Nils was born on the Bekkedal farm about 3 km south of the village Feiring. The farm itself adjoins Lake Mjøsa and is on the west side of the largest lake near the south end. Although Mjøsa is called a lake, we were informed that is actually a fjord because it was attached to the sea in historic times. It is only 180 feet above sea level. The farm has been in the family since the 1600's when it was purchased from the king. The farm was passed to the older brother of Nils (John) and it has been in his family since. We stayed two nights with Jon Skjøldt who is the current owner and has built a new large house close to the lake in the last 10 years. Jon's mother Eva who is a direct descendent still lives on the farm in a house near the road. (Eva is my fourth cousin according to Family Tree Maker.) Close to that house is the house where Nils was born. Although it is in need of repairs, and has not been lived in for several years, it was possible to tour the white well-contructed house. It was possible to see the wooden nails in the floor of the upstairs in that house.

Many of the houses on the Bekkedal farm are now being used for vacation cottages because of their proximity to Lake Mjøsa. Some are occupied permanently while others are lived in only short periods during the year. Jon Skjøldt rents out two cottages on his farm during the tourist season. This brings in $20 to $30 each on the nights they are occupied. The entrance to the farm is 9 km north of Minnesund on highway 33.