It is important to remember that older markers deteriorate over time, fall over, are buried below ground where they can no longer be seen, and are sometimes vandalized and/or stolen. Re. the Barre Cemetery, according to documents written by Anita Doering, archivist at the La Cross Public Library, "Clearly, the site was used for burials before the congregations banded together to buy the property for a cemetery."

Dates given above are based on existing information and may not be accurate. The History of La Crosse County, page 839 says she died in 1862 and that her husband, Ole, died in 1858. However, this history book is clearly in error as Ole's will was drawn up on Nov. 26, 1859. Beret is not mentioned in this will so it is presumed that she died between Sept. 1857 when they arrived in Wisconsin and Nov. 26, 1859 when he wrote his will. Ole's death on April 3, 1861 is clearly established by the court proceedings after his death. Family history also says that they lived in Bostwick Valley until their deaths so it is presumed that she died in La Crosse County.

Written family history says that she is buried in this cemetery along with her husband, daughter, Guri Gaarder Svennes, and son-in-law, Tollef Svennes. It does not say she is buried in the Svennes plot however merely that they are in the same cemetery. (In other words, it establishes the graveyard in which her body was placed.) Ole Gaarder's grave, according to a document presented to the court after his death is #8. (His, as well as hers, would be two of the earliest graves in this cemetery, probably long before any block, lot and site system was established.) This document was presented as a receipt/ proof that $1.00 had been paid for the digging of grave #8. The probate papers for Ole Gaarder are available on microfilm at the Murphy Library. The original will was sent to the state archives for safe keeping since it is one of the first 100 wills to be filed in La Crosse County.

Beret was born in Norway and tradition says she was considered the prettiest girl in Aurdal when she married Ole. She was married Jan. 12, 1832 in Nord-Aurdal. She came to America with all of her family in Sept. 1857, landing in New York and making her way overland to Wisconsin. Both Beret and Ole lived with their daughter, Guri, and son-in-law, Tollef, on their farm. This farm stands directly behind the cemetery to the west. At one time, their home could clearly be seen from the cemetery.

Beret was the mother of at least eight children, Guri b. 1831, Juel b. 1833, Gunild b. 1838, Halvor (aka Alfred) b. 1841, Marit b. 1843, Ole b. 1844, Maria b.1850 and Bernt (aka Benjamin Gorder) b.1853. The first seven children were born in Valdres, the last son was born in Toten.

I have been unable to discover any plot map for the early graves in this cemetery. Should you know of one or if you are aware of the location of the early graves (1-10) please contact me. (I have made five visits to this area from the west coast in the last 22 years in the hopes of learning more by inquiring in the local towns, churches, county courthouse, libraries and archives as well as walking the cemetery but have been unsuccessful.) Any help in finding records from the 1850's and 1860's would be wonderful. Thanks.