Aleck was born in Tarje and Geline's new home in the Looney Valley, Houston County on February 12, 1860. His name is recorded as "Aliksander" in Tarje's Bible. Some sources state that "Aslak" was often anglicized to "Alexander" and "Torgier/Tarje" to "Theodore" so it is possible Aleck was named for his father and grandfather.  He was 14 when the family moved to Clay County.   Tarje's niece and nephews joined the family after their parents' deaths in Norway. Aslak Thomas was one of Aleck's best friends. The two of them enjoyed a good time and would not back down from a confrontation. Aslak's quickness and Aleck's size and strength made them fearsome opponents. "They didn't start fights, but they sure could finish them!" It was the connection to the Thomases that first brought Aleck into contact with Pauline Kroshus, whose brother owned a farm near Perley, Minnesota. They were the first couple to be married in the original Concordia (Our Saviour's) church building, on November 20, 1884.  Alec worked for his father-in-law, Halvor Anderson Kroshus, for a few years.  His first farm was a 160 acre tree claim east of Perley.  After Ed's death, Aleck returned to Moland township, building his farm from the land inherited from Ed's estate.  He also served as the manager of the Buffalo River Telephone Company for many years.  Aleck was the "big brother" of the family, and stories abound of his exercising his authority to protect or assure the discipline of his younger siblings well into their adulthoods.  Aleck and Pauline had a stormy but enduring marriage. Pauline was intelligent and enjoyed teaching.  (She was perhaps a bit frustrated by the limitations her gender placed upon her in those times. ) Her housekeeping was always the subject of neighborhood comment - she was often up at midnight washing floors or baking bread. Aleck, an early riser, made breakfast for the household while Pauline "slept in" (until as late as 7 AM!).   Aleck, his brothers Ed, Chris and cousin Aslak all spent a few winters logging in Northern Minnesota for the Crookston Lumber Company. Aleck at one point worked as a logger nearly year-round while Pauline returned to teaching. This 3-5 year separation was viewed by the community as a sure sign of marital troubles.  A variety of theories as to the cause of the rift, some silly and others hurtful, were discussed.  It may simply have been that they were two stubborn, independent people who ran their lives with only passing regard for what people would think.  Aleck turned the farming operation over to his son Clarence.  Financial difficulties led to the loss of the farm, and Aleck lived for several years in the parsonage of Concordia Church. While living there, he had a stroke and was an invalid for the last 5 years of his life. A. T.  died, at home in his bed with Pauline at his side, at 9 PM on January 18, 1940.  He was less than a month away from his 80th birthday.  Pauline died the following year.  They are buried in Concordia Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Glyndon.   According to Orabel Thortvedt's journals: Before marrying Aleck, Pauline was romantically involved with his brother Ed; the word Orabel used was in fact 'betrothed.'  Notes were clearly added after the piece was written that Ed convinced Aleck to marry Pauline; another note states flatly that Ed was the father of Aleck's son Clarence.  One could conclude from these gossipy entries that Aleck married Pauline when she was carrying Ed's baby.  This is pure rubbish.  Clarence was born in August of 1886, well over 20 months after the wedding and long after Aleck & Pauline had moved to Norman County.  Did Pauline 'give chase' to Ed as did so many of the young women of the community?  Probably - She knew a great catch when she saw it! Was Pauline ever engaged to Ed?  Probably not. He is reported to have said more than once that a wife would interfere with his business! Could Ed have convinced Aleck to marry his pregnant girlfriend?  Suggesting that shows no understanding of the relationships among the brothers.  Aleck would have been much more likely to tell his kid brother to take care of his own business!  Since Orabel wasn't born until 1896, she was obviously just passing along the gossip she had heard. Orabel never could let a good story go to waste. Aleck .... being Aleck Aleck was in his glory tending the threshing machine during harvest. Click the link above to view a photo that captures him on the job in about 1920 with grease on his shirtsleeves and "that look" on his face.   More about Aleck & Pauline's Wedding Biographies from the Moorhead Daily News   Pauline Kroshus and her family   Census Records 1895 1900 1905 1910 1920 1930 1940   Aleck's Farm in Norman County Aleck's Farm in Moland Township Moland Township Plat Map   Death Index (149 KB PDF document opens in a new window)   Alexander & Pauline Gravesite