Mathias and Karen Engh Family

Mathias and Karen Engh and family. 
Descendants are hoping for leads to more information
for the extended family tree 

Mathias Johansen (Johnson) Engh was born August 1, 1860 in Vestre, Gausdal, Norway to Johannes Monsen Aulstadengen and Helene Forsensdatter Rustberget. He was baptized and confirmed in Norway. On June 2, 1882 at the age of 21, he left Norway on the boat “Rollo” and came to America. He secured employment at a lumber camp in northern Wisconsin.

Karen was born September 25, 1852 in Faaberg, Gudbransdalen, Norway to Ole and Guri Olson Kjetlien. Apparently Karen and Mathias met at her farmstead where Mathias worked. At the age of 31, on May 31, 1883 Karen left Norway on the boat “Thingralla.” She brought along a son, Hans Mathiason, who was born January 19, 1883. Hans apparently died at sea and it has been said that Karen held him until she reached America and then buried him.

Mathias and Karen were married in America on September 23, 1883 and settled on Pumpkin Ridge in Jefferson Township, Vernon County, Wisconsin. They changed their name from Johnson to Engh because there were so many Johnsons. They cleared the land, built a home and farmed there until 1920 when they moved to Westby, Wisconsin.

Mathias and Karen were blessed with seven more children (in order); Gunda, Henry, Olaf, Minnie, Engman, Anna. Another son, also named Olaf, died in infancy at 10 days of age.

Grandpa Mathias was one of the first members of the Bethany Lutheran Church congregation in Esofea, Wisconsin. For a while he was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby but he later transferred back to Bethany. He died at the age of 81 on April 20, 1941 after a brief illness at the home of his son Olaf. His obituary reads: “He was a good, honest citizen, reliable in all his dealings. He will be greatly missed.”

Grandma Karen was able to do many things and taught her children well.  She served as a midwife for neighbors.  She farmed and cared for the children alone during many winter months when Mathias was in northern Wisconsin working in the lumber camps.  During her last year of life she suffered continuously from heart trouble.  She died at the age of 75 on Ascension Day and Syttende Mai, May 17, 1928.  Her obituary reads: “With Christian faith and patience she awaited her final summons.”

Children of Mathias and Karen Engh

Hans Mathiason: Born January 19, 1883. Died in infancy on the ship Rollo enroute from Norway to America sometime after May 31, 1883.

Gunda Marie: Born July 28, 1884. Died July 21, 1950 at age 66. Married Olius Role on May 23, 1905. They had seven children: Alida, Herman, Palmer, Obert, Evelyn, Edgar and Inez. Palmer and Edgar were married to Hasley sisters. Their paternal grandmother, Marie (Gilbertson) Hasley was a sister to Lars Gilbertson, Elnore (Engman Engh) Gilbertson’s father-in-law.  

Henry Julius: Born January 16, 1887. Died December 1, 1969 at age 82.  Married Bertha Berger on May 1, 1920. Bertha died on November 10, 1994 at age 102. They had seven children including 2 sets of twins: Ruth, Verna and Verdell (twins), Karen, Harley and Harold (twins) and Richard.

Olaf Theodur: Born June 22, 1890.  Died March 13, 1962 at age 72. Married Julia Geary on December 22, 1914. Julia died December 13, 1969 at age 75. She was the sister of Morris Geary who was married to Minnie Engh. Julia and Olaf had no children.

Minnie C.: Born March 26, 1893. Died September 9, 1973 at the age of 80. She married Morris Geary on October 10, 1916. Morris died on January 21, 1964 at age 78. They had four children: Lawrence, John, Kenneth and Berniece.

Engman Hilmar: Born March 16, 1896. Died October 23, 1987 at age 91. He married Malla Barstad on January 11, 1919. She died August 1, 1973 at age 75.  They had ten children: Carol, Margaret, Elnore, LaVerne, Roland, Dorothy, Duane, Rachel, Esther and Frederick.

Anna M.: Born November 26, 1898. Died September 22, 1982 at age 83. She married Morgan Berg on October 6, 1937. He died February 20, 1962 at age 69. They had one son, Morris Engh.

Olaf:

If you have information about this family contact: Linda De Garmo, (608) 452-3367 or Corky Olson (608) 638- 2992.