Early Norwegian Settlements in South Dakota

The Norwegian immigration to South Dakota (or more correctly Dakota Territory as it was then known) began in Clay County in 1859 and continued so; Yankton and Union 1860-61, Minnehaha '66, Lincoln '68, Brookings '69, Deuel and Day ''70-'71, Spink and Turner '72, Lake '74, McCook, Moody and Roberts '75, Hamlin '76, Grant and Hitchinson '77, Kingsbury and Lawrence '78, Codington and Davison '79, Brown, Miner, Sanborn and Walworth '80, Charles Mix and Jerauld '81, Brule, Clark and Marshall '82, Buffalo, Campbell, Edmunds and Potter '83, McPherson '84 etc.

Map of South Dakota 1895Clay County, South Dakota
    The first Norwegian settlers - the first white men who settled in South Dakota (at that time a Territory which, so to say, was governed by the wild Indians) were Sjur Halvorsen Myran† from Hallingdal, Lars A. Torblaa† from Ulvik, Hardanger, Ole Olsen Gjeitli† from Voss and Elling Olsen Engum from Sogn. They settled in the area of Vermillion, Clay Co., S.D. in 1859. They came from Koshkonong, Dane Co., Wis., and crossed the Missouri at St. James, Nebr. It is said that Lars Torblaa was the first to set off across the river - in a wagon box. It is said further that he had a calf with him in the wagon box (This about the calf will have to stand for it self. All the rest is at least true.)
    But there were others who came to South Dakota at the same time as the aforementioned men, however they crossed the Missouri River 10 miles further east. They were Bottolf Larsen Jordalen†, Ole Bottolfsen†, Erick Olsen Selland†, Anders Olsen Selland†, Erik Johnson Lunde and Mikkel Rokne, all from Voss, as well as Aslak Iversen† from Ulvik, Hardanger and Nils Ellingsen from Sogn. The following persons came also about the same time or a little later, some of them, Simon Børjer, Christen Jordalen, Anders Ulvhund, Erik Nilsen Stalheim, Ole Lunde, Ingebrigt Siversen†, Joe Førde†, Herman Pedersen† and Knudt Ulvaaen, all or at least the most of the latter from Voss, Elling Sande†, Kolbein Olsen† and Sivert Olsen from Sogn, Steggen, Hans, Sivert, Helge and Halvor Myran as well as Tollev Leikvold, Ole Ellefsen and Andrew Hesla, all from Hallingdal and Thorbjørn Thompson, Thomas Thompson and Amund Hansen from Hardanger.
    And while we speak of South Dakota's first Norwegian settlement, the following information is of interest:
    Ole Olse (Gjeitli), Jr. writes that he was the first white child born in the State - a fact that is confirmed by the South Dakota Historical Society. He was born the 2nd March 1860. Once, he and his parents had to flee from their home to Council Bluffs, almost 200 miles, to avoid attack by the hostile Indians.
    O. C. Larsen writes that his father went by foot from Dubuque, Iowa to Vermillion, S. D. The distance one can calculate with help of the map 'Norge i Amerika'. One finds Dubuque on the eastern border of Iowa, therefore he walked through the large State of Iowa and a bit into South Dakota.
    Jacob J. Mortvedt writes that his brother froze to death in a snowstorm in 1868 (the first winter he was there). He went to the well for water but could not find his way back to the house, which was only 8 rods away.
    D. E. Oursland wrote, "Before I came here, there had been Norwegians here for five years - and fought with the Indians. Some of the settlers had been frightened away from here to Sioux City, but they came back after a time.
    But the most is written by H. K. Hansen; "A number of the first settlers settled in a cluster on the lowlands by the Missouri River," he says, "this was before the land was surveyed. When the surveyors had been their, it showed that most of the houses were on one and the same claim, and this belonged to an 'Østlending'. Then there was a bit of a quarrel. But during the night some of the houses were hauled away and other burned. Later they spread out over the County. A number took claims on higher land, but others took land along the riverbank, where there was some forest.
    On the 20th of July, the Indians received their first compensation for the land. After that they let the whites settle there. Until then they had absolutely forbidden any. A young chieftain wished to kill all the whites and thereby fell into disfavor with another Indian, 'Gray-Face', who shot the chieftain on the spot. 'Gray-Face' later became a scout with a cavalry company. He killed more Indians himself than all of Harney's Army of 4000 men, and was always the white's loyal friend and defender.
    Yes, there were truly many dangers that the new settlers had to undergo. The prairies fire was one of the worst. During the first big fire, which occurred in the fall of 1861, there were many who lost their swine, chickens and much more. Worst of all was to lose hay, so that they could not feed their livestock. Many moved away because of that and made a new settlement at Clay Creek. But a short time later the Indians broke out again, they charged through the Clay Creek settlement where they burned a number of buildings and drove off many horses and livestock. It was at this time that a widow, Kjersti Pedersen, went from Vermillion to her claim at Clay Creek after her cattle, even though the men did not dare. 'I must have my cattle, or I can't feed my children over the winter,' she said, and set off. At night she lay in the tall grass. The next day she came to Vermillion, following her cattle.
    When there came news that the Indians 'harried and burnt' in Yankton County and that they could expect them in Clay County at any time, Ole Olsen Gjeitli was not at home. His wife, Torbjør, put a yoke on the ox, put her children in the wagon and drove toward Vermillion. When they had come about halfway, a pin dropped out of the collar and the ox, who was not afraid of Indians, went into a swamp and leisurely helped himself to water and grass.
    Martha Odland was one of those, similar to Kjersti Pedersen, worried about her cattle for the sake of her children. She drove her cows through swamps and high grass. When she came to Vermillion, her feet looked like red meat because she had made the trip without stockings or shoes.
    Ingeborg Lunde, the widow of Bottolf Larsen was cooking dinner when two soldiers came riding in full gallop and cried, 'Flee for your life, the Indians are coming!' She dumped the pot in the fire to put it out and fled.
    Most of the settlers fled right to Sioux City. There were some soldiers stationed at Vermillion at that time but just on that day, there were only a pair who were guarding the camp. Two old Norwegians, Lars B. Jordalen and Bendik Olsen, felt they were too old to flee, so they crept into a tent that belonged to some of the absent soldiers. When they returned in the evening, Bendik, who had the best language skills said, 'We are Norwegians, we have entered your home, but we will go out again!' Bendik was one of those who believed that when one could speak his mother tongue, pure and clean, one could travel anywhere, even if it was to Constantinople.
    It has been claimed that Ole Bottolfsen was the first probate court judge here, but this is not correct. Peder Nilsen from Christiansand was the first to be elected to that office. This Peder Nilsen had a son by the name of Anton who enlisted in service during the Indian Wars in 1863. One day he went to an Indian camp to buy something but was shot by them before he entered the camp. The soldiers now stormed out and the Indians took flight. They did not have time to scalp their victim. Peder Nilsen left South Dakota and has likely found his grave long ago.
    I shall not give much place to the grasshoppers, but it is true that they ruined our crops many years." (It should be noted that the author of this came to Vermillion in 1868 and has lived with the first settlers ever since, so his account is absolutely reliable. Auth.)
    "And then came the memorable flood (in 1881)," he says, "The Missouri River's rise stopped at Vermillion, because of snow and ice that piled up there to a height of 40 to 100 feet and remained there until it melted in the spring. The flood was 4 to 14 feet deep on the farms in Clay County."
    Mr. Hansen concludes his writing so, "I have just spoken to O. C. Larsen on the telephone and he told me that he is collecting statistics for you."
    It was this about the telephone that made me include his concluding remarks as well. It shows, namely, that the farmers down there have come so far that they have telephones in their houses, despite all that they have struggled with. That they have large, fine houses and well cultivated farms, I have seen with my own eyes. But it is not only in this settlement that one finds such changes for the better. One finds it everywhere in Norwegian settlements in America. (This was written in 1905)
    As could be expected, the first Norwegian congregation in Dakota was formed in Clay County. It was established in 1864 under the name 'The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Dakota Territory" The name was thus very comprehensive and the parish itself very large, for it stretched over the whole southern part of Clay County, well into Yankton in the west and similarly well into Union County in the east. Most of the members, however, lived in Meckling and Norway Townships in Clay County. Their first meetings were held in a small farmhouse (belonging to Anders Ulvhund). The congregation was later divided into 3 parishes, 'Bergen', 'Vangen' and 'Brule Creek', the first in Clay County, the second in Yankton and the third in Union County. Pastor Jens Krohn of the Norwegian Synod had already visited this area in 1864. But Pastor Emil Christensen of the same synod settled here in 1867 and was the County's first Norwegian priest. Bergen parish built a church in 1871.(The state's first church we find in Yankton County).
    In 1905 there were 13 Norwegian congregations and 11 churches in Clay C., 5 belonging to The Norwegian Synod, 4 to The United Church, 3 to Hauge's Synod and 1 to Ellef Eielsen's Society.
    For information about Norwegian officials in County and State, see the section 'Norwegians in public positions in America' in my biggest book.
    Norwegian place names in Clay County: Norway (Township) and Komstad (Post Office)

Aurora County, South Dakota
    In the vicinity of Storla there are a number of Norwegians, mainly from Hallingdal and Kristians Amt.
    The aforementioned post office gets its name from O. H. Storla† who was elected to the State Legislature in 1895.

Beadle County, South Dakota
    On the border of this and Spink County there is a small Norwegian settlement, but since the majority live in Spink there is no report from Beadle. See Spink County.

Brookings County, South Dakota
    Cornelius, Martin, Ole and Erick Trygstad as well as Ole O. Jermstad, all from Værdalen, and Nils Olsen† and Christopher Baltru† were the first Norwegian settlers in this County. They came from Olmstead County, Minn., and settled at Medary in 1869*. Cattle raising was the settlement's most significant source of income in the first period. To Sioux Falls, their nearest market, it was ca 60 miles. They had only oxen to plow and drive.
    Jon Knudsen, from Trondhjem, was the first, that settled in the northern part of the County. He took land in the area of Prairie Farm.
    The brothers Martin and Erik went by foot right from Kasson, Minn., to Medary, and they saw nothing but Indians, wild animals and bare land on the way. This was before the land was surveyed. They then moved here, before any other white man. Iver A. Foswick was also among the first settlers at Sioux River. The first night he was there, he slept under open skies with the root of a large elm for a pillow. Medary, the town, in which these Norwegians settled, is historically known in connection with the blood bath at New Ulm, Minn. The Indians killed a number of the settlers there (at New Ulm) and then left with their property, i.e. such articles they found they could make use of. Some of these have been found in the aforementioned Township in South Dakota. They were found buried in the ground.
    Mrs. Ole O. Jermstad†, whose maiden name was Randi Ust (she came from Ust in Leinstranden in Norway) was the first white woman in Brookings County. She helped her husband build the log house. And when he made 'city trips' either to New Ulm or Sioux Falls, she had to stay home and watch the house and livestock. The days she was alone and waited for her husband's return were both many and long. Their daughter, Anna O. Jermstad was the first white child born in the County. The first white boy, who was born there, was Norman Martinsen Trygstad.
    "Medary (now Lake Campbell) Parish" that was founded in 1870, was the first Norwegian Parish in Brookings County. Its first priest was Emil Christensen, belonging to the Norwegian Synod. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by the aforementioned congregation in 1880. Now there are 12 Norwegian congregations and 11 ditto churches, 7 of the congregations belong to The United Church, 3 to the Norwegian Synod and 2 to Hauge's Synod.*)
    Cornelius N. Trygstad, Martin N. Trygstad and Elias Thompson, who were appointed there, the first as Assessor and Collector of Taxes, and the two others as County Commissioners, in 1871, were the first Norwegian officials in Brookings County. Martin Trygstad was also the first Norwegian to represent the County in the Legislature; he was elected as a member of the Dakota Territory Legislature in 1872.
    "South Dakota Echo" now in Sioux falls, came out for a time in Brookings. See the section "Norwegian-American newspapers and periodicals."
    Norwegian place names in Brookings County: Orness, Sinai and Oslo.
    *This was, however, after the Indian killings that took place in 1862. At that time there was a little settlement in the vicinity of Medary and that was destroyed by the savages. Medary (now Lake Campbell) lies south of Brookings and Volga.

Brown County, South Dakota
    The first settlers in Brown County were Ole and V. Everson from Sogn. They settled in the vicinity of Columbia but the year is unknown to the author.
    The Norwegian settlement in the vicinity of Bath was founded a short time after - in 1880. The first there were Ole K. Hunstad† and his sons Edward and Nils, as well as Jens Swarstad† and Embret Bunsness†, all from Ringerike.
    Next after them came C. O. Petersen from Kristiania, John Vaaler from Nedre Telemarken, E. S. Nelson from Nummedal, H. D. Docken† from Valders as well as Andrew Thorson and many others. They dug in dugouts and began growing wheat and other types of grain.
    In praise of the Norwegian-American priests it must be said that as a rule they did not become rich. Nor were the pioneer priests exposed to temptations of that sort. Very often they received their pay 'in natura' for there was not much money among the people - yes, and at times there was little food also. "As proof that the priests also suffered the new settlers' needy condition, I will give you an example," says one of my informants, "one day when I took some meat to the priest's family, the priest himself stood and washed clothes while his wife lay in bed. On asking if she was sick, he gave me an evasive answer.
    Finally, the secret came out - it was his wife's dress he was washing and since it was the only one she had, she had to go to bed until it was dry. Those girls who had dreamed of how fine it would be to be priest's wives, had often made a mistake. But, naturally, conditions are better now."
    Skandinavia Congregation, that was founded at Bath in 1881 and that for a time belonged to The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in Brown County. The first Norwegian church was built at Aberdeen in 1893 by the congregation there, also of The Norwegian Synod. Now there are altogether 10 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 8 belong to The United Church, 1 to Hauge's Synod and 1 to the Baptists.
    John A. Fylpaa and John Vaaler, who were elected in 1880, the former as Treasurer and the latter as Commissioner, were the first Norwegian county officials. Until now, Erick G. Nelson is the only Norwegian who has represented Brown County in the State Legislature, elected 1894.
    There is a Township by the name Hanson in this county.

Brule County, South Dakota
   Ole T. Strand from Jølster and Tore O. Larson† whose parents were from Nummedal, were the first Norwegians in this county. They came to Dunlap in 1882.
   Prairies fires were the greatest fear for the new settlers in those days, and then the great sea of flame came, from which there seemed to be no salvation in any way. But, the settlers came through somehow, at least they saved their little houses. But when the grasshoppers came and destroyed their crops there was nothing with which to grind their flour and it was only the livestock that gave people sustenance. Lack of food was always present - also in the aforementioned settlement.
   A Norwegian, N. Larsen of Puckwana, has represented Brule County in the State Legislature.
   There is a post office with the Norwegian name Ola in this county.

Buffalo County, South Dakota
    Hans N. Cleven, Nels N. Cleven, O. N. Cleven and Ole O. Grovom, all from Nissedal, Telemarken and Ole Evensen from Store-Ness (?) were the first settlers in this county. They came from Winnebago Co., Iowa and settled in the vicinity of Richards in 1883. Next after them came O. H. Johnson from Bø, Telemarken, Lars Rasmussen† from Molde, Anne Halstad† from Odalen, P. J. Nordli and Nikolai Gjøstad from Tromsø, Olaus Storemo from Trondhjem, Erick Evensen† from Valders as well as Even Evensen, C. A. Osman, H. T. Johnson, Alik Anderson, George Jacobs and Christ Jacobs†. Wheat and flax became the settlers' main source of income. Bee Heights, 25 miles away, was the nearest marketplace.
    "It was in the summer of 1873 that I had my first experience with the Sioux Indians," tells the Hon. H. N. Cleven, "since on my trips to and from the city I had to cross the Reservation, I came to know a large number of them. I recall once, they had been out picking turnips (woman's work) and had their camp nearby, I spent the night with them. In the evening when it was time to sleep an Indian known as Pretty Lightning came and made sign to me that I should follow him, which I did. He led me to an old log cabin in which there was a sort of bed and after he had indicated that I should lie down there, he went out and locked the door behind him. This looked somewhat suspicious but in the morning I learned the reason, he told me that he locked me in so I could not steal and run off with their horses during the night.
    Another time I saw 8 Indian women driving before them a white man with hands tied behind him. I drove up and asked why they did that. Then they told me that he was a deserter and they would get $20.00 for bringing him to the nearby Ft. Hale, which was the military station then."
    In 1883, a Norwegian congregation was established at Dunlap by Pastor A. J. Lee, belonging to The Norwegian Synod. Hauge's Synod as well as The United Church and Free Church have carried out mission activity there since.
    Even Evensen, who was elected Commissioner in 1885, was the first Norwegian official in this county.
    Hans N. Cleven was the first Norwegian that represented Buffalo County in the State legislature, elected 1890.

Butte County, South Dakota
   In the little settlement at Gustave, not far from the Montana border, Andreas Sørensen from Kristiania was the first. He settled there in 1893. Cattle raising is the settlement's leading source of income. They also live partly on hunting. There are many bison and other animals, for this area is thinly populated and lies far from cultivated areas.
   These people belong to Little Missouri River Congregation, Capitol, Custer Co., Mont. It was established in 1889 by Past. J. Tellefsen, belonging to Hauge's Synod. Now served by priests from The Norwegian Synod.

Campbell County, South Dakota
    The first settlers in this county were Nels Lillesveen from Faaberg as well as Svennung G. Sauer, S. A. Sauer and A. S. Bamble, the last three from Telemarken. They settled in the vicinity of Grass in 1883. The first man came from Lincoln Co., S.D., the other three from Humboldt Co., Iowa. Later in the year came Ole Tronsen, A. O. Tronsen from Nordre Land, Jacob Hanse from Telemarken, Christian Johnson and Hans Eversen from Hadeland and A. G. Andersen, born in Minnesota to parents from Hadeland. In 1884 some others came from Canton, S.D. and settled in the vicinity of Gale; Torgrim Fossum from Valders, Andrew Andersen from Næs, Hallingdal, Johannes Løvø† and Ole Løvø from Kvernes at Christiansund, Ole Gjysland from Christiansand S. and Arne Arnesen whose birthplace is unknown to the author.
   Some of these settled in the lowland at the Missouri River where they built houses of driftwood, the rest settled up on the hill and over the prairie and they had to be satisfied with sod huts.
   Wheat and cattle raising was the settlers' leading source of income.
   In the beginning Aberdeen was their nearest marketplace. The oxen and their drivers had to cover a distance of 120 or more correctly 240 miles (if one considers the trip both ways). However the railroad was extended to Ipswick, between 80 and 90 miles from the Norwegian settlement. Later it was extended to the Missouri River, past the Norwegians' doors.
   The first Norwegian congregation in Campbell County (Bergen Congregation) was established at Grass P.O. in 1884 by Pastor A. L. Lobben, belonging to The Norwegian Synod. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by the Norway Congregation at Tislo in 1897. Pastor T. Skartvedt, who settled in Campbell County in 1887 and who at that time belonged to the Anti-Missouri Brotherhood, was the first permanent priest there. Now there are 7 congregations and 2 churches, 4 belong to The United Church and 3 to The Lutheran Free Church.
   A. G. Andersen, Probate Court Judge, was the first Norwegian to hold public office in the county.
   In Campbell County there is a post office with the name Herreid. It is named for the State's former Norwegian Governor.

Charles Mix County, South Dakota
   Erik Odlo from Stjørdalen was the first Norwegian settler in this county. He came from one of the eastern states and settled in the vicinity of Bloomington in 1881. Next after him came John Thompson, John Mortensen, Ole Larsen, John Kaasen, John P. Langbak, Hans Mahlum, John Thromvold, Anders Bye, Ole Pedersen, Iver Arntsen and Robert Opheim, all from the Trondhjem area, as well as Ingebrigt Haugen, Paul Haugen, Ole Morken, J. E. Lien, Sr., J. E. Lien, Jr., all from Gudbrandsdalen, Lars Holter from Vækkerø near Kristiania. Peter Kjerstad from Helgeland and Knut Hammer, John Qalm (?), Gabriel Anderson, Martin Olsen and Jørgen Nilsen. They excavated dugouts and began to grow wheat that they had to drive to Scotland City, ca. 70 miles.
   Franke's Congregation, that was established in Bloomington in 1883, was the first Norwegian congregation here. Its first permanent priest was G. Norbeck of Hauge's Synod. The county's first - and until now only - Norwegian church was built by the aforementioned congregation in 1887. Now there are 4 Norwegian congregations, 3 belong to The United Church and 1 to Hauge's Synod.
   Christ Pedersen was the first county official here.
   The aforementioned Pastor G. Norbeck has been a member of the Legislature here.

Clark County, South Dakota
   In 1882, the Telemarking Ole Halvorsen† from Freeborn County, Minn. came and settled at Clark. The same year Lars L. Brække and O. R. Spilde came from Winneshiek County, Iowa to Willow Lake, where they settled. Both of them were from Hardanger. Later in the year came G. Eggen† from Gudbrandsdalen and Daniel Larsen† from Hardanger. Here as in many other places they built sod huts and then began to grow wheat that became the area's leading source of income. Cattle raising has also been of significance.
   Willow Lake's Congregation, that was established at Vienna in 1883 by Pastor Anders Nilsen of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. The first church was built by that congregation in 1894. Now there are 10 Norwegian congregations and 5 churches, 7 belong to The United Church and 3 to Hauge's Synod.
   A. J. Benston was the first Norwegian county official here, he was elected Auditor in 1890.
   Andrew Dahl was the first Norwegian to represent Clark County in the State Legislature, elected in 1892.
   Norwegian place names; Stusted and Thorp.

Codington County, South Dakota
   The first Norwegian to take land in this county was Ole Johnsen Skipnes†. This is the man known from the Civil War, Colonel Johnson, for whom there is more detail in the section 'Norwegians in American Wars' later in the book. It was in 1879 he took land at Dexter but he did not settle there, he rented out the land and the same his son, Wilford.
    The first Norwegian settlers in the county were F. O. Grunnerud from Sand, Nordre Odalen, Paul Andersen Stee from Helgen at Skien, Hans and John Ragstad from Solum at Skien and Anders A. Dahle from Gjerpen as well as G. H. Stuverud and Chr. J. Stenstadvold. They settled there in 1879, soon after Colonel Johnson had taken land in the county. Grunnerud settled at South Shore, all the others at Dexter. Next after them came Jens D. Koren from Kristiania, Chr. Trampe† from Trondhjem, Martin Thorsen from Stavanger, Ole Olsen and Andrew Olsen Ristvedt from Gjerpen, Ole Larsen Rønning, Jonas Rønning†, Lars Bjørnson, Johannes Olsen Vidaas, Ole O. Aas and Halvor Lovold, all from Saude, Telemarken, Oscar Thunoll from Kristiania, Wilh. Frost from Holtaalen, Anders Søring from Valders, John Strømme from Bergen, Lars Onstad, Aanund†, Nils and Engebret Meland as well as Peder, Olai and Gjert Skajem, all from Sogn, Torkel and Claus Gulbraa from Voss, Lars Anunsen from Hegebostad, John Kaasa from Hitterdal, Andreas Stuverud from Telemarken, John Westby from Haugesund, Christian Larsen Kjetlien from Gudbrandsdalen, Ingebrigt Løving and Peder Berg from Trondhjem as well as Hans, John† and Jens Johnson Grønsten, John Rønnning, Carl Knudsen†, Anders Aaby†, Hans Vibeto, Andreas Hofstad, John Ustrud, Lars Olsen, Tomas Gjesme, Søren Jermstad, Paul Fjelstad, Jens and Carl Williamsen, Amund, Isak and Ingeborg Kjeldsen (Chilson) and more. They spread out over a wide area.
   Wheat growing was their main source of income to begin with. Later they also began growing flax as well as mixed farming. Watertown, which lies between 20 to 30 miles respectively from their homes, was their nearest marketplace.
   John Olsen Vidaas of Kent writes, "After I had taken my land here, I and three others worked on Colonel Johnson's farm. William Frost, who now lives at Dexter and who is a son of Pastor Frost of Trondhjem, was the foreman. One Sunday, another boy and I were up at the Sioux Reservation and approached the Indian tents. We went into one where we met the chief himself. He had a rather thick gold band on his wrist. But both his legs were cut off for he walked on his thigh bone stumps. His daughter played with a skunk she had tamed.
   Yes, and then there is the prairie fire I must mention. It came in the fall the same year while we were threshing. Our attempt to quell it failed. The flames raced faster than the horses could run. We were however able to save the houses, but horses, mules, cattle and hens died. Nothing remained of our threshing machine and 30 stacks of wheat.
   A short time later some Indians came and asked if they could have the meat of the burned horses. I said 'Yes, they could take all they wished.' Later we heard that they had gotten hold of a dead mule east of the Sioux River. As soon as they had consumed the mule they became sick, for it had been infected with glanders. This will show the kind of rough people the Norwegian pioneers had to live amongst."
   Helgen Congregation, that was established in 1880 by Pastor K. Magelsen of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Now there are 6 congregations and 5 churches, 5 belong to The United Church and 1 to The Norwegian Synod.
   Ole Gesley was the county's first Norwegian official, he was elected County Treasurer in 1880.
   Gunder H. Stuverud was the first Norwegian to represent Codington County in the State Legislature, elected 1892.

Davison County, South Dakota
    The first Norwegian settlers in this county were the brothers, Joseph and John Johnson along with Halvor Oftrus. Their home place in Norway was Stavanger. They settled in the area of Mt. Vernon and Victor in 1879.
    Mt. Vernon congregation, which was established in 1881 by Pastor Ole Tjømsland of the Augustana Synod was the first Norwegian parish in the county. Now there are 6 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 3 of them belonging to The United Church, 2 to The Norwegian Synod and 1 to Hauge's Synod.
    The Norwegian John K. Johnson has represented the County in the State Legislature.

Day County, South Dakota
   Peter A. Mikkelsen of Lynn writes, "The first settler in Day County was without doubt Johannes Abrahamsen Tofley from Mo i Ranen. He can prove it with an oath that he was the first settler in an area that includes several counties and that is bordered by the James River in the west, North Dakota in the north and Sisseton in the south. In 1870, he was on a trip up here to look at the land and in 1871 he came with his family from Willmar, Minn. and settled at the south end of Lynn Lake. The Indians came and gave him to understand through expressions and gestures that he must not touch their dead man who they had hanging in a tree down in the woods. They stretched out one arm to represent a rifle, then he made a smack with his mouth, and then dropped to the ground. Mr. Abrahamsen understood immediately what was meant and the dead Indian was allowed to hang in peace and quiet for a few days until a grave was found. In 1872 came Ole Svang and Nils Williamsen, both from Hallingdal. They settled near Abrahamsen. Next came Bjørn Johnson Vig†, John B. Vig, Peder Tørnes†, Jens A. Bakke, John Bakke, Ole L. Hønsey, Hans L. Hønsey and Martin Hønsey, all from Sogn, as well as Hans Vale, N. Chistoffersen, Ole Moen, T. Nilsen and H. Nilsen, all from Telemarken, Erik K. Bjerke and Andrew Halvorsen from Ringerike, Ole Tronsen from Valders, T. Strandness, H. Roalkvam and Rasmus Sjursen from Stavanger, Ole O. Aasland and G. Aasland from Nummedal, Andrew and B. O. Ericksen from Trondhjem, S. Christiansen† from Eker, Arne Andersen† from Eidsvold, as well as Halvor Andersen, W. Nelson and a Mr. Svenson. These spread out over a wide area."
   They built sod huts and began to grow wheat, that at first had to be brought partly to Watertown, S.D. and partly to Ortonville, Minn., a rather long way to drive with oxen.
   Nels Bjerke and his wife are parents of the first white child in the county and they received a prize for that.
   The aforementioned Peder A. Mikkelsen also tells that at one time when his wife was in hospital in Willmar, he had to carry his little son on his back while plowing. And one of the children died while she was away. He himself had an injured leg at the same time. It was not good with regard to care in the new settlements.
   In 1884, 5 Norwegian congregations (Saron, Salem, Lindaas, Grenville and Bergen) were established in Day County. These were the first in the county. The first Norwegian church here was built by Saron Congregation at Grenville in 1887. The first Norwegian priests to work in these parts were L. E. Kjelaas, C. M. Rødtvedt and Johan Olson. Now there are 20 Norwegian congregations and 16 churches, 8 belong to The United Church, 6 to The Lutheran Free Church, 4 to Hauge's Synod and 2 to The Norwegian Synod.
   B. H. Egeland†, who was elected Commissioner in 1884, was the first Norwegian county official here.
   J. J. Fosse was the first Norwegian to represent Day County in the State Legislature, elected 1889.
   Places with Norwegian names: Egeland and Strand.

Deuel County, South Dakota
    Enoch Larsen from Stavanger, was the first settler in this county. He settled in the area of Astoria in the beginning of the 70s. The actual year is not known. The neighboring county (Brookings) was settled by Norwegians in 1869, and in any case, it was not long before they also spread into Deuel County.
    Some of the settlers built log huts, but most of them dug out cellars. Wheat, oats and livestock raising were the county's main means of subsistence. At first their products for sale had to be taken all the way to New Ulm, ca 90 miles away, there they also made their purchases. Naturally, they had nothing but oxen for their means of transport either. People who worked for wages earned 75 cents per day at that time.
    The old schoolteacher, G. R. Fjerestad of Toronto writes, "I came to America with the last sailing ship, 'Valkyrien' and by looking through my diary I find a thing or two that might be of interest, e.g.:
        Collision on the North Sea.
        Signaling for rescue help in the English Channel.
        The command to go to the lifeboats at 2 AM.
        Repairs in England.
        Emigrant banquet in Dover etc.
        After my arrival in America, I still kept a diary, e.g.:
        About the storm that forced me and other pioneers on South Dakota's prairie to stay inside for 6 months. (that lasted from the 16th         October until the middle of April 1881 - at risk of losing life several times a week in the course of the whole winter.
        About the old empty barrel that N. N., an old maid, had to climb down every day (for 6 months) to get into her house that lay 8 feet under the snow!
        About my neighbor, who got lost from the barn to the house and was stuck with his little boy 4 feet under the snow for 18 hours (from 5 in the afternoon until 11 in the morning the next day)
        About the ox of Dilten, who himself quit work, as soon as the sun went down.
        About the mule of Pipebla, who had a fight with his owner every day (they competed actually about killing one another!)"
        So much for Fjerestad. I shall, however, make known that his story about the emigrant ship 'Valkyrien's' last trip can be found later in this book. Auth.
    There are 11 congregations and 9 churches in Deuel County, 4 belonging to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to The United Church, 2 to Hauges Synod and 2 to the Methodist Church.
    Enoch Larsen† and A. J. Torgerson, who were elected in 1878, the first as Treasurer and the latter as Commissioner, were the first Norwegian officials in the county.
    C. J. Petersen was the first Norwegian who represented the Deuel County in the State Legislature, elected 1890.
Places with Norwegian names, Skjold, Blom, Togstad, Norden, Skandinavia and Brandt.

Douglas County, South Dakota
   In the little Norwegian settlement at Delmont, Ole Moe and Ben Kleven were the first, but the year they came is not known. The majority of the settlers were from Hallingdal.
   There are two Norwegian congregations, one belongs to The United Church, the other to Hauge's Synod.

Edmunds County, South Dakota
   Asle K. Helgelien from Aal, Hallingdal, Ole M. Oyhus from Valders and Mr. Helmer Nilsen were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. They settled in the vicinity of Scatterwood in 1883. The area was absolutely desolate when they came. There was not a hut to see or find anywhere. They began with mixed farming.
   Skandia Congregation, that is the only Norwegian congregation in the county, was established in 1887. It first belonged to The Synod, but now belongs to The United Church.

Grant County, South Dakota
    Edward Jensen, from Selbu, was the first Norwegian settler in Grant County. He settled in Adams Township, at Nassau in 1877. Next after him came Nils Dahl, from Valders.
    The first in the area of Revillo were Ole Scheie, Gunder Paulsen, Bersvend Ingebrigtsen and John Aasli. They came amidst a gang of Irishmen, who were not of "mother's best children." The redskins also were in this area. The number of Norwegians increased, however, and the poor elements were driven away¨'bit by bit'. "There were only poor, unmarried people who lived here," wrote my correspondent, "but now most are prosperous and many have fine sons and daughters about them for support and comfort in their old age."
    He tells further, "We built ourselves a little sod house, but we had no furniture. We had no money to buy furniture so we had to manage with a pair of Norwegian travel chests until later. However, I was able to buy a small stove on credit, and then I got hold of some boards of which I made a sort of bed. There was no work to be found nearby. I had to travel far down in Minnesota in order to earn a bit of subsistence for me and mine. At the same time I got hold of a milk cow, an ox and an old wagon, so now I felt I was a fine fellow again.
    I well remember the first prairie fire in this part of South Dakota. I mean the first fire after whites came here. It came with a strong wind from the southwest. And powerful it was, that destroyed the grass in its way, that was both dense and dry. Naturally, we had a fire guard around our buildings. But even thought it was 10 rods between us and the sea of flames, it was so hot that we had to go into the house and shut the door.
    Then there was the snow winter of 1880-1. The snow came on the 15th of October and did not leave until the middle of April. The winter came before we were ready for it. We had not ground our grain nor had we made our purchases. As well, we had no closer town than Canby, Minn. and to the nearest mill it was 50-60 miles. The consequence was that we had to grind our wheat in the coffee mill so we could keep ourselves in bread, porridge and soup through the winter. As to side dishes there was nothing to be said since, as mentioned, we had not shopped. Nor had we had time to supply us with firewood. So we had to burn hay all winter.
    Our house was snowed in, so that when I had to go out to tend the livestock, I had to shovel the snow into the house to make a hole so I could get out. One should understand also that it snowed and drifted all the time. That way, I cursed one day and was blockaded the next. The hay barn and stable was also snowed in. I had enough to do from morning to night to keep alive.
    Now, that was about winter. In the summer, we also had our torments. The worst of these were mosquitoes. It was not just us, who were out and working, they tortured with their poisonous stings. The worst was when they came in the house to our wives and children, who naturally are more sensitive. One had to try to smoke the horrors out. To that end we filled our pots with hay and set fire to the hay. Sometimes it looked like the whole house was on fire.
    As soon as the land was cultivated there was an end to prairie fires, and the mosquitoes became fewer and fewer. As a protection against lightning and cyclones we now have deep cellars, and for defense against the winter cold and possible snowstorms we have good houses and coal-fired heating stoves. And our pantry is always supplied with good foodstuffs, so one can live well here."
    The County's first Norwegian congregation was established at Revillo in 1880 by Pastor A. O. Utheim, belonging to Hauge's Synod. In 1883, the congregation built a church, the first in this county. There are now 7 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 2 of the congregations belong to the United Church, 2 to the Norwegian Synod and 3 to Hauge's Synod.
    Albert Nash of Milbank was the first Norwegian county official here, he was elected as sheriff in 1881.
    The first - and until now the only Norwegian who has represented Grant County in the State Legislature, was Wm. O. Storlie of Revillo, elected in 1895.

Gregory County, South Dakota
   In and around Bonesteel in this county there are a number of Norwegians and there is a congregation belonging to The United Church. The settlement is growing rather quickly.

Hamlin County, South Dakota
    The first Norwegians in this county were the brothers Jacob† and Magnus Hansen from Sydvaranger, Øst Finmarken and a Mr. Anton Brønik. They came from Nebraska and settled here at Lake Poinsett in 1876, two years before the County was organized. Next after them came Ole Andersen, Engebrigt† and Erick Hammer†, Thorsten Østensen, John Svarvari†, Ole Romedahl and Salamon Isaacson, all from Finmarken, Ø. H. Meisel and Theo. Olsen† from (born in) Wisconsin, Ole Mathisen† from Røraas, P. Shelsta from Sogndal, Lars Bergersen from Valders and Ole T. Bentsen† from Hallingdal along with Jacob Brevig and Andrew Bakken.
The built sod huts and began to grow wheat as fast as possible. The wheat they had to drive to Sioux Falls (85 miles) - with oxen, naturally. There they made their purchases, since it was the nearest town. People who worked for wages earned 50 cents a day in those days.'
    The brothers Jacob† and Magnus Hanson, who together with a few others, organized Hamlin County and who then were elected County Commissioners were, of course, the first Norwegian County officials here. The Norwegian Ole Anderson was elected Justice of the Peace at the same time.
    Ole H. Førde† and M. M. Karlstad were the first Norwegians who represented Hamlin County in the State Legislature, 1889-90.
    New Hope parish, that was founded in Øydal in 1880 by Pastor John G. Jacobsen, belonging to the Conference, was clearly the first Norwegian parish in the County. Now there are 6 parishes and 5 churches, 1 of the congregations belongs to the United Church, 1 to the Norwegian Synod and 1 to the Hauge Synod.
    Norwegian place names in Hamlin County: Øydahl, Norden, Nora and Thue.

Hughes County, South Dakota
   In this county, where South Dakota's capital Pierre lies, we have no Norwegian settlement. There are however a number of Norwegians in the city, likely officials and others who have employment in the capitol. There is also a Congregation in Pierre that is served by priests of The United Church.

Hutchinson County, South Dakota
   The first Norwegian in this county was B. O. Hege from Trondhjem; he settled in the vicinity of Menno. Next after him came Christen O. Carter from Arendal. He settled at Molan in 1877.
   There is a Norwegian Congregation that was established in 1879 by Pastor J. Andreason, belonging to The Augustana Synod. It now is with The United Church. Its church was built in 1899.

Hyde County, South Dakota
   In the vicinity of Holabird a few Norwegians can be found. There is no Norwegian Settlement in this county, nor has there been any.

Jerauld County, South Dakota
   Christian A. Solberg, Ole C. Solberg, Rasmus C. Solberg and A. C. Solberg as well as Ole Sørime, John Sime and Gilbert Sime, all from Nordfjord, were the first Norwegian settlers in this County. They came from Crawford County, Wis. and settled at Lane in 1881. Next after them came A. J. Moldrem, A. J. Solberg, Lars Veum, O. O. Lendbak, O. Nessen, L. Larson†, P. Rotey, S. Endahl, B. Lillehaug, C. Bjelland, E. Starkey, K. Starkey and E. Knudsen. Most, if not all of them were Nordfjordingers.
   Wheat growing became the settlement's leading source of income. Cattle and flax were also of considerable significance. The nearest marketplace for the first settlers was Mitchell, between 30 to 40 miles away. Oxen were used for driving and plowing exclusively in the first times.
   At Wessington lives one of the oldest Norwegian pioneer women. She has lived there until recently, at least. Her name is Mrs. Martha R. Thorson. According to reports she has been in America for over 70 years.
   There is one Norwegian Synod Congregation with a church in Jerauld County.

Kingsbury County, South Dakota
    The first Norwegian settler in this county was J. O. Alseth from Biri. He came from Yankton County and settled in the area of Lake Preston on the 18th May, 1878. Next after him came Tore Toresen† and T. T. Omdalen from Nummedal, Chris Foss (now in Minneapolis) from Skien, J. K. Hetland†, And. Hetland, J. A. Jacobsen and Thom Jacobsen all from Egersund, as well as S. Pedersen and Ben Løken. Next after them came Hans Røysum, J. Røysum, Iver Fjerstad and H. Thomson, all from Sogn, Kittel Torstensen from Nummedal, John Hansen and K. G. Knudsen from Telemarken, S. B. Bergesen from Kongsvinger, J. G. Bergh from Gudbrandsdalen, Hans Johnson and H. Jacobsen† from Hadeland, T. K. Braaten, H. K. Braaten, Ole Iversen, J. T. Høyme, H. R. Fedt and R. R. Fedt, all from Valders, as well as J. Gilbertsen† whose birthplace is unknown to the author. They spread out over a large area.
Wheat and oats were the county's main sources of income. Their farm products, they had to take by oxen all the way to Sioux Falls, the nearest railway station, it was between 70 and 80 miles there.
    An old pioneer woman gives the young family an account of the manner in which she came to America. She says, "I left from Bergen, alone with five small children. We were 32 days on the trip. There were fierce storms on both the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and with this bad weather came sickness. And then the treatment aboard! It was too terrible to be able to describe. When we landed in Quebec, I took the youngest on my back and the next youngest by the hand while the others followed and called 'Mother, Mother!"
    St. Peter's Lutheran congregation and a Baptist congregation that were established in 1882, the first in De Smet and the other in Oldham, were the first Norwegian congregations in the county. There are now 10 Norwegian congregations and 8 churches, 7 of them belonging to The United Church, 2 to Hauge's Synod and 1 to the Baptist Church.
    For information about the political arena, see the section 'Norwegians in public positions in America.
    Norwegian place names in Kingsbury County: Hetland and Nordland.

Lake County, South Dakota
   The first Norwegians in Lake County were Lars Johnson, Martin Olsen, John A. Johnson, Peder Johnson, Martin Johnson and Carl Johnson, they came from Winneshiek County, Iowa and settled in the vicinity of Madison in 1874. As far as is known, they were all from Toten, the first 4 at least were from there. Wheat, oats and barley were the settlers' most important sales articles. They had to be driven all the way to Luverne, Minn., a distance of 40 to 50 miles. Later they got a market at Sioux Falls but it was also a long way to drive with oxen. They lived in sod huts in the first years.
   The first Norwegians in Summit Township (Prairie Queen) were A. J. Lee, Ole O. Overskei, Even Borgaard and Christopher Olsen. They came there in 1878.
   In 1890 they built the first schoolhouse there - of sod, it was used for many years. The winter of 1880-81 they had to grind their wheat in coffee mills, as much as was needed for home use since the railroad was blocked by snow, and they could get nowhere except on skis. In the first 10 years they used only hay and straw for their fires.
   Lake Madison Congregation, that was established at the end of the 70’s, is the oldest Congregation in the County. Its first priest was O. O. Sando of The Norwegian Synod. The County's first church was built by the aforementioned Congregation and now belongs to The United Church. Altogether there are 6 Norwegian Congregations and 5 Churches, 3 of them belong to The United Church and 3 to The Norwegian Synod.
   For information of a political nature see the section, 'Norwegians in public positions in America'.
   Places with Norwegian names in Lake County, Orland and Egge.

Lawrence County, South Dakota
   The first Norwegian settler in this county was Ole Green from Værdalen. He settled as a farmer and prospector at Rockford in 1878. He writes, "We were 10 Norwegians who traveled in a horse train of 40 wagons from Bismarck, N.D. We wished to go to the Black Hills to seek gold but our path was not so long. After 18 days we reached the place where Deadwood City now lies. When we got there we met two other Norwegians, Ulrik Ekkelo from Værdalen and a Mr. Petersen, who was also from the Trondhjem area, they had just arrived there from Yankton.
   They were thus the very first Norwegians who visited the wilderness out west. We went in various directions but the gold was difficult to find. Most became disheartened and went back. Now it is only Sefanias Ekkelo and me who live in this area."
   The first permanent Norwegians in Lead City, where nearby there are many mines, were M. L. Magnussen, Ole Danielsen, Nels Brække and Andrew Langtwaet. They and probably several other countrymen have held foreman positions there.
   There are three Norwegian congregations in this county, all belonging to Hauge's Synod, and there is one Norwegian church.
   Nasby (Næsby) post office has probably gotten its name from the Norwegians. At that place we also have a countryman, J. Petersen, who has represented his county in the State Legislature.

Lincoln County, South Dakota
    J. M. Wahl from Nærø in Namdalen was the first Norwegian settler in Lincoln County. He came from LaCrosse, Wis. and settled at Canton on the 23rd April 1868. In the month of May the same year came Jacob Holter from Toten and John Ovre from Gudbrandsdalen. Later in the year many came from Clermont, Iowa. Leading these was Halvor Nilsen from Aal, Hallingdal and Jens Paulsen. H. Nilsen had already been in Lincoln County to look at the land in 1867. The others who came from Clermont to the Canton area were, Thron H. Lunder†, Ole H. Hvattum, Paul G. Schlager, Simon Schlager, Peder A. Brenna† and Christian Sogn all from Hadeland, Hellek O. Strand, Nils Torkelsen, Ole Torkelsen and Ingebrigt Torkelsen, all from Nummedal, Tollef Brynjulfsen and Neri Torstensen from Telemarken, Arne Helgesen, Ole Strand and Ole Mikkelsen Hage all from Aal, Hallingdal, Lars Arnesen†, Ole Arnesen and Peder Christophersen, all from Gol, Hallingdal, Salve Olvesund† from Arendal, Gudmund Osmundsen† and John Steensland from Stavanger, as well as Olaus Holter from Toten, Lars A. Syverud† and Austin Syverud from Ringsaker. Besides them came Isak Mathisen†, Ole Mathisen, Gabriel Lorentzen†, Anders Johnson†, Anders Shulson†, Erick Shulson and Sivert Shulson from Vefsen, and Ole Larsen Sætre, whose birthplace is still unknown.
    John Hansen Ovre and wife were the first white couple that were married in Lincoln County. Or we can dismiss the 'white' and just say 'the first couple', since the Indians, the white's predecessors, did not occupy themselves with marriages.
    In the first years, they mainly lived in dugouts. Wheat growing became the county's main source of income. Their harvest had to be driven by oxen to Sioux City, Iowa, that is ca 80 miles away. Austin Olsen brought the first thrashing machine to the county.
    Pioneer Tore T. Strand writes, "I came to Dakota in 1870 and have suffered many hard times, but it is as one says, 'after a long wait, comes sweet Christmas'. Many of the pioneers left here and are perhaps just as poor now as before, while those who remained are well situated."
    That a Norwegian would shelter the James Brothers, North America's most famous robbers and murderers, sounds almost unbelievable, but it is true. As soon as the James Brothers had finished their well-known crime at Northfield, Minn., they went west over the Sioux River. Arriving on the Dakota side, they overnighted with old Mongstad, 8 miles northeast of Canton. They, naturally, did not tell him who they were. At 5 the next morning they went by foot a mile and stole two horses from Peter Wahl and Austin Shulstad. We these, they set off across the Sioux River again - moments before the Minnesota sheriff with his armed riders came. During the pursuit from the river up over the bluff in a southerly direction, Mongstad's horse was shot in the neck. Peter Wahl, who did not have time to put on his hat, was with the pursuers right into Sioux County, Iowa. The relentless pursuit went on until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. But fortunately for the robbers there was a thick mist all day, so they escaped.
    Canton Norwegian Lutheran Congregation that was established in 1868 by Pastor Emil Christensen of the Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Pastor Ellef Olsen, who also belonged to the aforementioned society, was the first serving priest. He was already living in the area in 1869. There are now 11 Norwegian congregations and 9 churches, 6 of the congregations belong to The United Church, 3 to The Norwegian Synod and 2 to Hauge's Synod.
    Ole Larsen Sætre was the first Norwegian to hold an official position in the county. It was organized in 1868 and Mr. Larsen was elected County Commissioner the following year. (that is 1869).
    J. M. Wahl was the first Norwegian legislator from here. He was a member of the Dakota Territory Legislature 1872-75. His first electoral district included Lincoln, Minnehaha and all counties in the Sioux Valley north to the Red River. Norwegian John Falde was Registrar of Deeds for Lincoln Co. was one of those (Registrars of Deeds) who signed on behalf of the office, Wahl's election certificate.
    Augustana College moved here to Canton in 1884.
    Norwegian place names in Lincoln Co.: Norway, Moe, Odin and Harstad.

Lyman County, South Dakota
   An O. G. Johnson, who is now dead, was the first Norwegian settler in this county. He settled in the vicinity of Presho, but the year is not known. Next after him came Nels Haagensen from Aal, Hallingdal and Gudmund P. Hillmoe from Tydalen.
   The county's most significant source of income was cattle raising.
   Teacher Svein Halvorsgaard from Aal, Hallingdal, now living in Cavite, writes that they were in Chicago on their way from Norway, when everything they owned was stolen - even the liitle boys' caps. From his cash ($19.00) he had loaned a friend money so he could get a railway ticket and continue the trip with them from New York to Dakota. So now the whole group was short of money and everything else. They had nothing to eat on the way from Chicago to Canton, S.Dak. where they also spent a night on an empty stomach, since they did not have the courage to beg - and they did not wish to try the credit system, strangers as they were.
   The first Norwegian congregation in Lyman county was established at Presho in 1893 by Pastor O. O. Landbo of The Norwegian Synod. The first - and until now the only - church was built at Presho in 1896 by the White River Congregation, established in 1894 by Pastor Henry Solem, belonging to The United Church. Now there are 4 congregations and 2 churches, 2 of them belong to The Norwegian Synod and 2 to The United Church.
   Norwegian C. Myhre of Oacoma has been a County Judge.
   Lund post office has possibly gotten its name from Norwegians.

Marshall County, South Dakota
    Kristian Klefstad, Østen Klefstad, Amund Viken, Karl Viken and John Paulsen, all from Fron, Gudbrandsdalen, were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. They came from Chippewa County, Minn., and settled in the area of Kidder in 1882. Next after them came Ole Ruswick from Hevne, John Hovren and James Hovren† from Øier, Paul Holen, Ole Holen and Jacob Hansen from Fron, as well as Nels Odland, B. C. Odland, Iver Amundsen, M. H. Leland, Christ Stakke, John Olsen, Ole J. Olsen and Bernt Mathisen.
    They lived in dugouts in the first period. Their nearest post office and market place was Milnor, 35 miles away. To there they drove their wheat and other farm products (by oxen) and there they obtained their necessities.
    The first white man that settled among the Indians* in the area of Marlow was Siver Flexhaug from Ringerike.
    The first who settled among the Indians at Storm was Christian Nilsen from Aure, Hans Thomson from the Trondheim area, as well as Johannes Svendsen† and Ole Hannem.
    Pleasant Valley Congregation, which was founded at Kidder in 1884, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. The first priest was Knud O. Storlie, then with The Norwegian Synod. Now there are 6 Norwegian congregations and 4 churches, 5 of them belonging to The United Church and 1 to Hauge's Synod.
    Ole Ruswick (later a member of the Legislature) was the first Norwegian official in the county. He was elected as Commissioner in 1885. The same year, John Haverli was elected a Member of the Dakota Territory Legislature.
    Norwegian place names: Nordland and Veblen.
    *One thing that is particularly of note on reading though this book; that is that Norwegians have been leaders. They did not go to old settlements to find a home, for that they did not have the means nor disposition. They went to the new, uncultivated places, where the struggle for a living was greatest but also where the prospects for the future was best. As trail blazers (out on the western plains) they also experienced dangers of one sort or another. We see, for example, that they nearly always ended up among the Indians and these were not always of 'mother's best children'.

McCook County, South Dakota
   Andreas Larson from Texe, Stavanger Amt, and John, Christian and Luther Larson, who came from Crawford Co., Wis. and settled in the vicinity of Bridgewater in 1875, were the first Norwegian settlers in this County. Later in the year came pharmacist A. Wettergren, who was also from the Stavanger area.
   Stationmaster E. L. Hunskaar from Bergen was the first in Spencer City and its area. He writes, "I have also tried the new settler life even though it was different than what the others had to undergo. It was in 1887 when I received a friendly request from the operations manager to take over the command of this station. He told me in a polite tone, even if the railroad still had not gotten that far and there were no station buildings here, that until later I should arrange things as best I could without a home or neighbors and without means of communication other than the work trains. A boxcar was provided for my use. It then did service as a warehouse, office, kitchen and bedroom. I understood that I had arrived at the outermost limits of civilisation. There were, furthermore, neither civilised nor uncivilised people nearby. There were only a couple of claim shanties a few miles away. But I was there as civilisation's herald and had to be tolerant for a while (even though it was often terribly cold , lonesome and dreary). After the rail line was completed, neighbors also came and it is now good to live here. It is long since I threw my office furniture (a pair of rough packing boxes) out the door"
   There is a Norwegian Church in the vicinity of Bridgewater. The Congregation belongs to The United Church.

McPherson County, South Dakota
    Simon Olsen from Telemark and Ole Jacobsen† from Valdres, who settled near Alpha in 1884, were the first Norwegian settlers here. There neighbors were of red skin and decorated with feathers, which sounds beautiful, but it was not pleasant to live among them.
Pastor J. D. Swalestuen of The United Church established a Norwegian congregation in Alpha in 1887.
    Norwegians in this area were comparatively few, but if one judges people by quality and not by quantity, then McPherson County measures up well, since it here (in Eureka) that the Norwegian Charles Herreid, the former Governor of South Dakota lives.
Miner County, South Dakota
    Anthon A. Henden was the first Norwegian settler in this county. He settled at Nansen in 1880 and was followed by many Nordfjordingers. In Miner County we find the strongest Nordfjording settlement in America. There are, however, a number of Norwegians from other regions as well.
    The first Norwegian in the area of Fedora was Alexander Freeland from Karmøen, along with Nils Hyland, David J. Guldbraa†, Phillip Dahl and Emil Hansen.
    The Nordfjord congregation that was established at Nansen Post Office in Henden Township (all good Norwegian names) in 1882 by Pastor E. O. Ruste of The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. Its church was built in 1885. Now there are 4 Norwegian congregations, 3 belonging to The United Church and 1 to the Baptists.
    Lars Olsen†, Hans Vinden and Brede B. Sander, who were elected in 1884,the first as Treasurer, the second as Registrar of Deeds and the third as Commissioner, were the first Norwegian officials. The first Norwegian, that represented the Miner County in the Legislature ( the State's first), was R. D. Støve; he was elected in 1889.

Minnehaha County, South Dakota
    Civil War veteran, Jonas Nelson from Meraker wrote, "I was tired of war and wished to have peace. I came back to Goodhue County, Minn., where I found my family healthy - and happy to see me again. Now it was to get a piece of Government land and a home that I could call my own. So I spoke about this to my war comrade John Thompson, who also was from Meraker, and he and I agreed that we should try our luck out in the West. We set off on our journey on the 2nd June 1866, he with his wife and me with wife and a 4 month old child. We each had an ox team and as well we had 3 cows with us. After we left Chain Lakes, Minn. we saw no people and no road. We had to steer by the sun, and when we did not see it, we had to travel at random. It was as well a dark and rainy summer. All the stream courses and swamps were full of water. We had many times wade or swim across to determine the water's depth and find out what kind of water it was before we dared to drive, but despite our carefulness we were often stuck. We had, however, a number of pieces of wood, with which we could lift the wagons out of the mire. Some days we did not get very far.
    The Indians could not be trusted. We did not know when we could come upon a band of them. Therefore we had to keep our eyes open both night and day.
    Finally we reached Sioux falls, S. D., where there lay a Company of soldiers that watched the Indians. This was in July (1866). We liked it here very much. Then we went 8 miles north along the Sioux River, where we settled. Here we had forest, water and grasslands. But now we had to go to the Land Office to get the papers in order. This would take a week. Our wives were worthy women: we left them in a straw hut under a tree, each with a revolver, and a good dog. We wanted to take them to Sioux Falls where they could be under the soldier's protection until we came back, but they did not wish to.
    When we were going to get foodstuffs, it took, as a rule, a week. We had to go all the way to Sioux City, Iowa or to Nebraska to obtain the same. Sometimes though we could buy a bit of pork from the soldiers. Otherwise we satisfied ourselves with wild meat rather regularly. There was buffalo and deer as well as many small animals, so it was a good thing we had learned to shoot.
    John Thompson took land two miles from me. To the nearest neighbor on the other side was 8 miles. Nevertheless my wife was at home alone several weeks at a time. When there was an opportunity, I hired out to transport goods from Sioux City or Yankton to the soldiers in Sioux Falls.
    When we had been here somewhat over a year, two families from Minnesota came and settled near us. There were no other Norwegians in the entire County." (In J. Nelson's letter I cannot find the names of the two families, but from other correspondence it is shown that it was Ole O. Gilseth and John J. Aasen, both from Meraker. So, now there were 4 Meraker-families in Minnehaha County. Auth.) "And after the course of two years," says Nelson, "12 other families came from Minnesota. I was actually there on a visit and brought them with me when I came back.
    In 1872, we established a Post Office with the name Republican, where I was the Postmaster until 1883, when I moved to Arlington, S.D., where I now live and probably will live until my last long trip." (Mr. Nelson has also written a longer account of the Civil War. It can be found in the section "Norwegians in American Wars." Auth.)
    John A. Bjørgan, another pioneer writes among other things, "In the first years, when one did not have anything more than a lump of butter or other trifles to sell, one could go to Sioux Falls, where the soldiers were stationed. But later, when one began to harvest more wheat than one needed oneself, he had to drive it all the way to Sibley, Ia. or Worthington, Minn. - with oxen. What was needed for home use was thrashed in the old Norwegian way - with only one difference, instead of using the barn floor, it was done on the ice of the Sioux River. With the little wheat one then got, one had to travel 100 miles to a gristmill."
    Alfred Christensen in Renner wrote, "My mother told me that the Indians rocked me to sleep while she cooked coffee for them. This was after they had become civilized a bit. We often got a duck or goose as payment for the coffee."
    Ole O. Lefstad of Sherman and Pastor E. H. Midtbø "went off track" in a snowstorm once and spent the night in a haystack. This was, however, long after South Dakota was built up. When one could not find their way to a house, it was because the snowstorm was awfully thick, which it often was. But while we talk about houses: So that our descendants will understand what kind of buildings their forefathers lived in on the prairie, we can inform that their "claim shanties" measured about 12-16 feet square. And the height was nothing to boast about. Very tall men had to bend over if they wished to stand or enter the house.
    Nidaros Congregation, that was established at Baltic in 1868, was the first Norwegian congregation in the County. Emil Christensen, belonging to the Norwegian Synod, was the first priest. They County's first Norwegian church was built by the aforementioned congregation in 1877. Now where are 22 Norwegian congregations and 21 churches in Minnehaha County, 10 of the congregations belong to the Norwegian Synod, 9 to the United Church, 2 to Hauges Synod and 1 to Ellef Eielsen's Society.
    Minnehaha County has a bigger Norwegian population and a greater number of Norwegian churches than any other county in the State.
    The aforementioned pioneers, John Nelson and John Thompson, were the first Norwegian officials in this County, when they are elected Commissioners in 1868.
    The first couple to be married here was Ole Gilseth and Anna P. Moe. The marriage was conducted by Pastor Emil Christensen.
    The first teacher's certificate in Minnehaha County was issued to Ole J. Aasen in 1871. He taught school in Sverdrup Township for $12.00 per month. The first school in Highland was held in a sod house belonging to Ole O. Graves. Anna E. Ellefson was the teacher there.
    The aforementioned John Thompson was the first Norwegian who represented Minnehaha County in the Legislature. He was elected to the Dakota Territorial Legislature already in 1870.
    For information about "Folketidende", "Vesterheimen", South Dakota Ekko", "Fremad", the Normal School and the Norwegian Hospital in Sioux Falls, see *Norwegian place names in Minnehaha County: Sverdrup and St. Olaf.

Moody County, South Dakota
    Jacob Lorentsen from Dønnes, Nordland, as well as Nikolai Larsen†, Mathias Jensen, Peder Jensen†, Andreas Jacobsen† and Nels Jul (now Dr. Jul), all from Nordland were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. They came from Manistee, Mich. and settled at Egan in the present Town of Blinsmon in 1875. The same year, Ole Blinsmon† came from Iowa. From his birthplace, a cotter's place in Hemsedal, the Town of Blinsmon gets its name.
    Old Mrs. Bertha Amdal and her sons, Ole and Gudmund Amdal from Fillmore County, Minn. took land here the year before, that is in 1874, but they did not settle here until a year after the aforementioned.
    The Sioux Indians were the Norwegian pioneers' worst neighbors.
    Oslo congregation, that was formed in Blinsmon in 1876 by Pastor O. O. Sando, of the Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in this county. Pastor J. A. Blilie, also of that synod, was the first Norwegian priest to settle here. The county's first Norwegian church was built by the Hegre congregation (Norwegian Synod) at Colman in 1892. Now there are 11 Norwegian congregations and 6 churches, 6 of the congregations belong to the aforementioned synod and 5 to The United Church.
    For information on Norwegians in public positions, see that section.
    Blinsmon, which was mentioned above, is the only place with a Norwegian name in the county.

Potter County, South Dakota
   Ed O. Eliassen from Odalen and Ole Swansen from Hallingdal were the first Norwegian settlers in this County. They settled among the Sioux Indians in the vicinity of Forest City in 1883 and began mixed farming. There is a post office called Hoven (in Potter County). It is possible that the name is of Norwegian origin.

Roberts County, South Dakota
   Ole Andersen Sætre† from Bredheim, Nordfjord was the first Norwegian settler in Roberts County. He came from Swift or Pope County, Minn. and settled in the vicinity of Wilmot in 1875. As far as is known the next were Martin Mikkelsen and L. S. Haugen from Telemarken and Anton Foss, who seems to have been from Lillehammer.
   Here as in many other places the new settlers had to be satisfied with sod huts. They began mainly with wheat and cattle raising. They had no nearer marketplace than Ortonville, Minn. and had to drive there with oxen.
   The first Norwegian who settled among the Indians at White Rock was Martin Selnes from Namsos. He came there in 1876. The first at Vernon was Sam Abrahamsen.
   The first who settled among the Indians in the vicinity of Wist was Andreas M. Johnstad from Naustdal, Søndfjord.
   And the first who risked conflict with the redskins in the vicinity of Bethel was J. E. Kringen from Trondhjem.
   A young Norwegian by the name of Edward Petersen recently lost his life out there. The Sheriff's Deputy and Mr. Petersen went to an Indian's home to seize some mortgaged goods and during the conduct of their duty they were shot dead on the spot.
   But Roberts County is no longer a wilderness. The Indians' dominion is curtailed. The white settlers, among whom the Norwegians play a leading role, have changed the hunting and battle fields at Sisseton to a "land of milk and honey" - to use a pretty expression from the old days. That there is now law and order speaks for itself.
   Bø Congregation, that was established at Wilmot in 1881, was the first Norwegian congregation in Roberts County. Its first priest was H. A. Gjevre, then of The Norwegian Synod. The first Norwegian church in the county was built at Winans P.O. (Harmon Township) in 1897 by the Trondhjem Congregation, belonging to The United Church. There are now 20 Norwegian congregations and 11 churches in this county, 12 belong to The United Church, 4 to The Norwegian Synod and 4 to The Lutheran Free Church.
   Hans H. Hauge†, who was elected Probate Judge in1884, was the first Norwegian county official.
   Norwegian names in Roberts County: Vig, Lien, Norway, Nora, Alsen, Lohre (Løhre) and Otto.

Sanborn County, South Dakota
   Erick Rockney from Voss, H. Marthin and S. Marthin from Hallingdal, Nils Johnson and Mikael Mathiasen from Helgeland as well as Hellick Thompson, who all settled in the vicinity of Woonsocket in 1880, were the county's first Norwegian settlers. Next after them came T. Strand, L. Strand, O. Strand, Ivar Strand, Martin Thompson, B. Dahl, Theodor Thompson, Per Larsen, O. Helgesen, L. Christensen, A. D. Andersen, Claus Jacobsen, Anders Moe, Daniel Johnson, Peder Larsen, G. D. Fønebø, L. Halvorsen, Noranus Aas, Jørgen Aas and Herbjørn Ostensen. The aforementioned are farmers. K. Stakke, O. Hauge, K. Kittelsen as well as ? Amundsen and ? Holt are businessmen in Woonsocket.
   Sand Creek Congregation, that was established at Woonsocket in 1881 by Pastor Ole Tjomsland, belonging to The Augustana Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Now there are 7 Norwegian congregations and 3 churches, 3 of them belong to The United Church, 2 to The Norwegian Synod and 2 to Hauge's Synod.

Spink County, South Dakota
    Gustav G. Jacobsen, Gulbrand Jacobsen and C. G. Jacobsen from Ringsaker along with G. Gutenberg, M. Gutenberg† and P. Gutenberg, born in America of Norwegian parents, were the first Norwegians in Spink County. They came from Fillmore County, Minnesota and settled in the area of Frankfort in 1872. Later in the year came S. J. Ericksen from Eidsvold and A. Monsen from Bergen. They built dugouts and began growing wheat and raising livestock, that became the county's main source of subsistence. Their farm products, they had to take by oxen to Watertown, ca 60 miles away. The first winter there was so much snow that they could not get anywhere. When their provisions ran out, they had to grind wheat in a coffee mill all day in order to live. The barns they had were small and low and they ended up under the snow. It was impossible to let the livestock out. Nor could they get water. They had to melt snow on the stove so people and livestock could get something to drink.
    Nels E. Nelson from Hadeland was the first Norwegian at Ashton. He settled there in 1879.
    In 1880 came R. L. Tolvstad and H. L. Tolvstad from Hedemarken and a third Norwegian by the name of A. Andersen from Trempealeau County, Wis., and settled in the area of Mellette. Next after them came L. H. Tolvstad and M. L. Tolvstad from Hedemarken, R. O. Halvorsen, T. O. and K. O. Kittelsland from Nummedal as well as Ole Anderson and George Ugland.
    They lived in dugouts for a time. They went into wheat growing, that became the county's leading source of income. The wheat they had to drive to Watertown (80 miles) with oxen, naturally.
    There are 6 Norwegian congregations and 2 churches in this county, 3 belong to The United Church, 2 to the Baptist Church and 1 is independent.
    It was in Redfield, this county that the now deceased State Treasurer, O. E. Berg had his home.

Stanley County, South Dakota
   One of the first settlers in this county was Iver Monsen who settled at Bad River, not so far from Fort Pierre. The year he came there is not known. But it is known that he recently lost everything he owns in a flood. His house went down the river (Bad River) and became stuck in some trees, where it stayed for two days and a night. The family had to chop a hole through the roof to get out, and the house sank shortly after. This family, that eluded death, consisted of a man, wife and three children.

Turner County, South Dakota
   Torbjørn O. Ostrem from Skjold parish and his sons Ole and Tom, who came from La Salle Co., Ill. and settled in the vicinity of Centerville in 1872, were the first Norwegian settlers in the county. Later in the year came J. Groseth, L. O. Skotvold and J. O. Skotvold. They were Trønders, at least most of them.
   Right after, Albert R. Apland, Erik Eriksen, Martin E. Westad and Ole E. Lie came to the vicinity of Swan Lake.
   Gustav Gilbert from Hakedalen established the first store in the county. That was at Swan Lake in 1874.
   Iver Skotvold writes, "My wife came by oxteam (over 100 miles) from a town in Iowa by the name of Bonsboro. I say oxteam, but the fact is she walked almost the whole way. There were 32 persons in her group and a large number of them were sick. This was when she was a girl."
   Stephen Pedersen Solem, who died in Turner County in 1899 was the first or at least one of the very first emigrants from Hornningdal, Nordfjord. He came with his family by sailship in the 50s. When, after a long and arduous journey they reached Illinois, they were infected with cholera and no one would give them accommodation. They turned therefore to the river boats which they traveled on and slept under - 6 or 7 persons together. A boy and a girl died there and Solem himself was near death. A few years later he went to Califiornia where he worked as a gold digger but instead of finding gold, he became sick and every time he called a doctor it cost $10.00 so he soon became penniless. He did not have enough money to buy food just once. One Christmas Eve he and two comrades only had 5 potatoes to share. However, he did get sufficienly well that he could begin his return to South Dakota - about the same way he had gone west - on foot and on occasion with an oxteam. That was in that way they traveled in those days. A traveler who did not have oxen himself often met someone who did and thus worked his way across the immense continent. He finally got home, without money but rich in experience. In the course of a few years he became a prosperous farmer.
   Melhus Congregation, that was established at Turner P.O. in the middle of the 70s, was the first Norwegian congregation in Turner County. Its first priest was G. Graven of Hauge's Synod. Elling Eielsen also worked among the newcomers here. The first Norwegian church in the county was built by the aforementioned congregation in 1882. Now there are 7 Norwegian congregations and 6 churches, 3 belonging to Hauge's Synod, 1 to Elling Eielsen's Society, 1 to The United Church, 1 to The Methodist Church and 1 to The Baptist Church.
   O. C. Stuart (Stuhaug), who was elected Probate Judge in 1883, was the first Norwegian official here.
   Albert Apland was the first Norwegian to represent this county in the State Legislature, he was elected in 1893.
   Norwegian place names: Norway and Freya.

Union County, South Dakota
   The first Norwegian in this county was Peder Pedersen† from Sogn. He settled at Richland in the beginning of the 60s. Next after him came C. Larsen Haagen from Trondhjem, Lars Johannessen Rud from Gudbrandsdalen and K. P. Rønne from Røraas. However, the first Norwegian settlements in Union and Clay Counties are connected so closely one cannot separate them in an historical account. See Clay County.
   In the northern part of Union County, Erik Rønning was the first.
   People lived in dugouts in the first years. The nearest marketplace was Sioux City, ca. 40 miles away. But they had little to sell the first years since the grasshoppers destroyed their crops, especially the wheat. It was quite hard for the newcomers to survive.
   Brule Creek Congregation of The Norwegian Synod was the first in this area. (Further information about it under Clay County). Now there are 8 Norwegian congregations and 6 churches in this (Union) county, 3 belong to The United Church, 3 to The Norwegian Synod and 2 to Hauge's Synod.
   Civil War veteran Gilbert Larsen was the first Norwegian to hold public office in Union County. He was elected County Commissioner in 1872.
   South Dakota's first Secretary of State, the Norwegian A. O. Ringsrud is also from here.
   Bethesda Children's Home, belonging to Hauge's Synod was erected at Beresford in 1897.
   Post offices with Norwegian names: Alsen and Nora.

Walworth County, South Dakota
   B. J. Olsen and Simon Olsen, both from Østerøen near Bergen, Paul Carlson from Garshol, Søndmøre and Jacob Førde and Martin Olsen from Leganger, Søndmøre as well as Jacob Førde and Hans Ness from Volden, Søndmøre were the first Norwegian settlers in this county. They settled in the vicinity of Flora on the Missouri River in 1880. To the nearest marketplaces, Pierre, S.D. and Bismarck, N.D. it was almost 120 miles. Cattle raising was the first settlers' main source of income. They also shot buffalo and other game for which there was a demand. It was full of Indians along the Sioux River but no whites at that time, except at Fort Yates, ca. 60 miles from the Norwegian settlement. There was there (at Fort Yates) a number of soldiers who were to keep an eye on the Redskins.
   Bergen Congregation, that was established at Flora in 1884 by Pastor A. L. Lobben, belonging to The Norwegian Synod, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Now ther are 6 congregations, 3 belong to The United Church and 3 to The Lutheran Free Church.
   Selby Post Office in Walworth County gets its name from the Norwegians.

Yankton County, South Dakota
   Christian Pedersen Marindahl from Ringsaker is given as the first Norwegian settler in this county. He settled at a place that now bears his name (Marindahl) in 1860. The Indians were his neighbors there for a time.
   Next after Christian Pedersen came Ole Pedersen, M. J. Minde, John J. Aalseth, C. H. Brurud, Frans Shager, Gulbrand Levorson, Haldor Bryngelsen Løen, Lars Olsen, Simon Petersen, Torger Nelson, T. Aalseth, Mathias Larsen, Peder Einarsen and Torbjørn Torbjørnsen. They were also sort of soldiers against the Indians. They received carbines and saddles from the government.
   The first Norwegian immigration to Yankton County went from and through the neighbouring Clay County, where a longer account is given.
   But here in Yankton County we find South Dakota's first Norwegian church. It was built by Vangen Congregation at Mission Hill in 1869. For information about this (Vangen) congregation's origin and staffing, see Clay County.
   Now there are 11 Norwegian congregations and 9 churches in Yankton County, 3 belong to The Norwegian Synod, 3 to The United Church, 3 to Hauge's Synod and 2 to Independent Lutheran.
   In the section 'Norwegians in public positions in America' can be found more information - from Yankton County also.
   Townships and post offices with Norwegian names: Brudvig, Marindahl, Hansen and Norway.

Translated by Olaf Kringhaug
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Nordmændene i Amerika by Martin Ulvestad, 1907
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