Gunder Goutesen Ligaard (Midbøen)

Gunder Goutesen Ligaard (Midbøen) was the son of Gaute Eirikseen Midtbøen and Margit Knutsdtr Svenningsgard.  He was born on the Ramberg farm in Hol on October 12, 1805.  On January 15, 1833, he married Kari Knudsdtr Nørstbø, daughter of Knud Olsen Nørstebø amd Helga Thoresdtr.  She was born June 7, 1807. 

They had at least 3 children in Norway:  Helge (September 28, 1834-January 11, 1835); and Goute Gunderson Ligaard (May 18, 1833-March 16, 1905). Knud Gundersen Ligaard was born September 29, 1835.

Gunder was 32 years of age when he and his family boarded the Noord at Gothenburg in May of 1837.  Son Knud died during the voyage, and Gunder, Kari and Goute arrived in New York on August 15, 1837. They settled first in LaSalle County, Illinois before moving to Norway Township, Racine County, Wisconsin.  At least two more children were born in America: Swain (1846?-October 8, 1923), Margit (1848-1915),

Kari died on February 25, 1881 and Knud followed her on October 14, of the same year.  Both are buried in Muskego Lutheran Cemetery.

Source: Utvandrarregister for Tinn 1837-1907

Source: Norwegian Immigrants To The United States, A Biographical Directory, 1825-1850. Volume One 1825-1843. By Gerhard B. Naeseth. p. 42-43, #134-137. 

Contributed by Jackie Hufschmid