Hello Sjurset family!!
Okay, here we go. This is my information so far. If your information is different please contact me:
John (Johann Olsen) Sjurset came from Norway to America in 1903 (listed in manifest as Johan Olsen Sjursæter). He worked in Lee County, Illinois as a farm hand (Værksarbeider).
In 1904 he was joined by his wife, listed as Oline Sjursen Sjurseth in the manifest, and his children Mathilde Johannesdtr Sjurseth (6 years old - later listed as Mathilde Monsina?), Sigurd Bernhard Johannessen Sjurseth (4 years old) and Olaf Johan Johannessen Sjurseth (2 years old - later known as Uncle Oli who moved to Canada to me). Once settled in Lee County and later on the farm in Wisconsin they added the following children: Melvin Joseph (my father), Clara Sophia, Margaret Nora, Harold Martin and Mildred.
John/Johann was born on the Sjursæter Farm, Hamre Parish, Hordaland County, Norway the son of Ole Andersen Sjursæter and his wife Martha Sjursdatter Kopperdal.
Oline was born Olina Belle Sjursdatter on the Titland Farm, Manger Parish, Hordaland County, Norway, daughter of Sjur Monsen and his wife Kari Andersdatter.
There ya' go... that's some of the information that I have collected. I can add to any that you may need. Just let me know, okay?
Your cousin in Illinois.... Lynn Sjurset Dever