Franklin and Webster Counties, Nebraska

Franklin and Webster Counties

The Norwegian settlement described here lay along the boundary between Franklin and Webster Counties. Because the early settlers formed one community that extended across the county line, the two counties are presented together on this page rather than as separate settlements. The congregation and other institutions mentioned in the account served the same Norwegian community on both sides of the boundary.

Norwegian Settlement near Campbell

The first Norwegian known to have settled in the area was Hans Walstad from Skedsmo. He came from Decorah, Iowa, and settled near Campbell in 1872. He was followed by Jacob H. Walstad and Christian Holt, also from Skedsmo; G. O. Lee from Telemark; Erik Eriksen from Vinger; and Knud Eriksen from Sigdal. The settlement lay along the border between Franklin and Webster Counties.

Pioneer Life

Some of the first settlers built log cabins, while others lived in dugouts. Wheat and corn were the principal crops and the main sources of income. Hastings, about forty miles away, was the nearest market town. Oxen were the settlers’ only draft animals.

Churches and Congregations

Zion Congregation was established in 1876 by Pastor E. Dahle of the Norwegian Synod and was the first Norwegian congregation in the settlement.

Its church was built in 1898. By the time of the account, the congregation belonged to the United Church.

Sources:

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