OLSON, Gelhart Berg

WI 32nd Inf Co C. Residence: Liberty, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Born “Gulbrand Olsen Berge” on 18 Dec 1826 at Vang, Oppland, Norway, son of Ole Gulliksen Berge and Anne Iversdatter Thune. He came to America with his brother Iver (also to become a soldier) on “Concordia”, which sailed from Bergen 12 May 1849 and arrived in New York 10 Jul 1849. They came to Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. About 1850 or 1851, Gulbrand moved to a farm in Liberty Township, Manitowoc County. He was married 30 Jan (or 2 Feb) 1856 to Marit Olsdatter Marken (1835-1923). Eleven children. Civil War: Age 37. Farmer. Married. Blue eyes, sandy hair, light complexion, 5’4”. Drafted and enrolled for one year on 30 Sep 1864 at Liberty and mustered there the same day. Bounty $186. Private. On the company’s final payroll muster sheet, his company commander wrote: “Took part in the campaigns, sieges and battles with this company from Atlanta through Georgia and South and North Carolina. Was wounded through a hip by a musket ball at Bentonville, North Carolina, on 21 Mar 1865. Flesh wound. Was an excellent soldier.” Post war: He died 14 Dec 1886 and is buried in Valders Lutheran Cemetery, Valders, Manitowoc County. Sources: (WHS Series 1200 box 148-13; red book vol 37) (Naeseth-Hedberg ’49-1392) “Berga, Gilbert O”