Hamilton County, Iowa

Norwegian Settlement

The Norwegian settlement established in Story County also extended into Hamilton County. The earliest Norwegian settlement in Hamilton County therefore formed part of the larger Story County settlement, and further information about its beginnings is given under Story County.

At Williams, the first Norwegian settlers were Peter Holt from Ryfylke, together with Ole Fodnei and N. K. Hill. They settled there in 1881.

Churches and Congregations

Elim Congregation was established at Randall in 1868 by Pastor Andrew Johannesen of Hauge’s Synod. It was the first Norwegian congregation in Hamilton County. By 1905, Hamilton County had thirteen Norwegian congregations and thirteen churches. Eight congregations belonged to Hauge’s Synod, two to the Norwegian Synod, and three to the United Church.

Education

Jewell Lutheran College, a Norwegian institution, was established in 1893. 

Sources:

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