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- Thomas J?rgensen (N?rrelund) and Maren Dorthea Hansen were married on July 25, 1874 in Asperup; they had ten daughters, two of whom emigrated to Canada. Thomas began using the surname N?rrelund around 1877. He was a teacher (l?rer) in the, then new, private school (Friskole) system. He first taught for many years in H?strup, from between 1874-97, and then briefly in Holsted until his death in 1899 - he died just a few weeks before his 48th birthday.
The following is an extract from a memoir written by Thomas N?rrelund in H?strup, 1876:
I was born on February 28, 1851 in Baaring, Asperup parish, near Middelfart. On the day before there was a bonfire built in honour of the soldiers who had just returned from war. My mother participated in this event, which indicates she had a very strong constitution. When I was born I had turned purple, and moreover did not show any signs of life. However, from a bit of bathing and other sorts of treatments given by the midwife, I woke up. Thus my history should be a little longer.
The first thing I remember is something that happened about 1853, so I must have been about 2 and a half years old. There were some dragoons billeted at our farm, and as they were about to leave my nanny was standing watching, with me in her arms. One of the dragoons asked me if I would like to join them, and told me that he was called Thomas, too.
Later I often, because of that experience, told the other boys that I did remember the war (1848-1850). Once my mother overheard me making this claim, and reminded me that I wasn't born at that time at all. Naturally this information was not very pleasant to me, though it was indisputable.
When I was four years old I began to divide time into years, as I thought it was strange when we, at New Year's time had to write 1855 instead of 1854. About that time a craftsman came to beg at our house, and when he saw me he cried, "Here we have a bloke who could be a dragoon!" This statement did not please me, however. I thought a lot about where I could hide when the King should come to pick me out. At last I found a suitable place, beneath an old fence out in the fields! I was quite sure that the King would not be able to trace me there.
At that time also we had a servant named Sophie, whom I suppose I must have been in love with, since I called her my girlfriend. One day I was standing with my feet in my hat while I was crying, "Look at me, Fi, look at me!" This incident my brother J?rgen often used to tease me with, and I remember clearly how frustrated I was about it.
When I was about six years old I became acquainted with an older boy whose name was Holger. We played all sorts of games, however I don't remember what they were. I do remember one thing clearly, as it has consequences to this day - he taught me how to smoke tobacco! Since then I have been smoking almost every day, though I tried to quit when I was about 18 years old. Since my father liked smoking as a kid too, he couldn't forbid my brother and I to smoke, but we were only allowed to do it indoors. However, wer were not able to keep this rule, thus we took our pipes along when we went out, without his knowledge.
From his brother-in-law Niels Hansen's memoirs:
Soon after my mother's second marriage I got to know the two brothers J?rgen and Thomas N?rrelund - we developed a friendship to last for the rest of our lives. We were together nearly always in our spare time, and in spite of our differences we found great joy in each other's company.
The two brothers had very different temperaments: J?rgen calm and phlegmatic in all his endeavors, Thomas lively and intensely involved in work and play. Often there were confrontations between these two, so opposite in temperament but close in age. Whenever their arguments became too noisy their father opened the door and said in his deep, serious voice, "J?rgen, now let us see who is the wisest, for he will stop arguing first." To this J?rgen would cry out, "Why do I always have to be the wisest, father?" But J?rgen would follow his father's advice, thus stopping their arguments.
My brother-in-law Thomas N?rrelund became the leader of the Free-School in H?strup, Salling district, Svendborg county, in 1874. With the help of my sister Maren Dorthea's foster-parents, A.F. Andersen and his wife of Stadagerg?rd in Baaring, Thomas built a nice house with a large school-room. They faced hardship farming the land, as the soil yields far less there than what can be harvested around here; however the farmers around H?strup are hardworking and excel in the dairy business, a field they have taught us a lot about.
When the H?strup farmers came for a visit they were impressed that we had the time and money to show them so much hospitality. One of our guests once teased me, "Whenever do you find the time to wear out your work-pants?"
Thomas N?rrelund taught in H?strup for 25 years and then went to lead the school in Holsted, Ribe county, Jylland. By this time his health was deteriorating, perhaps the harsher climate and heavier workload there was to blame. He was quite artistic, he drew and painted watercolours, and thought seriously about a career as a painter. But in the end stayed with his teaching - a choice much cherished by everyone who benefitted from his wisdom.
Thomas N?rrelund and my sister Maren Dorthea moved to Holsted in the late 1890s to take leadership of the school there, but Thomas was already suffering from the illness that soon after claimed his life. Hard times followed for my sister, who was left with seven small girls -- without a pension or other income, in spite of Thomas' many years of teaching where he gave his all. He was brought back to Asperup for burial in the family-plot. He was a well educated and multi-talented man with many interests and had been a good husband and father and a faithful friend.
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To: Margrethe N?rrelund
?sterby, Fyn
February 9, 1897, Haastrup
Dear Margrethe,
You have from your sisters heard that mother and I have been to Jylland to look at a school that they thought we could have. We therefore could not write to you on your birthday, but we were talking about you and were sorry that we didn't send you a few words. Therefore now our dearest greetings, such a thing will never be out of time. The Lord be with you on all your roads and he will when you continue to pray to him. Yes, he is our help and comfort as well in sorrow as joy. He shall have thanks for everything he has done for us up to now.
About the school in Holsted, we can tell you of what we think of the people. If we can get it we will take it, then we would move there at the beginning of April. It will be difficult for you now as you should have been in the neighbourhood close to us, but you are near Haastrup and Faaborg. So it is only half a year and then you can come over to us in the winter, and either help mother or go to school, just as you wish. Now we shall have one or two teachers and a woman teacher, so if you want to go that route there is opportunity to educate yourself at home. There are about 40 confirmed boys and girls, and 70 children. There are three large school-rooms. It is interesting work so, if the Lord will have us over there, it will be pleasant work; His will in everything. It seems as though the people here want us to stay, but we don't know for sure yet, not for about 14 days.
We are all well, let us hear from you soon. Many, many greetings from us all.
Your affectionate father,
Thomas J?rgensen N?rrelund
P.S. Give our greetings to the Pastor and Karen (N?rrelund), if she is not with you in ?sterby perhaps they want another girl. I am sending you a book for your birthday.
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March 1, 1897, Haastrup
Dear Margrethe,
Last evening there were a great deal of men together, they agreed to buy our house and gave us 7,000 Kroner for it. Then they have rented it out to Peder Mortensen, but the free-school teacher will have to live at the top of the house and have the school-room to use. The shoe-makers are going to rent the living-house for the time being to Peder Mortensen, as he hasn't yet sold his farm. Yes, we are happy to have it sold for then we won't have to come back and pack everything up when we are living so far away. We are longing to hear from you; are you going to Holsted on the first of May? There is nothing more special to tell you. Many greetings from us all.
Your affectionate father,
Thomas J?rgensen N?rrelund
P.S. Now you have only four weeks left where you are.
****
August 14, 1897, Kustrup
Dear Margrethe,
I will not be coming to Faaborg, but you may already have heard this from Marie. I believe you will be seeing them soon. We closed up the house yesterday, your mother's sister Anine is here with all her children, so we have been 10 strangers here tonight. Now there are already 11 pupils for the winter, and the day before yesterday we have taken on another teacher; and that is Theological Candidate Rosen. You will be helping Miss Olsen a little with teaching. So now we are five in all, besides Kirstine and a shop-teacher. Tomorrow I will go to K?benhavn, and in a week mother will go there for a few days. Remember us to Marie and Karen, and P. Jensen and his wife, and to the others we know. You yourself shall have the best greeting, my dear darling.
From your father,
Thomas J?rgensen N?rrelund
P.S. Greetings from mother and your sisters, and from the people at Kustrup and Faaborg.
****
August 1, 1898, Spanet Inn, morning
To: Maren Dorthea N?rrelund
Dear Maren Dorthea,
I reached, as I had decided, this town last evening. I visited H. Thomsen, the father wasn't at home, and Marie Nielsen's home. From Magleby I road right through to Haldenfogh without detouring. From there, with the wind against me, I got to this place. Everything worked well, I was not really tired. In the evening the Pastor was here, he sat and talked to me until 10 o'clock. He is not a really earnest man.
In a little while I will go to Ginsager and visit him, a man named Hans Schak, and Skutt, who is home at this time as his shoulder is bad. I am fine. I will go to Multuna tomorrow. If you have nothing important to write of you can just tell Margrethe what is necessary, so we can meet in Haderslev. You could write to Fyn that they could get us at N?rre Aaby or Strib on Friday night. I arrive in Strib at 8:30 or 9:00, at N?rre Aaby at 9:30. You will then have to leave from Holsted station at about 6:00. Do remember my blue-grey overcoat.
Remember me to all the children, and to you the best greetings from your Thomas J?rgensen N?rrelund. Greetings from Skutt and Schak.
This database researched and compiled by Norman Lee Madsen, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 21 July 2015.
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1851 - 1899 (47 år)
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