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Sever J Wattnem

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Birth	:	15 Jun 1872 Tysvær kommune, Rogaland fylke, Norway
Death	:	21 Jun 1936 Clear Lake, Deuel County, South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	East Norden Cemetery, Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate	:	44.6074110, -97.1284100
Description	:	His name was changed to Sever, from Sigverd or Sigvvrd, when he emigrated to America in 1890. Records indicate he was born on a farm in Qvindesland, that he was Lutheran and Christened on July 7, 1872. He lived in Castlewood, SD in December 1926 and Hamlin Co, Hayti, county seat. Sever smoked a pipe. He died six weeks after lung cancer was diagnosed. * * * There are three separate stories written about Sever and Emma Johanna Cecelia by their daughter Sarah Wattnem Mathison that seem to have evolved over time. The first it... Read More	His name was changed to Sever, from Sigverd or Sigvvrd, when he emigrated to America in 1890. Records indicate he was born on a farm in Qvindesland, that he was Lutheran and Christened on July 7, 1872. He lived in Castlewood, SD in December 1926 and Hamlin Co, Hayti, county seat. Sever smoked a pipe. He died six weeks after lung cancer was diagnosed. * * * There are three separate stories written about Sever and Emma Johanna Cecelia by their daughter Sarah Wattnem Mathison that seem to have evolved over time. The first it seems, is a typed account preserved in family records; the next was published in "Historical Collections of Deuel County" in 1977; the third a most comprehensive was published in "Hamlin County: 1878-1979". The following is the story excerpt from that book. "Sever and Emma Wattnem Emma Johanna Cecilia was born to Bertel and Elsa Anderson on April 18, 1878 in Kolding. Denmark. She was the youngest and only daughter, besides two brothers, namely: Soren and Peter. The family came to America in 1882 when Emma was four years old. The father, Bertel Anderson homesteaded in Hamlin County 13 miles west and one and three-fourth miles north of Estelline, or by Dry Lake. The family first lived in a dugout, the place can still be seen in the hillside. A sod house was built later, then a frame house. Emma was 10 years old when the big blizzard of Jan. 12, 1888 struck. Her father often spoke of the hard experiences the family endured in those pioneer days when the wind and snow was so furious and cold but this family survived well. When Emma was 16 years old, and shortly after she was confirmed, her mother passed away. This placed the responsibility of caring for her father and two brothers on her young life. She married Sever J. Wattnem at Clear Lake, on Oct. 11, 1899. They farmed in the Estelline area. In the spring of 1920 they moved to her farm near Dry Lake. in Florence Township. Their first two babies died in infancy, Carlyle Joseph in 1900 and Edna Grace in 1901. Other children born were: Bertha Jeanette, Agnes Gertrude, Ethel Sophie, George Alvie, Sarah Irene, Emma Victoria and Hazel Dorothy. Ethel passed away suddenly in May of 1934. Emma Wattnem could do many things with her hands. She knitted caps, mittens and stockings for all the family arid made and remade many garments to keep her family warm and happy. She also made quilts of all descriptions. She was also a good cook, even though there wasn't a lot of money. They always had plenty to eat. A big garden was always raised, along with chickens, milk and meat. She was a charter member of the East Norden congregation and raised her family in reverence to God and respect for mankind. She continued to live on the farm after her husband Sever died June 21, 1936. Her son George took over the farming and remained on the homestead until 1973 when he sold it. It had been in the family for 85 years. Emma lived for nine years with her daughter Agnes in Watertown in the later years. She passed away quietly at the age of 85 on Jan. 29, 1964. Sever and Emma are buried in the East Norden Cemetery beside their loved ones. Sever J. Wattnem was born to Joseph and Gurina Wattnem on June 16, 1872 in Tysnner Sogn, Norway. He had two brothers. John A. and Peter. His brother John came to America first, then sent for his mother and brothers later. The father Joseph had passed away. Sever was 18 years old when he arrived. He made his home with relatives and friends and was a farm worker. Although he didn't attend school in this country. he could read and write the English language very well. He was a good singer and loved to sing mostly Norwegian songs. He could be heard singing when working the fields, as he used horse powered machinery in those days. He worked hard to make a living for his family. He was a good neighbor and ready to help in the church anytime. He was a faith member of the East Norden congregation and saw to its his children had religious instructions. By Mrs. Alvin Mathison" * * * Additional details from the other stories Sarah Wattnem Mathison wrote inlcude: Sever's brother John sent for his brothers and his mother after their father passed away. After marrying, Sever and Emma lived on different farms, then made their home on farms in the Estelline area including a farm in the Grange township prior to moving to Emma's farm near Dry Lake. Sever was laid to rest next to his daughter Ethel who preceded him in death two years earlier. Sever raised his children with strong discipline and a respect for God in home and church. Emma was a great seamstress and made most of the clothes for the family.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Sever J Wattnem's memorial?
Sever J Wattnem's memorial is located at: East Norden Cemetery, Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA.
When did Sever J Wattnem death?
Sever J Wattnem death on 21 Jun 1936 in Clear Lake, Deuel County, South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Sever J Wattnem's memorial?
Latitude: 44.6074110
Longitude: -97.1284100

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Emma Johanna Cecilia Anderson Wattnem

(1878 - 1964)

Siblings

John Arndt Wattnem

(1869 - 1961)

Peter Jacob Wattnem

(1875 - 1947)

Children

Carlyle Joseph Wattnem

(1900 - 1900)

Edna Grace Wattnem

(1901 - 1901)

Agnes Gertrude Wattnem

(1906 - 1981)

Ethel Sophie Wattnem

(1909 - 1934)

George Alvie Wattnem

(1911 - 1991)

Hazel Dorothy Wattnem Briggs

(1921 - 1980)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. East Norden Cemetery
Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6074110, -97.1284100

2. Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5863300, -97.1661200

3. Lake Norden Baptist Cemetery
Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5883500, -97.1801400

4. West Norden Cemetery
Hayti, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6296997, -97.2093964

5. Poinsett Cemetery
Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5428009, -97.1286011

6. Pleasant View Cemetery
Hayti, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6560040, -97.1883680

7. Bakke Cemetery
Estelline, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5804400, -97.0446900

8. Olivet Cemetery
Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5727997, -97.2093964

9. Apostolic Cemetery
Lake Norden, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5656013, -97.2283020

10. Danish Lutheran Cemetery
Badger, Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5280991, -97.2091980

11. United Cemetery
Badger, Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4996986, -97.1288986

12. Mission Covenant Cemetery
Arlington, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4995900, -97.0998400

13. Laketon Mission Covenant Cemetery
Arlington, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4994440, -97.0997220

14. Bethel Cemetery
Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4994011, -97.0997009

15. Lake Thisted Cemetery
Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4841995, -97.1472015

16. Trasta Cemetery
Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4852982, -97.0689011

17. Castlewood Cemetery
Castlewood, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.7183200, -97.0264800

18. Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery
Castlewood, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.7176575, -97.0239113

19. Dempster Cemetery
Dempster, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6303800, -96.9417400

20. Badger Cemetery
Badger, Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4850006, -97.2142029

21. New Hope Cemetery
Hayti, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6951800, -97.2888100

22. Garfield Cemetery
Bryant, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5718740, -97.3293900

23. Saint Peters German Lutheran Church Cemetery
Badger, Kingsbury County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5010986, -97.2878036

24. Hillcrest Cemetery
Estelline, Hamlin County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5810860, -96.9035940