Tysil Zion 2

New Trysil trails, seldom if ever traveled by us mere mortals

The tale of the trail as traveled by the Trysil tribe. A group of Norwegians dedicated to God and family.Photos of a Clayton-Trysil territory as described by Ken Westby, son of Harold Westby, grandson of Mr. Ole T. Westby. Ken states that while three Westby families immigrated to the Clayton, Washington, area, many remained in Norway. Still other families migrated to Oregon, Minnesota and North Dakota. When asked, “Have you ever done a family tree of this vast family?"I've done Internet searches on the Westby name but with mixed results. As a genealogist it seems like the best results come from following various leads, such as the ones we've been exchanging by e-mail in the past several weeks. There are a plethora of genealogy websites as well. Also, I maintain contact by e-mail with other Westby relatives in the US and Norway, and an astonishing amount can be gained by networking with other family genealogists. There are probably over 2000 names on my computer in a family genealogy database. My dad was able to trace his ancestry back to the 1500s, just with the help of the Trysilboka loaned to him 25 years ago by Paul Erickson's grandmother and now in Paul's possession, it's written in Norwegian, and is in several volumes now, but contains the history of land holdings and family names/descendents around Trysil. Definitely the Trysil genealogist Bible. (Tulla Froyen will vouch for that.)"

Nearby the Trysil settlement on Spotted road stood the Forreston School house. Here is a photo from 1914. Front - Jimmy Westlie, Middle row - Carl Connor, Julia Westby, Miss Nather, Annie Olive Billings, John Connor. Back row - Frank Connor, Harald Westby, Peter Westby. Harold Westby was the second youngest Son of Ole T. Westby. Harold was primarily the family member that set out to preserve the family history which he was very successful. His son Ken followed in his footsteps. We are the beneficiaries and very grateful.

This is the ultimate in classic photos restored for us by Mr. Robert Simpson. The Ole T. Westby family, a log home built with logs from their own farm, and the Trysil Lutheran Church in the background. It was constructed and financed by the Norwegian immigrants whose faith must have been incomparable.

Trysil Lutheran Church, 1942.

Mr. Ken Westby followed in his Father's foot steps as the family genealogist.

Miss Minnie Westby, Deer Park High School Graduate 1949. Married to Glen Hayworth. They travel the USA in an upscale motorhome year round. The ultimate in nomadic Norwegians

INTERMISSION. Please note: The exceptional photos below depict the gallantry of an entirely different family. The Satres. This was brought about because of one lonely tombstone amongst 450 in this very quiet serene burial ground. The tombstone of Andea Satre. Below is a story in word and pictures of this family. Told to us by a young man who is an adventurer in his own right. His name is Clark Satre. He is part genealogist, part historian and part author. He has written several books on the subject of the heritage embraced by decendants in Eastern Washington and many other regions of our nation to the far reaches of the Arctic Circle encompasing the peace loving Scandanavia. An example of Clark Satre's strengths are depicted, not only in his quality photos but in the detail of the family tree seen below. We thank you Clark and Debbie for your contribution to our Website. The Sons and Daughters of Norway I am sure, thank you also.

Jim Stelting and Ruth (Olson) with baby Art (His given name is actually Clayton). This picture was taken in 1924.

Art Stelting and his wife Ann and his friend Duane Costa. Younger Brother of the late Silvio Costa. Art and Silvio served in the Pacific Theater in WW II. Silvio in the Death's Head Squad and Art in the Marines. They landed in almost every invasion but only saw each other once or twice. They both returned home unscathed and war heros. Neither would admit it but it's a known fact, because Don Steele and Tommy Lewis will attest to it.

Andrea Satre, Mother of John Satre is buried at Zion Hill Cemetery at Clayton.

Andrea Satre, born in 1822, died in 1907. Andrea was unable to enjoy the victories won by her adventurous colleagues. This adventure will continue. Clark's parents reside less than two miles from me and it seems only fitting that we hear their story in due time.

Marte Oledatter Saetre - b. 12/24/1822 at Brenna, Saetre, Nybergsund, Trysil. Mother of Johanna in first pcture.

Perhaps we can only wonder what words of wisdom will pour forth from the lips of Mr. Clark Satre regarding this long ago ancestor.

This photo was published in a promotional pamphlet by the Deer Park Lumber Company between 1915 & 1920. This unprecedented view presented to us by Ken Westby, who states, "Near the corner of Spotted Road and Mason Road, the Erling K. Westby farm is on the right, and the Ole T. Westby farm is on the left, directly across the road from the Trysil Lutheran Church. Interestingly, neither of the farms were acquired from Deer Park Lumber Company. I believe that E.K. Westby's farm was homestead land and O.T. Westby's was purchased from the Railroad."

The Trysil Lutheran Church stands in all its glory with the Erling K. Westby farm visible in the background.

In 1950 the Trysil Zion Church was moved at the incredible rate of 1/2 mile per day over unpaved roads to its existing location on Crawford in Deer Park. In 1958 as a junior in high school (seen in the back ground) Ken Westby decided it would be a heroic move to take his Brownie reflex camera, scale the tallest tree, which happened to be in Pinky Pakker's yard. Not neccessairly to take a photo from a unbelievabe perspective, but rather to impress a lovely lassie. He got the spectacular picture but the darling young lady was less than impressed with his bravado. If one tries to imagine the vast family tree of the Westby family, scattered from Trysil, Norway to Washington, Minnesota, North Dakota and points beyond it is possible Ken climbed the family tree?

This is Mr. Ole T. Westby and his wife Helene. Please note the portion of their house with the door into the lean-to. Now look at the photo directly below. This picture was taken May 26th 2008. Also the shed with a vent (cupola?) in the roof is in both pictures.

This almost certainly is the very same house some 90 years later. Those Scandanavions built to last.

Norway's Hero, Hallgeir Brenden. 1952 Olympic Skiing Gold Medalist. In addition, 4th Cousin to Ken Westby. Jon Bjornsen was their great great great Grandfather. Ken says, This is as close as any of his relatives got to Sofia Loren.

This marvelous family photo is furnished by Clark and Debbie Satre. "John and Johanna Satre family, my Great Grandfather. John, b 1/16/1842 and his wife Johanna b. 5/24/1845 four children in back, Clara, Mary, my Grandfather Julian, and William. Twins Oscar and Hanna in the middle. August in front.

Martin and Anna Satre Olson. Anna is the Daughter of John and Johanna Satre as pictured above this photo.

Martin and Anna Olson with their three children, Oliver, Arthur and Ruth. Little did one know she would grow to live her life for her Lord and His Church

Snuggled within less than a mile of each other nestled a number of Westby famlies. Most of their houses and farm buildings survive till this day. Furthur more the majority rest at Zion Hill Cemetery.

The original log barn still stands on The Erling Westby Homestead. Accompanied by numerous Barns still standing tall and sturdy.

What a comparison. An old horse barn, next to machine shop.

In prime condition, a barn to shelter the livestock, not only a haymow but the finest of play grounds for kids. Not to mention silage on the side.

In additiond to this large complex of Barns and out buildings, is this very sturdy frieght wagon in perfect condition.

This is a map of Trysil and what is known as the Trysil vicinity.