Antrim County, Michigan

Early Norwegian Settlement

The first Norwegian settler in Antrim County was Peter Johnson Røli from Sparbu. He settled at Elk Rapids in 1869. He was followed by Julius Hansen from the Drammen area and Charles Mikkelsen from Knoppen in Manger parish. Potatoes, maize, and wheat became the principal sources of income.

Churches and Congregations

The first, and by the time this account was written the only, Norwegian congregation in the county was established at Elk Rapids in 1882 by Pastor J. J. Maakestad of the Norwegian Synod. The church was built in 1885.

Sources:

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

Places Mentioned in the Register

Antrim County (1)

1 person recorded from this county. See all persons →

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