Some Johannessen fun facts....

In looking through some of the information passed along with the reunion paperwork, I found some tidbits I thought I would share.
The early members of the Johannessen family lived, worked and died in the mining district of Ulefos Norway, the families earliest records date back to 1612. Ulefos was, and still is known for it's foundries, and the Johannessen men were mostly foundry men. Anders Johannessen (Jorgen's father) was a Foreman at the Holden Iron Works.










The ironworks at Ulefos were established in 1657, and are one of the oldest industrial companies in Europe. They still make the famous Ulefos wood burning stoves, but primarily famous for Manhole covers used throughout Europe.

Jorgen Johannes Johannessen was born to Anders Johannessen and Aasta Katrina Hohnsdatter in Christiania Norway (Oslo) on October 31, 1853. So now we have two things to celebrate each Halloween. There were a total of six children born to Anders and Aasta, but two died in infancy. If you like wonderful Norwegian names here are the children; Ingeborg, Johanne, Maren, Jorgen Johannes, Julius Oscar and Nils Ingerart.
















Ulefoss is located along lake Norsjo, with an altitude of 196 feet above see level and about 2200 residents.

The Johannessen boys all worked in the foundry, but Aasta wanted better for Jorgen and Julius. She influenced them to attend business school in Christiania. Jorgen and Julius complied with their mothers wishes, becoming bookkeepers and office managers throughout their lives, but Jorgen would state in later life that they "ruined a good mechanic".

In 1880 those pesky missionaries from the Mormon Church were spreading the Gospel in Norway. Julius Oscar became interested and was converted, he was then instrumental in converting his parents and brother Jorgen and several other family members.

In 1886, Anders, Aasta, Julius and his wife, left Norway to join the Saints in America and settled in Logan, Utah. Meanwhile Jorgen had a merchandising business in Christiania, but sales were poor, being ostracized because of his beliefs in the Mormon Church. Jorgan and family left Norway in 1887 to join his family in America.

Traveling on the ship Wyoming, after a very rough voyage, some passengers were landed in New York, while others were carried to Charleston, South Carolina. From there Jorgen and family traveled by train westward to Utah arriving on June 27, 1887, almost 40 years after Brigham Young had brought the first group of Pioneers to Utah.

Reunited, Jorgen and Julius went to work for the United Order Lumber Co. in Logan Utah, as bookkeepers and salesmen. On May 21, 1889 Jorgen applied for American citizenship, which was not granted until March 24,1894.

In 1892, they were asked to go to Idaho Falls, Idaho on a pioneering mission as employees of the Church owned Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI). Being faithful members of the Church, they complied and moved their families to Idaho. Prior to moving to Idaho Falls Jorgen received his Patriarchal Blessing at the hands of O.N. Lolyenquist in Logan, on January 7, 1892. (I will post the blessing in full later).

So there are a few tidbits of history of our early Johannessen ancestors. Please spread the word and lets add to the postings and find out what happened to each of Jorgens children, and his childrens children.

For more information and photos of Ulefos visit http://www.wolpy.com/places/3133402 and click on the photo link.