Birgit Kristina “Christine” Johnson Bertelsen (1859-1918)

Birgit Kristina “Christine” Johnson Bertelsen

Birth

11 Mar 1859

Kinsarvik, Ullensvang kommune, Hordaland fylke, Norway

Death

16 Feb 1918 (aged 58)

Cranfills Gap, Bosque County, Texas, USA

Burial

Saint Olaf Cemetery

Cranfills Gap, Bosque County, Texas, USA Add to Map

Memorial ID

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Christine was born Birgit Kristina Jonson on Berget Farm near Kinsarvik, Ullensvang kommune, Hordaland fylke, Norway to Jon Johannesson Berge and Kristi Asbjornsdtr Lote Bleie. Her parents marriage date is currently unknown, but the 1880 census shows they resided at the same residence (with 'Christi Johnson' age 58 as his wife).

At the age of 2 (in March 1961), her parents brought her and her infant brother Johan Andreas Jonson to America where her American name became Christine Johnson (her brother's American name became John Anton Johnson). Christine became so ill during the voyage, her father was sure that they would have to bury her at sea. Somehow Christine recovered and arrived in America safely. They came down the St. Lawrence River and settled briefly in Iowa. Her father supported the family as a farmer, carpenter, and a cabinet maker. Later the family homesteaded in Swedes Forest Township near Belview, Redwood County, Minnesota.

Christine married Bertel Bertelson on July 31, 1875. Christine was only 16 when they married. Bertel and Christine continued to live in the Swedes Forest Township area for 10 years after they married and were known for their farming of diversified crops, raising of livestock, and for rearing kids galore. Six children were born to Bertel and Christine in Minnesota; Mads (Mack), John , Christian (Chris), Albert, Anna, and Martin.

In 1885, Bertel and Christine loaded their children on a train headed for Texas, where Bertel's father lived. They settled near Cranfills Gap, Texas where they had 12 more children: Charlie, Willie, Clara, Bernt, Caroline, Christine, 2 unnamed premature, Ferdinand (Ferdie/Fredie), 2 more premature, and Beatrice.

They remained within 5 miles of Cranfills Gap until their passing. Christine died Feb 16, 1918 and is buried in Saint Olaf Cemetery in Cranfills Gap, Texas.

Besides her brother John, Christine had 7 half-siblings from her father's first marriage and 3 half-siblings from her mother's first marriage. Her father remarried late in life and had no children from his third marriage.