Day County, South Dakota

Early Norwegian Settlement

Peter A. Mikkelsen of Lynn wrote that the first settler in Day County was undoubtedly Johannes Abrahamsen Tofley from Mo i Rana. According to Mikkelsen, Abrahamsen could testify under oath that he was the first settler in a large region extending across several counties, bounded by the James River to the west, North Dakota to the north, and Sisseton to the south. In 1870, Abrahamsen traveled into the area to examine the land. The following year, 1871, he returned with his family from Willmar, Minnesota, and settled at the southern end of Lynn Lake. Indians approached him and, through gestures, made it clear that he was not to disturb a dead Indian who had been placed in a tree in the nearby woods. One of them extended an arm as though holding a rifle, made the sound of a shot with his mouth, and then fell to the ground. Abrahamsen immediately understood the warning, and the body was left undisturbed until a grave could be prepared.

In 1872, Ole Svang and Nils Williamsen, both from Hallingdal, settled near Abrahamsen. They were followed by 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; Hans Vale, N. Chistoffersen, Ole Moen, T. Nilsen, and H. Nilsen, all from Telemark; Erik K. Bjerke and Andrew Halvorsen from Ringerike; Ole Tronsen from Valdres; T. Strandness, H. Roalkvam, and Rasmus Sjursen from Stavanger; Ole O. Aasland and G. Aasland from Numedal; Andrew Ericksen and B. O. Ericksen from Trondheim; S. Christiansen from Eiker; Arne Andersen from Eidsvoll; as well as Halvor Andersen, W. Nelson, and a Mr. Svenson. These settlers spread over a wide area.

Pioneer Life

The settlers built sod houses and began growing wheat. During the early years, their grain had to be hauled either to Watertown, South Dakota, or to Ortonville, Minnesota, both considerable distances to travel by ox team. Nels Bjerke and his wife were the parents of the first white child born in the county and received a prize in recognition of that distinction. Peter A. Mikkelsen also recalled the hardships of family life in the new settlement. On one occasion, while his wife was in a hospital at Willmar, he had to carry his young son on his back while plowing. One of their children died during her absence, while Mikkelsen himself was suffering from an injured leg. He remarked that care and assistance were difficult to obtain in the pioneer settlements.

Churches and Congregations

In 1884, five Norwegian congregations were established in Day County: Saron, Salem, Lindaas, Grenville, and Bergen. These were the first Norwegian congregations in the county. The first Norwegian church was built by Saron Congregation at Grenville in 1887. The first Norwegian pastors to work in the area were L. E. Kjelaas, C. M. Rødtvedt, and Johan Olson. By 1905, Day County had twenty Norwegian congregations and sixteen churches. Eight congregations belonged to the United Church, six to the Lutheran Free Church, four to Hauge’s Synod, and two to the Norwegian Synod.

Public Office

B. H. Egeland was the first Norwegian to hold county office in Day County. He was elected Commissioner in 1884. J. J. Fosse was the first Norwegian to represent Day County in the State Legislature. He was elected in 1889.

Norwegian Place Names

Places with Norwegian names in Day County included Egeland and Strand.

Sources:

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