Adams County, Wisconsin

Early Norwegian Settlement

Peter Larson, who settled in the vicinity of Arkdale in 1850 or 1851, was the first Norwegian and the first white settler in the area. Only Indians lived there when he arrived.

Settling in Adams County

The pioneers of Adams County reached their destination in much the same way as other immigrants of the period. They crossed the Atlantic by sailing ship to New York or Quebec. From there, they traveled partly by boat and partly by railroad. From the shores of Lake Michigan, the journey continued by ox wagon over almost impassable roads through swamps, forests, and marshes. The wagons were crowded with people, adults and children alike, together with cooking utensils, food, clothing, and other belongings.

This “wandering through the desert,” as the author described it, could be nearly as unpleasant as the voyage across the ocean and the Great Lakes. In bad weather especially, traveling with the wagons was anything but pleasant.

When the immigrants finally reached their destination, they did not find the comfortable home a weary traveler might have imagined during the journey. As a rule, they found themselves standing on an open hill in a strange country. Everything had to be built from the beginning. Their first task was to provide a roof over their heads. After that, they had to find a way to support themselves, which was not easy because the land was still unbroken and difficult to cultivate. The pioneers also lacked many of the necessary tools, making progress even more difficult. The pioneers endured hardships that later generations could scarcely understand because they had never experienced anything similar themselves. 

Churches and Congregations

The Roche a Cree Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was established at Arkdale in 1853 by Pastor H. A. Preus of the Norwegian Synod. It was the first Norwegian congregation in Adams County. Its church was built in 1861. Adams County had four Norwegian congregations, each with its own church. One congregation belonged to the Norwegian Synod, one to the United Church, one to Hauge’s Synod, and one to the Methodist Church.

Public Office

A. O. Holm was the first Norwegian to hold a county public office in Adams County. He was elected County Clerk in 1866.

Norwegian Place Names

The place later known as Arkdale had formerly been called Vinje. Thus, Adams County also had a place with a Norwegian name.

Sources:

[Ulvestad, Martin. Nordmændene i Amerika. Utg. History Book Company's Forlag. Minneapolis, Minn. 1907.]