Thoresen, Tor
B:
D:
M: Anna Unknown

FN: Unknown
MN: Unknown

Much of the data on the Rustad family history was compiled by Kathryn Poling of Bismarck, North Dakota. This account is based in large part by Kathryn Poling's earlier work. The Rustad family settled in Northwest Minnesota during the first decades of this century. The Rustad family name was adopted by Herman Thoresen at the beginning of this century. Herman Thoresen adopted the Rustad name because the family resided at the Rustad farm in Enebak, Norway. It was customary for the oldest son to adopt the name of the farm on which they lived. The Rustad family name was originally Thoresen. As the oldest son, Herman took the name of Herman Thoresen Rustad. To understand the path of the Rustad family, we must go further into 18th century rural Norway.

The Tor Thoresen family also had two daughters, Ellen and Karen Torsdatter, in addition to Johannes. Ole Rustad told the story that Anna Thoresen's father was taken prisoner in the war between Norway and Sweden. Apparently, Anna's father, Mad, was imprisoned in England. As was the Norwegian tradition, Anna became "Madsdatter." Johannes was also a military man.

Children of Tor Thoresen and Anna Unknown:

1. Johannes Thoresen
B: 1793
D: 1877

2. Ellen Torsdatter
B:

3. Karen Torsdatter
B: