Peter Hersleb Graah Birkeland

Who was Peter Hersleb Graah Birkeland?

Peter Hersleb Graah Birkeland was a Norwegian bishop.

He was born in Borgund as the son of Lars Birkeland and Johanne Hellem Baade.

In 1836 he married Severine Elise Angell Gram in the Nidaros Cathedral. The couple had nine children, although some died in their youth. Their son Lauritz married Elen Lovise Augusta Kildal, a daughter of Peter Wessel Wind Kildal, niece of Peter Daniel Baade Wind Kildal and sister of Birger Kildal.

Peter Hersleb Graah Birkeland started his career as a priest in the Church of Norway. He served in Fosnæs, Namdalen, Hetland and Bergen. In 1842 he co-founded the Norwegian Missionary Society. In 1864 he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Bjørgvin. He retired in 1880, and died in 1896 in Kristiania.