had been in the National Guard of Norway. His younger brother, Oliver (30 Aug 1842-13 Apr 1935) at age 22 had come to America in 1864 with a Zachariah Anderson. Oliver came to Zachariah’s son's farm in Burr Oak in 1866 where he bought a farm. That same year two of Oliver’s brothers Erick (birth not known) and Halvor (1836-1918) came to Burr Oak from Norway. Four years later, in 1970, Tosten came to Burr Oak from Norway.

Tosten and Karen Erickson family Left to right: Selma Jacobson, Tosten, Mons Jacobson, Ingeborg Jacobson (dtr. of Tosten) at home about 1904.

Tosten sent for his wife Karen (Vik) Erickson (4 Jun 1829-11 May 1897) a year later. She brought their 7 children ranging in age from 2-10 years in 1871. They were: Gustav (16 Apr 1860-12 Oct 1944), Andrew (15 Jun 186?-10 Dec 1931), Ingeborg (1863-1918), Sigurd (1 Dec 186?-9 Feb 1947), Thomas (19 Apr 1867), Magnus (25 Jun 1868 or 1864-24 May 1931) and Edward (unknown).

Of Tosten’s 6 brothers only Stiner and Andreas remained in Norway. Hans (24 Aug 1835-27 Apr 1911) brought his wife Maren and 6 children to the Burr Oak area in 1880. A niece and nephew of Tosten also came to the Decorah area in 1889. It seems obvious that these brothers were very supportive of each other and maintained close ties.

Tosten's farm and horses about 1904.

Tosten farmed all his life. His farm is located in the N1/ 2 SE1/4 Sec. 36 Twp.100 (Burr Oak) R9 south of Burr Oak along the east side of Highway 52. After his wife died of chronic nephritis, their daughter Ingeborg and her husband Mons Jacobson lived with him and farmed his farm. Their children were musically talented and played the piano and violin. Tosten was a gentleman and always very well groomed. He lived with his daughter's family for seventeen years. His family belonged to the Hesper Lutheran Church. Tosten and Karen, Ingeborg and Mons Jacobson are buried in that church cemetery.

Tosten Erickson's Relatives about 1898.

Back row, left to right: 7 Henry Pearson,husband of Belly, daughter of Hans, 1 Oliver Erickson, brother of Tosten,

2 Tosten Erickson, 3 Hans Erickson brother of Tosten, 6 Halvor Hawkinstead, 4 Eric Erickson, brother of Tosten,

9 Cornelius Erickson, son of Hans. Front row: 7 Bell Pearson, 8 Carrie Bidsley, daughter of Hans, 7 Fredricka Erickson, wife of Liver, 5 Uncle Grma Peer Hawkinstead, 3 Borgena Erickson, wife of Hans, 6 Mrs. Halvor Hawkinstead,

4 Moriah Erickson, wife of Eric, 9 Lena Erickson, wife of Cornelius.

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Complete OCR transcription. See the associated scan to compare with the published information.