Arent Solem

Arent Bjørnsen Solem (22 October 1777 – 8 February 1857) was a Norwegian merchant and a prominent member of the Haugean Movement (haugianere).

Background Arent Bjørnsen Solem was born in Klæbu, Søndre Trondhjems Amt, Norway. He was born to farmer Bjørn Olsen Solem (1742–1797) and his wife Magnhild Olsdatter ( 1742–??). Although little is known about Solem's early life, it is known that he traveled to Trondheim where he worked as a carpenter. He later made success as a merchant and property investor in Trondheim, before he established a flax weavery in Moholt.

Career He became a successful entrepreneur and trusted follower of Hans Nielsen Hauge, leader of the Haugean Movement. He married Randi Nideng (née Lauvaas) 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 (now Oslo). After advice from Hans Nielsen Hauge, Solem bought the fishing and trade centre Sør-Gjæslingan in Sør-Trøndelag.After Hauge's death in 1824, Solem's connection with the Haugean movement was weakened.

In 1825, Solem moved to Christiania, where he bought the farms Sandaker and Storo and started a mill-and-saw enterprise at Bjølsen. Solem and his wife lived at the Sandaker farm. The farm became a centre for Grundtvigianism.