Mari Gudbrandsdatter Strande

Mari was a housekeeper for her uncle Sheriff Ioen Waalen. Her and her husband resided with his parents until 1750. Her and Peder rented the farm until his death in 1769.

When Peder was became unable to help with the farm, Mari took over the lease. She had been trained in brewing, baking, spinning, weaving, the care of cattle both winter and summer, so she understood what was needed in a well-arranged farming operation.

Through good husbandry, she furnished the home with milk and cream to the joy of her husband, so that no need developed in spite of the poor corn crop. She worked with the servant girls from four o'clock in the morning with wool and flax; by her diligence and industry became the first in her community to practice weaving and trained many to weave diapers.

Even to old age she remained just as active. She was the first of her sex to take to reading-quite different from others who turn to tinsel. She died 20 years after widowhood, and was likened to the godly Mary and the diligent Martha by her son Iver.