Friday, July 23, 2010

Kjaersti Sigursdatter`s Journey

At this time 138 years ago Kaersti Sigursdatter was leaving her village of Amotsdal, Telemark in Norway. The last visits to surrounding farms, the final goodbyes, tears and hugs tinged with excitement for a new life. The youngest of 10 children and the age of 30 she decided to immigrate to New Zealand. It would have been the warmest part of summer when Kjearsti started her long journey. When she looked backed towards her valley, I wonder if these views would have be that much different from now?
Kjaersti
Amotsdal Church
Bridge near Amotsdal
Amostdal village in the distant

In New Zealand she married John Clark had several children including Hannah Bertha, after his death she married Hans Hansen who was tragically killed in Dunedin. Little is known about either John or Hans except for a few documents. Hopefully more can be found.

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