Sigrid's Journey to America Begins

In 1919, Sigrid wrote an account of her journey from Norway to America. Her daughter, Selma Lillehaugen Moe, translated this account and Tosten's autobiography during the winter of 1945-1946.

We're going to quote from Sigrid in the next series of posts.

"On the 26th of April, 1885, our three children (Anna, Mikkel, and Lars) and I left my dear native land Gjeldaker, Al, Hallingdal and began the long journey to America, where my husband had already been for one year.

Many dear memories are linked to that dear home and those whom I left behind that day. My father, who already was past middle age, grieved our departure very deeply. So much so, in fact, that the next day he contracted pneumonia. His prayers for our welfare and safe voyage went with me and my family throughout my whole life's journey. Because he was a man of prayer, and I being his only daughter and only child by his first marriage, I can understand now what it meant for parents to be left alone and see their children venture out into this world filled with trials and temptations.

The farewell with Father, Mother, and friends I omit. Only those of our Norwegian descent who have had this actual experience can fully appreciate and understand what such a farewell really means. Therefore only in my own memory will this scene be reviewed and relived. "

Sailing to America

Tosten made his way to the United States.

"I left home June 15, 1884 and by boat from Oslo on June 21, which happened to be my birthday. We sailed via Hamburg and Bremen, which happened to be the cheapest route. I wrote home from these places and from New York, where we docked July fourth. On July 8, I arrived at Dexter, Minnesota, which was my destination. My brother Lars lived ten miles from there, and I caught a ride with the mail man."

Excerpt from Tosten's autobiography, written in 1917

Dreams of America

Weary of losing money, Tosten looked toward America.

"It was in March that I moved to my own farm "Styrkestad." I had $800 in cash and 13 loads of property, as we say. When I had been there seven years, I had gone back $100 every year. Then I thought I had tried long enough. I was not satisfied when I could not take care of myself. I did not like to keep on until I had lost the place either, because I did not understand such transactions. Those who did could do it that way. It was America I thought of and dreamed of, but how to manage to get there was another question."

--excerpt from Tosten's autobiography, written in 1917