Svend Hansen and Anne Hansdatter bought the 20 Slg. (Selfowner-farm) -which is part of a group of farms known as "Kelsebygårde" (Kelseby farms)- from Erik Jensen on February 23, 1717. The documentation on thisstates: "He paid 200 Sldr. for the farm -- to the exact penny, the firstto the last." (In the original danish: ". . . saasom hand mig rigtig ognøiagtig den sidste Skilling med den første haver afbetalt for Gaarden200 Sldr. . .")
Besides the farm, Svend Hansen's net worth was determined to be about 90Rdl. At the time of her husband's death, Anne Hansdatter bestowed herson ". . . a huge silver cup, engraved with a wreath initialed S.H.S.,which was a gift from her husband." (. . . en Pægl stort med en Krans paaSiden mrk. S.H.S., som hende var given af hendes sal. Mand.)
The right to the farm was decided by an eight-man jury (according toBornholm's inheritance laws the rights to a farm went to the youngestson), and so it probably went to Svend Hansen's youngest Svend Svendsen(born in 1730, after the death of his father). However, Svend would dieyoung, at twenty-six, and leave no heirs - so the Kjelseby farm then wentto his older brother, Hans Svendsen.
Anne Hansdatter's second marriage was on June 16, 1730, to Hans Hansen,whose father was the owner of one of the farms in Strandby, 17 Slg.Østerlars. Hans took over the management of the Kelseby farm in thecapacity of "opsidder" (caretaker). He and their three children all diedwithin a three month period in 1757: first her daughter Margrethe inOctober, followed by her husband Hans Hansen on November 14, then sonBerild four days later, and finally her eldest daughter from themarriage, Karen, in December.
"Opsidder" is a very old Danish word which was used to describe a man whomarries a widow who has a child that is heir to the farm (on Bornholmthis was always the youngest son, and if no sons then the oldestdaughter). When the heir reaches the age of maturity, his mother and hernew husband would hand over the farm to the heir; after which they wouldeither retire or find another farm for themselves.
From the Åker-Åkirkeby kirkebog:
March 8, 1724: Spons. Svend Hansen, Anne Hansdatter. Cautionsmænd: HansBerildsøn, Berild Hansen. Hans Berildsen og Christen Hansen har givetcaution at Kongs brev skal forskaffes. (No subsequent marriage recordfound.)From the Østerlars kirkebog:
June 29, 1727: Baptiz., Dom. 3 p. Trinit. blef Svend Hansens Hans døbt.Margrete Hans Hansens bar ham. Faddere var Esber Hansen, Anders Ibsen,Svend Berthelsen, Bodild Jyrgens, Ane Berthelsdatter.March 13, 1730: Funus, Mandagen efter Dom. Oculi blef Svend Hansenbegrafven.
Extracted from the probate for Svend Hansen, March 15, 1730, page 189b:
Anno 1730 dend 15 Marty er efter lovlig giorde tillysning holdenregistering og vurdering samt skifte og deeling efter sal. Svend Hansensom boede og døde paa den 20te Jord Ejendoms beliggende udi ØsterlarskerSogn og det imellem denne sal. mands efter levende hustru AnneHansdaatter for hende blef til laug verge anordnet hendes fader HansBerildsen boende i Aaker Sogn. Paa ene og paa anden side med sin efterlevende hustru sammen avlede 1 søn ved naun Hans Svendsen paa 3de aargl., for hannem er til verge anordnet myndlingens faders sødskende barnSvend Hansen boende i Dammegaarden i forhen Østerlarsker Sogn. . . hvadsig denne 20 Jord Ejendoms gaard beliggende udi Østerlarsker Sogn eranbelangende da fremlyde den 1 Juny 1674 hvor af. . . fri villie og velberaad hus samt med deris kiere hustruis villie og samtike haver salt ogaf hent den 20de i tallet Jord Ejendoms gaard fremefte Østerlarsker Sognog det til erlig og velagty mand Mogens Jensen i forhen sogn. . . skalhand betalle til Hans Mickelsens børn 20 Dr. og til Rasmus Michelsen ogHans Michelsen 20 Dr. som skal vere som skul vere standelig over hvilkengaard vi samtlige brødre selger af hender. . . ermelte dato hvilke brefneforhen lest paa skifted efter Mogens Jens sallig hustru den 28 April1722. . . paa skifted efter sal. Mons Jensen den 9 Juny 1729 som og nuher paa skifted efter sal. Svend Hansen blef lest og paa skrefune ogenkes laug verge it kiøb og skiøde bref udgifune af Erich Jensen boendepaa 20 Self Ejergaard i Østerlaursker Sogn samme af dato 23 Febr. 1717. .. paa skifted efter Peder Trøyels sal. hustru i Gudjum den 27 May 1722,hvor af sees at denne sal. qvindes daatter Anne Nielsdaatter er tilfalden i arf efter hendes sal. broder. . . Anders Pedersen boende iGadegaarden i Østerlarsker Sogn hos sig hafue og til svare tilligemedrentten fra oven melte dato 27 May '22. . . fremlagde enkens laug vergeend lad sedel udsted paa skifted efter sal. Anders Nielsen paa 2de gaardi Ibsker Sogn af 22 February 1718 hvor af sees at denne sal. mandsdaatter Kiøniche Andersdaatter er til falden i arf efter hendes sal.fader af jorde pengene. . . denne sallig mand til verge anordnet KiønicheAndersdaatter myndlingens moders broder Jep Jensen boende i Ibsker Sognsom samme verge maal. . .From the Østerlars kirkebog:
April 21, 1730: Sponsat, Fredagen den 21 April blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter, Svend Hansens enche trolofvede.June 9, 1730: Nupt., Fredagen den 9 Juni blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter viede.
October 1, 1730: Baptiz., Dom. 17 p. Trinit. blef Hans Hansens søn Svenddøbt. Bodild Jyrgens bar ham. Faddere var Jens Hansen, MorritzBerildsen, (Lars?) Esbersen, Svend (Monsens?) kone.
(Note: the father of this child is the deceased Svend Hansen, he was born6-1/2 months after Svend's death.)January 22, 1732: Baptis, Onsdagen den 22 Januarii blefv Hans Hansensdatter hiemmedøbt, og blefv kaldet Karen.
January 27, 1732: Dom. III p. Epiph. blefv ??? Hans Hansens barn d.proclameset. Barnet bar Margrethe Hans Hansis. Pigefaddere: GiertrudDanielsdatter. Mandefaddere: Capitainen Jens Jørgensen, Michel Pedersen,Claus Olsen.
May 31, 1733: Bapt., Fest Trinitatis blefv unge Hans Hansen i Kielsebyehands datter døbt, og kaldet Magrete, barnet bar Capitainens kieriste.Pigefaddere: Kirsten Pedersdatter. Konefaddere: Kirsten MauritzBerilds. Mandefaddere: Jørgen Henrichsen Soort af Aaker Sogn, HansHansen af VesterM Sogn, Hans Jacobsen.
July 17, 1740: Baptiz, Dom. 5 p. Trinit. blef den unge Hans Hansens sønBerild døbt. Michel Pedersens hustru bar ham. Faddere: Jens Pedersen,Jens Svendsen, Christen Jensen, Morten Daniels hustru, Benedicta ?????syster.
November 23, 1757: Funus, Onsdagen den 23 November blefv Hans Hansen iKielsebye, gl. 54 aar, og hands søn Berild, gl. 17 aar, begrafven.
December 1, 1780: Funus, Fredag den 1 Dec. blefv Hans Hansens enke AneHansdatter fra Kielsebye begravet i hende 80.
Extracted from the probate for Hans Hansen, November 28, 1757, page 545b:
Salig Hans Hansen som boede og døde paa den 20' S.E. gaard i Kielsebye iØsterlarsker Sogn, og det imellem denne salig mands enke ved nafn AnneHansdaatter, som en laug verge hafde formaad Qvarter Mester Hans Olsenpaa 20' S.E. gaard i Aaker Sogn, som møtte, paa den eene side, og paa denanden side denne salig mands arvinger som er eene søn og 2 døttre.Sønnen ved nafn Berild Hansen paa 18 aar gammel. . . Den elste daatterved nafn Karen Hansdaatter i ægteskab med Hans Mortensen paa den 1' S.E.gaard i ØsterM Sogn, som møtte. Den 2' daatter ved nafn MargretheHansdaatter i ægteskab med Anders Jensen paa 79' S.E. gaard i ØsterM Sogn.This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 MISC Ågård, 19 Slg. Østerlars, Bornholm
After Margrethe Sørensdatter's first husband Michel Michelsen died in1700, and evidently there was a dispute over who held the rights toSøgård, 19 Slg. Østermarie. Michel's widow Margrethe Sørensdatter, andher new husband Hans Hansen, sought to keep the farm. A senate judgement(Landstingsdom) of December 12, 1702 confirmed that entitlement to Søgårdbelonged to Michel's brother Peder Michelsen.
A legal document of land transfer (Mageskiftebrev og overdragelsesbrev)dated January 15, 1706, and read out on January 18, states that HansHansen (Margrethe Sørensdatter's husband), now of Sjælegård, 22 Slg.Østermarie, has acknowledged that the rights and access to Søgård belongto Peder Michelsen, who was the current residence of the farm.
From a deed and 'mageskiftebrev' dated May 9, 1740, we see that HansHansen aquired one of the farms in Strandby, the 17 Slg. in Østerlars,(Strandby is a group of 3 farms, known in the plural as the"Strandbygårde") from Mouritz Berildsen in a equal change of estate(mageskifte) for his farm Sjælegård, the 22 Slg. in Østermarie.
From the Østermarie kirkebog:
June 25, 1700: Michel Michelsen, Margrete Sørensd. trolovede.October 24, 1700: Michel Michelsen, Margrete Sørensd. cop.
January 5, 1701: Michel Michelsen, døde 29 X'br, begraved 5 Janv., 29aar.
Extracted from the probate for Michel Michelsen, January 12, 1701, page90b:
Sahlig Michel Michelsen, som boede og døde paa den 19 Jordeiendoms gaard,beliggende udi Østermariæ Sogn, og det imellem denne salig mandsefterlefvende hustru Margreta Søfrensdaatter, for hende paa tog sig,efter hendes begiering, at laug værge hendes fader Hr. Søfren Laursen,Sogne Præsten her samme steden, paa eene side, og paa den anden side, erdenne sahlig mands moder og sødskiende. . . den værende arfuinger vednaun anteignet. Som er namlig denne sahlig mands moder Kirstine, somsidst var i egteskab med afgangen Albert Hey, som døde i Listed. Dennesahlig mands fuldbroder Peder Michelsen boende i Østermariæ Sogn, som ersin egen værge, og som hands moder bemelte Kirstine Albert Heyes laugværge. . . hendes daattermand Jens Seiersen boende i bemelte ØstermariæSogn i vedere er denne sahlig mands halfbroder Anders Albertsen Hey iListed nu sin egen værge. Denne sahlig mands tredie fuldsøster er: Dendeldste fuldsøster er Sidzele Michelsdaatter i egteskab med Esber Madsenudi ØsterL Sogn. Den anden fuldsøster er Giertrud Michelsdaatter, som eri egteskab med Jens Seiersen, og hun for kort siden er ved dødenafgangen, og efterlat sig, sammen lever 6 sønner og 4 døttren, somfaderen Jens Seiersen er værge for. Den yngste fuldsøster er KirsteneMichelsdaatter i egteskab med Lars Pedersen her i bemelte Østermariæ Sogn.From the Østermarie kirkebog:
July 13, 1701: Hans Hansen, Margrete Sørensd. trolovede.September 11, 1701: D'nca 16 post Trin. Hans Hansen, Margrete Sørensd.sammen viede.
January 25, 1704: D'nca Sexag., 27 Janv., Hans Hans drengeb. Hans døbt,hannem bar til daaben Margrethe Sørens. Faddere: Ritmester RasmusNielsen, Claus Sørensen, Henrich Kiøller, Marie Sørensd., Hans Andersensqvinde.
Unable to find baptism records for Anne (circa 1711), Kirsten (circa1715), and Margrethe (circa 1719), in either the Østermarie or Østerlarsparish register.
Extracted from the probate for Hans Hansen, April 23, 1748, page 627b:
. . . holde efter den 17 Selfejer Hans Hansen i Strandbye i ØsterlarskerSogn, og det over hans efterladte. . . imellem dene salig mandsefterladte enke Margrethe Sørensdaatter, som til laug værge havde formandSr. Jocum Thiesen i Svaniche, som var til stæde paa dend eene side og paadend anden side, dend salig mands efterladt børn som er 1 søn og 3døttre. Sønnen ved navn Hans Hansen boende paa den 20 Selfejergaard iØsterL Sogn som mødte. Dend eldste daatter Anna Hansdaatter som er iægteskab med Michel Pedersen boende i ØsterM Sogn, som mødte. Dend 2'daatter Kirsten Hansdaatter som var i ægteskab med den 26 Selfejer PederJacobsen i Boelsker Sogn, og ved døden er afgangen og efterladt sig ensøn og en daatter: sønnen Jacob Pedersen paa 12 aar gammel; daatterenAnna Pedersdaatter paa 10 aar gammel; for desse 2 børn værger faderenPeder Jacobsen. Dend 3' og yngste daatter Margrethe Hansdaatter sin er iægteskab med den 28 Selfejer Jep Pedersen i ØsterL som mødte.This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
November 10, 1752: Spons. Fredagen den 10 November blefv Esper Ipsen ogKisten Nielsdatter trolovede.December 29, 1752: Nupt. Fredagen den 29 December blefv Esper Ipsen ogKisten Nielsdatter ægteviede.
July 18, 1757: Dom. VI p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens datter døbt og kaldetKirsten. Kirsten Niels Jørgensens bar hende. Faddere: Morten PedersenSchytt, Hans Pedersen i Holsegaarden, ???el Mogensen, Giertrud HansSkræders, Kirsten Espersdatter.
August 29, 1757: Funus, Dom. XII p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens spæde pigebarnbegrafvet.
April 29, 1759: Dom. Miseric. blefv Esper Ipsens datter døbt og kaldetKirstine. Karen Jørgen Munchs bar hende. Faddere: Hans Hansen iLynggaarden, Jørgen Nielsen, Karen ??? Andersens, Segne Nielsdatter.
November 18, 1759: Funus, Dom. XXIII p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens barnKirstine begrafvet, gl. 30 uger.
April 3, 1760: Die Viridium blefv Esper Ipsens datter døbt og kaldetMarie Kirstine. Bodil Mads Larsens bar hende. Faddere: Niels Jørgensen,Berthel Nielsen, Hans Hansen Blaaholt, Else Jens Jensen, SegneNielsdatter.
July 10, 1763: Dom. VI p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens datter døbt og kaldetKirsten. Giertrud Hans Hansens bar hende. Faddere: Berthel Nielsen, OlePedersen Due, Ane Jens Larsens, Niels Jørgensens datter Kiønekke.
January 20, 1765: Dom. III p. Epiph. blefv Esper Ipsens søn døbt ogkaldet Hans. Kirsten Jørgen Munchs bar ham. Faddere: Jens Larsen, LarsEspersen, Frideric Christensen, Cicel Hans Frostis, Inger Jensdatter.
October 12, 1766: Dom. XX p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens datter døbt og kaldetEllen. Cicel Hans Frostis i Øster Marker Sogn bar hende. Faddere:Christen Jensen, Jørgen Mogensen Munch, Berthel Nielsens hustru, AneJensdatter.
October 22, 1769: Dom. XXII p. T. blefv Esper Ipsens søn døbt og kaldetJeppe. Ane Lars Espersens bar ham. Faddere: Berthel Nielsen, NielsJørgensen, Jens Larsens søn Niels, Karen Jep Andersens, Karen Hansdatter.
January 20, 1771: Dom. III p. Circumc. Christi den 20 Januarii blefvEsper Ipsens søn døbt og kaldet Niels. Else Jens Jensens bar ham.Faddere: Hans Jørgensen i Røe Sogn, Michel Jacobsen ibid., Mads Larsenssøn Jeppe, Kirsten Jørgen Munchs, karen Pedersdatter.
From the 1771 census of Østerlars parish:
43' Selveiergaard: Esper Ipsen, Bonde, avler Gaarden, alder: 43, 1'ægteskab, 42, 1' ægteskab.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
May 1772: Funus, Festo ??? blefv Esper Ipsens barn Niels begravet, gl.1-1/2 aar.February 21, 1773: Funus, Dom. Quinquages. blefv Esper Ipsens datterEllen begravet, gl. 7 aar.
From the 1787 census of Østerlars parish:
43' Selvejergaard, 1' familie: Esber Ibsen, Hosbonde, 58, gift 1' gang,Gaardbeboer og ved Herreds Comp.; Kirsten Nielsdatter, Madmoder, 57, gift1' gang; Jep Esbersen, deres søn, 20, National Soldat; Esber Hansen,deres dattersøn, 4; Bodil Pedersdatter, Tjenestefolk, 21, ugift; KirstineHansdatter, Tjenestefolk, 14, ugift.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
February 20, 1790: Funus, den 20 Februarii begraveds Esper Ipsenshustrue af Elleskovsgaarden.September 4, 1791: Bapt., Dom. II p. Trinit. lod Esper Ipsen afElleskovgaarden døbt en datter, som blev kaldet Ellen Kirstine. EsperLars hustru Ellen Marie af Hollegaarden bar hende. Test: Hans Svendsen,Bærild Hansen, Erich Hansen, Jmfr. Margrethe Birch, Kirsten Jørgen Munchshustru i Egeskovsgaarden.
December 14, 1794: Bapt. 3' Søndag udi ??? døbts Esper Ipsens datterkaldet Anna Margretha. Ellen Hansdatter Hans Epsers hustru udi Nye KirkeSogn bar det, de ovrige vidans vare: Christian Munchs datter Chirstine,Hans Hansens hustru fra Nye Kirke Sogn Kirsten, Mons Christian Munch,Esper Larsen udi Holsegaarden.
January 11, 1799: Bapt., den 11 Januari døbts Esper Ipsens datter kaldetKaren Chirstine. Anders Hindrichsens hustru bar det, de ovrige vidansvare: Jens Biørnsen, Jens Steenstrøm, Jep Espers hustru udi NyekirkeSogn, Jep Anders datter udi Riisen Ellen.
From the 1801 census of Østerlars parish:
43' Selveyergaard Elleskovsgaarden: Esper Ipsen, Huusbonde, 72, 2' Gift,Bonde og Gaardbeboer; Karen Hansdatter, hans Kone, 41, 1' Gift; EllenKirstine Espersdatter, deres Barn, 10; Karen Espersdatter, deres Barn, 3;Anna Margrethe Espersdatter, deres Barn, 6; Jens Espersen, Tienestefolk,66, 2' Gift; Morten Pedersen, Tienestefolk, 14, Ugift; KirstenHansdatter, Tienestefolk, 43, Ugift.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
December 11, 1802: Sponsat, den 11 December meldt ung karl Peder JensenPiil sin ægteskab belige fosening med enken Karen Hansdatter sal. EsperIps.January 7, 1803: Nupt., den 7 Janu. ætevied enken Karen Hansdatter sal.Esper Ipsens med ung karl Peder Jensen Piil.
September 1, 1804: Bapt., den 1 Sept. døbts Peder Jensen Piils drengebarn hans daab som i daabe hiemme, blev kaldet Esper. Konen som barbarnet var præstens hustru Ingeborg Holm, drenge viden vare AndersHendriksen i Kjelsebye, Morten Frost paa Eegeskovsgaarden, Anne AndersMichelsens datter, Degnen Mogens Pedersen tienende hos Mogens Christian.
September 1, 1804: Funus, samme dag jordet for anornede Peder JensenPiils hustru, som døde nogle ??? efter hun var med kommer med bemæltedrengebarn.
From "Østerlarsker Slægter", researched by Vilhelm Svendsen:
In January of 1751 a fire totally destroyed all of the farm buildings onElleskovgård. A year later Kirsten Berildsdatter died, and you wouldhave thought that her son Esber Ibsen, now 23 years old, would have takenover management of Elleskovgård, but this did not happen until 1756.Before which time he lived in a house on the land, farming a small plotcalled "Kattestiert".
Several of Esber Ibsen's sisters and half-sisters and their husbandslived in houses on land belonging to Elleskovgård. One of these placeswas rented out in 1755 for the yearly some of 6 Silverdalers and 8 Marks,plus 12 measurements (skålpund) of butter and one day's worth ofpeat-moss harvesting.
After taking over the farm he managed it for the following 46 years untilhis death in 1802. Records state he died of old age and chest sickness(brystsyge). At the time of Esber Ibsen's death, the conditions werevery similar to what had taken place when his father had died 71 yearsearlier; Esber Ibsen had also been married twice and had many children.
From the inheritance proceedings after Esber Ibsen's death his widowKaren Hansdatter got the right to keep all belongings, as well as thefarm itself, for the rest of her life. In settling this matter it wasagreed that she would give 400 Sldr. to the children, and further, wouldgrant the oldest daughter from his second marriage, 11 year old EllenKirstine the right to take over the farm for 600 Sldr.
The 400 Silverdalers was divided between the children in the followingway: the two sons each received 88 Silverdalers, 3 Marks and 8Skillings; the five daughters each received 44 Sldr., 1 Mk., 12 Sk.Also, a silver-mug engraved: "N.T.S. - M.M.D. 1699", plus a silver-spoonengraved: "M.I.S. - A.C.L.P.D. 1712", was given to the second oldestdaughter Anna Margretha by her mother Karen Hansdatter, who also gaveeach of the other two daughters one silver-spoon.
Furthermore, it was decide that proper care should be given to theyoungest daughter Karen Christine - who was born mentally handicapped(åndssvag) - and that her guardian, Jens Madsen from Hollændergård,Olsker, would see to it in case her needs were not taken care of on thefamily farm; however, she would die one year after her mother, at onlysix years old.
The Inheritance-Protocol shows a detailed description of the farminventory:
The farm-stock: three mares which were 9, 12 and 18 years old valuedrespectively at 40, 20 and 6 Sldr., also two more mares worth a total of32 Sldr.; one black horse worth 16 Sldr. and two foals worth 10 Sldr.Next five cows worth 47 Sldr.; one cow with two calves worth 32 Sldr.;and 15 sheep worth a good Sldr. each.
Farm equipment was specified to be: two wagons at 10 Sldr. each, oneplough with a low wheel at 2 Sldr., three old ploughs worth 3 Mk., threeharrows with iron-rakes at 3 Sldr., three saddles at 4 Sldr., and fromthe farm-workers' quarters: two beds with bedding worth 18 Sldr.
Last, the harvest: the pea-harvest of 7 Tønder (barrels) worth 21 Sldr.;the oat-harvest of 10 Td. worth 15 Sldr.; the wheat-harvest of 8 Td.worth 28 Sldr.; and also a wheat-yield of 12 Td. worth 42 Sldr.; andfinally the flax-yield worth 33 Sldr.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
Karen Hansdatter is recorded as being from one of the farms in Kelseby,the 20 Slg. Østerlars parish. After the death of her first husband shemarried Peder Jensen Piil, who took over the management of Elleskovgård.Sadly, within two years, in 1804, she would die from complications ofchild-birth, and was buried on the same day her son (the infant EsperPedersen Piil) was christened.
A public hearing was called in the East-District (Øster Herred) Court toobtain a manager for the farm, with the following conditions:
The farm had to be managed for three years, from September 30,1805-September 30, 1808, and at the start the manager would be providedwith a spring-feed of hay and oats in good measure - he was required toprovide an equal amount when he left.
As well, the new manager had to pay all taxes and expenses, and must notimpoverish the soil; in the barley-field he must not sow oats, no meadowcould be ploughed under, and no trees could be felled without permission- except hawthorn for the wood-stove.
The manager had to pay down 600 Silverdalers at the start and wouldreceive that amount back at the end of the three year contract.Furthermore, the manager had to keep up the yearly renewal of sections ofthe thatched roofs.
The new manager was none other than Peder Jensen Piil, step-father to theheir of Elleskovgård. He thus stayed on managing the farm for the nextthree years, with a yearly payment of 58 Silverdalers. At the end of thecontract it turned out that Peder Jensen Piil had not completed theprescribed repair work, and therefore had to compensate the heir, EllenKirstine Esbersdatter, with 150 Sldr. She was now 17 years old and wouldthat same year, 1808, marry the two years older Hans HenrichChristensen. They took over the management of Elleskovgård, which theyfarmed for 52 years, until 1860 when their youngest son, Svend HansenSchou became the owner.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 MISC Churchwarden (Kirkeværge) for Østerlars
Hans Svendsen was a churchwarden (kirkeværge) for eleven years, from May1, 1765 until April 30, 1776, thus starting at age 38. During thoseyears massive repairs were undertaken to safe-guard Østerlars Church.The following repairs are noted in the account book: Three new windowsin the church, one beside the pulpit. Floor-tiles, bought from the Nexøsandstone works, for the weapons-house. Repairs done to the churchwalls. Several barrels of tar, to treat the spire and outside woodsurfaces. Repairs to the bell-tower. Lead, bought for 100 Sldr., forthe back of the church and weapons-house. Furthermore, a new"Messehagel" (? - possibly some sort of vestment or ornament used duringa Mass) for the price of Sldr. 117-1-4. For the communion, every yearwere bought around 60 pots of wine and 1,700-1,800 pieces of altar-bread.The church's annual income was 200-300 Sldr., and at the time HansSvendsen took office there was 1,000 Sldr. on the books -- when heretired the amount was reduced to 450 Sldr. due to the manyrestorations. At the end of the year, the church officials would applyfor their fee for having looked after the upkeep of the church:"gratefully asking for a favour, having taken utmost pains in the care ofthe church." The pains were set at around 3 Sldr. at the time of HansSvendsen! Anne Cathrine Hansdatter died of chest sickness (brystsyge) atage 63.
From the Åker-Åkirkeby kirkebog:
July 17, 1756: Løverdag, Despons, Hans Svendsen og Anne Cathrine HansOlsens daatter i Hundshale. Cautionsmænd: Hans Olsen og Ole Clausen.October 8, 1756: Fredag, Copulat. Hans Svendsen og Anne Cathrine HansOlsens daatter.
September 29, 1757: Bapt. Hans Svendsens drengebarn, kaldet Svend.Suscept: Anne Sophe Hendrich Adolph Hansens hustrue. Faddere: JensOlsen, Ole Clausen, Hans Lassen, Anne Jørgensdaatter, Kirsten Mads Olsens.
November 1, 1757: Introd. Anne Cathrine Hans Svendsens.
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
October 26, 1760: Dom. XXI p. T. blefv Hans Svensens datter døbt ogkaldet Karen. Karen Hans Olsens fra Aaker Sogn bar hende. Faddere: JensMogensen, Sven Dam, Hans Hansen, Bodil Peder Michelsens, KarenMogensdatter.October 5, 1763: Bapt., Onsdagen den 5 October blefv Hans Svensens søndøbt og kaldet hans. Præstekonen ba ham. Anders Jespersen Munch, HansEspersens søn Christen, Anders Jensen i Skrulle i Øster Marker Sogn,Margrete Peder Olsens, Segne Andersdatter.
May 31, 1767: Bapt. Dom. Exaudi blefv Kirkeværgen Hans Svensens søn døbtog kaldet Berild. Captein Jep Pedersens hustru bar ham. Faddere: OleHolst, Lieutnant Ole Hansen, Anders Munchs søn Hans, Ane Cathrine HansEspers, Anders Munchs datter Ane, min datter Ellen Kirstine og min sønChristian Lutz.
May 20, 1770: Bapt. Dom. Rogate blefv Kirkeværgen Hans Svensens søn døbtog kaldet Ole. Karen Sven Pedersens bar ham. Faddere: Captein JepPedersen, Hans Veideman, Peder Michelsens søn Hans, Cathrine DanielMortens, min datter Else Margrete.
From the 1771 census of Østerlars parish:
20' Selveiergaard: Hans Svendsen, Bonde, avler Gaarden, alder: 44, 1'ægteskab, hans hustrus alder, 35, 1' ægteskab.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
May 28, 1772: Fest Ascens. Christi blefv Kirkeværgen Hans Svensensdatter døbt og kaldet Ane Kirstine. Degnekonen bar hende. Faddere: SvenPedersen, Hans Veidemand, Peder Michelsens søn Peder, Grete Peder Olsens,Peder Michels datter Kirsten.December 1, 1780: Funus, Fredag den 1 Dec. blefv Hans Hansens enke AneHansdatter fra Kielsebye befgravet i hende 80.
From the 1787 census of Østerlars parish:
20' Selvejergaard, 1' familie: Hans Svendsen, Hosbonde, 60, 1' gift,Gaardbeboer, ved Herreds Comp.; Anne Cathrine Hansdatter, Madmoder, 51,1' gift; Svend Hansen, deres barn, 30, ugift, National soldat; KarenHansdatter, deres barn, 26, ugift; Berild Hansen, deres barn, 20, ugift;National Soldat; Anne Hansdatter, deres barn, 16, ugift; KarenMognsdatter, Tjenestefolk, 24, ugift; Hans Jørgensen, Tjenestefolk, 16,ugift.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
November 19, 1796: Funus, begravedes Hans Svensen gl. 71 aar, og omtrent1/2 aar, hand døde af Aldersdom og Brystsygge.This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
Svend Hansen and Anne Hansdatter bought the 20 Slg. (Selfowner-farm) -which is part of a group of farms known as "Kelsebygårde" (Kelseby farms)- from Erik Jensen on February 23, 1717. The documentation on thisstates: "He paid 200 Sldr. for the farm -- to the exact penny, the firstto the last." (In the original danish: ". . . saasom hand mig rigtig ognøiagtig den sidste Skilling med den første haver afbetalt for Gaarden200 Sldr. . .")
Besides the farm, Svend Hansen's net worth was determined to be about 90Rdl. At the time of her husband's death, Anne Hansdatter bestowed herson ". . . a huge silver cup, engraved with a wreath initialed S.H.S.,which was a gift from her husband." (. . . en Pægl stort med en Krans paaSiden mrk. S.H.S., som hende var given af hendes sal. Mand.)
The right to the farm was decided by an eight-man jury (according toBornholm's inheritance laws the rights to a farm went to the youngestson), and so it probably went to Svend Hansen's youngest Svend Svendsen(born in 1730, after the death of his father). However, Svend would dieyoung, at twenty-six, and leave no heirs - so the Kjelseby farm then wentto his older brother, Hans Svendsen.
Anne Hansdatter's second marriage was on June 16, 1730, to Hans Hansen,whose father was the owner of one of the farms in Strandby, 17 Slg.Østerlars. Hans took over the management of the Kelseby farm in thecapacity of "opsidder" (caretaker). He and their three children all diedwithin a three month period in 1757: first her daughter Margrethe inOctober, followed by her husband Hans Hansen on November 14, then sonBerild four days later, and finally her eldest daughter from themarriage, Karen, in December.
"Opsidder" is a very old Danish word which was used to describe a man whomarries a widow who has a child that is heir to the farm (on Bornholmthis was always the youngest son, and if no sons then the oldestdaughter). When the heir reaches the age of maturity, his mother and hernew husband would hand over the farm to the heir; after which they wouldeither retire or find another farm for themselves.
From the Åker-Åkirkeby kirkebog:
March 8, 1724: Spons. Svend Hansen, Anne Hansdatter. Cautionsmænd: HansBerildsøn, Berild Hansen. Hans Berildsen og Christen Hansen har givetcaution at Kongs brev skal forskaffes. (No subsequent marriage recordfound.)From the Østerlars kirkebog:
June 29, 1727: Baptiz., Dom. 3 p. Trinit. blef Svend Hansens Hans døbt.Margrete Hans Hansens bar ham. Faddere var Esber Hansen, Anders Ibsen,Svend Berthelsen, Bodild Jyrgens, Ane Berthelsdatter.March 13, 1730: Funus, Mandagen efter Dom. Oculi blef Svend Hansenbegrafven.
Extracted from the probate for Svend Hansen, March 15, 1730, page 189b:
Anno 1730 dend 15 Marty er efter lovlig giorde tillysning holdenregistering og vurdering samt skifte og deeling efter sal. Svend Hansensom boede og døde paa den 20te Jord Ejendoms beliggende udi ØsterlarskerSogn og det imellem denne sal. mands efter levende hustru AnneHansdaatter for hende blef til laug verge anordnet hendes fader HansBerildsen boende i Aaker Sogn. Paa ene og paa anden side med sin efterlevende hustru sammen avlede 1 søn ved naun Hans Svendsen paa 3de aargl., for hannem er til verge anordnet myndlingens faders sødskende barnSvend Hansen boende i Dammegaarden i forhen Østerlarsker Sogn. . . hvadsig denne 20 Jord Ejendoms gaard beliggende udi Østerlarsker Sogn eranbelangende da fremlyde den 1 Juny 1674 hvor af. . . fri villie og velberaad hus samt med deris kiere hustruis villie og samtike haver salt ogaf hent den 20de i tallet Jord Ejendoms gaard fremefte Østerlarsker Sognog det til erlig og velagty mand Mogens Jensen i forhen sogn. . . skalhand betalle til Hans Mickelsens børn 20 Dr. og til Rasmus Michelsen ogHans Michelsen 20 Dr. som skal vere som skul vere standelig over hvilkengaard vi samtlige brødre selger af hender. . . ermelte dato hvilke brefneforhen lest paa skifted efter Mogens Jens sallig hustru den 28 April1722. . . paa skifted efter sal. Mons Jensen den 9 Juny 1729 som og nuher paa skifted efter sal. Svend Hansen blef lest og paa skrefune ogenkes laug verge it kiøb og skiøde bref udgifune af Erich Jensen boendepaa 20 Self Ejergaard i Østerlaursker Sogn samme af dato 23 Febr. 1717. .. paa skifted efter Peder Trøyels sal. hustru i Gudjum den 27 May 1722,hvor af sees at denne sal. qvindes daatter Anne Nielsdaatter er tilfalden i arf efter hendes sal. broder. . . Anders Pedersen boende iGadegaarden i Østerlarsker Sogn hos sig hafue og til svare tilligemedrentten fra oven melte dato 27 May '22. . . fremlagde enkens laug vergeend lad sedel udsted paa skifted efter sal. Anders Nielsen paa 2de gaardi Ibsker Sogn af 22 February 1718 hvor af sees at denne sal. mandsdaatter Kiøniche Andersdaatter er til falden i arf efter hendes sal.fader af jorde pengene. . . denne sallig mand til verge anordnet KiønicheAndersdaatter myndlingens moders broder Jep Jensen boende i Ibsker Sognsom samme verge maal. . .From the Østerlars kirkebog:
April 21, 1730: Sponsat, Fredagen den 21 April blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter, Svend Hansens enche trolofvede.June 9, 1730: Nupt., Fredagen den 9 Juni blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter viede.
October 1, 1730: Baptiz., Dom. 17 p. Trinit. blef Hans Hansens søn Svenddøbt. Bodild Jyrgens bar ham. Faddere var Jens Hansen, MorritzBerildsen, (Lars?) Esbersen, Svend (Monsens?) kone.
(Note: the father of this child is the deceased Svend Hansen, he was born6-1/2 months after Svend's death.)January 22, 1732: Baptis, Onsdagen den 22 Januarii blefv Hans Hansensdatter hiemmedøbt, og blefv kaldet Karen.
January 27, 1732: Dom. III p. Epiph. blefv ??? Hans Hansens barn d.proclameset. Barnet bar Margrethe Hans Hansis. Pigefaddere: GiertrudDanielsdatter. Mandefaddere: Capitainen Jens Jørgensen, Michel Pedersen,Claus Olsen.
May 31, 1733: Bapt., Fest Trinitatis blefv unge Hans Hansen i Kielsebyehands datter døbt, og kaldet Magrete, barnet bar Capitainens kieriste.Pigefaddere: Kirsten Pedersdatter. Konefaddere: Kirsten MauritzBerilds. Mandefaddere: Jørgen Henrichsen Soort af Aaker Sogn, HansHansen af VesterM Sogn, Hans Jacobsen.
July 17, 1740: Baptiz, Dom. 5 p. Trinit. blef den unge Hans Hansens sønBerild døbt. Michel Pedersens hustru bar ham. Faddere: Jens Pedersen,Jens Svendsen, Christen Jensen, Morten Daniels hustru, Benedicta ?????syster.
November 23, 1757: Funus, Onsdagen den 23 November blefv Hans Hansen iKielsebye, gl. 54 aar, og hands søn Berild, gl. 17 aar, begrafven.
December 1, 1780: Funus, Fredag den 1 Dec. blefv Hans Hansens enke AneHansdatter fra Kielsebye begravet i hende 80.
Extracted from the probate for Hans Hansen, November 28, 1757, page 545b:
Salig Hans Hansen som boede og døde paa den 20' S.E. gaard i Kielsebye iØsterlarsker Sogn, og det imellem denne salig mands enke ved nafn AnneHansdaatter, som en laug verge hafde formaad Qvarter Mester Hans Olsenpaa 20' S.E. gaard i Aaker Sogn, som møtte, paa den eene side, og paa denanden side denne salig mands arvinger som er eene søn og 2 døttre.Sønnen ved nafn Berild Hansen paa 18 aar gammel. . . Den elste daatterved nafn Karen Hansdaatter i ægteskab med Hans Mortensen paa den 1' S.E.gaard i ØsterM Sogn, som møtte. Den 2' daatter ved nafn MargretheHansdaatter i ægteskab med Anders Jensen paa 79' S.E. gaard i ØsterM Sogn.This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
Inheritance rights to the Kjeldsby farm, 20 Slg. were given to SvendSvendsen, who was born after his father's death, as the result ofprobate. After his death it was given over to his only brother HansSvendsen.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
Svend Hansen and Anne Hansdatter bought the 20 Slg. (Selfowner-farm) -which is part of a group of farms known as "Kelsebygårde" (Kelseby farms)- from Erik Jensen on February 23, 1717. The documentation on thisstates: "He paid 200 Sldr. for the farm -- to the exact penny, the firstto the last." (In the original danish: ". . . saasom hand mig rigtig ognøiagtig den sidste Skilling med den første haver afbetalt for Gaarden200 Sldr. . .")
Besides the farm, Svend Hansen's net worth was determined to be about 90Rdl. At the time of her husband's death, Anne Hansdatter bestowed herson ". . . a huge silver cup, engraved with a wreath initialed S.H.S.,which was a gift from her husband." (. . . en Pægl stort med en Krans paaSiden mrk. S.H.S., som hende var given af hendes sal. Mand.)
The right to the farm was decided by an eight-man jury (according toBornholm's inheritance laws the rights to a farm went to the youngestson), and so it probably went to Svend Hansen's youngest Svend Svendsen(born in 1730, after the death of his father). However, Svend would dieyoung, at twenty-six, and leave no heirs - so the Kjelseby farm then wentto his older brother, Hans Svendsen.
Anne Hansdatter's second marriage was on June 16, 1730, to Hans Hansen,whose father was the owner of one of the farms in Strandby, 17 Slg.Østerlars. Hans took over the management of the Kelseby farm in thecapacity of "opsidder" (caretaker). He and their three children all diedwithin a three month period in 1757: first her daughter Margrethe inOctober, followed by her husband Hans Hansen on November 14, then sonBerild four days later, and finally her eldest daughter from themarriage, Karen, in December.
"Opsidder" is a very old Danish word which was used to describe a man whomarries a widow who has a child that is heir to the farm (on Bornholmthis was always the youngest son, and if no sons then the oldestdaughter). When the heir reaches the age of maturity, his mother and hernew husband would hand over the farm to the heir; after which they wouldeither retire or find another farm for themselves.
From the Åker-Åkirkeby kirkebog:
March 8, 1724: Spons. Svend Hansen, Anne Hansdatter. Cautionsmænd: HansBerildsøn, Berild Hansen. Hans Berildsen og Christen Hansen har givetcaution at Kongs brev skal forskaffes. (No subsequent marriage recordfound.)From the Østerlars kirkebog:
June 29, 1727: Baptiz., Dom. 3 p. Trinit. blef Svend Hansens Hans døbt.Margrete Hans Hansens bar ham. Faddere var Esber Hansen, Anders Ibsen,Svend Berthelsen, Bodild Jyrgens, Ane Berthelsdatter.March 13, 1730: Funus, Mandagen efter Dom. Oculi blef Svend Hansenbegrafven.
Extracted from the probate for Svend Hansen, March 15, 1730, page 189b:
Anno 1730 dend 15 Marty er efter lovlig giorde tillysning holdenregistering og vurdering samt skifte og deeling efter sal. Svend Hansensom boede og døde paa den 20te Jord Ejendoms beliggende udi ØsterlarskerSogn og det imellem denne sal. mands efter levende hustru AnneHansdaatter for hende blef til laug verge anordnet hendes fader HansBerildsen boende i Aaker Sogn. Paa ene og paa anden side med sin efterlevende hustru sammen avlede 1 søn ved naun Hans Svendsen paa 3de aargl., for hannem er til verge anordnet myndlingens faders sødskende barnSvend Hansen boende i Dammegaarden i forhen Østerlarsker Sogn. . . hvadsig denne 20 Jord Ejendoms gaard beliggende udi Østerlarsker Sogn eranbelangende da fremlyde den 1 Juny 1674 hvor af. . . fri villie og velberaad hus samt med deris kiere hustruis villie og samtike haver salt ogaf hent den 20de i tallet Jord Ejendoms gaard fremefte Østerlarsker Sognog det til erlig og velagty mand Mogens Jensen i forhen sogn. . . skalhand betalle til Hans Mickelsens børn 20 Dr. og til Rasmus Michelsen ogHans Michelsen 20 Dr. som skal vere som skul vere standelig over hvilkengaard vi samtlige brødre selger af hender. . . ermelte dato hvilke brefneforhen lest paa skifted efter Mogens Jens sallig hustru den 28 April1722. . . paa skifted efter sal. Mons Jensen den 9 Juny 1729 som og nuher paa skifted efter sal. Svend Hansen blef lest og paa skrefune ogenkes laug verge it kiøb og skiøde bref udgifune af Erich Jensen boendepaa 20 Self Ejergaard i Østerlaursker Sogn samme af dato 23 Febr. 1717. .. paa skifted efter Peder Trøyels sal. hustru i Gudjum den 27 May 1722,hvor af sees at denne sal. qvindes daatter Anne Nielsdaatter er tilfalden i arf efter hendes sal. broder. . . Anders Pedersen boende iGadegaarden i Østerlarsker Sogn hos sig hafue og til svare tilligemedrentten fra oven melte dato 27 May '22. . . fremlagde enkens laug vergeend lad sedel udsted paa skifted efter sal. Anders Nielsen paa 2de gaardi Ibsker Sogn af 22 February 1718 hvor af sees at denne sal. mandsdaatter Kiøniche Andersdaatter er til falden i arf efter hendes sal.fader af jorde pengene. . . denne sallig mand til verge anordnet KiønicheAndersdaatter myndlingens moders broder Jep Jensen boende i Ibsker Sognsom samme verge maal. . .From the Østerlars kirkebog:
April 21, 1730: Sponsat, Fredagen den 21 April blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter, Svend Hansens enche trolofvede.June 9, 1730: Nupt., Fredagen den 9 Juni blef Hans Hansen og AneHansdatter viede.
October 1, 1730: Baptiz., Dom. 17 p. Trinit. blef Hans Hansens søn Svenddøbt. Bodild Jyrgens bar ham. Faddere var Jens Hansen, MorritzBerildsen, (Lars?) Esbersen, Svend (Monsens?) kone.
(Note: the father of this child is the deceased Svend Hansen, he was born6-1/2 months after Svend's death.)January 22, 1732: Baptis, Onsdagen den 22 Januarii blefv Hans Hansensdatter hiemmedøbt, og blefv kaldet Karen.
January 27, 1732: Dom. III p. Epiph. blefv ??? Hans Hansens barn d.proclameset. Barnet bar Margrethe Hans Hansis. Pigefaddere: GiertrudDanielsdatter. Mandefaddere: Capitainen Jens Jørgensen, Michel Pedersen,Claus Olsen.
May 31, 1733: Bapt., Fest Trinitatis blefv unge Hans Hansen i Kielsebyehands datter døbt, og kaldet Magrete, barnet bar Capitainens kieriste.Pigefaddere: Kirsten Pedersdatter. Konefaddere: Kirsten MauritzBerilds. Mandefaddere: Jørgen Henrichsen Soort af Aaker Sogn, HansHansen af VesterM Sogn, Hans Jacobsen.
July 17, 1740: Baptiz, Dom. 5 p. Trinit. blef den unge Hans Hansens sønBerild døbt. Michel Pedersens hustru bar ham. Faddere: Jens Pedersen,Jens Svendsen, Christen Jensen, Morten Daniels hustru, Benedicta ?????syster.
November 23, 1757: Funus, Onsdagen den 23 November blefv Hans Hansen iKielsebye, gl. 54 aar, og hands søn Berild, gl. 17 aar, begrafven.
December 1, 1780: Funus, Fredag den 1 Dec. blefv Hans Hansens enke AneHansdatter fra Kielsebye begravet i hende 80.
Extracted from the probate for Hans Hansen, November 28, 1757, page 545b:
Salig Hans Hansen som boede og døde paa den 20' S.E. gaard i Kielsebye iØsterlarsker Sogn, og det imellem denne salig mands enke ved nafn AnneHansdaatter, som en laug verge hafde formaad Qvarter Mester Hans Olsenpaa 20' S.E. gaard i Aaker Sogn, som møtte, paa den eene side, og paa denanden side denne salig mands arvinger som er eene søn og 2 døttre.Sønnen ved nafn Berild Hansen paa 18 aar gammel. . . Den elste daatterved nafn Karen Hansdaatter i ægteskab med Hans Mortensen paa den 1' S.E.gaard i ØsterM Sogn, som møtte. Den 2' daatter ved nafn MargretheHansdaatter i ægteskab med Anders Jensen paa 79' S.E. gaard i ØsterM Sogn.This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 _FA1
2 PLAC Dragoon
Ellen Kirstine Esbersdatter inherited the rights to her parent's farmElleskovgård, 43 Slg., Østerlars, in 1804. On her marriage to HansHenrich the newly wed couple took possession of it in 1808. They farmedit for the next 52 years until 1860 when their youngest son, Svend HansenSchou became the owner.
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1808: Den 12te Sepbtr. mældte ungkarl Hans Henrich Christensen sinattraaede ægteforbindelse med pigen Ellen Kirstine Espersdr., begge heraf Sognet. Og at intet kan hindre denne forbindelse, derfor indestaaeunder tegnede som forlovere. Paa brudgommens vegne: Christen Jensen.Paa brudens vegne: Anders Henrichsen. Begge med paaholden pen. Ao. 1808den 23de Octbr. ægteviedes ungkarl Hans Henrich Christensen og pigenEllen Kirstine Espersdr.1812: Den 21 Novbr. bekjendt gjørde i Kirken bondens Hans HenrichChristensen og hustrus Ellen Esperssdr.s hjemmedøbte drengebarn varkaldet Esper. Konen som bar barnet var Anders Henrichsens hustru. Pigefadder: Birgitte Christensdr. Ungkarl: Jens Christensen. Mands fadder:Anders Ipsen. Kone fadder: Peder Erichsens hustru.
1814: Den 31 Julii 1814, Bærild; Hjemedøbt den 31 Julii 1814. Hans daabbekjendt gjørt i Kirken den 21 Aug. 1814. Faderen Hans HenrichChristensen boende paa 43de Sl.Eir. Grd. Moderen Ellen Espersdr. Konensom bar barnet var Birgitte Hans Runges hustru fra 16 Vrdr. Grd. Pigefadder: Grethe Isacsdr. paa 12te Sl.Eir. Grd. Ungkarl: AndersChristensen i Røe Sogn paa Krakkegaard. Mands fadder: Friderik Kofoed iGudhjem. Kone fadder: Friderik Kofods hustru paa 42de Sl.Ejr. Grd.
1815: No. 28; Aar og datum: 1815 d. 8 Octbr.; Barnets fulde navn: Anne;Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 28 Octbr. 1815; Forældrenes navn: FaderenHans Henrich Christensen bonde paa 43 Sl.Er. Gaard, Moderen EllenKirstine Espersdr.; Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnet Kirstine MichelDavidsens hstr. paa 3 Vrde. Gaard. Mandsfaddere: Hans Runge paa 16 Vrde.Gaard, ungkarl Hans Andersen paa 20 Sl.Er. Gaard. Pigefadder: StineHansdr. paa 45 Sl.Er. Grd. Konefadder: Karen Carl Jensens hstr. paa 44Sl.Er. Gaard.
1816: No. 45; Aar og datum: 1816 d. 9de Octbr.; Barnets fulde navn: Ole;Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 27 Octbr. 1816; Forældrenes navn: FaderenHans Henrich Christensen paa 43 Sl.Er. Gaard, Moderen Ellen Espersdr.;Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnet Mette Anders Ipsens hstr. paa 11S.Er. Grd. Mandsfaddere: Peder Larsen paa 45de Sl.Er. Grd., ungkarlPeder Kofod paa 43 Sl.Er. Grds. Grund. Pigefadder: Kirstine Hansdr. paa14 Vrde. Grd. Konefadder: Anne Friderich Kofoeds hstr. i Gudhjem.
1818: No. 11; Aar og datum: 1818 d. 11te April; Barnets fulde navn: HansChristensen; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 19 April 1818; Forældrenesnavn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen bonde paa 43 Sl.Er. Grd., ModerenEllen Kirstine Espersdr.; Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnet BodilEsche Dichs hstr. p. 42 Sl.Er. Gaard. Mandsfaddere: Jørgen Hansen Lysterpaa 45 Sl.Er. Grd., ungkarl Jeppe Pedersen p. 42 Sl.Er. Grd. Pigefadder:Margrethe Ole Kofoeds dr. p. 43 Sl.Er. Grds. Grund. Konefadder: PederAndersen Lunds hstr. paa 44 Sl.Er. Gaard.
1819: No. 26; Aar og datum: 1819 d. 31te Julii; Barnets fulde navn:Henrich Andersen; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 22 Aug. 1819;Forældrenes navn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen, bonde paa 43 Sl.Er.Gaard, Moderen: Ellen Kirstine Esperdr.; Faddernes navn: Konen som barbarnet Morten Aristsens hstr. paa 9 Sl.Er. Grd. Mandsfaddere: FriderichKofoed Fisker i Gudhjem, ungkarl Anders Christensen paa 16 Vrde. Grd.Pigefadder: Anne Mognsdr. p. 41 Sl.Er. Konefadder: Jørgen Lysters hstr.paa 45 Sl.Er. Grd.
1820: No. 38; Aar og datum: 1820 d. 31te August; Barnets fulde navn:Christian Hansen; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 24de Septbr. 1820;Forældrenes navn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen bonde paa 43 Sl.Er.Gaard, Moderen Ellen Espersdatter; Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnetSigne Jørgen Lysters hstr. paa 45 Sl.Er. Grd. Mandsfaddere: Ole KofoedPedersen paa 43 Sl.Er. Grds. grund, ungkarl Christian Mognsen Munk paa 41Sl.Er. Grd. Pigefadder: Bodil Bærildsdr. paa 2 Vrde. Grds. grund.Konefadder: Bodil Esche Dichs hstr. paa 42 Sl.Er. Grd.
1822: No. 73; Aar og datum: 1822 d. 28de April; Barnets fulde navn:Karen Malene; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken 1822 d. 24 Maj; Forældrenesnavn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen bonde paa 43 Sl.Er. Gaard, ModerenEllen Kirstine Espersdatter; Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnet KarenJens Christensens hstr. fra Clemensker Sogn. Mandsfaddere: Jørgen HansenLyster paa 45 Sl.Er. Grd., ungkarl Henrich Andersen paa 11 Sl.Er. Grd.Pigefadder: Gunild Pedersdr. p. 44 Sl.Er. Grd. Konefadder: Birgitte HansRunges hstr. p. 16 Vrde. Gaard.
1824: No. 14; Aar og datum: 1824 d. 8de Julii; Barnets fulde navn:Cicilia Marie; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken d. 14de August 1824;Forældrenes navn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen til Elleskovsgaarden,Moderen Ellen Kirstine; Faddernes navn: Konen som bar barnet JørgenHansen Lysters kone af Hollsegaarden. Mandsfaddere: Jørgen HansenLyster, og Anders Christensen hos Frederich Kofoed i Gudhjem.Pigefadder: Bodil Holgersdatter vævepige i Sognet. Konefadder: ThorThorsens kone, udbygger paa ??? grund.
1826: No. 6; Aar og datum: 1826 d. 30 Januar; Barnets fulde navn:Elsebeth; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken 1826 d. 10de Februarii;Forældrenes navn: Faderen Hans Henrich Christensen, bonde paa 43 S.E.gaard, Moder Elna Kirstine Esbersdatter; Faddernes navn: bær koneFrederik Kofoeds hstr. i Gudhjem. Mandsfaddere: ungkarl Ole Christensenp. Sigtegaarden, og Esche Didrichsen Dich p. 42 S.E. grd. Pigefadder:Karen Mognsdatter, udb. Mogns Olsens datter p. Kongens Mark. Konefadder:Hans Andersens hstr. p. 20 S.E. grd.
1827: No. 6; Aar og datum: 1827 d. 26de Martii; Barnets fulde navn:Birgithe Kirstine; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken 1827 d. 10de April;Forældrenes navn: Fader Hans Henrich Christensen, bonde p. 43 S.E.g.,Moder Ellen Esbersdatter; Faddernes navn: bær kone udb. Hans Henrichsenshstr. p. 43 S.E.g. grd. Mandsfaddere: ungkarl Lars Hansen Dam p. 43S.E.g., Hans Henrichsen p. 43 S.E. G. grd. Pigefadder: Sidsele Margr.Hansdr. p. 43 S.E.g. og Margrethe Esbersdr. p. Kgs. Mark.
1828: No. 11; Aar og datum: 1828 d. 11 May; Barnets fuld navn: KirstineMarie; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken 1828 d. 18 Junii; Forældrenes navn:Fader Hans Henrich Christensen, bonde paa 43 S.E. gaard, Moder ElnaKirstine Esbersdatter; Faddernes navn: bær kone bonden Hans Andersenshstr. p. 20de S.E.g. Mandsf: ungkarl Henrich Michelsen p. 3 V.gd. ogbonden Esche Diderichsen Dich p. 42 S.E.gd. Pigef: Elna Hans Rungeshstr. p. 16 V.gd.
1832: No. 4; Aar og datum: 1832 d. 30 Januar; Barnets fulde navn: AndersChristian Hansen; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirken 1832 d. 11te Februarii;Forældrenes navn: Fader bonden Hans Henrich Christensen paa 43deS.Eiergaard, Moder Elna Esberdatter; Faddernes navn: bær kone Søemand OleChristensens hustru af Rønne. Mandsf: ungkarl Peder Jørgen Andersen p.11 S.E.gd. og bonden Jørgen Hansen Lister p. 45 S.E.gd. Pigef: MargretheMognsdatter p. 41de S.E.grd.
From the 1834 census of Østerlars parish:
43' Selveiergaard, 176' Familie: Hans Henrich Christensen, 45, Gift,Bonde; Ellen Kirstine Esbersdatter, 43, Gift, Hans kone; Esber Hansen,22, Ugift, Deres barn; Ole Hansen, 18, Ugift, Deres barn; HenrichAndersen, 15, Ugift, Deres barn; Christian Hansen, 14, Ugift, Deres barn;Anders Christian Hansen, 3, Ugift, Deres barn; Ane Hansdatter, 19, Ugift,Deres barn; Secilia Maria Hansdatter, 10, Ugift, Deres barn; ElsebethHansdatter, 9, Ugift, Deres barn; Birgithe Kirstine Hansdatter, 7, Ugift,Deres barn; Kirstine Maria Hansdatter, 6, Ugift, Deres barn.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1834: Nr. 13; Aar og datum: 1834 den 31 May; Barnets fulde navn: SvendHansen; Daabens datum: døbt i Kirke p. den 13de Julii 1834; Forældrenesnavn: Fader: bonden Hans Henrich Christensen p. 43 S.E. Grd. Moder: ElnaEsbersdatter. Faddernes navn: bære barnet bonde Henrich Michelsenshustru p. 3 Vr. Grd. Mandsfaddere: Ungkarl Henrich Andersen paa 11te Vr.Grd., Bærild Andersen paa 7de Vr. Grd. Pigefaddere: Gunild KirstineMogensdatter p. 41 S.E. Grd. og Bodil Hansdatter p. 7te S.E. Grd.From the 1840 census of Østerlars parish:
En gaard: Hans Henrich Christensen, 51, Gift, Bonde; Ellen Esbersdatter,49, Gift, Hans kone; Esber Hansen, 28, Ugift, Deres søn; Henrich Hansen,21, Ugift, Deres søn; Christian Hansen, 20, Ugift, Deres søn; SidseleMaria Hansdatter, 16, Ugift, Deres datter; Elsebeth Hansdatter, 14,Ugift, Deres datter; Berithe Kirstine Hansdatter, 13, Ugift, Deresdatter; Kirstine Maria Hansdatter, 12, Ugift, Deres datter; AndersChristian Hansen, 8, Ugift, Deres søn; Svend Hansen, 6, Ugift, Deres søn.From the 1845 census of Østerlars parish:
43' Selvejergaard: Hans Henrich Christensen, 56, gift, Østerlars Sogn,Bonde; Ellen Kirstine Esbersdatter, 54, gift, Østerlars Sogn, hans kone;Esber Hansen, 32, ugift, Østerlars Sogn; Henrich Hansen, 24, ugift,Østerlars Sogn, deres barn; Sidsele Kirstine Hansdatter, 21, ugift,Østerlars Sogn, deres barn; Elsebeth Hansdatter, 19, ugift, ØsterlarsSogn, deres barn; Birgithe Kirstine Hansdatter, 18, ugift, ØsterlarsSogn, deres barn; Maria Hansdatter, 17, ugift, Østerlars Sogn, deresbarn; Anders Christian Hansen, 13, ugift, Østerlars Sogn, deres barn;Svend Hansen, 11, ugift, Østerlars Sogn, deres barn; Lars Hansen, 21,ugift, Østerlars Sogn, Tjenestedreng.From the 1850 census of Østerlars parish:
En Gaard, 112' Familie: Hans Henrich Christensen, 61, Gift, Bonde, ØsterLarsker; Ellen Esbersdatter, 59, Gift, Hans kone, Øster Larsker; EsberHansen, 38, Ugift, Deres søn, Øster Larsker; Ole Schau, 34, Ugift, Deressøn, Øster Larsker; Henrich Schau, 31, Ugift, Deres søn, Øster Larsker;Anders Christian Hansen, 18, Ugift, Deres søn, Øster Larsker; SvendHansen, 16, Ugift, Deres søn, Øster Larsker; Sidsele Hansdatter, 26,Ugift, Deres datter, Øster Larsker; Elsebeth Hansdatter, 24, Ugift, Deresdatter, Øster Larsker; Maria Hansdatter, 22, Ugift, Deres datter, ØsterLarsker; Johan Mortensen, 14, Ugift, Tjenestedreng, Aaker Sogn; MariaLarsdatter, 10, Ugift, Tjenestepige, Aaker Sogn.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1867: Nr. 13; Dødsdagen: 14 Juni; Begravelsesdagen: 20 Juni; Den dødesfor- og tilnavn: Elna Kirstine Espersdatter; Den dødes stand: AftagtsmandHans Henrik Kristensens hustru p. 43 S.E. grd. Gift; Alder: 75-1/2.1869: Nr. 12; Dødsdagen: 9 Novbr.; Begravelsesdagen: 15 Novbr.; Dendødes for- og tilnavn: Hans Henrik Kristensen; Den dødes stand:Undentagsmand p. 43 S.E. grd., fød i Østerlars p. 16 Vor., døbt 23/8 '89,hans fader har Kristen Jensen. Enkemand; Alder: 80-1/4.
The archives of the Ministry of Agriculture contains the followingdescription of the lands belonging to Elleskovgård:
1. A main-lot around the farm in the western part of the county, by theheath and the oak-woods.
2. A meadow-lot north-east of Hyldesgård.
3. A meadow-lot close north-east of above lot.
4. A field and meadow-lot south-west of Krækket-woods.
5. A meadow-lot close west of Krækket.
6. A meadow-lot north-west of Krækket.
7. A meadow-lot close north-west of the last lot.
8. A meadow-lot close south-west of above lot.
9. A meadow and shrub-lot in the western part of the county by the heath.
10. A meadow-lot a bit south of Krækket-woods and south-east ofHyldesgård.
11. A field and meadow-lot close north of Krækket.
12. A lot in the northern part of the county, north-east ofSolbakkemollen and south of Pæregård.The farm-lands are all closely situated, except for one lot. The areacovers 92-4420/14000 Td. Land. The value of the wheat yield is noted inthe Land-Registry.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 MISC Un-married (Ugift)
1 MISC Un-married (Ugift)
1 MISC Un-married (Ugift)
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1860: Nr. 6; Brudgommens navn: Ungkarl Hans Svendsen, ejer afMelstadgaarden, vacc. af Grov 8 Octob. 1826, 35-1/4 aar; Brudens navn:Pige Anne Margrethe Ipsen, hos faderen p. 6 Vrd. grd. her i Sognet, vacc.af Heiberg, 23 Juli 1846, 17-1/2 aar; Hvem forloverne ere: brudens faderJeppe Andersen, Murer Lars Kjøller, begge i Sognet; Vielses-Dagen: 23Novbr. i Kirken efter tillysning.From the Gudhjem kirkebog:
1862: Nr. 4; Aar og datum: 17 Mai; Barnets fulde navn: Karoline AndreaSvendsen; Daabens datum: 6 Juli i Østerlars Kirke; Forældrenes navn:Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 19 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Thorsens hst. p. 1 S.E. Andrine Kar.Margrethe, pige Karoline Ipsen hos 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Hans Weidemann 3 S.E.,Jens Nørregaard 5 S.E., ungkarl Hans Ipsen hos 6 Vrd.1863: Nr. 4; Aar og datum: 21 Octbr.; Barnets fulde navn: Hansine AnineSvendsen; Daabens datum: 4de Decbr. i Østerl. Kirke; Forældrenes navn:Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 20 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Lieut. Sonnes hst. Ane Marie Svendsen i Ø.L., PigeKaroline Marie Ipsen p. 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend Schou 43 S.E., Grdmd. SvendThorsen 1 S.Ej., Inds. Jens Jørgen Hansen i hus hos 3 S.E.
1865: Nr. 3; Aar og datum: 19 Februar; Barnets fulde navn: MathiasSvendsen; Daabens datum: hjdb. d. 5 Marts, fremb. i Kirken d. 11 April;Forældrenes navn: Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, Hst. Ane MargretheIpsen, 22 aar; Faddernes navn: b.b. Grmd. J. Nørregaards hst. MargretheGrønbech, 5 S.E., Pige Madsine Sonne i Ø.L. Karoline Engel p. ???grd.,Svend Tranberg i Gudhjem, Ungk. Anders Svendsen p. 7 Vrd.; Anmærkninger:Daabens stedfæstelse feldbyedet i Østerl. Kirke, vacc. 9/8 '66 af Heiberg.
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1868: Nr. 1; Aar og datum: 9 Januar; Barnets fulde navn: Marie MargretheSvendsen; Daabens datum: 21 Februar i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: GaardmandHans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. gaard, Hustru Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 25 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Schous hst. Karoline M. Ipsen, 43 S.E.,Kristine Andrea Ipsen, 6 Vrd., ungk. Hans P. Ipsen, 6 Vrd., ungk. HenrikAndersen, 7 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend Thorsen, 1 S.E.From the 1870 census of Østerlars parish:
2' Sl. en gaard, 12' Familie: Hans Svendsen, 44, Gift, Husfader,Gaardejer, Østerlarsker Sogn; Margrethe Svendsen, 26, Gift, Husmoder,Østerlarsker Sogn; Caroline Andrea Svendsen, 7, Ugift, Barn, ØsterlarskerSogn; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 6, Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; MathiasSvendsen, 4, Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; Marie Margrethe Svendsen, 2,Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; Christian Munch, 25, Ugift, Tjenestekarl,Østerlarsker Sogn.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1872: Nr. 15; Aar og datum: 24 August; Barnets fulde navn: Hans AndreasSvendsen; Daabens datum: 23 Octbr. i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: Grdmd.Hans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. grd., Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 29 aar; Faddernesnavn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Tranbergs hst. Andrea M. Andersen p. 12 Vrd.,Agine M. Ipsen p. 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend H. Schou, 43 S.E., Ung. HenrikAndersen p. 7 Vrd.1877: Nr. 8; Aar og datum: 25 Mai; Barnets fulde navn: Julius PeterSvendsen; Daabens datum: d. 30 Juni i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: Grdmd.Hans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. grd., Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 34 aar; Faddernesnavn: b.b. barnets moder, Karoline Kr. Andersen i Melsted, Ungk. HansIpsen p. 6 Vrd., Ungk. Hans And. Thorsen p. 1 S.E. grd.
From the 1880 census of Østerlars parish:
et Hus: Hans Svendsen, 54, Gift, Gaardejer, Husfader, Østerlarsker sogn,Lutheran; Ane Margrethe Svendsen f. Ipsen, 36, Gift, Hans Hustru,Østerlarsker sogn, Lutheran; Karoline Andrea Svendsen, 17, Ugift, DeresDatter, Østerlarsker sogn; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 16, Ugift, DeresDatter, Østerlarsker sogn; Matias Svendsen, 14, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Marie Margrethe Svendsen, 12, Ugift, Deres Datter,Østerlarsker sogn; Hans Andreas Svendsen, 7, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Julius Peter Svendsen, 2, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Lille Kristine Kofoed, 31, Ugift, Tjenestepige, Rønne;Peter Andersen, 21, Ugift, Tjenestekarl, Østerlarsker sogn; Laurits PeterIpsen, 15, Ugift, Tjenestedreng, Melsted Østerlarsker sogn.From the 1890 census of Østerlars parish:
2 Slg., 11 - 62: Hans Svendsen, 64, gift, Husfader, Gaardejer,Østerlars; Ane Magrethe Svendsen, født Ipsen, 47, gift, Husmoder,Østerlars; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 26, ugift, barn, Østerlars; MathiasSvendsen, 24, ugift, barn, Østerlars; Marie Magrethe Svendsen, 22, ugift,barn, Østerlars; Hans Andreas Svendsen, 17, ugift, barn, Østerlars;Julijus Peter Svendsen, 12, ugift, barn, Østerlars; Thorvald KastenJohansen, 17, ugift, Tjentestyende, Østerlars.Vilhelm Svendsen's "Østerlarsker Slægter" provides us with the followinginformation on Melstedgård:
A will signed at Melstedgård on July 23, 1823 shows that Thor Pedersenand his unmarried siblings living together at the farm had decided toinherit each other -- as long as they stayed unmarried. Accordingly,when Thor Pedersen died thirty years later, in 1854, the farm was handeddown to the two remaining unmarried siblings, Søren Low and KarenSvendsdatter. Two and a half years later they would transfer theownership of Melstedgård to their sister Kirstine Svendsdatter's son HansSvendsen, who was born at Krogegård, Østerlars.
The rules of inheritance for farms, at that time -- found in an ordinanceof October 14, 1773 - decree that if a farm has been inherited, specialguidelines have to be followed when other family members' right toinheritance is in question. If there was doubt as to who is the rightfulheir, a public notice had to be posted. Giving every family member thechance to air their possible claim to the farm. These oldInheritance-Rules were observed so far as the buildings at 2'Selfowner-farm (Slg.) was concerned, and the purchase (and right toresidence for former owners until their death) contract was on publicnotice July 17, 24 and 31, 1857 in the court of East District. Thepurchase price was:
Melstedgård, adjoining land, plus all belongings (inside and out) = 4,000Rigsdalers (Rdl.); 2 Slg. buildings = 8,000 Rdl.; Former owners rightto stay yearly estimate: Rdl. 300 x 5 = 1,500; For a total of 13,500Rigsdalers.
At the signing of the take-over document, the total cash had been paid --except for the right of former owners, which was to be dealt with asfollows:
The two old people: Søren Low and his sister Karen Svendsdatter wished tolive in a house close to the farm house, which had been built for thispurpose. For their yearly consumption they asked for the followingprovisions:
6 Tønder (production in barrels) of rye, 1 Td. wheat, 1/2 Td. dried peas,2 Td. barley-malt, 1-1/2 Td. barley, 1 Td. ground barley, 2 Td. potatoes,80 pots of rye-liquor - which were to be delivered 40 pots at Mid-Summerand 40 pots at New Year's. 8 Lispund (about 60 kilos) of beef from asteer or cow, 3 lambs and 1 sheep weighing each, after slaughter andclean-up, 10 kilos for the lamb and 16 kilos for the sheep. 4 younggeese, well-fed so that they weigh each 7 kilos at the least. 80 kilosof pork, 4 measures salt, 2 small Td. salted herrings -without theirheads, 8 kilos lute-fish, 8 kilos butter to be delivered at New Year's,Easter, Mid-Summer's Day and Thanks-Giving Day, 2 kilos each time. Also,4 pots of pork-fat at Christmas time, 4 pots of honey, 1 pot mustard, 1lb. home-grown hops, 12 kilos well cleaned flax-straw, 8 kilos coffeebeans, 8 kilos raw sugar candy, also 1 pot caraway-seeds. Furthermore,they reserved the right to milk from a cow of their choosing and maybethe right to exchange cows twice a year. In the summer the cow couldgraze at the farm, for winter feed they asked for 2 loads of hay, 2 loadsof clover and 2 loads of barley-straw. For wood to burn in the winterthey wanted delivery of loads of ash or beech-wood, plus a load ofheather. Finally, the contracted committed the owner of Melstedgård topay them the sum of 12 Rdl. every New Year's. They also considered anold serving-maid, Else Kirstine Jensdatter, who had served them for manyyears and now had moved in with them: if she survived her employers, shewas entitled to free room and board at Meltstedgård and in case ofdisagreement, and she moved away, she was to receive the yearly sum of 50Rdl.
Hans Svendsen was the owner of Melstedgård for 46 years until 1903, whenhe transferred ownership to his youngest son Julius Peter Svendsen, bornin 1877, who was the owner still at the time this was written. Hemarried Petra Svendsen from Gadegård, Østerlars parish.
Hans Svendsen's grandson Vilhelm Svendsen wrote the followingbiographical sketch in September 1941:
We called Hans Svendsen "Bedstefar på Melstedgård" (grandfather,literally "best father", at Melstedgård), and there are only a very fewmemories I have of him. I remember very vaguely one time he came to myfamily home of Porcellænsgård, it must have been one of the first yearsafter the turn of the century; he was then an old man close to 80 yearsold.
From the yearly summer picnics at Melstedgård, a few more characteristicsare etched into my memory: they show the picture of a stately old manwith a strangely thin and yet resonant voice. Even though he was veryagile, his age made itself known. He enjoyed to converse with people ona one-on-one basis; in a gathering around the table the conversationseemed to go over his head and he would sit as though he were left out.When the last summer guests left Melstedgård towards midnight, he hadalready been in his bed for several hours. His bed was in the alcove tothe left of the entrance to the living-room.
With information from other sources I have gathered together a portraitof my grandfather at Melstedgård: A sturdy farmer of few words, one youlooked up to and who was admired in his county, yes even outside thecounty. He was only of ordinary abilities and of limited knowledge,though of course he could read and also express his thoughts in modestform in writing. He probably was what one would call a strict man, whoexpected order and honesty in all dealings; but also a good man whosehelp and care reached far and wide, considering the patriarchal system ofthe times. Both he and his wife came from old and distinguished farmingfamilies in the county, and he himself worked his farm in a clever andprogressive manner; and thus gained considerable economic security.
Grandmother I never knew. She was portrayed to me as a mild and kindwoman, who in her later years was of poor health. Very fragile andsuffering from a cough, she died rather young, probably from tuberculosis.
A single event is especially alive in my memory, namely the funeral of mygrandfather, which I attended as a 13 year old boy. It took place in anold fashioned style, which I will try to describe. Grandfather died onFebruary 9, 1910 and six days later on the 15th the funeral took place.We set out early from home, father and mother and I in front; with afarm-hand behind with lots of baskets and other goods. When we reachedMelstedgård, in mid-morning, there was already a crowd of peoplegathered, of course the family, but also friends and neighbours in greatnumbers.
In the garden-room two parallel tables were lain for lunch, and you couldsit down as soon as you arrived. When you finished eating you gave yourseat to the next arrival. As far as I remember we had a warm dish, breadand butter, also cold-cuts, with beer and coffee to drink.
At eleven o'clock everyone gathered in the large hall, all of the windowswere covered with long white curtains and in the middle of thegreenery-strewn floor the open black coffin stood. At its head was atable with two silver candle-sticks, and also two low candelabras holdingtall church-candles, a black metal plaque with the name and dates of thedeceased painted in white.
Those candles would later be carried in front of the horse-drawn hearseto Østerlars Church, where they were placed on the alter and lit duringthe service, along with the other church candles. It was no easy task to"carry the candles", especially in this instance where the road was longand slippery. There were four men to carry them, among them Hans AageBrandt, and they took turns along the way.
After the coffin had been closed the church-singer led the gathering in apsalm. The three sons and three sons-in-law carried the coffin out tothe waiting hearse, which was driven by grandfather's nephew Ole Thorsenfrom Krogegård. With the hearse leading, the long procession beganwalking slowly along the slush covered road, from Melstedgård throughGudhjem and out to Østerlars Church. After the service the coffin wasburied in the old family graveyard and the procession drove back toMelstedgård.
There the tables were set in the large hall, and where the wholegathering ate together. The meal consisted of roast meats of differentkinds, and large cakes (prune tarts, layer and sponge cakes), and wine todrink. After the meal people visited for a short while, and then allparted. We also started off on our three to four hour long trip home toPorcellænsgård.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 MISC Rønne, Bornholm
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1860: Nr. 6; Brudgommens navn: Ungkarl Hans Svendsen, ejer afMelstadgaarden, vacc. af Grov 8 Octob. 1826, 35-1/4 aar; Brudens navn:Pige Anne Margrethe Ipsen, hos faderen p. 6 Vrd. grd. her i Sognet, vacc.af Heiberg, 23 Juli 1846, 17-1/2 aar; Hvem forloverne ere: brudens faderJeppe Andersen, Murer Lars Kjøller, begge i Sognet; Vielses-Dagen: 23Novbr. i Kirken efter tillysning.From the Gudhjem kirkebog:
1862: Nr. 4; Aar og datum: 17 Mai; Barnets fulde navn: Karoline AndreaSvendsen; Daabens datum: 6 Juli i Østerlars Kirke; Forældrenes navn:Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 19 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Thorsens hst. p. 1 S.E. Andrine Kar.Margrethe, pige Karoline Ipsen hos 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Hans Weidemann 3 S.E.,Jens Nørregaard 5 S.E., ungkarl Hans Ipsen hos 6 Vrd.1863: Nr. 4; Aar og datum: 21 Octbr.; Barnets fulde navn: Hansine AnineSvendsen; Daabens datum: 4de Decbr. i Østerl. Kirke; Forældrenes navn:Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 20 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Lieut. Sonnes hst. Ane Marie Svendsen i Ø.L., PigeKaroline Marie Ipsen p. 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend Schou 43 S.E., Grdmd. SvendThorsen 1 S.Ej., Inds. Jens Jørgen Hansen i hus hos 3 S.E.
1865: Nr. 3; Aar og datum: 19 Februar; Barnets fulde navn: MathiasSvendsen; Daabens datum: hjdb. d. 5 Marts, fremb. i Kirken d. 11 April;Forældrenes navn: Grdmd. Hans Svendsen i Melstad, Hst. Ane MargretheIpsen, 22 aar; Faddernes navn: b.b. Grmd. J. Nørregaards hst. MargretheGrønbech, 5 S.E., Pige Madsine Sonne i Ø.L. Karoline Engel p. ???grd.,Svend Tranberg i Gudhjem, Ungk. Anders Svendsen p. 7 Vrd.; Anmærkninger:Daabens stedfæstelse feldbyedet i Østerl. Kirke, vacc. 9/8 '66 af Heiberg.
From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1868: Nr. 1; Aar og datum: 9 Januar; Barnets fulde navn: Marie MargretheSvendsen; Daabens datum: 21 Februar i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: GaardmandHans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. gaard, Hustru Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 25 aar;Faddernes navn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Schous hst. Karoline M. Ipsen, 43 S.E.,Kristine Andrea Ipsen, 6 Vrd., ungk. Hans P. Ipsen, 6 Vrd., ungk. HenrikAndersen, 7 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend Thorsen, 1 S.E.From the 1870 census of Østerlars parish:
2' Sl. en gaard, 12' Familie: Hans Svendsen, 44, Gift, Husfader,Gaardejer, Østerlarsker Sogn; Margrethe Svendsen, 26, Gift, Husmoder,Østerlarsker Sogn; Caroline Andrea Svendsen, 7, Ugift, Barn, ØsterlarskerSogn; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 6, Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; MathiasSvendsen, 4, Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; Marie Margrethe Svendsen, 2,Ugift, Barn, Østerlarsker Sogn; Christian Munch, 25, Ugift, Tjenestekarl,Østerlarsker Sogn.From the Østerlars kirkebog:
1872: Nr. 15; Aar og datum: 24 August; Barnets fulde navn: Hans AndreasSvendsen; Daabens datum: 23 Octbr. i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: Grdmd.Hans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. grd., Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 29 aar; Faddernesnavn: b.b. Grdmd. Svend Tranbergs hst. Andrea M. Andersen p. 12 Vrd.,Agine M. Ipsen p. 6 Vrd., Grdmd. Svend H. Schou, 43 S.E., Ung. HenrikAndersen p. 7 Vrd.1877: Nr. 8; Aar og datum: 25 Mai; Barnets fulde navn: Julius PeterSvendsen; Daabens datum: d. 30 Juni i Kirken; Forældrenes navn: Grdmd.Hans Svendsen p. 2 S.E. grd., Hst. Ane Margrethe Ipsen, 34 aar; Faddernesnavn: b.b. barnets moder, Karoline Kr. Andersen i Melsted, Ungk. HansIpsen p. 6 Vrd., Ungk. Hans And. Thorsen p. 1 S.E. grd.
From the 1880 census of Østerlars parish:
et Hus: Hans Svendsen, 54, Gift, Gaardejer, Husfader, Østerlarsker sogn,Lutheran; Ane Margrethe Svendsen f. Ipsen, 36, Gift, Hans Hustru,Østerlarsker sogn, Lutheran; Karoline Andrea Svendsen, 17, Ugift, DeresDatter, Østerlarsker sogn; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 16, Ugift, DeresDatter, Østerlarsker sogn; Matias Svendsen, 14, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Marie Margrethe Svendsen, 12, Ugift, Deres Datter,Østerlarsker sogn; Hans Andreas Svendsen, 7, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Julius Peter Svendsen, 2, Ugift, Deres Søn,Østerlarsker sogn; Lille Kristine Kofoed, 31, Ugift, Tjenestepige, Rønne;Peter Andersen, 21, Ugift, Tjenestekarl, Østerlarsker sogn; Laurits PeterIpsen, 15, Ugift, Tjenestedreng, Melsted Østerlarsker sogn.From the 1890 census of Østerlars parish:
2 Slg., 11 - 62: Hans Svendsen, 64, gift, Husfader, Gaardejer,Østerlars; Ane Magrethe Svendsen, født Ipsen, 47, gift, Husmoder,Østerlars; Hansine Anine Svendsen, 26, ugift, barn, Østerlars; MathiasSvendsen, 24, ugift, barn, Østerlars; Marie Magrethe Svendsen, 22, ugift,barn, Østerlars; Hans Andreas Svendsen, 17, ugift, barn, Østerlars;Julijus Peter Svendsen, 12, ugift, barn, Østerlars; Thorvald KastenJohansen, 17, ugift, Tjentestyende, Østerlars.Vilhelm Svendsen's "Østerlarsker Slægter" provides us with the followinginformation on Melstedgård:
A will signed at Melstedgård on July 23, 1823 shows that Thor Pedersenand his unmarried siblings living together at the farm had decided toinherit each other -- as long as they stayed unmarried. Accordingly,when Thor Pedersen died thirty years later, in 1854, the farm was handeddown to the two remaining unmarried siblings, Søren Low and KarenSvendsdatter. Two and a half years later they would transfer theownership of Melstedgård to their sister Kirstine Svendsdatter's son HansSvendsen, who was born at Krogegård, Østerlars.
The rules of inheritance for farms, at that time -- found in an ordinanceof October 14, 1773 - decree that if a farm has been inherited, specialguidelines have to be followed when other family members' right toinheritance is in question. If there was doubt as to who is the rightfulheir, a public notice had to be posted. Giving every family member thechance to air their possible claim to the farm. These oldInheritance-Rules were observed so far as the buildings at 2'Selfowner-farm (Slg.) was concerned, and the purchase (and right toresidence for former owners until their death) contract was on publicnotice July 17, 24 and 31, 1857 in the court of East District. Thepurchase price was:
Melstedgård, adjoining land, plus all belongings (inside and out) = 4,000Rigsdalers (Rdl.); 2 Slg. buildings = 8,000 Rdl.; Former owners rightto stay yearly estimate: Rdl. 300 x 5 = 1,500; For a total of 13,500Rigsdalers.
At the signing of the take-over document, the total cash had been paid --except for the right of former owners, which was to be dealt with asfollows:
The two old people: Søren Low and his sister Karen Svendsdatter wished tolive in a house close to the farm house, which had been built for thispurpose. For their yearly consumption they asked for the followingprovisions:
6 Tønder (production in barrels) of rye, 1 Td. wheat, 1/2 Td. dried peas,2 Td. barley-malt, 1-1/2 Td. barley, 1 Td. ground barley, 2 Td. potatoes,80 pots of rye-liquor - which were to be delivered 40 pots at Mid-Summerand 40 pots at New Year's. 8 Lispund (about 60 kilos) of beef from asteer or cow, 3 lambs and 1 sheep weighing each, after slaughter andclean-up, 10 kilos for the lamb and 16 kilos for the sheep. 4 younggeese, well-fed so that they weigh each 7 kilos at the least. 80 kilosof pork, 4 measures salt, 2 small Td. salted herrings -without theirheads, 8 kilos lute-fish, 8 kilos butter to be delivered at New Year's,Easter, Mid-Summer's Day and Thanks-Giving Day, 2 kilos each time. Also,4 pots of pork-fat at Christmas time, 4 pots of honey, 1 pot mustard, 1lb. home-grown hops, 12 kilos well cleaned flax-straw, 8 kilos coffeebeans, 8 kilos raw sugar candy, also 1 pot caraway-seeds. Furthermore,they reserved the right to milk from a cow of their choosing and maybethe right to exchange cows twice a year. In the summer the cow couldgraze at the farm, for winter feed they asked for 2 loads of hay, 2 loadsof clover and 2 loads of barley-straw. For wood to burn in the winterthey wanted delivery of loads of ash or beech-wood, plus a load ofheather. Finally, the contracted committed the owner of Melstedgård topay them the sum of 12 Rdl. every New Year's. They also considered anold serving-maid, Else Kirstine Jensdatter, who had served them for manyyears and now had moved in with them: if she survived her employers, shewas entitled to free room and board at Meltstedgård and in case ofdisagreement, and she moved away, she was to receive the yearly sum of 50Rdl.
Hans Svendsen was the owner of Melstedgård for 46 years until 1903, whenhe transferred ownership to his youngest son Julius Peter Svendsen, bornin 1877, who was the owner still at the time this was written. Hemarried Petra Svendsen from Gadegård, Østerlars parish.
Hans Svendsen's grandson Vilhelm Svendsen wrote the followingbiographical sketch in September 1941:
We called Hans Svendsen "Bedstefar på Melstedgård" (grandfather,literally "best father", at Melstedgård), and there are only a very fewmemories I have of him. I remember very vaguely one time he came to myfamily home of Porcellænsgård, it must have been one of the first yearsafter the turn of the century; he was then an old man close to 80 yearsold.
From the yearly summer picnics at Melstedgård, a few more characteristicsare etched into my memory: they show the picture of a stately old manwith a strangely thin and yet resonant voice. Even though he was veryagile, his age made itself known. He enjoyed to converse with people ona one-on-one basis; in a gathering around the table the conversationseemed to go over his head and he would sit as though he were left out.When the last summer guests left Melstedgård towards midnight, he hadalready been in his bed for several hours. His bed was in the alcove tothe left of the entrance to the living-room.
With information from other sources I have gathered together a portraitof my grandfather at Melstedgård: A sturdy farmer of few words, one youlooked up to and who was admired in his county, yes even outside thecounty. He was only of ordinary abilities and of limited knowledge,though of course he could read and also express his thoughts in modestform in writing. He probably was what one would call a strict man, whoexpected order and honesty in all dealings; but also a good man whosehelp and care reached far and wide, considering the patriarchal system ofthe times. Both he and his wife came from old and distinguished farmingfamilies in the county, and he himself worked his farm in a clever andprogressive manner; and thus gained considerable economic security.
Grandmother I never knew. She was portrayed to me as a mild and kindwoman, who in her later years was of poor health. Very fragile andsuffering from a cough, she died rather young, probably from tuberculosis.
A single event is especially alive in my memory, namely the funeral of mygrandfather, which I attended as a 13 year old boy. It took place in anold fashioned style, which I will try to describe. Grandfather died onFebruary 9, 1910 and six days later on the 15th the funeral took place.We set out early from home, father and mother and I in front; with afarm-hand behind with lots of baskets and other goods. When we reachedMelstedgård, in mid-morning, there was already a crowd of peoplegathered, of course the family, but also friends and neighbours in greatnumbers.
In the garden-room two parallel tables were lain for lunch, and you couldsit down as soon as you arrived. When you finished eating you gave yourseat to the next arrival. As far as I remember we had a warm dish, breadand butter, also cold-cuts, with beer and coffee to drink.
At eleven o'clock everyone gathered in the large hall, all of the windowswere covered with long white curtains and in the middle of thegreenery-strewn floor the open black coffin stood. At its head was atable with two silver candle-sticks, and also two low candelabras holdingtall church-candles, a black metal plaque with the name and dates of thedeceased painted in white.
Those candles would later be carried in front of the horse-drawn hearseto Østerlars Church, where they were placed on the alter and lit duringthe service, along with the other church candles. It was no easy task to"carry the candles", especially in this instance where the road was longand slippery. There were four men to carry them, among them Hans AageBrandt, and they took turns along the way.
After the coffin had been closed the church-singer led the gathering in apsalm. The three sons and three sons-in-law carried the coffin out tothe waiting hearse, which was driven by grandfather's nephew Ole Thorsenfrom Krogegård. With the hearse leading, the long procession beganwalking slowly along the slush covered road, from Melstedgård throughGudhjem and out to Østerlars Church. After the service the coffin wasburied in the old family graveyard and the procession drove back toMelstedgård.
There the tables were set in the large hall, and where the wholegathering ate together. The meal consisted of roast meats of differentkinds, and large cakes (prune tarts, layer and sponge cakes), and wine todrink. After the meal people visited for a short while, and then allparted. We also started off on our three to four hour long trip home toPorcellænsgård.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto,Ontario, copyright 2006.
1 MISC Rønne, Bornholm