BRATBERG Family

Bratberg Family: Ringsaker, Norway - La Crosse Co., WI

Andrew H. BRATBERG, b. 1 SEP 1856 at Ringsaker, Norway, d. 1941

Father: Hans Evenson BRATBERG, b. 1 AUG 1805 at Ringsaker, Norway, d. 1882 in U.S.
Mother: Agnette "Nettie" Olsdatter, b. 2 MAR 1813 at Ringsaker, Norway, d. 1890 in U.S.

(Sources: IGI Record, LDS, Batch #: 9022504, Sheet 50; Lee Family History; Sylvan Lee, "Pioneer Days of A.H. Bratberg", 1930)

The Pioneer Days of A.H. Bratberg - A document from the 1930's that was part of the American Life Histories project.
Obituary

Emigrated from Norway to La Crosse, WI. In 1860

Spouse: Amelia S. SANDMAN, b. 1 APR 1862 at Bostwick Valley, La Crosse, WI, d. 1962

Father: Dietrich SANDMAN, b. 20 NOV 1823 at Hanover, Germany, d. 3 MAY 1885
Mother: Margaret SPREHN, b. 28 SEP 1832 at Hanover, Germany, d. 24 FEB 1922

(Source: IGI Record, LDS, Batch #: 9022504, Sheet 50)
Had a twin sister, Adelia. Both lived past 100 years of age.
(Source: Holmen Courier,""Twin Sisters" Celebrated Their 88th Birthday April 1st", ca. 1944)

Married 7 NOV 1883 at La Crosse, La Crosse, WI.

Children and grandchildren:

1. Aurelia BRATBERG, b. 1884, m. Bernt "Ben" LEE, 26 JUN 1907 at Halfway Lutheran Church, La Crosse, WI, d. 1955; 4 grandchildren
2. Delilah Honora BRATBERG, b. 28 MAY 1886 at Long Coulee, Holmen, La Crosse, WI, m. Ludwig Theodore LEE, 26 JUN 1907 at Halfway Lutheran Church, La Crosse, WI, d. 14 FEB 1972; 7 grandchildren
3. Elvah Adella BRATBERG, b. 2 SEP 1888 at Barre Mills, La Crosse, WI, d. 3 MAR 1989 in St. Paul, Ramsey, MN; never married.
4. Armond H. BRATBERG, b. 1890, d. 1891
5. Ansel Hugo BRATBERG, b. 26 OCT 1892, m. Wilda SKOGEN, d. 30 JUN 1966; 7 grandchildren
6. Orville BRATBERG, b. 5 SEP 1895, m. Emma SKOY, 1919, d. JUN 1972; 3 grandchildren

1901

• The following is the result of the election held here Tuesday:
  For Supervisors -
       A.H. Bratberg, Chairman,
       Zeb. Johnson,
       Mike McHugh.
  For Clerk -
       Geo. Travis.
  For Treasurer -
       R.D. Sandman.
  For Assessor -
       Wm. Anderson.
  For Justices of the Peace -
       C.A. Sjolander,
       J.A. Berg,
       Wm. Dale.
  For Constables -
       Melvin Halderson,
       H.H. Jostad,
       S. Chalsma.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, April 4, 1901, p. 3)
• Orianna Bratberg is sick with appendicitis. He early recovery is antieipated.[sic]
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, May 2, 1901, p. 3)
• A.H. Bratberg and family visited with C.A. Sjolander and family last Sunday. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, May 30, 1901, p. 3)
• Eurelia thet eldest daughter of A.H. Bratberg was taken to La Crosse last Friday and had an operation performed about five o'clock in the evening for appendicitis. She is getting along nicely and making good progress toward recovery.
• The following are the names of pupils who graduated at the late commencement exercisses, omitted through mistake in our account last week.
  Edwin Osgard, Alice Anderson, Dehla Bratberg[sic], Esther Schaller, Gify J. Gordon, Aurelia Bratberg, Willie Heath, Grace Willey, Henry D. Hanson, Andy Irvine, Lilly M. Sjolander, Clara Michaelson, Ida Libakken, Walter McHugh, Mabel Niverstad, Edna Anderson, Thea Hanson, John Milder, Geo. Van Zanbergen, Walter Spangler, Elmer Moe, Sophia Mosher and Lueleia M. Gooden.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, June 6, 1901, p. 3)
• A.H. Bratberg got a new cream separator of J.A. Berg. (Source: La Crosse County Record, Thursday, July 25, 1901, p. 3)
• Mr. Bratberg was in the villag [sic] Tuesday.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1901, p. 3)

• Prof. Bratberg, principal of the public schools at Osseo, attended the meeting of the state teachers' association at Milwaukee, last week.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, Jan. 2, 1902, p. 3)
• At the town election Tuesday the following were elected to the several offices:
    Chairman - A.H. Bratberg.
    Supervisors - Mike McHugh and L. Johnson.
    Clerk - R.D. Sandman.
    Treasurer - Thos. Johnson.
    Assessor - J.N. Nelson.
    Justice of Peace - Thos. Johnson.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, April 3, 1902, p. 3)
• A.H. Bratberg has commenced an addition to his barn.(Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, April 17, 1902, p. 3)
• E.H. Bratberg is having a basement put under his barn. When completed it will be one of the best barns in Long coulee.(Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, May 8, 1902, p. 3)
• Chairman A.H. Bratberg purchased a fine buggy of C.A. Sjolander this week.(Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, June 12, 1902, p. 3)
• The town caucus was fairly well attended and the following La Follette delegates were elected: G. Vander Water, A. H. Bratberg, C. S. Hoffman, Theo. Johnson, T.A. Larson. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, July 3, 1902, p. 3)
• An invitation party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Bratberg last Saturday night. The attendance was very large and all spent a very pleasant evening. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, July 24, 1902, p. 3)
• Prof. Bratberg, candidate for county superintendent was in the city [Onalaska] Tuesday afternoon. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, Sept. 11, 1902, p. 3)
• Supervisor A. Bratberg has had the saloons closed on Sundays.(Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, Oct. 2, 1902, p. 3)
• A.H. Bratberg went to La Crosse yesterday to work with a county board committee.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News", Thursday, Nov. 6, 1902, p. 3)

• While at work with three horses on a gang plow last Thursday A.H. Bratberg lost two of the best animals. The water in a creek had undermined a bank that gave way when one of the horses stepped on it, precipitating the animal into the creek. The next horse fell upon the first one, breaking its neck and keeping the first under water until it drowned. The loss is a severe one and, too, at a time when the team was most needed for fall work. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," October 8, 1903, p. 3.)
• Miss Gertie Hanson spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Bratberg and family. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," December 3, 1903, p. 3.)

• Prof. E.H. Bratberg of Withee is visiting his brother A.H. Bratberg this week. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," January 7, 1904, p. 3.)
• Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Bratberg spent Sunday at the Lutheran hospital in La Crosse. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," March 3, 1904, p. 3.)
• A.H. Bratberg sold one of his horses and bought another during the week. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," March 31, 1904, p. 3.)
• A.H. Bratberg is getting ready to paint his residence. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," May 12, 1904, p. 3.)
• A.H. Bratberg has purchased a new horse. (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," June 16, 1904, p. 3.)
• A.H. Bratberg is visiting at Whitehall.
• Prof. E.H. Bratberg of northern Wisconsin is visiting relatives and friends in the vicinity.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," June 23, 1904, p. 3.)
• A picnic was held at A.H. Bratberg's place on the 4th. A large crowd was present and all report a fine time.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," June 23, 1904, p. 3.)
• R.D. Sandman sold a binder to A.H. Bratberg, Wednesday.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," July 21, 1904, p. 3.)
• The stockholders of the mill held a meeting Saturday afternoon. A.H. Bratberg resigned as secretary and V.S. Kepple was elected in his place.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News," Nov. 10, 1904, p. 3.)

• Miss Delila Bratburg[sic] has been on the sick list but is improving and expects to be able to attend school at Onalaska again next week.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen," January 12, 1905, p. 3.)
• James Costly and A.H. Bratberg are serving on the jury at Onalaska.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen," Jan. 19, 1905, p. 3.)
• A.H. Bratberg had a growth under his right ear operated upon Tuesday morning at La Crosse. He was at La Crosse again yesterday to have the wound dressed.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen," March 30, 1905, p. 3.)
• Miss Amelia Bratberg has taken up a clerkship in A.O. Jostad's store.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen", July 13, 1905, p. 3.)
• Holmen - Miss Delila Bratberg returned home Sunday after spending a week at the home of her uncle F.D. Miller of West Salem.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, Thursday, Aug. 10, 1905, Vol. XX, No. 44)

• A.H. Bratberg had an operation performed last Friday for a tumor on his face.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen", Feb. 7, 1907, p. 3.)
• Miss Delia Bratberg who has been staying at La Crosse, fell down some stairs Saturday and badly sprained both of her wrists.
• A.H. Bratberg went to Blair, Wednesday with Dr. Christianson of La Crosse where they will spend a few days.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen", Feb. 14, 1907, p. 3.)

• The young peoples society will meet at A.H. Bratberg's in Long Coulee next Sunday.
  Source: La Crosse County Record, Thursday, Sept. 10, 1908, Vol. XXIII, No. 49)

• Two of A.H. Bratbergs little boys have been quite sick this week.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen Locals," September 23, 1909, p. 3.)

• A.H. Bratberg's horse became frightened at an auto near Onalaska Sunday evening and broke away from the buggy and ran home where it was stopped. The harness and buggy were broken some but no other damage was done.
  Source: La Crosse County Record, November 11, 1909, p. 3)

• Ansel Bratberg who has had infantile paralysis was taken back to the hospital at La Crosse again Wednesday for treatment.
  Source: La Crosse County Record, November 25, 1909, p. 3)

• Ansel Bratberg who is at the hospital at La Crosse is improving.
• Benny Olson, Ausel Evenson, and Miss Minnie Olson of Elk Creek, Trempealeau County have returned home after visiting a few days with A.H. Bratberg and family.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen Locals," December 2, 1909, p. 3.)

• Miss Alva Bratberg returned home from Great Bend, Kansas last Wednesday, having spent some time there visiting relatives. She was accompanied home by Miss Emma Weingarten, Fritz Miller, Ara Miller, Anna Brandt and Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Ott.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," December 15, 1910, p. 3.)

• E.H. Bratberg of Osceola, Wis. returned to work as a teacher there Saturday after a visit with his brother A.H. Bratberg and family here.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," January 5, 1911, p. 3.)

• Miss Alva Bratberg entertained the Priscilla Sewing Club Wednesday evening.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," February 9, 1911, p. 3.)

• A.H. Bratberg and Kilmer Gaarder each sold a horse to Chas. Knutson of West Salem.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," February 23, 1911, p. 3.)

• A movement is on foot by prominent citizens of Holmen and vicinity to organize a new telephone company in order that Holmen may have direct connection with La Crosse instead of the present inconvent[sic] telephone service with that city. Citizens have already incorporated in the sum of $25,000 and the following committee has been appointed to sell stock, viz; V.S. Kepple, A.H. Bratberg, D. Van de Water, Theodore ... {cut off}.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," June 15, 1911, p. 3.)

• A.H. Bratberg and A.O. Jostad returned home this week from the Lutheran hospital at La Crosse, where they had been for treatment.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," August 17, 1911, p. 3.)

• Miss Elva Bratberg resumed her work as clerk in A.O. Jostad Co. store Friday after a few weeks vacation.
• E.H. Bratberg went to Elk Creek Monday to visit his sister a few days before going to Osceola, where he is principal of the public schools.
  (Source: La Crosse County Record, "Holmen News Items," August 31, 1911, p. 3)

HOLMEN, Wis. - (Special) - Fifty wedding anniversaries have been observed by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Bratberg of Holmen. Friends tendered them a dinner and reception in the Progressive hall. Decorations were carried out in gold and white, with cut flowers, streamers and gilded autumn leaves. A huge cluster of chrysanthemums was the gift of old-time friends, Dr. and Mrs. A. Gundersen.

Andrew Bratberg and the former Amelia Sandman were married at La Crosse in 1883. Descendants are five children: Mrs. B. N. Lee, Mrs. L. T. Lee, Ansel and Orville Bratberg, and Miss Eva[sic] Bratberg, 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bratberg was born in Norway, while Mrs. Bratberg was born in Bostwick Valley. He has served the town of Holland as supervisor and held other community offices. Except for three years at Barre Mills, where he operated a flour mill, the couple resided on the Long Coulee farm until it was taken over by their son, Ansel, in 1917. They built a home in Holmen, where they have lived ever since. Both are in good health.
(Source: Unknown newspaper ca. 1933, transcribed from clipping)

Flowers were carried by granddaughters, Mrs. J.R. Bolton, Lois, Erma, Ardelle, Audrey and June Bratberg, Ethelyn and Lurene Lee. Burial was in the Long Coulee cemetery.
(Source newspaper: La Crosse Tribune, Monday, May 26, 1941, p. 4.)

HOLMEN, Wis. - Elvah A. Bratberg, 100, of 1787 Grand Ave., St. Paul, Minn., formerly of Barre Mills and Holmen, died Friday, March 3, 1989, in St. Paul.

She was born Sept. 2, 1888, in Barre Mills to Andrew and Amelia (Sandman) Bratberg, and later moved to a farm in Long Coulee, Holmen.

She was a bookkeeper for Dockman-Goodman jewelers in St. Paul until the age of 87, and then was financial secretary for Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, until retiring at age 95. She was the oldest living member of the church and, in August 1988, a 100th birthday party was held there in her honor.

Survivors, most of the Holmen area, include 20 nieces and nephews, 68 great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Services were March 7 in Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul. A memorial service is set for 1 p.m., May 12, in Holmen Lutheran Church, followed by burial in Long Coulee Cemetery.
(Source: La Crosse Tribune, March 15, 1989, p. B-5)