Lars Knutson Underbakke was born on November 11, 1860 in Suldal Norway, and died on May 3, 1932 in Burr Oak, Iowa.  He married Marie Tjelman (or Tjelmene) on September 12, 1885 in West Union, Iowa.  She was born on March 13, 1864 in Sand, Norway, and died April 25, 1945 in Burr Oak, Iowa.

Lars was the youngest of 7 children.  Lars' father was Knut Knutson, which was also the name of his grandfather and great grandfather.  Lars' mother was Guro Ormsdatter Heim who came from Sand, Norway.

The name Underbakke was the name of the farm on which they lived, meaning "under (the protected side of) the hill."  The farm was taken over by Lars' older brother, Knut Knutson in 1882.  Knut had no children.  He sold the homestead in 1926 to his niece, Guro, the daughter of his younger brother, Orm.  Guro married Lars Narveson Stein from Steine, Norway.  That had two children, Otto was born in 1924 and died in 1941, and Nils who was born in 1927.  Nils lived on the farm as late as 1990.

Since military service was required at this time, Lars spent 3 years in the Stavanger Norwegian Army.  He came to the United States in April of 1884 while engaged to be married to Marie Tjelman.  He first lived with Lars and Astria Mork near West Union, Iowa.

Marie Tjelman was born in Sand, Norway, which is about six miles from Suldal.  Her parents were Endre and Brita (Bertha Hagen) Tjelman.  She had five siblings, Bertina, Karina, Ole, Nils, and Endrina.

On August 18, 1885, Marie joined Lars in the United States, and they were married on September 12, 1885 at West Union, Iowa.

Lars and Marie had 40 grandchildren, which were called "the cousins" by each other and their children.

Any questions about this web site should be sent to david9@underbakke.com

This picture of Lars and Marie was taken in 1882 in Stavanger Norway.