Gjelsnes, Marius, 1859?-

Marius Gjelsnes (now spelled Gjelsness) immigrated to the United States in 1880 from Sander, in Odalen, Norway, first to Wisconsin and then to Dakota Territory. Caroline Olsen immigrated from Kongsvinger, Norway in 1886. They met in Reynolds, Dakota Territory at the home of Caroline's aunt, Olivia Peterson, who was married to Marius' cousin, Peter Peterson. Marius worked as a railroad section hand, primarily from Larimore to Devils Lake. Caroline worked as a housekeeper for Grand Forks Sheriff Swan and one or two families in Crookston, MN. Marius and Caroline were married on August 21, 1888 in Hillsboro, Dakota Territory.. They farmed near Reynolds, ND and had six children, Clara Mabel, Rudolph,Fred, Helen, Ruth, and Walter. The later two children died as infants.