Aasum, Ellen Bergitta (Selness) -- 1855 - 1942

AASUM, SELNESS, THORSON, IVERSON

Posted By: Barry M. Dahl (email)
Date: 11/10/2010 at 14:45:55

Here is Ellen's obituary, 1 January 1942, from the Welch collection.

Ellen Bergitta Aasum was born on the 27th day of April, 1855, at Namsos, Norway and died on the 1st day of January, 1942, at her daughters home, near Mabel, and thus attained to the good old age of 86 years, 8 months and 20 days. Her parents were Nickolai and Maren Thorsen Selness. The records of the Ministerial books of the Savick church of Namsos, show that her baptism took place on the 8th day of July, 1855, and that she was confirmed in the Christian faith on the 8th day of May, 1870, in the same parish.
Three years later the Selness family emigrated and came to America in 1873. Here they made their first home in the town of Highland, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they resided one year after which they moved a little farther west in the adjoining township of Hesper, where they purchased a permanent farm and farm home.

In the year 1883 Ellen Selness was joined in marriage to Mr. Thor I. Thorson, with whom she was given one child, Nickolai. Her family life with Mr. Thorson was of short duration, cut short by his death in 1886. Three years later, in 1889, she was united in marriage to Mr. Ole S. Aasum, which union was solemnized by the Rev. H.A. stub. From now and until her death her home was just across the state line, two and one-half miles southeast of Mabel. The following children were born to Ole and Ellen Aasum; Olaf Aasum, Mabel; Carl Aasum, Hesper; Sverre Aasum, Mabel; Oscar Aasum, Mabel; Emma (Mrs. Clarence) Iverson, Mabel. These five together with Nikolai, of the former marriage, who also resides in the vicinity of Hesper, survive mother. One son Edgar, passed away three years ago. The following grandchildren; Ella Mae, Odell and Eleanor Iverson, Sidney and Signe Aasum, Lucille and Evelyn Aasum, Tilford, Gladys, Nellie and Ellen Thorsen.

Funeral services were at the Hesper Lutheran Church as was the interment.