Elina Pedersdatter Rutze

Elina was born on the Ruen Gaard, Grans Prestegjeld, Hadeland, Norway, February 1, 1831, a daughter of Anne and Peder Hanson Ruen. Her brothers and sisters were: Jens (half-brother), Iver, Ole, Hans, Peder who died in childhood, Kjersti and Marthe.

Elina came to America in 1850 with her parents, brothers Ole and Hans and sisters Kjersti and Marthe. Her mother died of cholera while crossing the ocean.

On coming to Glenwood Township, Elina worked for a family by the name of Atkins, and later at Lansing, Iowa. This way she learneed the English language as well as the way of life in this new country.

In 1856 Elina married Carl Sivesind (Johnson) who was born at Toten, Norway, September 4, 1829. They lived on a farm in Glenwood Township, and later purchased a fine farm in Allamakee County where they lived the rest of their lives. They were parents of four children: Agusta, Peter, Albert and Joseph.

Elina and her husband were thrifty and hard-working folk. They were also well known for their hospitality, and many people have fond recollections of the numerous parties given at the Sivesind home. Carl and Elina always joined in the games and merry-making at such times. elina was a wonderful housekeeper and her ingenuity in the various household arts was remarkable. She seemed always to have some little gift to give to little children when they came to visit, and many of her neices and nephews still cherish memories of her giving.

It must have been a big satisfaction to Elina and Carl to be able to give each of their sons a fine Allamakee farm. Peter married Ellen Lyngaas, Albert married Clara Rocksvold, joseph married Mathilda Nash and Augusta married David Hexom.

Carl Sivesind died November 20, 1904. Elina died June 25, 1911. They are buried in the Glenwood cemetery amoung the many other venerable Norwegian pioneers.