Else was born in 1584 in Tonsberg, Norway. She was the daughter of Laurits Christoffersen Maretrand Falck and Else Fronick. Laurits and Else had at least two children; Else (1584), Isach (1601)

Else married Jakob Olsen Kjaeras around 1600. Jakob and Else had nine children; Anne (1600), Marte (1605), Barbro (1608), Viveke (1610), Lars (1612), Mari (1614), Anne (1616), Sara (1618), Ragnhild (1620) (Randi). They lived on a farm area known as Kjaeras.

Three hundred and forty nine years ago today, Else died in Andebu, Norway. She is likely buried in the cemetery next to the Hoyjord Stave Church. The church was built in the 11th century. It is the last remaining Stave Church in Vestfold County, Norway.

Else may be my nine times Great Grandmother. This information was received by a tool I use, called “We’re Related”. It is a phone app that I use in conjunction with Ancestry.com. Several months ago, I received a match which connected me with Henrik Ibsen who is a famous Norwegian playwright, director and poet. It is thru this match that I received the information about Else and her father Laurits Falck. Henrik Ibsen descends from Else’s brother, Isach. I am still working to verify this information. The language barrier makes this a difficult process but so far it seems very likely.

Rest in Peace, Else!

Love, Jan