Using the ABC method described in Using Artificial Intelligence In the Ancestor Biography Creation (ABC) Process, here is another ancestor biography using the Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 AI tool.
(AI ChatGPT5 image - Torger and Anna (Natvig) Leland Family circa 1910)
2) For the Claude AI biography, I attached the PDF of the genealogical sketch for the specific ancestor using the plus (+) icon, and then prompted the AI tool with: "You are an expert genealogist and family historian. Please create a biography based on information in the attached file for the Torger and Anna (Natvig) Leland family. Including parents, siblings, spouses and children (with birth and death dates and places). Summarize life events, add historical events as appropriate, but do not add or embellish any extra genealogical details. Use section headings. Expand the information in each section to add more details. The tone should be engaging and suitable for family members."
3) The Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 biography (lightly edited) is:
The Leland Family: A
Norwegian-American Journey
The Story of Torger Sjursen Leland and Anna Ellingsdatter Natvig
Torger's Early Years in NorwayTorger Sjursen entered the world on March 26, 1850, in the
mountain village of Mølster, Voss, in the Hordaland region of
Norway. He was born into a farming family during a time when Norway
was experiencing significant economic hardship and population
pressures that would eventually drive thousands to seek new
opportunities across the Atlantic.
His parents were Sjur Torgersen (1804-1889) and Brithe "Brita"
Olsdatter (1818-1895). Torger was christened on June 9, 1850, in the
Voss church, following the Lutheran traditions that were central to
Norwegian village life. He grew up with four siblings:
Ole Sjursen (1851-1914),
born December 16, 1851, in Gjelle, Voss
Mathias Sjursen
(1853-1856), born December 19, 1853, who tragically died at
age three after the family's immigration to America
Ingeborg Isabel
Sjursdatter (1856-1939),
born September 2, 1856, in Wisconsin after the family's arrival
Anna Mathea Sjursdatter
(1859-1892), born June 8, 1859, in Wisconsin
The Great Migration: From Bergen to WisconsinIn the spring of 1856, when Torger was just six years old, the
Sjur Torgersen family made the momentous decision to leave Norway
forever. They joined Sjur's brother, Ivar Torgersen, and his family
on this journey into the unknown. This was during the height of
Norwegian emigration to America, when crop failures, limited
farmland, and tales of abundant opportunities in the New World
prompted entire communities to uproot themselves.
The family boarded the sailing ship Hebe in Bergen,
Norway's historic port city. Despite being a new vessel, the Hebe
proved remarkably fast, completing the Atlantic crossing in just
three weeks—an unusually short voyage for a sailing ship of that
era. They landed in Quebec, Canada, and from there began an arduous
overland journey that took them by steamboat, canal boat, and
railroad train through Canada and into the American Midwest.
Their destination was Chicago, and from there they traveled to
Milwaukee before taking a railroad train to Edgerton in Rock County,
Wisconsin. Finally, they made their way to Section 25 in the town of
Deerfield, Dane County, where they were welcomed by Bryngel Larsen,
an acquaintance from Norway who had already established himself in
the area. Ivar Torgersen’s wife, Kari Larsdatter, was the sister of
Bryngel Larsen and their family was on Liland farm west of Voss,
Norway.
The journey was not without its sorrows. Young Mathias, who had
been born in Norway, died in 1856 at the age of three, shortly after
the family's arrival in Wisconsin—a tragic reminder of the
hardships that pioneer families endured.
Growing Up in DeerfieldBy 1860, ten-year-old Torger was settling into life in Deerfield,
Dane County, Wisconsin. The census taker that year recorded his
father as "Seeva Torgason," reflecting the challenges
immigration officials and census takers faced with Norwegian names.
The family worked hard to establish themselves, farming the fertile
Wisconsin soil that was so different from the rocky terrain of
Norway.
As a young man of twenty, Torger was working as a farm laborer,
living with the Andrew Less family in Dunkirk, Dane County, in 1870.
This was typical for young Norwegian immigrants—working for
established families to gain experience and save money before
starting their own households.
Becoming American: A New Name and New CitizenshipBy 1876, the Sjur Torgersen family had made an important cultural
transition. They abandoned the traditional Norwegian patronymic
naming system (where children took their father's first name as their
surname) and adopted "Leland" as their permanent family
surname. This shift reflected their desire to adapt to American
customs and avoid the spelling and pronunciation difficulties that
plagued many Norwegian immigrants. The name "Leland" came
from the farm name of Ivar Torgersen's wife, connecting them to their
Norwegian roots while establishing a stable American identity.
On April 13, 1876, at the Dane County Circuit Court in Madison,
Torger S. Leland took the oath of allegiance and became a naturalized
citizen of the United States. The official certificate recorded his
renunciation of allegiance to "Oscar 2d King of Norway" and
his pledge to support the Constitution of the United States. Two
citizens, L.J. Erdall and A. Flom, testified that Torger had resided
in the United States for five continuous years and had "behaved
as a man of good moral character." This was the centennial year
of American independence—1876—making Torger's citizenship
particularly symbolic.
Anna's Journey from SogndalWhile Torger was establishing himself in Wisconsin, another
Norwegian family was making a similar journey. Anna Ellingsdatter was
born on May 16, 1853, in Øvretun, Sogndal, in the Sogn og Fjordane
region of Norway—a stunningly beautiful area of deep fjords and
steep mountains. She was christened on May 22, 1853, in the Sogndal
church.
Anna's parents were Elling Eriksen (1820-1896) and Anna
Ellingsdatter (1812-1901), who had married in 1845. She grew up with
three siblings:
Christina Ellingsdatter
(1846-1911), born January 13, 1846
Solfest "Sylvester"
Ellingsen (1847-1922), born December 15, 1847
Erik Ellingsen (1850-unknown), born August
6, 1850
The Elling Eriksen family emigrated from Norway around 1862, when
Anna was about nine years old. Like many immigrant families, they
seemed to struggle initially—they don't appear in the 1870 or 1880
census records, suggesting they may have moved frequently or lived in
circumstances that made them difficult for census takers to locate.
They settled on a farm in Cottage Grove, Dane County, Wisconsin.
The family chose "Natvig" as their surname, taking the
name from a farm in Sogn og Fjordane, though not one particularly
close to their home in Sogndal.
A Wedding at KoshkonongOn May 30, 1876—just six weeks after Torger received his
American citizenship—Torger Sjursen Leland, age 26, and Anna
Ellingsdatter, age 23, were married at the Koshkonong church. This
was one of the important Norwegian Lutheran churches in the region,
serving as a spiritual and social center for the immigrant community.
The marriage ceremony was witnessed by their fathers, Sjur T. Leland
and Elling Eriksen, symbolizing the joining of two Norwegian families
who had both taken the brave step of leaving their homeland for a new
life in America.
The ceremony took place at Liberty church, one of the
congregations that served the Norwegian settlement. For both Torger
and Anna, this marriage represented not just a personal union but the
establishment of a new branch of their families firmly rooted in
American soil.
Building a Life in London TownshipTorger and Anna settled in London Township, Dane County, where
they would raise their family. Torger worked as a carpenter while
also farming—a common combination of skills that allowed Norwegian
immigrants to support themselves in rural Wisconsin. The couple would
go on to have ten children over sixteen years, though they would
experience the heartbreak that was all too common in the 19th
century, losing three children in infancy or early childhood:
Their Children:
Edwin Mathias Leland (March 13, 1877 – May
6, 1966), born in Liberty Prairie. He married Louise Andrews Waite
on February 29, 1904, in Clarkston, Washington, and they had three
children. Edwin lived to the remarkable age of 89, dying in Moses
Lake, Washington.
Severt Oliver Leland (August 2, 1878 –
November 2, 1940), born in London. He married Amelia Anna Brocke on
February 12, 1904, in Helena, Montana, and they had five children.
Severt eventually settled in San Francisco, California.
Bertina Leland (October 27, 1879 –
September 2, 1903), born in London. She died unmarried at age 23, a
devastating loss for the family.
Anna Amanda Leland (September 27, 1881 –
April 8, 1885), born in London. She died at just three years old.
Theodore Alexander Leland (February 10, 1883
– February 24, 1964), born in London. He married Alice Gertrude
Walker on May 28, 1912, in Livingston, Montana, and they had four
children. Theodore eventually settled in Seattle, Washington.
Herman Olaus Leland (March 20, 1884 –
December 24, 1884), born in London. He died before his first
birthday, right at Christmas time.
Mabelle Emelia Leland (December 16, 1885 –
January 19, 1973), born in London. She married George Scott
MacKenzie on July 13, 1916, in Molson, Washington, and they had one
child. She lived to age 87, dying in Paradise, California.
Lewis Franklin “Frank” Leland
(September 25, 1887 – August 14, 1947), born in London. He never
married and died in San Francisco at age 59.
Arthur Henry Leland (August 6, 1890 –
August 23, 1976), born in London. He married Mary Malvina Whitley on
February 3, 1913, in Pullman, Washington, and they had two children.
Arthur lived to age 86, dying in Brewster, Washington.
Anna Ruth Leland (September 24, 1893 –
April 16, 1988), born in London. She married Edwin Krall in 1925 in
Sacramento, California, and they had no children. She lived to the
remarkable age of 94, dying in San Francisco.
Family Life Through the DecadesThe 1880 census provides a snapshot of the young Leland family in
Deerfield Township. Torger, age 30, was working as a carpenter and
farmer, while Anna, age 27, kept house—a demanding job that
included cooking, cleaning, caring for small children, tending the
garden, and preserving food for winter. Three small children were in
the household: Edwin (age 3), Sivert (age 1), and baby Bertina (7
months old). Also living with them was Torger's brother Ole S.
Leland, age 28, who worked as a carpenter alongside Torger.
On October 19, 1885, Torger and Anna purchased three-quarters of
an acre of land in Dane County from Ole S. Johnson. This small plot
was part of Section 25 of Township 7 North, Range 12—the same
section where they had first settled when arriving from Norway
decades earlier. Owning their own land, even a small parcel,
represented economic security and independence.
Family tragedy struck on March 29, 1889, when Torger's father,
Sjur Torgersen Leland, died at age 85 in Deerfield. He died intestate
(without a will), and Torger, as the eldest son, was appointed
administrator of the estate. The estate was modest—Sjur had no real
property, and much of his personal property had already been
distributed to family members. After paying for the funeral, cemetery
monument, road tax, and other expenses, the widow Brita and each of
their four surviving children received $548 as their share. This
responsibility as estate administrator reflected Torger's position as
family patriarch and his integration into American legal and social
systems.
By the 1900 census, the Leland household was bustling with
children ranging from age 6 to 20. Torger, now 50, was still working
as a carpenter and owned his home, though it was mortgaged—a sign
that the family was managing but not wealthy. Anna, age 47, had given
birth to ten children over the years, though by this time eight were
still living. The household included six children still at home:
Berthina (20), Theodore (17), Mable (14), Franklin (12), Arthur (9),
and Ruth (6). The four youngest were attending school, taking
advantage of the educational opportunities that had drawn many
immigrants to America. Torger's brother Ole, now 48 and still
unmarried, continued to live with the family and work as a carpenter.
The 1905 Wisconsin state census shows a similar household, though
the older children were beginning to launch into their own lives. By
this time, Torger was 55 and Anna was 52. Only three children
remained at home: Mabell (19), Arthur (14), and Ruth (12). Ole
continued to reside with them.
The 1910 census captured the family at a pivotal moment. Torger,
now 59 and recorded as "T.H. Leland," was working as a
foreman in a tobacco warehouse—Wisconsin had become a major
tobacco-growing state, and this represented steady work beyond
carpentry. He and Anna had been married for 34 years. The census
noted that of their ten children born, seven were still living—a
stark reminder of the infant and child mortality that shadowed even
established families. Still at home were Mabel (24), who had become a
schoolteacher; Arthur (19), working as a baggage man for the railway;
and Ruth (16). The family owned their home, though it still carried a
mortgage.
A Family's LossOn October 26, 1911, Anna Ellingsdatter Leland died at Madison
General Hospital at 7:25 in the evening, following surgery for cancer
of the gallbladder and adjoining organs. She was 58 years old.
According to the death notice published in the Wisconsin Tobacco
Reporter on November 10, 1911, Anna "had not been noticeably
sick until about six weeks ago, and had been up every day until taken
to the hospital." This sudden decline must have been shocking to
the family.
Anna was laid to rest in St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church
Cemetery in Deerfield—the same community where she and Torger had
been married 35 years earlier, and where they had raised their large
family. As administrator of her intestate estate, Torger handled the
legal details. The estate consisted of half an acre of land, part of
the original property they had purchased decades earlier. The
heirs-at-law were Torger and their six surviving children: Edwin,
Severt, Theodore, Mabelle, Lewis Franklin, Arthur, and Anna Ruth. In
1912, the family sold this land to their son Frank Leland, and he
sold it soon after.
The Westward Journey ContinuesAfter Anna's death, 61-year-old Torger could not remain in the
home they had shared for so many years. The older boys, Edwin, Severt
and Theodore, had moved west to Montanan and Washington and had
married before 1911. The other children also moved westward with
Torger, mainly to Washington, -- following the pattern of westward
migration that had brought his own parents from Norway to Wisconsin.
By 1920, at age 69, Torger was living with his son Arthur Henry
Leland's family in Spring Coulee, Okanagan County, Washington.
Arthur, age 29, was farming with his wife Vinie (26) and their two
young children, Robert (6) and Beverly (3). The census noted that
Torger was working on his son's farm, with work "specially for
him"—suggesting that Arthur had structured some light duties
to give his aging father purpose and keep him active.
The 1930 census found 80-year-old Torger living in Grange, Chelan
County, Washington, with his sister Ingeborg Isabel's family. Isabel,
now 72 and widowed, lived with her son Isidore Dykkesten, who ran a
fruit farm with his wife Enid and their three young sons. Torger was
listed as "uncle" in the household, reflecting his honored
position as the elderly patriarch of the extended family. The census
recorded that he had immigrated in 1902—clearly an error, as we
know he came in 1856 -- demonstrating how memories and records could
become confused over the decades.
Final Days in San FranciscoIn his final years, Torger moved south to San Francisco to live
with his son Severt Oliver Leland, who had established himself in
California's growing metropolis. It was there, on March 18, 1933,
that Torger Sjursen Leland died at the age of 82. He had lived
through an extraordinary span of history—from pre-industrial Norway
through the American Civil War, the settling of the West, World War
I, and into the depths of the Great Depression.
Following his death, Torger's body was transported back to
Wisconsin, completing a final journey across the continent. He was
buried in St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Cemetery in Deerfield, Dane
County—next to his beloved Anna, in the community where their
American journey had truly begun more than three-quarters of a
century earlier.
LegacyTorger Sjursen Leland's life embodied the Norwegian-American
experience. He was part of the great wave of Scandinavian immigration
that transformed the upper Midwest, bringing Lutheran faith, strong
work ethic, and tight-knit family values. From a six-year-old boy
leaving Norway on a sailing ship, he became an American citizen, a
skilled carpenter, a family patriarch, and the founder of a large
extended family that spread across the American West.
His ten children produced numerous grandchildren who settled
throughout Washington, Montana, and California, carrying forward the
pioneering spirit that had brought Sjur Torgersen's family across the
Atlantic. The Leland name—chosen for Liland farm near Voss, and to
sound more American while honoring their Norwegian roots -- continued
through multiple generations.
Anna Ellingsdatter Natvig Leland, though her life was cut short at
58, was the heart of this family during its most challenging years --
bearing and raising ten children, losing three of them, managing a
household without modern conveniences, and supporting her husband's
work as the family established itself in their new homeland. Her
strength and resilience were typical of immigrant women whose
contributions often went unrecorded except in the memories of their
children.
Together, Torger and Anna represent the courage, sacrifice, and
determination of the millions of immigrants who built America. Their
story—from Norwegian fjords to Wisconsin farmland to the valleys of
Washington and the streets of San Francisco—is a uniquely American
tale of hope, hard work, and family.
========================================
6) The Video Overview discussing the lives of Torger and Anna (Natvig) Leland created by the Google NotebookLM AI tool is: 7) The "Infographic" feature about this biography from the Google NotebookLM Studio:
8) The Google NotebookLM Studio "Slide Deck" feature created 14 slides in a PDF file. You can see the slide show created with Google Vids below (voiceover to be added when available]:
9) I edited the Claude biography text to correct minor inconsistencies and errors. Every large language model (LLM) AI tool writes descriptive text much better than I can write. I was an aerospace engineer in my former life, and my research reports and genealogical sketches reflect "just the facts gleaned from my research." The AI tools are very perceptive, insightful and create readable text in seconds, including local and national historical events and social history detail when requested.
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