Hans Torgrimsen Tveito

Hans Torgrimsen Tveito was born on the Berge farm in Vestfordalen, Tinn, Telemark, on October 12, 1815.  His parents were Ase Hansdtr Berge and Torgrim Halvorsen Tveito.  Hans' father died in February of 1820 and his mother died in childbirth the following month.  Income from the Berge farm helped defray the expense incurred by those who then raised Hans and his brother, but he always felt he was a guest and not a member of these families.

Hans gained fame when he lifted a large boulder that now sites in front of the Tinn museum. The translation of the inscription on the bronze plate mounted on the stone is "This stone was lifted by confirmand Hans Tveito (Strong Hans) born 1818 - died in the USA in 1870."  His legend grew with fantastic tales of amazing feats of strength.

In 1853, the Argo was delayed at the port of Le Havre for repairs and the captain lowered his fare to eight dollars - a quarter of the usual price.  It cost him another $8 to make his way from New York to Wisconsin.  He arrived in Muskego on August 15, 1843.

On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1844, Hans married Aslaug Einong.  They had five children: Torgrim (Thomas), Jacob, Annie, Aase and Oscar.

Aslaug's brother John settled in Houston County, Minnesota Territory, and in 1855 Hans and Aslaug brought their family there.  Hans acquired 40 acres a mile west of Spring Grove and within six months had added an adjacent 120 acres.  Three more children were born here: Isabelle, and twins John and Clara.

Hans died on February 10, 1866.  By 1870, Aslaug had sold the farm and moved the family to Iowa.  Aslaug died on July 16, 1913.

Hans was laid to rest at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove and Aslaug is buried in Salem Lutheran Church's North Cemetery in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Source: Utvandrarregister for Tinn 1837-1907

Source: Celebrating our Norwegian-Minnesotan Heritage, 1858-2008 published in 2009 by the Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project, p. 167-168