Yesterday, Hubby and I attended the funeral service
of his brother Dale. Although it was a sad occasion, I was glad for the
opportunity to be introduced to some of his relatives that I’d never met—mostly
cousins and an aunt. Hubby hails from a nuclear family of eight. His mom was
one of 12 children, his dad one of 7, so he has more cousins, it seems, than a
person can shake a stick at!
Hubby’s grandpa, Martin Arthun, emigrated from
Norway to America in 1879. Family legend holds that Martin married Elizabeth;
around the same time, his brother, Ole J. Arthun, married Elizabeth’s twin
sister, Martha. Martin’s first child was christened Nels M.; Ole’s was
christened Nels J. Next came Elmer M. and Elmer J. Erick M. and Erick J. followed
suit. The pattern was interrupted, however, when Martha was born to Martin,
followed by Marcus, Anna, and Vic (Hubby’s dad). The story goes that Ole
harbored hard feelings towards Martin for naming his daughter after Ole’s wife.
At any rate, Ole and Martha had only one more child whom they named Arnie.
In contrast, both of my parents were only-children, so I have no aunts, uncles, or
cousins—natural ones, anyway. On the other hand, when I factor in countless brothers
and sisters in Christ, I’m part of a very large family indeed!
Paul Arthun, Martin's great-grandson/Hubby's nephew
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind
- Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and
mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.” –Prayer of Jesus for
all believers, JOHN 17:21
This explains a lot, as I am trying to find my Grandfather who is an Arthun! Note: there are more siblings on the Ole J Arthun side. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and best wishes for your search!
ReplyDeleteHi Robin,in my search for information about my grandfather your blog was a tremendous help to me. For that, I am forever grateful!!! I believe though that it was Martin and John that were the brothers that named their children by the same names.
ReplyDeleteThat is such good news! Thanks for the update. Please keep me posted! Merry Christmas :)
DeleteHi Robin,in my search for information about my grandfather your blog was a tremendous help to me. For that, I am forever grateful!!! I believe though that it was Martin and John that were the brothers that named their children by the same names.
ReplyDelete