Burleigh County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegian in the settlement at Painted Woods was Oliver Petersen from Telemarken. He settled here in 1878.
    The first in the area of Driscoll was Louis A. Slaatenhus.
    The first at Braddock were Anton Larsen, J. B. Holt and Petter Nilson.
    The first at Linton were Fred Knutsen and Jacob Vintertun.
    The first in the area of Tell were Ole Gjersli, Knut Knutsen and Hans Hansen.
    Norwegian place names: Edberg and Sather (Sæther)

Cavalier County, North Dakota
    D. A. Oakland from Haugesund and Aanund Aanundsen Thorsdalen were the first Norwegians who took land in Cavalier County. Oakland came from Jackson County, Wis. and Thorsdalen met him on the train from Grand Forks. They settled in the area of Milton in 1882. Later in the year came Ole T. Oie, Enok Olsen, Rasmus Tronset, Gunder Hammer and John Hammer, all from Ytterøen near Trondhjem, Gulbrand Gravengen† from Solør, Ole Olsen Stensru from Valders, Ole O. Florenden†, Thom Florence, Petter Johnson and Ole Axvig, all from Sætersdalen, John Taarud† from Gudbrandsdalen, Ole O. Neste, Gulbrand Ulbosen, Bjørn Tveiten, Ole Stave†, Ole Skare, Helge Grønhovd, Tollef Tollefsen, Elling Ellingsen, Thor Vetren, Steingrim Nelson and Elling Sønstegaard, all from Hallingdal, Ole Aasit, Petter Thompson, Thomas Vangsnes, Christen Olsen, Bottolf Flom and Torjus Flom, all from Sogn, Ole Romso from Trøndelagen, Thore Vold from Hitterdal, Erik Meling from Søndhordland, Knut Molvær from the Aalesu ND area, Jens Andersen, Isak Eriksen and Lars Eriksen from the Bergen area, Søren Limick, John Dalvang from Østerdalen, Syver Berger and Edward Berger from Solør (or that area) as well as Elias Nilsen and Andrew K. Johnson, whose birthplace is unknown to the author. They settled in a wide region. This was when Dakota still was a territory (as one sees) and before the land was surveyed. The county was first organized three years after the above mentioned settled here. St. Thomas was the settlers' nearest marketplace and what they brought there was 'frozen wheat' as one of the old ones said. Their nearest neighbors were part full- and part half-blood Indians.
    Dovre congregation, that was established by teacher Ole J. Romso in 1883 and that stretched over several townships in the area of Osnabrock, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Pastor Jens Skugstad was its first priest. It was later divided (into south and north Dovre) and came to belong to The United Church. Now there are 15 Norwegian congregations and 11 churches, 5 of them belong to The United Church, 4 to The Lutheran Free Church, 3 to The Norwegian Synod and 3 to the Baptists.
    Ole Gjevre (Commissioner) was the first Norwegian to hold public office in Cavalier County, while Ole Axvig was the county's first Norwegian Representative in the State Legislature.
    Norwegian place names; Storlie, Nummedal, Romso and Vang.

Dickey County, North Dakota
    There are also a number of Norwegians here, but no one has found the names of the first (and very widely spread) settlers. However, there was one who has written about his trip over to America. He says, "We left Kristiania on a sailing ship (in 1868) and after we had sailed three weeks, up blew a terrible storm that lasted for several days. The ship rolled so badly that we (when the ship was on its side) could see the sea through the middle deck hatch. Naturally, the sea streamed down on us.
    Later, disease broke out aboard. There was a child that died first, the parents tried to keep it a secret since they did not wish to bury it at sea. But one day, the captain came down to us and said, 'someone is dead, for I see the sea serpents around the ship' and then they had to bring out the body. There were so many that died that, finally, there were not enough boards to make coffins, that they had to roll the bodies in sacking and fasten a stone so they would sink quickly.
    We criss-crossed so long on the Atlantic that there was soon hunger aboard. Nevertheless, the captain would not accept the offer of a passing steamship to tow us into the coast. He would not pay a cent, but that nearly cost him his life. After a time, he had to have a guard around him so the emigrants could not get their hands on him. But we finally got to Quebec, from where we were sent on to Wisconsin. I still feel I can smell the manure of the cattle cars we traveled in - part of the way - and the memories of the sea, I will remember as long as I live."
    Aurdal congregation, that was established in Ellendale in 1883 by Pastor Nils A. Øfstedal, belonging to The Anti-Missouri Brotherhood, was the first Norwegian congregation in Dickey County. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by that congregation in 1886. Now, there are 6 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 4 of them belong to The United Church and 2 to Hauge's Synod. The Norwegian population in Dickey County is from various regions in Norway (Lofoten, Søndre Helgeland, Trøndelagen, Nordfjord, Sogn, Østerdalen, Telemarken and Asker).
    Norwegian place names: Norway, Norway Spur and Ulnes.

Dunn County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegians in this county were Ole Pettersen from Trysil, Østerdalen and Henry Lindal. The latter is dead. They came from Eau Claire, Wis. and settled in the area of Rock Springs in 1888. Cattle raising is the main source of income. Taylor, which is 25 miles away, was the settlers' first and nearest marketplace.

Eddy County, North Dakota
    Sveinung Aslaksen and Neri Bitubek, both from Rauland, Telemarken were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. They came from Nelson County, N. D. and settled in the area of Sheyenne in 1883. Next after them came Ole Hendricksen from Hallingdal, Ole Rue from Vinje and S. M. Nelson from Rauland, Telemarken. Here, as in other new settlements, they lived in dugouts. Wheat growing was the area's main source of income. The name of the settlement was Jøtunheimen.
    Sheyenne Norwegian Lutheran Congregation, that was established by Pastor O. C. Grønvold, of the Anti-Missouri Brotherhood, was the first Norwegian congregation in Eddy County. The first Norwegian church was built in Greenfield in 1900. Now there are 5 Norwegian congregations and 2 churches, 2 of them belonging to The United Church, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church and 1 to The Norwegian Synod.
    Ole Henricksen of Sheyenne was the first Norwegian to hold public office here. He was elected Commissioner in 1886.
    There is a little town with the good Norwegian name, Hamar.

Emmons County, North Dakota
    The majority of Norwegians living here, although not many, are from the Stavanger area. There is a Norwegian church and congregation, belonging to The Lutheran Free Church. But in time, there will likely be more.
    Norwegian place names: Hauge, Larvik and Dale.

Foster County, North Dakota
    Halvor Olsen from Aasnes, Østerdalen, Edward T., Tørris A. and Aslak T. Halaas, as well as Sivert Roaldson, John E. Indergaard, Olaus Gustad and E. J. Johnson were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. All the last mentioned are surely from Nordmøre (at least the Halaas men are from there) - and all settled in the area of Carrington in 1883.
    And in the area of New Rockford, the Vossing Peder Larsen Jermoe came the same year, that is 1883. Next after him came Chr. Ramberg, Nels Gunvalson, O. G. Granvold, Ole H. Olsen, Ole Mattson, Chris Berge, Jens O. Myhre and Ole Henricksen.
    The aforementioned Peder Larsen Jermoe's son, Olai, froze to death in 1892. He is thus the first settler's son who died in New Rockford settlement.
    Benjamin Ryum from Nærum, Tosten Elvrum from Stjørdalen, Levi Sem from Telemarken, Nels Kastet† from Skien and Paul Rostad from Trondhjem City were the first in the area of McHenry. They settled there in 1885. Next after them came H. C. Leean from Ringebo, Iver A. Elvrum† and Anders and Johan Dybvad from Stjørdalen, Lars Helling, Alie Helling, Mikal Vebjøtnsen and Helge Vebjørnsen Hauge (also called Williams), all from Hallingdal, Martin Borgen† from Smaalenene, Tollef E. Thompson from Telemarken, A. Sandvold from Tolgen as well as Johan, Cornelius, Hans and Christian Ryum from Nærøen. Wheat growing was the county's main source of income. Cooperstown, 24 miles away, was the new settlers' nearest marketplace.
    "I shall write down a true account about what happened to us on the second time we came out here to visit our homestead," writes Hans C. Leean, "It was in the middle of November 1889 that Torsten J. Elvrum, Levi Sem, Hans H. Moen, Iver A. Elvrum and I went together with a horse team and wagon from Blanchard in Traill County, west to Glenfield, Foster County in order to spend some nights on the land. We had provisions for three days when we left Cooperstown, which was 24 miles from our claims. In the evening of the 18th of November, we gathered in Torsten Elvrum's shanty, to leave the next morning back to Blanchard. But during the night a frightful snowstorm blew in from the northeast and the snow seeped between the boards of the shanty. We could almost not get to the sod stable that was snowed in. Our provisions were gone and we divided the last crumbs in the evening. We had no firewood, no water and no food. Only about a peck of small half-frozen potatoes. Then the evening of the 19th November came and the storm increased in strength so that we were afraid that the hut would be blown away. We were hungry and our spirits began to sink. We all had fur covers and clad ourselves in them and went down in the cellar and lay side by side on the bare ground. Naturally we could not sleep for we waited for the moment the shanty would blow away - and we would be covered with snow. We now had to make a decision. And the result was that we either had to get to some people or die on the prairie. About 10 in the morning the wind changed to northwest, and by our calculations (by following the wind for one and a half hours) we would get to two Americans.
    Iver A. Elvrum, who was 60 years old, sat in the wagon to drive, while the other four walked in a rank up in front of him. There was no road - only prairie. We followed the wind and eventually came to a 'breaking' (or a plowed field). We followed that and came to the two Americans - and they had nothing to eat either. They were ready to leave, like us - and weather-bound. But they must have had a little food, for they would not join us. Now, there was nothing to do but to carry on - forward. Using the wind as our compass, we continued our trip and about a half hour before noon, we spotted a house, and then we got to another American, who lived there with his family. His wife put on a potato pot, frying pan and the tea kettle. Our appetites must have been good since it cost each of us 35 cents.
    After we had rested a while, the storm lessened and the sun came out. Now, we could see cabins here and there and since our host had no room for us, we had to go out again. About 5 o'clock we reached a worthy German, with whom we spent the night. It took us exactly 6 days to travel the 75 miles back to Blanchard, since we had no wagon to drive with and much snow had fallen. The following spring, all went back to their claims and most now have good farms.
    The above is only a small part of the hardships of the new settlers' life, but it will have to be enough - it was the beginning with a good ending."
Kværnes and Garfield congregations, that belong to The United Church and that were established in 1887, were the first Norwegian congregations in Foster County. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by Kværnes congregation in 1900. There are now 4 Norwegian congregations and 2 churches, all belonging to The United Church.
    Edward T. Halaas of Carrington was the first Norwegian to hold public office in the county, he was elected Commissioner in 1892.
    Norwegian place names; Melby and Nordmøre.

Grand Forks County, North Dakota
    The area along the Red river, the county's eastern part, was settled first. And two Hallinger, Halvor Hansen† and Halvor Bentru† were the first settlers. They settled in the area of Whynot in 1872. Next after them came A. Thorkelsen, K. Lagesen† and K. Jørgensen (Bentru) as well as J. N. Løiland† and T. N. Løiland from Sætersdalen and K. Rue from Hallingdal.
    The first to settle in Grand Forks was H. Tharaldsen† from Sætersdalen, he came there in 1874.
    The same year (1874) there came a group of 8 Norwegian families by ox cart from the region of Northwood, Ia. and settled at Goose River, in the area where the City of Northwood now lies. (Northwood, N. D. is named after Northwood, Iowa) The names of the family heads in the aforementioned group: Ole Arneson Trageton†, Halvor Olsen Solem†, Iver Tomassen Søndreaal, Paul Tomassen Søndreaal, Thomas Torstensen Raaen and Lars Johannesen Mørk†, all from Aal, Hallingdal, Nils Korsmo from Solør and Halvor Berg†, from whom Newberg (Nyberg) Town got its name, he was also the place's first postmaster and merchant.
    Thomas, the son of Paul and Helga Søndreaal, was the first white child born in Goose River.
    Next after the above mentioned families was Paul C. Johnson, Andrew R. Bakken, Ole Haralsen, Ole Clementsen, Halvor T. Bjerke, Gilbert Halvorsen, Anders A. Onsager, Anton T. Gilbertsen, Ole O. Tronsgaard, Angus J. Røset, Martin O. Grefshune, Ole T. Grønlie, P. O. Mandt, Ole Ellingsen Nyhus, Erik O. Vange, Narve Narvesen, Nils J. Benkestuen, Nick Eddie, Ole Sandvik, O. T. Jøssendal and C. J. Ovind.
    Another settler who should be mentioned here is P. L. Peterson, in the area of Pilot. In the first time he lived here, it was 16 miles to his nearest neighbor. He settled there in 1878. His parents came from Hardanger.
    In the first time they had to take their wheat to Fargo. There was no nearer market.
    My correspondent at Reynolds mentions the smallpox epidemic that raged here in 1878. This was a time of distress for the new settlers. That they were far apart and that they were poor, speaks for itself. But the page has turned.
    The Red River Valley is now thick with Norwegians, and also owns the world's largest elevator. To say that they as well as the area in which they live in, is looked to by the wheat buyers, is perhaps redundant.
    There are 26 Norwegian congregations and 21 churches in Grand Forks County, 11 of them belonging to The United Church, 5 to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to Hauge's Synod, 3 to The Methodist Church, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church and 2 to The Baptist Church.
    Tellef Grundbyson was the first Norwegian to hold public office in the county. He was elected County Commissioner in 1879.
    Nels Tandberg, Ole T. Gronli† and Arne P. Haugen represented Grand Forks County in the State of North Dakota's first Legislature. See the section, 'Norwegians in official positions in America' where these and many others are mentioned.
    For information about 'Nordstjernen', 'Nordlyset', 'Grand Forks Tidende', 'Normanden' and 'Fjerde Juli', see the section, 'Norwegian-American newspapers and periodicals'.
    For information about the Deaconess Hospitals in Grand Forks and Northwood, see the section, 'Norwegian-American Charitable Institutions' and for Grand Forks College see, Teaching Institutions.
    Places with Norwegian names in Grand Forks County; Bentru, Bjørn, Dahl, Newburg and Walle.

Griggs County, North Dakota
    Amund Nilsen Opheim, who came from Winneshiek Co., Iowa and settled in the area of Romness in 1878, was the first Norwegian settler in this county. He ('Pioneer Nelson', as they called him*) was from Hardanger. Together with him came Gustav Olson, who soon moved away. But then (in 1880) came John Haagensen from Aamot, Østerdalen, A. C. Lybeck from Land, Gilbert Olsen from Ringsaker, A. Nelson from Østmarken, Iver Siem from Hardanger and J. E. Qualey from Sogndal. Valley City, 45 miles from there, was the aforementioned settlement's nearest marketplace. There they took the wheat and oats they harvested.
    In 1880, the following settled in the area of Cooperstown and Hannaford; Ed Evensen from Østre Toten and A. Gundersen, J. Johnson, S. Nelson, Tob. Lima and Even Løge.
    And in 1881, S. Sandersen settled in the area of Gallatin. He was thus, the first there. He is from Kristiania.
    T. Fulglestad from Birkrem of Cooperstown writes, "We emigrated in 1883. The ticket led to Valley City, Barnes Co., since the rail was not finished north to Griggs Co. yet. By ox cart we went from Valley City to this county's empty prairie, where there were many poor people who had taken homesteads the previous year. In the spring of 1883, things looked dark for them. It was a bad spring and the winter provisions had been consumed. Both people and livestock were in danger of starving to death, and because of a severe flood they could not get to town, which was, as well, far away. However, rescue came in time.
    The first winter I was here, my life once hung by a hair. My brother-in-law and I had accompanied a neighbor to town. Arriving back at his house (or dugout) in the evening, we had to go by foot to our own nest, which was a long piece from there. It was bitterly cold, the snow was up to our knees and it was misty. We soon lost our way. After roaming on the empty prairie until late at night, we stumbled on an abandoned lumber shanty. There was a foot of snow on the floor and the wind blew through the cracks, and there was neither a stove nor firewood. Fortunately we had a few matches in our pockets. Then we began to tear up the floorboards and made a fire. But it was still cold - and the smoke that we had to breathe! The next morning we reached home to our young wives, who had also had a sleepless night.
    My older brother, who had gone to America before me, also knew what it meant to wander on the Dakota prairies. He had heard about Turtle Mountains, where there was land to be obtained. One day in 1882 he set off on foot. With a map, a compass and a pack sack of food, he set off. The distance was 200 miles. When his food was gone, he shot hares and other game. During the day he walked steadily and at night, he slept under open skies. There were no people or houses where he went. Finally he reached the forested mountains, but he shuddered with the thought that he was alone and far from civilized folk and among wild animals and Indians, of whom he saw traces. The significance of that, he had not thought of until he faced the reality of it. But, he liked the land. He therefore came straight back to get his brothers, Godtfred, Sefanius to go with him and settle there. They went and settled among the Indians at Dunseith, Rolette Co."
    ‘Ringsaker', 'Thime' and 'Ottawa' congregations, that were established in 1882 by Pastor J. J. Lundeby of The Conference, were the first Norwegian congregations in the county. The first Norwegian church was built by the Ringsaker congregation (at Romness) in 1887. Now there are 19 Norwegian congregations and 18 churches in Griggs Co., 12 of them belong to The United Church, 3 to The Lutheran Free Church, 1 to The Norwegian Synod, 1 to Hauge's Synod, 1 to The Evangelical Free Church and 1 to The Methodist Church.
Norwegian place names; Romness and Sverdrup.
    *'Pioneer Nelson' was the first white settler in the great Sheyenne Valley. As mentioned, he lived (with his family) a couple of years before other white people began to look there. He spent his youth at Cambridge, Wis., later he moved to the area of Decorah, Ia. and finally to N. Dak. where he is remembered with thanks by many new settlers who gained much from his help and expert guidance.

Kidder County, North Dakota
    In the area of Langedal and Norway there are a number of Norwegians. The majority of them are from Skudenæs, near Stavanger.
    In 1895, a congregation was established that was first served by The United Church but is now by The Norwegian Synod's priests.
    The first and, until now, the only Norwegian to hold public office in the county is L. S. Langedahl, who was elected Commissioner in 1897.
    The (two) Norwegian place names are mentioned above.

La Moure County, North Dakota
    The settlement in the area of Griswold was founded in 1882. The first were; B. Smedshammer, Christ Smedshammer, O. O. Bjerke, Christ O. Bjerke, A. E. Rockwold and P. E. Rockwold, all from Hadeland, John Horsager and Ole Horsager from Stadsbygden, John O. Menes from Sogn as well as H. J. Hansen and L. C. Bjone. Next after them came Oscar Paulsen from Ringerike, Isak Rein, John Paulson, Paul Tingstad, A. K. Rørvig, Ole R. Oie and Envert O. Kulset, all from Trøndelagen, A. Kjelby and E. Nordal from Sogn, O. C. Anderson from Toten, Ed Olsen and Theodor† Olsen from Drammen, Ole Grindal from Østerdalen as well as M. Wernesen, John Arves, Syvert Martin, Ole Kenservik and Anders Olsen, whose birthplace is unknown to the author.
    The first in the area of Edgely was Carl O. Nordby, who settled there in 1883.
    North La Moure Norwegian Lutheran Congregation, which was established in 1884 by Pastor Hill, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Now there are 6 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 4 of them belong to The United Church and 2 to Hauge's Synod.
    Lars Heiberg published a Norwegian newspaper in La Moure for a short time in the 90s.
    Places with Norwegian names in La Moure County: Ibsen, Mikkelsen, Nora and Norway.

McHenry County, North Dakota
    Iver Gjelstad from Askim, Smaalenene, Lewis Larson from Hedemarken, Lars Hansen from Storelvedalen, Hans Tjone from Nissedal and Sam Koto who settled in the area of Velva and Villard in 1882, were the first Norwegians in this county. Next after them came Erik Espeset from Lærdal, Sogn, M. Bredalen and A. Jevnager from Solør, Simon Hestnes† from Hedemarken, Simon Thompson, Arnt Walley and G. G. Walley from Hatfjelddalen, George Opsahl and Christian Halseth from Hedemarken, Gustav Wolhowe and O. H. Wolhowe from Ullensaker, Axel Lyng and Johannes Lyng from Værdalen, and Chr. Rensla and Herbrand Lee from Hallingdal.
    The first in the area of Towner were the brothers Hans, Eivind and Johannnes Oium from Nordre Fron and Tjøstøl Kongslien† and family. These then, were the first in the so-called Deep River Settlement.
    Some of the new settlers built log cabins, others dug dugouts. Cattle raising was the leading source of income. And Bismarck was their nearest marketplace, it was ca. 100 miles away and they had to drive with oxen.
    Norway congregation, that was established in 1883 by Pastor O. H. Aaberg of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Pastor T. S. Reishus was its first serving priest. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by that congregation in 1886. Now there are 12 Norwegian congregations and 3 churches, 4 belong to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to Hauge's Synod, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church, 2 to The United Church and 1 to The Evangelical Free Church.
    Norwegian place names; Berwick, Odin and Martha.

McIntosh County, North Dakota
    Lars Anderson from Ringerike, Martin and Nils Lund from Ringsaker, M. C. Moen, J. C. Moen, K. J. Løkken and A. Sundby, all from Øier, Gudbrandsdalen, Julius Ericksen from Kristiania and L. H. Larson, who settled in the area of Ashley in 1884, were the first Norwegians in this county. They built sod houses and grew wheat and oats, which was the settlement's main source of income. To the nearest marketplace, Ellendale, to which they drove with oxen, it was ca. 50 miles.
    There is one Norwegian congregation, belonging to The Lutheran Free Church in McIntosh County.
    The first Norwegian (in this county) who held public office, was Gilbert O. Gulaek, Member of the Legislature.
    Norwegian place names; Hellwig, Norway and Norwegian.

McKenzie County, North Dakota
    This county is new. But there is already a 'Norwegian' post office by the name Berg, established by the Norwegian Berg, one of the very first settlers there.
McLean County, North Dakota
    Jens Olsen from Kristiansand and J. P. Petersen from Hurdalen were the first Norwegian settlers in McLean County. They settled in the area of Washburn in the 80s.
    Sverdrup congregation, that was established at Washburn in 1883, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. C. O. Aubol, then of the Norwegian Synod, later editor of 'Lutheraneren', The United Church's organ, was the aforementioned congregation's first priest. The first and, until now, only church in the county was built by that congregation in 1905. There are now 8 congregations, 4 belonging to The United Church and 4 to The Norwegian Synod.
    J. P. Petersen, who is mentioned above, was one of the first Norwegian settlers, was also the first Norwegian to hold public office. He was elected Co. Commissioner in 1884.
    Norwegian place names; Sverdrup and Oscar.

Morton County, North Dakota
    A. J. Jonsen, H. Bensen† and S. Bensen† from Spangereid, B. Romsland from Lyngdal and T. Stentland from Søndre Aurland, were the first Norwegians in this county. They settled in the area of Mandan in 1881. They began with wheat and cattle raising.
    The Lutheran congregation, that was established at Mandan in the middle of the 80s and at that time belonged to The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Its first priest was O. J. Norby. In 1891, that congregation built a church - the first Norwegian church in the county. There are now 2 churches and 3 congregations, all belonging to The United Church.
    Andrew O. Mork was the first Norwegian to hold public office. He was elected Court Clerk in 1894.
    Fred Holritz was the first and, until now, the only Norwegian who represented Morton County in the State Legislature.

Mercer and Oliver Counties, North Dakota
    In 1883 Albert J. Hansen from Helgeland and his wife came alone from Glenwood, Minn. to Stanton N. D., where they settled. Later in the year came Hans and Ole A. Finstad from Nordre Land and H. G. Bagley from Nummedal. The settlement, that bears the Bagley name, lies on the border between Mercer and Oliver Counties. The nearest marketplace was Mandan, about 25 miles away. Wheat and cattle raising was and is the county's leading source of income.
    Oluf, son of the aforementioned Albert Hansen, was the first white child born in the aforementioned area. He was born in July 1883.
    Ole Finstad writes, "After we came to Stanton, we drove out across the prairie to look at the land. Everything was wild. Deer, antelopes and Indians were the only living creatures we saw on our travels. We agreed, however, to settle here and dug some dugouts for our use in the first year. In time, when we had the opportunity to obtain some timber from the other side of the Missouri River, we built proper houses.
    There is a congregation, belonging to The United Church.

Nelson County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegian settlement in this county was established in the area of Lee, Ottosy and Bue in 1880. The first settlers were: Kittel, Hans and Andrew Olsen as well as Ole Olsen, Torger Mikkelsen† and Halvor Knudsen, all from Telemarken, Ole Gross from Hallingdal and Mrs. Britte Stenne, whose birthplace is unknown to the author. Next after them was Lars O. Bue† from Strilelandet, Tore Halvorsen† and Stengrim Halvorsen from Gol, Hallingdal, Helge Rud and Elling Fjeld from Sigdal, Tron Alstad and Nils Hagen from Kristiansund, John Nereby from Lands parish, Bernt Opeien from Trøndelagen, Halvor Johnson from Telemarken, Peder Enestad from Gudbrandsdalen, Ole Førde and Nels Førde from Evanger, Voss, Kristoffer Fladstrand from Nummedal, Roar Andersen Velvatne and Erik Hansen from Stordøen and Gabriel Paulson et al.
    Elling N. Dahlen from Nordre Aurdal, Valders was the first in the area of Baconville and Belleville. He settled there in 1881.
    They began with wheat and cattle raising. Their farm products they took partly to Valley City and partly to Grand Forks, to the latter it was 90 miles. They had only oxen for plowing and driving.
    Mr. Ole O. Førde, one of the pioneers, writes; "We came to America on the sailship 'Norge'. On the journey we collided with another ship. The collision was so hard that we were stuck together. That there was panic aboard, is easy to believe. After they separated the ships, it showed, however, that our ship had not suffered any particular damage, on the contrary, the other had a big hole in its side. But fortunately, it was above the waterline, so it could be repaired.
    After having lived in Winneshiek Co., Iowa for a time, we moved to Jackson Co., Minn., where my father and 12 others were murdered by the Indians. My brother was wounded, but is still alive." (A full account of these murders is found under Jackson Co., Minn. - Auth.)
    Forest River Congregation, that was established at Belleville by Pastor Christopher Flaten of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in Nelson Co. The first Norwegian church was built at Bue in 1883 by the Sheyenne congregation, that came to belong to The Conference and that was established by Pastor J. Lundeby. Now there are 22 Norwegian congregations and 21 churches, 9 belonging to The United Church, 6 to The Lutheran Free Church, 5 to The Norwegian Synod, 1 to Hauge's Synod and 1 to the Methodists.
    Gabriel L. Paulson and T. J. Alstad, who were elected in 1883, the former as Constable and the latter as Judge, were the first Norwegians that had county offices here.
    A. J. Gronna, now a member of the U. S. Congress, was the first Norwegian to represent Nelson Co. in the State of North Dakota legislature, elected 1888.
    Norwegian place names in Nelson Co.; Bue, Bergen, Norway, Sogn, Dahlen, Førde, Lee and Moen.

Pierce County, North Dakota
    T. T. Grønvold and O. T. Tofsrud, both from Sigdal and Christ Bremset from Trondheim were the first Norwegians in Pierce Co., they settled in the area of Barton and Rugby in 1885. Later in the year came John Johnson from Kristiania, H. H. Funden from Næs, Øvre Romerike, Carl Julsrud, Anton Julsrud, A. O. Ruud and J. O. Ruud from Smaalenene, E. N. Enger, R. P. Grønvold† and T. E. Haugen from Sigdal and S. S. Gudvangen from Sogn.
    In 1887, a Norwegian settlement was founded in the area of Hurricane Lake. The first there were; J. O. Lomsdalen from Aadalen, Ringerike, Martinius Nilsen from Lands parish, Kittel Hiaasen from Sigdal, Thom Neresen from Telemarken, Ole C. O. Olsen from Gudbrandsdalen, Nils E. Garvik, Engebret E. Garvik, Ole Mikkelsen, Martin E, Engen, Ole H. Brager and his sons Petter, Johan and Oscar Brager, the last 8 from Valders, Nils S. Laftvet from Stavanger and Eberhardt Gundersen from Solør.
    Nor in these areas was it great in the beginning. The first year they lost their crops to frost, and the next three years they harvested almost nothing because of drought. It was truly an unhappy fate that met the Norwegian new settlers in many places. Yes, it is a wonder they held out.
    There are 9 congregations and 7 churches in Pierce Co., 4 of them belonging to The United Church, 2 to The Norwegian Synod, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church and one to The Baptist Church.
    C. A. Ericksen and Chr. Evensen, who were elected in 1889, the former as Registrar of Deeds and the latter as Treasurer, were the first Norwegians to hold public office in the county. The aforementioned C. A. Ericksen was also the first Norwegian to represent Pierce Co. in the State Legislature, elected in 1890.
    Places with Norwegian names; Elling and Rugby.

Ramsey County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegians in this county were T. P. Thompson, P. Kjelberson† and G. Ulstad, all from Øvre Stjørdalen along with L. Nygaard from Tønset. They came from Goodhue Co., Minn. and settled in the area of Devil's Lake in 1882. The same year (1882), Ever Vagness settled at Grand Harbor.
    The first Norwegian in the Big Coulee settlement at Church's River, on the border between Ramsey and Benson counties was Erik Nilsen Lysne from Lærdal, Sogn. He came there from Northfield, Minn. in April 1883. Next after him came Ole Olsen from Stavanger, Siver Petersen and John Petersen (Gingely) from Nordfjord, Ole Green, Ole Ellingsen, John Gunderud†, Jørgen Tofsrud and N. Larson, all from Sigdal, Ellen Hansen from Østerdalen, John L. Solberg and Thorwald Solberg from Moss, Tollef Johnson and SvenNestegaard from Hallingdal, Gunnar Torgersen and Torger Torgersen from Sætersdalen, John Miller from Stavanger, Samuel Anderson†, Amund Lepstad, C. Pedersen and Mary Olsen, all from Telemarken as well as Thorwald Torgersen, Godtfred Torgersen and Knut -?- (name illegible). Some of these settled in Ramsey, the rest in Benson Co. As mentioned, the settlement lies on the county border.
    The same year, that is 1883, A. J. Kildahl came and settled near Maza. Kildahl is from Namdalseidet, N. Trondhjems Amt. His daughter Mathilde, now Mrs. E. F. Solberg was the first Norwegian woman to go over Big Coulee at Church's Ferry.
    Among the first to come to the area of Church's Ferry were Arne Sarrud, Martin Moen, Louis Bergh and Ole Holte.
    They started growing wheat, that they had to transport (with oxen) all the way to Larimore, between 80 to 90 miles. The new settlers lived in dugouts, there was no material for log cabins. Besides, they felt more secure in dugouts since the strong winds could not carry them away. Now, there are large comfortable houses. "Remarkable too is that the weather conditions have changed to the better in recent times." The worst storm that was seen in this area was on the 4th November 1886.
    Already in 1888, the new settlers had the spirit to celebrate Norway's Independence Day, they celebrated the 17th May at Andrew Kirkeeide's.
Pioneer Anton Myklebust in Evanston writes; "We were 6 Norwegians who left Grafton with Turtle Mountains as a destination.This was before the iron horse or any other horse was seen up here, so we had to be satisfied with 4 oxen for transport, and yes, we had a pair of wagons for our use also. But since all the sloughs and water courses were full of water, it took all our efforts to get across and often we were stuck in the mire, so we had to carry our goods to the other bank, next we had to put a chain on the rear axle of the wagon and pull it back out of the mud. Luckily, one of our oxen was big and strong, which is why he was ridden into the water to determine its depth and the bottom's nature. There was no road, only an Indian trail as a guide for us. We examined several areas but did not like anything before we reached Devil's Lake. About 20 miles north of that we claimed our land, that was still not surveyed. Our first harvest, which however did not fill many sacks, we transported across the ice of that lake and to market. The railroad was built to Devil's Lake in 1884 and there we sold our goods and at the same time, we could purchase necessities. Now our land is cultivated, our sod huts replaced with good houses, oxen by horses and our stone sleds (that we carried our produce - over the ice - to market) are out of style, since the 'Farmer's Railroad' goes by our doors."
    St. Johannes Congregation at Maza and Big Coulie Congregation at Church's ferry were established in 1884 by Pastor O. H. Aaberg of The Norwegian Synod and were the first Norwegian congregations in the county. The latter also serves Benson Co. since it lies on the border between these two counties. The first Norwegian church in this area was built by St. Johannes Congregation in 1895. Now there are 19 congregations and 15 churches in Ramsey County, 9 of them belong to The United Church, 7 to The Norwegian Synod, 2 to the Lutheran Free Church and 1 to The Methodist Church.
    Pioneer Ever Wagness, who was elected Sheriff in 1884, was the first Norwegian county official. The first Norwegian in the State Legislature was Hans Ugland, elected in 1898.
    A Norwegian newspaper, 'Stats-Tidende' was published at Devil's Lake for a short time.
    Norwegian place names; Lillehof, Lunde, Norway and Lake Ibsen.

Ransom County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegian to make a home in this Co. was Theodor Pedersen Slatum† from Nannestad. He came from Rushford, Minn. and settled in the area of Preston in 1878. Next after him came Abraham Dahl† and Jørgen Strand from Saltdalen, Nordland, A. R. Berland from Haa, Egersund, Mikal Thoresen† from Nannestad, Nils Miller from Nordre Odalen, Peder E. Aas from Tolgen, Nils Olsen† and Anton Andersen from Mo i Ranen, A. A. Prestrud, O. A. Prestrud, Martinus Nilsen, Helmer Petersen, all from Hedemarken, Gilbert Hansen from Lom, Gudbrandsdalen, Casper O. Vig from Trondhjem, Peder L. Reitan from Tønset and S. E. Brandvold from Lilleelvedalen.
    The nearest marketplace was Valley City, far up in Barnes County. The new settlers in Ransom Co. had to drive their wheat there - and they had nothing else but oxen to drive with.
    One of North Dakota's pioneers writes, "I was only a child when I lived with my parents in Winneshiek Co., Ia., but I remember the holes that they dug in the hillside and where they lived the first years. But kind and helpful they were to each other. I remember also seeing mothers - carrying their infants in a bag on their back - go and plant potatoes. It was the same at haying time. What would people in our times think about that? Yes, so it was in Iowa, but truly it has not been better here in Dakota - only the manner of work was a little different. We old ones have received and our children receive the rewards. Only now can the rewards be a blessing to them! If only they can understand to use the means handed to them for their and their contemporaries' benefit, then their forefathers' often sad, miserable and dangerous lives in the wilderness will not have been in vain. "
    Fort Ransom Congregation, that was established in 1881 by Pastor J. D. Bothne of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. But Standing Rock Congregation, that was established in 1882 by Pastor J. Lundeby of The Conference, built the first church there - in 1889. Now there are 9 Norwegian congregations and 8 churches in Ransom County, 4 belonging to The United Church, 3 to Hauge's Synod, 1 to The Norwegian Synod and 1 to The Lutheran Free Church.
    Andrew G. Kvello† was the first Norwegian honored with public office in this county. He was first elected County Commissioner, and right after (in 1882) as Treasurer. He was an agricultural teacher from Norway.
    Andrew Sandager represented Ransom County at the Constitutional Convention in 1889. He was thus, one of those who made North Dakota a State and gave the State its constitution.
    'Enderlin Folkeblad', that started in 1898, had a large Norwegian readership, but the publisher was Danish.

Rolette County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegian settlement in this region lies on the border of Rolette and Bottineau counties. In other words, some of the settlers made their home in Bottineau and some in Rolette, near Dunseith and Twala.
    The brothers Claus, Godtfred and Sefanias Fuglestad from Birkrem, near Stavanger settled at Dunseith in 1882. Christian Cleveland from Grimstad settled at Twala in 1883. About the same time came K. Flaten, B. Flaten, Osmund Metvedt, Ole Metvedt and Knut Aaland, all from Telemarken, as well as Amund Rodton from Sætersdalen. Nearly all of the first settlers in these parts, one finds listed in Bottineau County. Wheat became the new settlers main item for sale and this they drove all the way to Devil's Lake by oxen.
    In the spring of 1884 a band of Sioux Indians came and camped at Willow Creek, near the place where the Fuglestad brothers had raised their dwellings. Sefanias had his cabin right across the creek from the Indian camp. Across this creek (Willow Creek) there were a pair of logs serving as a bridge. The Indians made use of this bridge, one day when Sefanias was away. They had gone into his cabin and put poison in his food. (A Swede had seen them go in and out of the house, before they broke camp and left). Sefanias had no idea of the occurrence. When he came home, he sat at the table and ate of the poisoned food, and became instantly sick so he had to lie down. After a while his brother Godtfred came on an errand and found Sefanias struggling with death. He was unable to speak and died without explanation. But from what he had thrown up and from the Swede's account, gave the reason for his sudden death. He was buried on his claim under rather simple ceremony. The bitterness against the redskins was so great among the whites in the area, that they immediately set out after them, but they had such a long lead into the forested mountains, that they could not find them. The Turtle Mountains were an excellent terrain for the Indians. Once, when K. Fuglestad went there to get a load of timber, 4 of these Sons of the Forest came and took hold of his oxen. But he was not frightened. He took a bar from his load and went after them and since they were not armed, they found it advisable to flee. During a similar incident, a large Gudbrandsdaling attacked them with a raised axe. Neither was he going to be bluffed.
    Willow Creek Congregation, that was established at Willow Creek in 1885, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. Its first priest was Theodor J. E. Tønnesen of The Norwegian Synod. The first church in the county was built by the aforementioned congregation in 1895. Now there are 8 congregations and 3 churches, 3 belonging to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to Hauge's Synod and 2 to The United Church.
    John Bridston of Dunseith was the first Norwegian county official. He was elected Treasurer in 1890.
    The first - and until now, the only Norwegian to represent the county in the State Legislature, was John Syvertsen, Willow City, elected 1896.
    Post offices with Norwegian names; Kringen and Bertha.

Sargent County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegians in this county were the brothers were Thomas and Martin O. Hall from Romsdalen. In the beginning of the 80s, they settled in the area of De Lamere, where a township is named after them. The first at Hamlin was John Herman from Sogn. Hans Johnson from Lærdal settled in the area of Ransom in 1882 and was the first there.
    In 1883 these came to the area of Perry; John Johnson Olstad from Øier, Gudbrandsdalen, Hans Ager from Dovre, August Sporpind from Drammen, Gunder Odland from Stavanger, Erick H. Wien from Hadeland, Peder Gullesen from Alten, Nordland as well as Martin Miller and Andrew Miller, both born in Brown Co., Minn.
    The Honorable Theo. Johnson Haga from Ullensaker, was the first in Milnor Township.
    And in Harlem Township, these were the first; Albert Pedersen from Sogn and Ole Andersen, John Hasdal†, Peder Hasdal, Ole Antonsen† and Nils Nilsen from Vardal, Næsne parish.
    While I am writing about Sargent Co., I am reminded of something I experienced up there myself at that time, since it is far between neighbors and even further between towns. It was a cold fall evening and I was driving westward with De Lamere as a destination. But it got dark while I was still far away from that station. Then it occurred that I lost the trail and I drove into a ditch, that looked to me like a small ocean. It took all my strength to get my pony out. And I became soaking wet. In this situation, I had to stay out under open skies the whole, cold night. I was totally unfamiliar with the terrain and could not see a light anywhere, so there was no thought of continuing my trip. So I have certainly tried out how it was to be a new settler! -- Author.
    Concordia congregation at Ransom and Immanuel's congregation at De Lamere were established in 1883 and were the first Norwegian congregations in this county. The former was established by Pastor S. T. Rondestvedt and the latter by Pastor R. J. Wisnæs. But E. G. Seltveit was the first priest to settle in these parts. The first church in the county was built by Milnor Norwegian Lutheran congregation, of The United Church, in 1886. Now there are 8 Norwegian congregations and 3 churches in Sargent County, 5 belonging to The United Church, 2 to The Norwegian Synod and 1 to Hauge's Synod.
    L. O. Berg†, who was elected as Probate Judge in 1883, was the first Norwegian county official here.
    Andrew Helgesen was the first Norwegian elected as a Member of the State Legislature from Sargent County, he was elected in 1890.
    Norwegian place names; Eland and Rutland.

Stark County, North Dakota
    Stark County's first Norwegian settled at Taylor in 1883, but he fled from there because of a murder. (Regrettably). Next after him came (in 1884) Martin and Lars Bræum from Sogn. And after them came Erland Paulson Øverli, Ingebrigt Torgersen and Kristen Engen, all from Lom, Gudbrandsdalen, Ole Pedersen from Trysil, Anders Aasgaard from Sigdal, Sam Vaagen from Rauland, Telemarken, Abraham and Knud Knudsen from Drangedal, teacher T. Torstensen from Næsherred and a fifth Telemarking by the name of Thomas Olsen, as well as Torger Elken, Hans Elken, Borger Elken and Anders Rosendal, the 4 last from Hadeland, Captain H. Siverts from Bergen, Martin Dyvsveien from Lands parish, and Lars P. Haugen, Helge Myran, John Gunvold, merchant L. L. Lewis, smith Otto Larsen, store clerk Amund Knudsen and the Civil War veterans Thom Olson and Iver Ingebrigtsen.
    Taylor Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, that was established in 1885 by Pastor O. J. Norby of The Augustana Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Its church - the first and only (Norwegian) in Stark Co. - was built in 1890. There are now 2 congregations, both belonging to The United Church.

Steele County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegian in this county was Fingal Enger from Aadalen, Ringerike. In 1870 he left Freeborn Co., Minn. for Fargo, N. D. and from there to the area of Golden Lake at Goose River, where he took land. It was in the spring of 1871 that he settled here. His wheat he had to drive to Fargo, ca. 75 miles, by oxen. He now owns a farm of 9000 acres. It sounds unbelievable that one man could acquire that much land, but it is nevertheless true. The area he has obtained was wilderness, and he has changed it to a 'garden'.
    Unfortunately the author has not received any stories from Steele County. One of the old settlers there, however, writes that he came on a miserable sailship to America and then by steamship across Lake Huron, where he almost lost his life when another ship collided with the one he was aboard.
    There are 11 Norwegian congregations and 9 churches in this county, 4 of them belong to Hauge's Synod, 3 to The United Church, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church and 2 to The Norwegian Synod.
    Louis A. Jacobsen and L. C. Goplerud, who were elected in 1884, the first as Treasurer and the other as Commissioner, were the first Norwegian county officials here.
    The aforementioned Fingal Enger was the first Norwegian to represent Steele Co. in the State Legislature. (in 1890).
    Places with Norwegian names; Enger, Norway, Norman and Bergen.

Towner County, North Dakota
    C. H. Olsen, who came from Battle Lake, Minn. and settled in the area of Maza in 1884, was the first Norwegian settler in this county. Olsen was born in St. Croix Co., Wis. Later in the year came Peder Sæter from Røraas, and Nils and L. Sæther from Sogn. They built sod huts and began to grow wheat. Their nearest marketplace was Devil's Lake, ca. 40 miles away.
    There are 7 Norwegian congregations and 5 churches, 3 belong to Hauge's Synod, 2 to The Lutheran Free Church and 2 to The United Church.
    Kildahl is the only Norwegian place name there now.

Traill County, North Dakota
    The first Norwegians in Traill County were Ole Thompson, Torger Thompson†, Halvor Bentrud and Ole Rust, all from Hallingdal, as well as Christian† and Carl† Larsen from Solør. They came from Mitchell County, Iowa and settled in the area of Caledonia, by the Red River in 1871. Next after them came H. Klep† from Sætersdalen, K. Rust and A. Arnesen from Hallingdal, K. Vinge†, P. Smith and H. Hovland from Stavanger, Jens Mikkelsen† with O. and E. Floberg from Østedalen, the brothers Rognlie from Trondhjem, Engebret Larsen from Hadeland, P. Herbrandsen, Knut Rauk†, J. Ingvaldsen and S. K. Knutsen, all from Hallingdal, John Ødegaard, Christian Ødegaard, Ole Bredesen, Arne P. Haugen and Hans Pedersen, all from Solør, G. B. Jacobsen and Jacob Fevold from Stavanger, Thor Hovet, Knut Hovet, Ole Rønnestad† and Ole Jari (likely Jahr) from Sætersdalen, John Lerum, Erik Thon, Martin Johnson and Andrew Johnson from Valders and many more who spread out over a large area. *
       They began growing wheat and barley. In the beginning they had to take their harvest to Alexandria, Minn., almost 200 miles! - with oxen! But it was not long before they did not have to drive further than to Fargo, 70-80 miles. And now in later times, they can deliver their produce at the barn door, so to say.
    The Honorable T. H. Thompson of Belmont, writes, "Let me tell a little about Knut Olsen Rauk, one of the old settlers here, who is now dead. He was one of the first emigrants from Hallingdal. He left Kristiania on a sailship that first went to Havre, France, where it lay for 6 weeks and where they consumed almost their travel food. And since they did not have enough to buy food for, they set off to sea with the little that remained. However, the ship went off course and after struggling around the ocean for 8 weeks, they came back to Havre. Now the authorities looked after the starving emigrants and then the course was taken to America again. The journey took 9 - nine - months. They were more like skeletons than humans. The trip continued up the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. This also took a long time, the boats in those days were no express liners, and it cannot be said that the emigrants had a pleasant time aboard. But they finally got to Milwaukee, and from there the trip continued with oxen and 'kubberulle' to Koshkonong, where Rauk found countrymen, and where he settled for a time.There was also soon an end to this glory. A new group of emigrants came and with them came cholera. A Halling boy came to Rauk's house and died there. Rauk, who was away working, had to come home to get the boy buried, which was no easy matter since all were afraid of contagion. Yes, they were so afraid, they did not dare give Rauk work. This made it very hard for him and his family. In time he did get employment in a plough factory (he was a actually a smith in Norway), but the pay was only $7 a month, which was not enough for a family to live on. So he began to make ploughs privately. Unfamiliar with American patent laws, however, he made his ploughs like those the factory sold. But this he should not have done. He had hardly delivered the first dozen of his manufacture before a neighbor, who felt sorry for him, hinted that he could be arrested. This was in the evening. Knud and his friendly neighbors were not without a solution. All the ploughs he had sold were gathered up in the course of the night, a little change made to them, and then sent back to the buyers. Now nothing could be done to him, since his and the patented ploughs were not very similar. Later he moved to St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa and from there to Belmont, N.D. This family was known for its stature. The sons measured more than 61⁄2 feet each and weighed between 270 and 300 pounds. And the daughters were not much smaller."
    Traill County is also known for having N. Dakota's oldest (at least the oldest Norwegian) woman in its borders. Sidsel Johannesen Kaldor of Hillsboro was born the 14th May 1812.
    According to the collection 'Norge i Amerika' there were in 1900, 24 Norwegian congregations and 21 churches in this county, 9 belonging to The Norwegian Synod, 4 to The United Church, 4 to Hauge's Synod, 3 to The Lutheran Free Church, 2 to the Baptist Church and 2 to the Methodists.
    Peter Engebretsen†, who was elected County Treasurer in 1874, was the first Norwegian county official here.
    Knute Nomland was Traill County's first legislator, when he was the Representative in the Dakota Territory Legislature (in Yankton) in 1881. Later (in 1893) he was elected State Treasurer.
    John Flittie, whose home was in Mayville, Traill County at the time but who died in Williston, N. D., held a seat in the Dakota Territory Senate in 1884. In other words, he was North Dakota's first Norwegian-born Senator. He was also the first Norwegian to hold a State official position, when he was elected State Secretary in 1889.
    For information on Traill County newspapers, 'Dakota-Bladet', 'Folkets Røst', 'Afholds-Basunen', 'Banneret', 'Landmanden', 'Folkets Avis', 'Statstidende' and 'Fremtiden', see the section, 'Norwegian-American Newspapers and Periodicals'.
    Bruflat Academy, a Norwegian school in Mayville, was started in 1889.
    For information about the Norwegian Hospital in Hillsboro and the Bruflat Academy in Portland, see the section, 'Charitable Institutions' and 'Teaching Institutions'.
    Townships with Norwegian names in Traill County: Norman and Norway. One could have expected more Norwegian place names in a county so rich in Norwegians.
    * A number of the old settlers from the area of Hatton held their first reunion in 1903. Present were Ole Benson, Tosten Tufte, Abraham Nilsen, Østen Pladsen, Lewis Thompson, Tosten Klaboe, O. G. Hanson (Northwood), Iver Thompson, M. F. Hegge, Helge Nelson, Nic. Berg, Knut Larson, P. Sponheim, Knut Monson, Thor Stenmo, Guldbrand Melby, Helge Dolve, Ole Fosse, Anders Ness, Thor Koldingness, Sam Thompson, Bendik Benson, Ed Peterson, Knut Halvorson, Arnt Hansen, T. R. Tobiason, Ereik and John Erstad, Nils and Grim Grimson, Arne Maaren, Christ Ness, Christ Lyste, Anton Berg, Ole Orland, J. J. Hogen, Halvor Aasen, And. Offerdal as well as Alb. Coto and Postmaster A. S. Ellingsen from Northwood and others.

Wallace County, North Dakota
    The Norwegian movement to this county has only recently begun. It is likely in the area of Banks, that they have settled until now. There, they have also begun to form congregations. The first priest to preach in this county was C. Winther of Hauge's Synod.

Walsh County, North Dakota
    Pioneer Olaus A. Dahl from Helleberg, Gudbrandsdalen writes the following that shows he is still healthy, "Yes, you wish to know something about the new settlers' life, at the same time as you wish to get an idea who were the first settlers here. Well then. The first settlers were Olaus Dahl (himself), Bernt Askelsen, Ole Helgesen, Carl Anderson and Ole Erdahl. The others took land 12 miles west from Red River, while I went 8 miles farther and settled in the area where Nash now is located. That was in the spring of 1878. At that time this area belonged to Pembina County. Along the Red River there were a number of half-Indians, but there were no other people nearby. In the fall of that year (1878) a Scotchman came and set up a store on the Red River, and there was a post office there also. So, with a piece of paper I went to all the people I could find and asked, if they would give me 75 cents for 6 months, I would bring newspapers and letters to them. Yes, that they agreed to and so I began. We could not live there without hearing from the civilized world a few times a year. The contract applied only to letters and newspapers, which one can understand considering the size of the subscription fee. But I soon had other things to carry, coffee, sugar, grain, flour, fish, herring, tobacco, matches, hinges, nails, locks, windows, axes, powder, buckshot and other things I cannot mention here. I walked 20 miles to and 20 miles back, and if I had to carry up to 100 pounds on my back, it was a struggle. So I complained to a Swede and said that I wanted to quit this. He only laughed at me. It was nothing to complain about, he said. But it happened that he had to go with me one day to pick up a registered letter that I could not bring because it was not regular mail. First then, he admitted that it was other than a pleasure trip. On the trip home, he ached here and there. But you can be sure that I understood the consulate matter. It was now my turn to laugh.
    Above, I have mentioned the five first settlers (those who came in the spring of 1878). Now, I shall mention those who came in the fall of that year; Martinus P. Dahl, Oluf C. Dahl, Anton C. Dahl, Hans C. Dahl, Iver Dahl, Samuel Erdahl, Henrik Hansen, Jacob Olsen, Ole Olsen, Ole Lee, Tobias Olsen, Amund Erlandsen, Even Helgesen, Ole Gursen and Peder Gursen. "
    The same year came Thomas Knutsen from Søndfjorden and settled in the area of Grafton. Anders Hellerud from Hallingdal and Edward Aas from Solør also came about the same time.
    Grafton Lutheran Congregation, which was established in 1889, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. Its first priest was Christopher Flaten† of The Norwegian Synod. The first Norwegian church in the county was built in (or by) Grafton in 1882. Now there are 27 Norwegian congregations and 19 churches, 13 belong to The United Church, 4 to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to Hauge's Synod, 3 to The Lutheran Free Church, 3 to the Presbyterians and 1 to The Baptist Church.
    In 1881, when Walsh County was organized, Governor Ordway appointed Knut O. Skattebo, Ben Askelsen and Dan. Talleiv, Skattebo as County Treasurer and the other two as Commissioners, they were obviously the first Norwegian county officials here. For detailed information in the political arena, see 'Norwegians in public positions in America'.
    For information on 'det Frie Ord', 'Nord Dakota posten' and 'Norden' that were all published in Grafton at various times, see the section, 'Norwegian-American Newspapers and Periodicals'
    Norwegian place names; Linstad, Nord, Voss, Gertrude and Mandt.

Ward County, North Dakota
    Ole Tygesen from Skien, Ole Spokkeli from Telemarken, John Jacobsen from Kongsberg, Sivert Anderson from Sogn and H. Gasmann from Gjerpen, who settled in the area of Burlington and Minot in 1882, were the first Norwegians in this county; they came here from Wisconsin.
Next came the Ramstad family from Sigdal, J. O. Watne from Sogn, Seval Johnson from Nordland and John Johnson, whose birthplace in Norway is unknown.
    They began with cattle raising, which at least in the first years, was the county's main source of income. They also shot buffalo and other animals, for which they were well paid. Bismarck and Devils Lake were the nearest marketplaces. To the former it was 100 miles and the latter 200 miles! So the oxen had to use their legs the best they could.
    One of the old settlers offers a new, but often repeated view of the new settlers' life. He writes, "We lived in small log cabins, some with one, others with two rooms. They were both low and narrow, but roomy enough to accommodate traveling countrymen - and neighbors, who sometimes stayed overnight with us. Hearth room was large and we were happy with and friendly toward each other, and everyone was grateful for things as they were. We went to town in fall and spring. Those who did not have oxen, went with those who did. The poor were not left behind. Everyone came on these trips that took about two weeks each way. And each of us had one thing or another to sell, and at the same time it was necessary to buy the necessities of life. We lived in peace and understanding for some years. On Sundays, we gathered for edification, first with one and then another.
    Then came the railroad and with it came many people to settle here. And with the people came quarrels and conflict, both about worldly and church matters. Now everything is modern, but I have often wished to be back in our frugal new settler's life at Mouse River, for the good understanding that was between us that compensated for the new settler hardships. There were no lawyers for there was nothing for them to do. Nor was there anyone who divided us up in church parties."
    Mouse River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, that was established in 1884 and that belongs to The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. Now there are 18 congregations and 8 churches, 9 of them belong to The Norwegian Synod, 4 to The United Church, 4 to The Lutheran Free Church and 1 to The Baptist Church.
    Gunder S. Relshus, who was elected County Treasurer in 1888, was the first Norwegian official in Ward County. Andrew C. Nedrud was the first Norwegian to represent this county in the State Legislature (1889-90).
    'Mouse River Tidende' began in Minot in 1902 but soon went under. In 1905, the 'Minot Posten' began.
    Norwegian place names in Ward County; Questad (Kvistad), Bolaker, Bye, Overholt, Mohall, Sorkness, Stammen and Hamerfest.

Wells County, North Dakota
    Geo. Brynjulfson from Telemarken was the first Norwegian to settle in this county. He settled in the area of Bowdon in 1884.
    Anders Haaland from Sogn, was the first in Haaland Township, which, as we see, bears his name. It was not, more correctly, a Township when he settled here in 1886. It was organized after he came there.
    The same year (1886) came Adolf Josund from Stavanger and settled in the area of Cathay.
    Stavange Congregation, that was established at Cathay in 1893 by Pastor H. Thormodsgaard of The United Church, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Now there are 16 Norwegian congregations and 7 churches, 6 belonging to The United Church, 5 to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to The Lutheran Free Church and 2 to Hauge's Synod.
    Alfred Leifson, who was elected as Registrar of Deeds in 1894, was the first Norwegian county official here.
    Norwegian place names in Wells County; Fram, Valhalla, Heimdal and Haaland.

Williams County, North Dakota
    Halvor Thorsen, who, as far as is known, was from Telemarken as well as H. A. Nelson and Ole Barstad, who settled in the area of Hofflund in 1887, were the first settlers in this county. They started with mixed farming and cattle raising. The nearest marketplace, Williston, was 30 miles away.
    There are 7 Norwegian congregations, of which 3 belong to The Norwegian Synod, 2 to Hauge's Synod, 1 to The Lutheran Free Church and 1 to The United Church.
    Lawyer Overson of Williston is the first Norwegian to hold a public position in the county.