Hegge family Tree
BEGINNING OF HEGGE DATA IN THE UNITED STATES
Family of Hegge Possible immigration pattern
Ole Baardson Hegge, born in 1784, married Oline Nielsdatter.
Their possible son, Baard Olsen Hegge, had a son:
Marthinus Baardson Hegge. A Marthinus B. Hegge immigrated to America from Biri in 1854. He was a pioneer in Coon Prairie, WI (source: nordmaendene i Ameriki, published in 1913
SEE “COON PRAIRIE” following.
Among the very first to settle in Coon Prairie was Anne M Nils daughter (Berg) Hegge, widow of Iver Cristofferson Hegge, who owned Northern Hegge. She and her five children, along with her son-in-law Peder Olsen Hegge (Gullard) came to the prairie on October 10, 1850. This was only 2 years after Even O. Gullard was the first person to stake a claim there.
A daughter of Ole and Oline Hegge (Who farmed East Hegge) was Ingeborg Olsdatter Hegge who married Fredrik Evenson Krageberg, who changes his name to Hegge when he took over the Hegge farm in 1833.
Of their children:
Nels F. and Karen Immigrated to Coon Prairie, WI in 1866.
Trempealeau County History published in 1900 states that Niels lived in La Crosse County and worked as a farm hand in the area and for lumber mills in Clark County, then farmed in Pigeon Falls, WI.
On June 23, 1876, sailing on the ship Angelo to Trempealeau, WI were:
1. Anne Marie Hegge (Listed as age 27, she was 29)
2. Ingebord Hegge, Age 24
3. Marthinus F. Hegge, Age 19
It seems logical that Nels F and sister Karen, in 1866, came to Coon Prairie where they had relatives and friends. Then 10 years later, in 1876, when their sisters and brother came to the United States, they went to the farm in Pigeon Falls, WI, where N.F. and his wife had began to farm in 1871.
Nordmaendene i Ameriki also lists the following emigrants from Biri:
Hans C. Hegge in 1867 to Coon Valley Wis.
Christian A. Hegge in1888 and Olaf Hegge in 1890 to Austin Minn.
Some Krageberg decedents also immigrated to West Central Wisconsin.
Peder Olsen Taraldsrud. born in Biri, Opland Norway in 1805, married Antonette Brent daughter Krageberg, born 1812.
HER FATHER was Even Finsboesen Krageberg, born 1783 and her MOTHER was Karen Evensdatter Bratberg, born 1783
THEIR CHILDREN:
Ole Pederson (Taraldson) Kasterud settled in Coon Prairie
Johannaus Pederson (Taraldson) Kasterud settled in Ettrick, Wi.
Iver Pederson (Taraldson) Kasterud
It seems logical that Nels Hegge came to Coon Prairie as most all Biri emigrants did. He is known to have worked on farms in the summer. Because he and brother Marthinus both married sisters of the Nielson or Madstuen family that lived near Chaseburg, WI, it is possible that he once worked on a farm in that area, or even for the family of his wife..
Last corrected June 2003
Norwegian Immigrants
Taken from an article by John Nay Appel of Michigan State University, Scarecrow Press 1990
Brought to my attention by niece Susan Colliton A-3-9-1-5
Why they came:
Better nutrition and health practices created a population explosion in Norway during the 1800’s. Many of the landowning peasant class (called the bonde class) could not support their traditional agricultural lifestyle on the available land. This dearth of land in Norway coincided with the opening of the vast territory in the American west. Norwegian immigrants who came in the first small groups wrote home about the world they had found. Some of their accounts were serialized in Norwegian newspapers. Steamship and railroad companies along with several U.S. states also began to actively recruit Norwegian settlers.
How many of them came?
Since 1820, roughly 850,000 Norwegians have come to this country. Almost 78,000 came before 1871. Between 1865 and 1873, over 100,000 immigrants arrived followed by 250,000 from 1879-93. The most intense period of Norwegian immigration, however, was the first decade of the 20th century. Between 1900 and 1915, well over 200,000 Norwegians came to America.
When they came:
Migration from Norway was merely a trickle before the 1850’s, but the 1849-50 agricultural recession in Norway inspired the first wave of immigrants. The rate of migration increased steadily after the American Civil war, reaching it’s peak between 1903 and 1907. WW1 marked the end of mass immigration from Norway.
Common Occupations:
The first Norwegian immigrants were primarily farmers looking for available land in the New World. As Industrialization progressed in Norway and may craftsmen and tradesmen whose occupation had been supplanted by mechanization, sought better opportunities in the United States. The bulk of immigrants between 1880 and 1915 were single and while many continued to seek work on farms, and increasing number of Norwegian men found work in factories and mills. Women often worked as domestic maids and seamstresses.
Unique Cultural Features:
Norwegian settlement of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest tended to move in stages. One area would become settled and established and then new immigrants and children of previous immigrants would move further west. Thus, the early days of Norwegian settlement were characterized by small rural communities with people from the same area of Norway living near each other. Norwegian Lutheranism split into four groups that often disputed with one another but still maintained a strong traditional Lutheran character. In small rural Norwegian settlements, the church formed the center of social and religious life. A number of uniquely Norwegian societies emerged out of the association the church provided: temperance societies, singing societies, mutual aid clubs, brass bands, and theater clubs, for example. A number of societies called bygdelag were also established to celebrate a shared heritage from a particular rural district in Norway. Norwegian settlers also retained their heritage by celebrating particular Norwegian holidays like syttende Mai (17 May: Norwegian constitution day) and Leiv Eirkssen Day (commemorating the Viking discovery of North America). Many of these celebrations and organizations are still celebrated and perpetuated today.
How were they received?
Unlike many other immigrant groups, the Norwegians do not seem to have experienced significant discrimination. Their general level of education, their Protestant affiliation, and the strength of their communities likely contributed to this fact.
COON PRAIRIE WISCONSIN
When the first Norwegian settlers came by boat to the Milwaukee or Chicago area, one of the first settlements started was at Muskego Wisconsin, only about 25 miles from Lake Michigan and south west of the present city of Milwaukee. When most of the land in this area was spoken for, the next area where Norwegians came as a group was at Koshkonong, in SW Jefferson county and SE Dane county. It didn’t take many years before all the fertile land in this area was taken. The next area preferred by the flood of Norwegians fleeing poverty was in west central Wisconsin, in what now is Vernon County
There is an un-glaciated area in west-central Wisconsin about 50 miles wide and 150 miles long. This “coulee” area has valleys that are steep sided and wooded, They also have abundant water that drains into the Mississippi River. At higher elevation than the river valley were large areas of open prairie. It was kept open by migrating buffalo that would eat any sprouting tree seedlings.
In 1925, the Coon Prairie Norwegian Lutheran Congregation at Westby, Wisconsin, began compiling a history for it’s 75th anniversary to be held the 14th to 21st of August 1927.
The early settlers of this area came from Biri Norway. Biri is a Parish in Norway, which lies on the west side of Lake Mjosa, toward the north end, halfway between Gjovik and Lillehammer.
In the spring of 1848, Even O Gullord, a bachelor and Biri native, took a riverboat from Galena Illinois northward, about 150 miles into the wilderness, to a place called Coon Slough (Now Stoddard). In the 1840’s there was very little occupied land north of Galena on either side of the Mississippi.
Even wandered eastward, the length of a valley and came upon this vast prairie, where he chose for himself 160 acres in the present town of Viroqua.
He sent many well-written, exhorting letters back to Biri, telling of this wonderful piece of fertile land. In just a few years there were just as many people from Biri at Coon Prairie and in neighboring settlements, as in Biri, Norway.
There are 13 HEGGE adults and children mentioned in this history. None are children of Fredrick Evenson (Krageberg) Hegge, however, it appears that Coon Prairie was the destination for most all immigrants from Biri. Here, they knew they had relatives, neighbors or friends to assist them.
A quote from the book on page 15.
“Until 1848 this beautiful Coon Prairie with all its promising possibilities lay untouched and unvisited by white people. Its rich growth of grass, which year after year had billowed under the caresses of the wind, fell where it grew, rotted there, promising fertility to future generations. The fascinating views across the heights and valleys were only seen fleetingly by roaming Indians. Complete in its luxuriance and charm, lay Coon Prairie as one of the many earthly paradises the Creator had prepared and held ready for needy people.”
“There rests over this area a blending of majesty and charm which few landscapes can compare with. As one beholds this great area, over which there always rests a Sunday peace, the mind fills with reverent thoughts, and a lowly serf would one be who did not receive a spiritual uplift.”
I might add that prairies periodically burned. This created ideal environment for growth of blue berries. Historians report that settlers harvested them by the BUSHEL, and transported them by the wagonload!
The book is available from the CCP Preservation Committee, Lois Bjornstad, Treasurer, 213 Milwaukee Ave. Westby, WI.
Born October 31, 1839 in Norway, died August 26, 1912 in America. He emigrated to America in 1866 to Coon Prairie Wis. Trempealeau County History says La Crosse (or La Crosse area).
He worked as a farmhand and also worked in the winter in lumber camps in Clark County Wis. for the firm of King Mills.
On September 30, 1869 married Nicoline E. Nelsen, (Mastuen) born August 23,1844, died December 9,1932. Her parents are buried in the Middle Coon Valley Church Cemetery on Hwy.162, going from Hwy.14 to Chaseburg Wis.
In the spring of 1871 they began farming at Pigeon Falls, Wis. in Trempealeau County. The valley in which his farm is located is known as “Hegge Coulee”. He purchased his first 47.82 acres of land in 1870 from the Western Wis. Railroad for $103.48, or $2.16 an acre. By 1901, when they moved to Whitehall, they owned 370.82 acres, 90 acres of which was at the upper end of what is now called Hegge Coulee, at the top of the hill. Average cost was $3.17 acre. The most expensive was a ten acre woodlot. Property taxes on this land in 1900 were $101.56. WHEAT was the crop raised. Farming was with horses and no machines. Wheat, however brought $1.00 bushel, compared to $3.30 in 2003.
Their Children:
A-3-1. Fredrik Niels. Born Sept. 6, 1870, died March 25, 1893
A-3-2. Edward N. Born April 25, 1873, Died April, 1955
A-3-3. Even Alfred Born November 27, 1875, died July, 1952
A-3-4. Olaf N. Born January 18, 1878 Died 3/25/58
A-3-5. George N. Born January 24, 1882, Died 1953
A-3-6. Josephine. Born 1874 died as a child in 1888
A-3-7. Anna Born June 24, 1880 died as a child September 13, 1880
A-3-8. Isaac Kasper Born March 19, 1885, died September 26, 1965
A-3-9. Sigvald Nels Born May 18, 1887, died March 7, 1951
A-3-10. Oscar Adolph Born December 1889, died June, 1952
The Mastuen Family history
The children of both Niels F. and Marthinus F. Hegge have identical Norwegian lineage because the brothers married sisters. They were the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Erik Nilsen Mastuen, also spelled Nelson or Madstuen.
Eric was born 24 March 1818 in Sondra Land, Norway. He died 29 November 1908 in the United States and is buried in the Middle Coon Valley Church cemetery at Chaseburg, Wisconsin. His Father was Nels Olsen Madstuen, His Mother was Martha Torstensen Lokke.
Eric Married Karen (Carrie) Tostensdtr, Engelien on 10 June, 1844. She was born on 28 May, 1819 at Engelien, Sondra Land, Norway. She died 18 November 1906, and is buried in the Middle Coon Valley Cemetery. He Father was Tosten Fredrickson (Engelien) and her Mother’s maiden name was Anna Larsen Skeslien.
They emigrated to America in 1862. They had seven children, of which we are primarily interested in four. They settled on section 29, town of Hamburg, Vernon County, Wis. July 11, 1862, where he owned 120 acres.
Nicolina (Lena) was born 22 August, 1844 in Sonda Land Norway, Married September 30, 1869 to Niels (Nels) Fredrickson Hegge. She died December 9, 1932 in Whitehall, Wisconsin.
Karen (Carrie) was born July 18, 1856 in Sondra Land Norway, On March 22, 1882 married Marthinus F. Hegge. She died March 24, 1923 in Hatton, North Dakota.
Maren (Mary) was born February 19, 1850 in Sondra Land Norway. Married February 26, 1872 to Andreas Peterson Nyhus. She died in Hatton, North Dakota.
Torger was born November 6, 1854 in Sondra Land Norway. Married Mathilda Anna Nelson on May 24, 1887. He went into business in Hatton North Dakota with Marthinus Hegge, and later set up his own business in Los Angles, California. It is not known if they had children, or when they died.
The other children were Anne, who never married, Elisa (Lisa) who married Stenor Eilertson and lived in Holman, Wis. and Erick who lived in Detroit Michigan.
It should be noted that the surnames Nilsen, Eriksdatter and Mastuen are all found on church and civil records.
On marriage records, Maren used Eriksdatter, Torger used Nelson, Nicolina used Nelson, Karen and Elisa used Mastuen. Erick and Karen’s death and burial records are Mastuen. The Vernon County Plat book has the spelling Madstuen. The gravestone in the Middle Coon Valley cemetery is Mastuen.
The research on the Mastuen and Nyhus families was provided by Esther Hegge Sagen, daughter of Even Hegge, and grand-daughter of Nels F. Hegge..
Further data on the Mastuen Norwegian history, back to 1662 is on the following page.
The Mastuen Lineage back to 1662
This information supplied by Karen Hartung, 2209 E. Howe, Seattle Washington, 98112, and comes from the records of the Mormon Library of Genealogy in Salt Lake City.
Nicoline Nilsen was born August 22, 1844 in Nordroch-Lie, Sodre-Land, Opland, Norway, she married Niels F. Hegge. Nicoline died December 9, 1932.
Her Father was Erik Nilsen Mastuen, also spelled Nelson or Madstuen. Born March 24, 1818 in the same place. Her Mother was Karen Tostensen, born May 28, 1819 in Engelien, Sondre-Land, Opland Norway. Died Nov. 18, 1906 in Nordroch-Lie.
Erick Nilsen’s Father was Nels Olsen Madstuen, born Feb. 18, 1787, in Madstuen, Hurdal, Axershus, Norway. Erick Nilsen’s mother was Martha Torstensen, born Nov. 25, 1781 in Locken, Fluberg, Opland Norway.
Karen Tostensen’s Father was Tosten Fridricksen, born 1/10/1789 in Engelien, Sondre-land land, Opland, Norway.
Karen Tostensen’s Mother was Anna Larsen, born June 23, 1793 in Schelleslien, Opland Norway. Her parents were Lars Larsen and Kari Monsen.
Tosten Fredricksen’s Father was Fredrick Larsen, born Oct. 7, 1759 in Engelien, Sonder-Land, Opland, Norway.
Tosten Fredricksen’s Mother was Anna Tostensen, born Feb. 2, 1757 in Engelien, Sondre-Land, Opland, Norway.
Fredrick Larsen’s Father was Lars Fridricksen.
Fredrick Larsen’s Mother was Marit Olsen.
Anna Tostensen’s Father was Tosten Gullichsen, born 2/14/1723 in Engeli, Sondre-Land, Opland Norway.
Anna Tostensen’s Mother was Zigri (Siri) Amundsen, born in 172-, in Kapperud, Land, Norway.
Tosten Gullichsen’s Father was Gullich Erickson (Eriksen), born 1693 in Engeli, S.Land, Opland, Norway.
Tosten Gullichsen’s Mother was Anne Tostensen, born in 1699 in Engeli, S.Land, Opland Norway.
Anne Tostensen’s Father was Torsstein Endresen, born in 1662 in Engeli, Sondre-Land, Opland, Norway.
Anne Tostensen’s Mother was Marit Pedersen, born 1675 in Engeli, S. Land, Opland Norway.
MRS. NELS HEGGE (LAND)
Nekoline Madstuen Nelson was born in Land, Norway, August 23, 1844, daughter of Erick and Karen Madstuen. In 1862 she immigrated with her parents to America in a sail ship, spending 13 weeks in crossing the ocean. The family settled in Coon Valley near Chaseburg in Vernon county. On September 20, 1869, she was joined in marriage to Nels F. Hegge, and shortly after, in 1871, the young couple took up their residence on a farm in the town of Pigeon. Here Mrs. Hegge learned to endure the hardships and privations of pioneer life, which she bore with a fortitude that, coupled with a good physique, made her strong and healthy so she lived to a good age. Mr. and Mrs. Hegge lived on the farm until 1900, and on it all their children were born. In the latter years, they moved to Whitehall where Mrs. Hegge resided until her death. To Mrs. Hegge and her husband were born ten children. The oldest son, Fredrick and two daughters, Josephine and Ann, besides Mr. Hegge, preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing one brother, Erick, of Roy Oak (Royal Oak?!), Michigan; three sisters, Anna Nelson and Mrs. Eliza Elertson of Chaseburg, this state; and Mrs. A. Nyhus of Portland, Oregon; seven children – Edward and Olaf of Hatton, North Dakota; Even, Isaac and Sigvald of this community; George of Corvallis, Oregon; and Oscar of Frankfort, Kentucky; 28 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hegge passed away Friday morning December 9, 1932, aged 88 years, three months and 16 days. During her long lifetime Mrs. Hegge was privileged to travel quite extensively, enjoying this pleasure to the utmost. She spent the year 1911 on the Pacific coast with her husband and on several occasions visited her sons in North Dakota. A few years ago she spent several months with her son and daughter-in-law, Oscar Hegge and wife at Frankfort, Kentucky. All who knew Mrs. Hegge admired her keen, clear mind and her physical independence and were warmed by her good, kindly spirit. During the later years of her life she was an ardent reader and student of religious, social and economic problems of the day, on which she was fluently conversant. One of Whitehall’s oldest citizens has passed away, and her absence is keenly felt not only by her children but by all who knew and loved her for womanly qualities, inherited from a good family, nurtured by the rudeness of her life in her native land and by her experiences as a pioneer wife and mother, and carried down through the years by righteousness and perseverance to the end. THE WHITEHALL TIMES – DECEMBER 22, 1932 Nicoline Obit.
Mrs. Nels Fredrickson Hegge. Nicoline (Lena) Hegge. Grandma Hegge.
This information provided by Ester Hegge Sagen
I find many spellings of Nicoline. The obituary of Niels F. Hegge has it spelled Nicoline E. Nilson. It is also spelled Neckoline. Nekolena and Nicolina. I have tried to use Nicoline throughout this tree.
Her father as Erik Nilsen Mastuen, also spelled Nelson or Madstuen
Born 24 March 1818 in Sondra Land, Norway, Died 29 Nov. 1908. Buried 4 Dec. 1908 at Middle Coon Valley cemetery, town of Hamburg (on road to Chaseburg) under the name of MASTUEN.
His Father was Nels Olsen Madstuen, his Mother Martha Torastensen Lokke. They were married 16 June, 1844 in Norway.
Erik’s wife was Karen (Carrie) Tostensdtr Engelien, born 28 May, 1819 in Norway, died 18 Nov. 1906 in town of Hamburg, Vernon County, WI. Buried 21 Nov. 1906 in Middle Coon Valley cemetery. Karen’s Father was Tosten Fredricksen (Engelien), Her mother Anna Larsen (Skeslien).
Nicoline had four sisters and two brothers:
Anne was born in 1848 in Sondra Land, Norway and was unmarried.
Maren (Mary) was born 19 Feb. 1859 in Norway. Married Andreas Peterson Nyhus 26, Feb. 1872
Lived in La Crosse, had 4 sons, Edward, Carl and twins Olaf and Adolph.
She died in Hatton, N.D. Mary used last name Eriksdatter.
Karen Carrie) born 18 July 1856 in Norway. Married Marthinus F. Hegge 22 March 1882
She died in Hatton, N.D. She chose the last name Mastuen
Elisa (Lisa) was born 23 Aug. 1861 in Norway. Married Stempr Eilertson 23, Aug. 1902
Died 19 Nov. 1947 in Holman, WI. Chose last name Mastuen.
Torger was born 6, Nov. 1858 in Norway, Married Mathilda Anna Nelson on 25 May 1887. 5 children:
: Alice, Edgar Allen, Franklin Nordahl, Evelyn Helene & Hjalmar. He Died ___? He used the last
name Nelson. Went in business with M.F. Hegge in Hatton, N.D.
Erick was born 20 March 1865 in town of Hamburg, Vernon County, WI Was known to live in Detroit, Michigan in 1930. He chose the last name Mastuen.
The surnames Nelsen, Eriksdatter and Mastuen are all found on church and civil records. On Marriage records Maren used Eriksdatter, Torger used Nelsen and Karen and Elisa used Mastuen Erik and Karen’s death and burial records are Mastuen. The Vernon County Plat Book has the spelling Madstuen.
George (17), Isaac (14), Sigvald (12) and Oscar (10) are students. Where Olaf (21) was at this time is not known. Even (24) was on the farm. Edward (26) was at dental school.
Nels and Lena and the three younger boys moved into the house in Whitehall (purchased in 1900) in the spring of 1901. Even took over operation of the farm.
Pigeon School 1899
Six of the eight Hegge brothers, sons of N.F. Hegge
Can you name them properly? Using a magnifying glass and comparing with the many other pictures we have of the brothers, the Tom Hegge family places them as listed above.
Sigvald looks to be about 25 years old. That would place this picture at the summer of 1912.
Their Father, N.F. Hegge died Sunday August 25, 1912. This picture could be at his funeral, which was the 29th.
Please let me know if you feel identification is not correct. Addison Hegge places Even at back right.
If this picture is the summer of 1912 (two years before Sig and Millie married) the others would be:
Edward (39) years of age, Even, (36), Olaf (34), Isaac (27), Sig (25) and Oscar (22). In 1912, Oscar was not married. George lived in Oregon and did not attend the funeral. Fredrik had died back in 1893.
One of the above is Olaf and his picture belongs on the next page.
Thomas S. Hegge, ritom@triwest.net. P.O. Box 477, Whitehall, Wis. 54773
Hegge Bros Pics Group.
A-3 N.F.
In 1879 a D.M. Kelly formed Kelly’s Addition to Whitehall on the west side of West Street, from the railroad tracks north to Creamery Street, consisting of 11 lots, 10 of which were 60 feet wide and 164’ deep. The 11th lot was triangular in shape along the railroad tracks. West of these lots was a piece of farmland exceeding 15 acres in size, bordered on the south by the railroad tracks.
Prior to 1900, an N.B. Fristad and wife Betsey owned lots 1 thru 6, and most of the land west of the lots.
They apparently built this house, for on September 27, 1900, N.F. Hegge purchased lots 1 thru 6, the additional land, the house, including storm windows, screens and blinds for $1,750, to occupy it in April 1901. The house is centered on the lot line between lots 5 and 6, but is not on the lots. It is approximately 20 feet west of the lots, making the front yard of the house, including driveway, 120 feet wide and over 175’ deep.
Note the “summer kitchen” on the north side. The floor in it is several feet lower than the floor in the main house. There was a sandstone basement under the south half of this kitchen. Note the tall thin tree on the left (SE) corner of the house. It is an Ash hardwood tree.
N.F. Hegge died August 25, 1912. His wife, Nicoline (Lena) continued to live in the house. When Son Sigvald married Amelia Bensend in 1915, they moved into the house and took care of Lena until her death in 1932. In 1920, Sig purchased the property from Lena for $4,500, tore down the summer kitchen, and added a 16 x 24 foot north wing, bringing the north wall about where the white post is on the summer kitchen. This added a front entrance hall, kitchen and open stairs on the ground floor and a bedroom and utility area on the second floor. It also added 16 feet of attic area. Dark oak woodwork was installed on the first floor. A sun-porch was added to the SE corner of the house and a wrap-around open porch extending from the new front entrance to the sun-porch was also added. These were removed in the fall of 1950.
When Jon Andrew Hegge, great grandson of Nels F. purchased the home in 2003, the Ash tree had to be removed because of age and lightning damage. The trunk had a diameter of 32 inches, twelve feet above the ground and a good deal of ash lumber was cut from this 12 foot long log.
On the front porch sits grandma Nicoline (Lena) Hegge. Millie Hegge is standing, holding son Floren on the porch railing. Daughter Harriet and several other girls are on the left. Note the car on the right. Behind the tree branches on the right you can see the outline of the north wing that was added in 1920. The main front entrance for the Sig Hegge family was now in the north wing under the porch. Grandma Lena’s visitors used the center front entrance that opened into “grandmas room”. The wrap-around front porch and sun-porch were added when the north wing was added.
Note the gingerbread at the peak of the roof, and the style of the attic windows. Later, during the 1930’s, a chimney fire started the roof on fire and these features were lost.
The 120 foot wide by 175 foot long front yard contained a lawn tennis court, and served as a playground for the seven Hegge children and the 30 or so other children in the neighborhood. On rainy summer days, these children used the porches as play rooms. This kept them out of Millie’s way.
In the fall of 1950, the support under the porches and the porches themselves were deteriorated to such a point they were difficult to maintain. There were no longer children in the neighborhood to use them. They were removed.
A-3 N.F.H.
The old Hegge house and some of the farm land at Pigeon Falls is now owned by David Lee Steig, fifth child of Myrtle (Hegge) and Arthur Steig. They rent out the house and land. David is a great grandchild of N.F. and Nicoline Hegge.
This Whitehall House was purchased by Jon Andrew Hegge in 2003. He plans to take the next several years to restore it and the property to excellent condition. All surfaces in the home, plus plumbing, heating and electrical must be redone. Jon is the 3rd child of Thomas and Rita Hegge, and also a great grandchild of N.F. Hegge.
Two Hegge Houses
A-3
Nels F. Hegge, the farmer.
In the Hegge bible, the name is spelled Niels. Most everyone uses the spelling Nels. On his gravestone in the cemetery at Pigeon Falls Lower church, you will find the spelling Nils.
He came to the United States with his sister Karen in 1866 to the area south of La Crosse called Coon Prairie, or Coon Valley. He worked on farms in the summer, and in winter for the King Mills Lumber Company in Clark County. First as a chopper in the woods, later in a position called “engineer”.
He married Nicoline E. Nilsen on September 30, 1869, purchased his first land on July 11, 1870 at Pigeon Falls, Wis. and in the spring of 1871 moved to Pigeon Falls and began to build his farm.
Date Land description
7/11/1870 N.E. ¼ on the N.E. ¼ of Section 3 in township 22 North of range number 7.Acres: 47.82 A Cost/Acre:$2.30 Total Cost. $120.00
From Western Wisconsin Railroad Co. to Nils Hegge
At that price there would be no home on it!
6/2/1873 S.E. ¼ of the N.E. ¼ Of the S.W. ¼ of Section 13, township 22 North of Range 7. 10.00 A $13.50 $135.00
To Even Ekern and Nils Hegge by Ole and Aagatha Ingvardsen
This is a wood lot about 3 to 4 miles up the valley, top of the hill
that Ekern and Hegge apparently were going to work together.
12/5/1873 S.E. ¼ of the N.E. ¼ of Section 3, Township 22, north of range 7 west of the 4th Principal Median 40.00 A $ 3.00 $120.00
From West Wisconsin Railway Co. to Nils F. Hegge
3/30/1874 S.E. ¼ of the N.E. ¼ of section 3, Township 22, north of range 7
…………………………………………………………………….. 40.00 A $ 3.55 $142.00
From West Wisconsin Railway Co. to Nils F. Hegge
11/13/1876 N ½ of SW ¼ if NE ¼ and
the S.E. ¼ of the N.W. ¼ of Section 3 Township 22 North of Range 7 West. ………… ……………… …………………………… 80.0 A $3.43 $275.00
From J.D. and Mary Olds to N.F. Hegge
10/2/1877 S ½ of S.W. ¼ of the N.E. ¼ of Section 3, Township 22 Range 7 west……………………………………………………………. 30.0A $3.75 $150.00
From the Gale family to Nels Hegge (note the E in Nels)
3/5/1889 W ½ of SE ¼, and W ½ of E ½ of SE 11/4 of Section 3, Township
22 north of Rage 7 west, and containing 120 acres. (All of the
SE ¼ Sec.3.22.7 except the east ½ of said SE ¼), ALSO
A strip of land two rods wide along the North side of the NE ¼
of SW ¼ of said section 3 to be used for road purposes.
……………………………………………………………………………120+ A $13.33 $1,600.00
From O.A and Ingeborg Olson to Nels F. Hegge
3/7/1891 N ½ of S.W. ¼ of Section 13, Township 22 N of Range 7 West.
From Ideal Land & Loan Co. Eau Claire, to Nils F. Hegge
…………………………………………………………………………….20?A $12.50 $250.00
Totals ……………………………………………387.82A $ 7.20 $2,792.00
I have found no records of the sale of any of the land. It has been said that some was given or sold to the Church. Continued next page
Page 2. N.F. Hegge farm land
Tax receipts number 181 and 182, January 13, 1900 from town of Pigeon, C.B. Kaas treasurer, show 370.82 acres of land, with taxes of $101.56. If Nels owned land outside of the town of Pigeon I find no record of it. When he built a house on the farm, and for how much money is not known.
Nels bought a home with some land in Whitehall in 1900 for occupancy in the spring of 1901. At that time oldest son Fredrick was no longer living, he died of influenza in 1893. The 1900 censes (I have a copy of it) does not list Edward as living on the farm, he was 27 and at dental school. Even was on the farm, Olaf was not listed as living on the farm, how old he was and where he was we do not, as yet, know.
George had gone west to Washington in 1899. (It was said that the older brothers helped him run away from home). Isaac, age 15, Sigvald 13 and Oscar 11, were still in school and most surely moved to Whitehall in the spring of 1901. This, obviously, leaves Even (age 25) to run the farm. He took a course in the Wisconsin Business University at La Crosse, worked with his father, then managed the farm and still later acquired ownership of 290 acres in section 3, township 22, range 7. (Page 369, of the Trempealeau County History, 1917).
When the other land was sold, and for how much is not known.
Nels died August 12, 1912. The report on Inheritance Tax to the State of Wisconsin showed the net value of his estate, after expenses was $11,097, of which $10,000 was exempt, $1,097 taxable with 1% tax of $10.97: filed by Ole J. Eggum, Whitehall, Attorney.
This was more than enough money for Lena to live on until she died in 1932 at the age of 88. Most all of the boys had a very difficult time during the depression. Sigvald lost his job with the Peoples State Bank, which closed. Even was a director at the bank. Both Even and Sigvald had sizeable judgments filed against them by the Banking Commission, which were not satisfied until 1940.
Sig was fortunate to have the owners of Whitehall Mill and Power Company hire him as manager. Even lost his farm. Isaac had serious financial problems (and a drinking problem) with his business in Mayville N.D. Dr. Ed in Hatton, and George in Washington also sought financial help from Lena during the depression. Signed promissory notes from all but Olaf were found in the papers in the attic of the Hegge house in Whitehall.
Among Sig Hegge’s papers are copies of letters between brothers trying to help each other out. Isaac and Christine came back to Whitehall and worked with Sig. Ike and Christine had 6 children, the only one living in 2003 is Ann Elizabeth Worden, Slingersland, New York, who will be 80 in September. The family moved back to Mayville later where Isaac ran a successful grocery business.
The Hegge farm in Hegge Coulee at Pigeon Falls is now owned by David Lee Steig, the fifth child of Myrtle Hegge and Arthur P. Steig. Even is his Grandfather. N.F. Hegge is his Great Grandfather.
The papers concerning land purchases have been given to David. He owns most of the land. The papers belong with him.
You may wonder how these Pioneer Wisconsin Farmers could retire after 30 years, without the benefit of the internal combustion engine and modern farm tools. Consider the fact that in those days Wisconsin was the largest wheat producing state and wheat brought $1.00 a bushel. The virgin land produced large yields. There was a flourmill in most towns where a water source allowed a dam to provide the power.
The railroad reached Whitehall in 1871. There was no Whitehall where the city is now located. It was a wheat field!
This completes the sections on Norway and the emigration to the United States and the family of N.F. Hegge. The following pages are descendants of both N.F. and M.F. Hegge and history of M.F.
Edward, Olaf, George and Oscar Hegge.
A-3-2 Edward N. second child of Nels F. Hegge
Born April 25, 1873 Died April 1955
Ed was a dentist in Hatton, N.D. beginning in 1903 His uncle, M.F. Hegge, paid for his dentist schooling provided he set up his practice in Hatton. He accepted and did.
He married Andrea Foss 6/7/1911. She died Dec. 11, 1953. They raised George’s 2 children from his first marriage.
A-3-5-1 Alice Evelyn Hegge Born May 21, 1912 Died
Married Halley Anders Broderson 12/29/38 Born 5/18/1910 died 10/19/2000
Alice H. Broderson, 11700 N.E. Angelo Drive, Apt. 261, Vancouver, WA 98684
Phone: 360-256-0890 In 2003, at 91 years of age Alice states she had two fathers.
George was Daddy, Edward was Papa and Andrea was Mama.
Their children:
A-3-5-1-1 Dorothy Ann Broderson B: 7/3/40
Married Richard Frank Munger 6/8/63 Richard Born 5/8/34
12204 N.E. 351st St. La Center, WA 98629
360-263-6244 email None
Children:
A-3-5-1-1-1 Mark Daniel Munger B. 8/14/64
2230 No. Whitney Dr. Pittsburgh CA 94565
Phone email None
A-3-5-1-1-2 Jonathan James Munger, B. 11-8-71
2230 No. Whitney Dr. Pittsburgh, CA 94565
Phone email None
A-3-5-1-2 Jean Evelyn Broderson B. 8/20/44
Married Richard Paul Gookins 8/6/66 B. 4/15/44
2753 W. Mesa, Fresno, CA 93711
(in 2004 building retirement home on Olympic Peninsula WA.)
Phone: 559-431-3253 email pgookins@aaahawk.com
Children:
A-3-5-1-2-1 Julianne Marie Gookins B. 4/15/74
Address: Above
Phone email
A-3-5-1-2-2 Amanda Jeanette Gookins B. 2/1/78
United States Air Force Intelligence
2003 assignment Mid-East.
Phone email
A-3-5-2 Edna Valborg Hegge Born 8/16/14 D.
Married Earl Christopher Wallen on 12/28/40. He was born 10/22/10, died 9/1/57
In October 2003 Edna is in poor health.
Second Marriage to William Gordon Lorenz on 10/7/77 Born: 12/15/1914 Died 8/19/93
Edna Lorenz, 24431 Lyons Ave. Apt. 207, Santa Clarita CA. 91321 661-253-7039
A-3-5-2-1 Edward Le Roy Wallen Born 8/24/42
Married Carol Lee Fisher on 6/30/63 Born 4/27/45
19470 Eagle Ridge Lane, Northridge CA 91326 818-368-9128
W&W Manufacturing Co. 426 W. Magnolia Ave. Glendale, CA 91204
Children:
A-3-5-2-1-1 Nicole Cherie Wallen B: 12/21/68
Married Andy Walker on 6/1/91 Andy born 4/8/64
27012 Santa Clarita Rd. Saugus CA 91350
661-297-3470 email:
Children:
A-3-5-2-1-1-1 Sean Andrew B. 6/26/93
A-3-5-2-1-1-2 Ethan Edward B. 5/26/95
A-2-5-2-1-1-3 Isabel Yohanna B 8/24/97 (Adopted)
A-3-5-2-1-2 Stacey Danielle Wallen B. 1/26/76
Married on 10-19-2002 to Jason Holzer B. 9/17/76
Address:
Phone email
A-3-4 Olaf N. Hegge, 4th child of Nels F. Hegge
I have very little information on this family. My mother, Emelia Hegge, seemed to indicate he was the “black sheep” of the family.
Olaf married a Millie J. Monson. They had 2 daughters, Norma and Evelyn, and sons Morris and Oliver. Olaf lived in Hatton, N.D. and other locations. One obituary lists him as from Caledonia, but does not list the state. Caledonia is east of Hatton on the Red River. Mayville is about 8 miles from Hatton.
On September 15, 2003, 91 year old Alice Broderson, living in Fresno California, writes of her memories of Uncle Olaf as follows:
“I can’t tell you much about Olaf Hegge but between Edna’s and my memories this is what we came up with. Olaf and his wife had very little connection with Ed, George or Isaac. As a matter of fact, Edna and I never knew they were relatives until we were in high school. Isaac lived in Mayville and of course he and Ed would communicate.
Morris was in the same class as I was – same age. High School was the first I was aware that he was a cousin. Oliver was older and also Norma.
Edna remembers that Olaf worked for the post office. She worked for the telephone office and had that source. From what we knew he was let go, drinking! Don’t’ know the year. The next we heard he was sent to Caledonia (I think that’s the name of the town) in those days it was called the “Poor Farm”. After Ed died I was told he had been notified. (April 1954) He showed up at the funeral. I guess the farm had a driver that brought him. When he left I went with him to the car, had a little conversation and he left.
I don’t know when he died. His wife was a loner – played the church organ and as far as I know didn’t communicate with Andrea, Christine, or any others. I heard Oliver went to Minneapolis – some talk he was going to be a preacher but ended up something else. Morris died. A preacher’s wife told me Norma was in San Francisco with a partner. They were supposed to have donated an Altar Cross and Vases to a Santa Maria Church. It was the Church Hal and I joined – so I just called the Preacher’s wife and got the info on Norma. Norma and her partner had a Lutheran bookstore in San Francisco.
They later heard that Norma was in poor health and sold her share of the store and later died. I don’t know about Evelyn – I did hear she married a minister.
I know this is a long report and not of much use for your history, but I have no idea where to get more. The newspaper in Hatton is gone.“
Another source indicated Olaf, at one time, ran a hardware store in Hatton.
Olaf Hegge and four brothers (See picture in N.F. Hegge section), Mr. And Mrs. Oliver Hegge and Miss Norma Hegge, Minneapolis, attended the S.N. Hegge funeral in 1951.
Records at the church in Pigeon Falls WI show that Olaf was confirmed 4/30/1893 at the age of 14 ½ years of age. That would put his birth date in 1878.
In July 2004 I received a Hegge family tree put together over 30 years ago by Karen (Pratt) Riggen, daughter of Karen Beatha (Hegge) Pratt (Sister of Solveig Hegge Newman), It has the Olaf Hegge family listed. It is on the following page. Karen is 91 years of age as of this writing, and she commented to daughter Julie Pratt that the Olaf Hegge family didn’t mix much with the other family members. She remembers taking piano lessons from Olaf’s wife and that she and others were only open to visit one room only. She commented that they were only a bit different but not why or how.
A-3-4 Olaf N. Hegge
Born January 18,1878… died 3/25/1958
Married Minnie J. Monson Born 10/31/1905, died___1936
Children:
A-3-4-2-1 Mary Elizabeth Hegge Fish B: 5-31-37
Married on 8-11-62 to Duane Fish B: 1-11-35 Divorced 9-3-03
733 W. Golden St. Gilbert, AZ 85233
Phone: not supplied Email:
Children:
A-3-4-2-1-1 David Allen Fish B: 6-12-65
divorced
No address supplied
A-3-4-2-1-2 Karen Elizabeth (Fish) Masa B: 12-11-69
Married on 4-27-01 to Ryan Masa
No address supplied
A-3-4-2-2 Carolyn Ann (Hegge) Sullivan Gilmore B: 8-25-41 D:
Married on 12-25-68 to Ed Sullivan, B: 5-26-21 Died 8-4-88
2nd marriage on 9-24-98 to Harvey T. Gilmore B: 10-29-43
5955 Gardner Way, Medford OR 97504
Phone: 541-779-7951 Email None
Children:
A-3-4-2-2-1: Edward Lawrence Sullivan 2nd B: 12-23-73
A-3-4-3. Maurice (Morris) Hegge B:________ Died ______ 1956
A-3-4-4&5 Twin boys died in infancy, 1913
A-3-4-6 Evelyn (Hegge) Anderson Born ______ D:
Married on _______to Reverend Magnus Anderson Born __ D:
2550 Hogan Dr., Turlock CA 95382
Phone: Email____________
Children:
A-3-4-6-1 Mervyn Bryan Anderson B: ___ . D: ___(deceased)
A-3-4-6-2 Wayne Douglas Anderson Born _________
Novato CA ______
Phone: Email
A-3-4-6-3 Kaye Marie Anderson Born:___ D: __(deceased)
A-3-4-7 Helen (Hegge) Hosking Born ___________ D:
Married on ___to Milton Hosking Born: __Died ___ (deceased)
5813 Oliver Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55419
Phone_____________ Email: _______________
Children:
A-3-4-7-1 Robert Edward Hosking Born: ________ D:
Married on ____to ____Frankie born:_____
16608 Flagstaff Ave., Lakeville MN 55068
Phone: 952-431-2254. email rehosking@aol.com
Children:
A-3-4-7-1-1. Born:
A-3-4-7-1-2 (second child) Born
A-3-4-7-2 Jean Shirley (Hosking) Boe
Married on ______to Dave Boe B: _______
13995 Exeley Way, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: __________Email_____________
Children:
A-3-4-7-2-1:
A-3-4-7-2-2
A-3-5 George Hegge, 5th child of Nels F. Hegge
George (Born 1/24/1882, died in 1953) married Ellen Mauritzen. They had two daughters, Alice (born May 1912, and Edna born August 1914. Ellen died in 1916. Alice and Edna were adopted by brother Edward Hegge. His second marriage was to Rose Himelburger. They lived in Althea Oregon where George was in the Lumber Business. There were no children from this marriage. The children of Alice and Edna are listed under Edward Hegge, A-3-2.
In 2003 this old photo is about 127 or 128 years old. Edna Hegge Lorenz, daughter of Edward Hegge, informs us that Ed’s wife, Andrea, had it framed and on the bookcase in the living room. Ed hated it and would hide it, but she would find it and put it up again.
On the left may be the only confirmed childhood picture we have of Fredrick Nels Hegge, first child of Nels and Nicoline Hegge. He was born September 6, 1870, and died March 25, 1893 of pneumonia. He had received his Attorney at Law degree from the Northern Indiana Law School on June 1, 1892, and was in the process of establishing a practice in Galesville, Wisconsin.
On the right is their second child, Edward Nels Hegge (A-3-2) born April 15, 1873. After Edward attended dental school he established his practice in Hatton North Dakota. He married Andrea Foss in June 1911. Edna Hegge and her older sister Alice were children of George and Ellen Hegge. Ellen died in 1916 and Ed and Andrea adopted the girls.
A-3-3
End of this Section
Edward Hegge A-3-2, Olaf Hegge, A-3-4,
George Hegge A-3-5, Oscar Hegge A-3-10.
