minnesota. Former students from those early years were to go on to graduate schools and return to establish art departments in other Lutheran colleges. The St. Olaf work began as a one man department in 1932 where it was necessary for Arnold to teach many aspects of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpture and the history of art and architecture. Soon the program grew and Arnold welcomed additions to his staff. Being on the ground floor with a knowledge of art and architecture as well as the theology of our church, Arnold accepted an invitation to teach a course at Lutheran Seminary. In addition, he was invited to lecture and to meet with building committees throughout the Midwest. Thus, as the need became apparent, he as an Architectural Consultant founded, with Edward Sovik (a former student), what is now Sovik, Mathre, Sathrum, Quanbeck Architectural firm located in Northfield. As Arnold's philosophy demanded that all art teachers should "produce," he supplemented his teaching with his work in sculpture. In 1974 his work as sculpture was summarized in a book entitled "Arnold Flaten, Sculptor." His early interest in athletics continued. He was admitted to the St. Olaf Hall of Fame as a result of his years of active participation in football, track and tennis. Arnold died June 1, 1976. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, who lives in Northfield, and their children: Anne Flaten Pixley, Claremont, CA, exhibiting artist in USA and European galleries; Robert Arnold, Arlington, VA, Deputy Assistant, Secretary of State for Congressional Relations; Mary Evelyn, Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, French teacher and stained glass craftsman; David Nils, LaVerne, CA, Director, Designer, Actor and Professor of Theatre.

Family/Spouse: Maren Nilsdatter WANGENSTEEN STEILE. Maren (daughter of Nils Larsson STELE WANGENSTEEN and Sigri Gulbrandsdatter DE ØYLO) was born on 18 Jul 1842 in Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway; died on 8 Jul 1891 in Minnesota; was buried in Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery, Dennison, Goodhue County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Anna Margaret MARTINSON. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 5 Jan 1862, Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 8 Jun 1862, Vang i Valdres, Oppland, Norway

Notes:

Died:
Brad Flaten’s Flaten Family Tree

Family/Spouse: Emma RONGERUD. Emma was born on 8 Aug 1866 in Fillmore County, Minnesota; died on 29 Mar 1946 in Lac Qui Parle County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From a history of Chippewa and Lac qui Parle Counties, written in 1916:

Ole P. Flatin, one of the well-known and highly respected residents of Chippewa county, Minnesota, was born in Valders, Norway, on December 18, 1863, being the son of Peder I. and Marit (Grythen) Flatin.

Peder I. and Marit Flatin were born at Valders, Norway, where they were educated and there grew to manhood and womanhood and married. It was there that Peder Flatin engaged in farming, having owned a farm, which in time went to the eldest son, who being first-born of the sons, came into possession of the tract of land, owned by his father. After having cultivated the place for a number of years, Peder Flatin decided to leave the home of his birth and young manhood and come to America. In 1870, he and his family set sail for the new world, and after having landed in this country, they came direct to Minnesota and located near Northfield, in Rice county, and here they remained until 1882, at which time they moved to Chippewa county, where he hoped to make a home for himself and family. Being a carpenter he did much work in that line. He now owned eighty acres in Rice county and the prospects for a home were at that time bright. After coming to Chippewa county, be lived but a short time, having died in 1883. The widow is now living at Granite Falls. They were the parents of the following children: Ingvald, Ole P., Ole, Marit, John, Randi, Marit, Will and Gertrude. Ingvald is now retired and lives at Granite Falls; Ole is a farmer and lives in Missouri; Marit died when but a small girl; John lives at Pine City, where he is a butter maker; Randi is the wife of Ole M. Arga, of Renville county; Marit lives with her mother and is a dressmaker; Will is a farmer and lives in Missouri and Gertrude is the wife of Winfred W. Hayes and lives at Farmington, Minnesota, where Mr. Hayes is engaged as a railroad engineer.

Ole P. Flatin was educated in the public schools of Rice county and there grew to manhood, on the home farm. In 1882 he came to Chippewa county and here engaged in farming with his brother, Ingvald, by renting an uncle’s farm for five years. After that time, Ole P. Flatin managed the farm in Granite Falls township, alone until 1890. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres in the township and in time added eighty acres to the tract. Here he made many improvements on the farm, including the remodeling of the granary, rebuilding the house and building a new barn. He did much in the way of development, making the farm one of the best in the township. It was here that he engaged in general farming and stock raising. In 1906 he purchased a home overlooking Granite Falls and retired from the farm. He later sold this property to the railroad company, and bought where he now lives, on the corner of Miller and Orange streets. For many years Mr. Flatin has been identified with the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in local affairs. He served as supervisor of his township for many years and was filing that position at the time of his retirement from the farm. In 1908 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and is still a member of that body. He has always been faithful to the duties entrusted to him and continues to hold the honor and the respect of the people of his county. He and his wife are members of the First Lutheran church of Granite Falls, and have always taken an active interest in all church work, Mr. Flatin having served as trustee of the local society for a number of years.

On May 22, 1890, Ole P. Flatin was united in marriage to Maria Thorkelson, a native of Goodhue county, Minnesota, and the daughter of Andre Thorkelson, who came to the county in the early seventies. To this union two children were born, Hilda, who died at the age of sixteen, and Peder Melvin, now twenty-four years of age. Maria Flatin, the wife and mother died in 1893. After the death of his wife, Ole P. Flatin was united in marriage on June 2, 1896, to Mrs. Helen (Rude) Wollan, a native of Renville county, Minnesota, and the daughter of Knut Rude and wife, who were old settlers in the county, having located there in 1868.

Ole P. Flatin has devoted much of his time and ability to the development of the community in which he has lived and is recognized as one of the foremost men of the county in the way of meeting the growing needs of the district. With the other commissioners of the county, he had much to do with the establishment of the Riverside sanatorium, and when the same was organized, he was elected a member of the sanatorium committee, and by them elected secretary of the commission. His life has been an active one and he has accomplished much that has had to do with the development and the social welfare of the county.

Notes:

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, August 19, for Dr. Nils Flaten, a member of the faculty of St. Olaf college for 47 years who died at his home, 1401 Forest Avenue, Northfield, at 4 o'clock Sunday morning, August 17. The services were held in St. John's Lutheran church with the pastor, the Rev. Arnold Nelson, officiating. During the service Mrs. Gertrude Boe Overby sang "I Know A Sleep in Jesus Name" and "I'm But A Stranger Here, Heaven Is My Home." Many greetings and memorial gifts were given at the services. Interment was in Oaklawn cemetery with Paul Bollenbacher, E. C. Jacobson, Clarence Carlson, Alf Houkom, Hjalmar Lokensgard and Rolf Solum as pallbearers.

Nils Flaten was born in Valdres, Norway, March 18, 1867, the son of Ole and Maren (Wangensten) Flaten. With his parents he came to the United States when he was a year old. They settled in the Dennison community, Goodhue County, where his father was a teacher. He was educated in the local public schools and at the St. Olaf School and the Carleton Academy. Then he attended the University of Minnesota, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1893, the Master of Arts degree in 1896 and the Doctor of Philosphy degree in 1900. He also studied at the Universities of Grenoble in France and Barcelona in Spain. Dr. Flaten taught at the Grand Forks College 1893-94 and at the United Church seminary in St. Paul from 1894 to 1900. He joined the faculty of St. Olaf College in 1900 as Professor of Latin and in 1916 was made professor of Romance Languages. He was active as a teacher until November 1946 when illness confined him to his home. During World War I in 1918-19 Dr. Flaten served with the Y.M.C.A. in Italy.

Family/Spouse: Inez Ruth OLSON. Inez was born on 1 Sep 1874 in Adams County, Wisconsin; died on 14 Nov 1964 in Rock County, Minnesota; was buried in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield, Rice County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the 1940 census, he and his wife and children lived in Granite Falls. He was a truck driver for a shipping company.

He was working on road construction at or near Campe Lejeune. He died of a heart attack.

Died:
U.S. Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune

Family/Spouse: Olga AAKRE. Olga was born on 23 Sep 1900 in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota; died on 18 Feb 1995 in Granite Falls, Minnesota; was buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Granite Falls, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Professor of Art at St. Olaf College from 1932 until his retirement in 1970. He graduated from St. Olaf in 1922. As a student, he was captain of the football team and was state tennis champion. He later graduated from Luther Seminary and was a pastor in Montana and at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis.

Family/Spouse: Evelyn Anne SOLBERG. Evelyn was born on 26 Jan 1906 in Benson County, North Dakota; died on 17 Nov 2005 in Northfield, Rice County, Minnesota; was buried in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield, Rice County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"Slim" Flaten 1sg (ret) Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa Brother and Uncle Preceded in death by wife Marjorie of 60 years. Dear dad of Brad (Joela), Sparta, Wisc., Scott A., St. Paul. 6 Grandchildren and 7 Great grandchildren. Brother of Ruth Ann Mushallo, CA, Bernice Stephenson, WA., and Gene D. (Nira) Flaten, Rochester. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Honors.

Family/Spouse: Marjorie SANDER. Marjorie was born on 22 Aug 1932 in Brown County, Minnesota; died on 3 Oct 2012 in Ramsey County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Walter William STEFFEN. Walter was born on 21 Jul 1921 in Lyon County, Minnesota; died on 24 Nov 1996 in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota; was buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Granite Falls, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]