Arent Solem

Who was Arent Solem?

Arent Bjørnsen Solem was a Norwegian merchant and haugean. Born in Klæbu, Søndre Trondhjems Amt, he became a successful entrepreneur and trusted follower of Hans Nielsen Hauge. He married Randi Nideng in the beginning of the 19th century, with whom he maintained a hospitable home. Solem made success as a merchant and property investor in both Trøndelag and Christiania. After Hauge's death in 1824, Solem's connection with the Haugean movement was weakened. He returned to Trøndelag in 1840, where he died in 1857.