Hitchcock County, Nebraska

Early Norwegian Settlement

Captain John E. Kleven from Nordre Land, Hans Haugen from Løten, and Even Bakken were the first Norwegians to settle in the vicinity of Culbertson. They came from Wisconsin and also took part in founding the town. Kleven became Culbertson’s first Postmaster, and by 1905 one of his sons held the same position. He had also served for a time as County Treasurer. His title of Captain dated from his service in the Civil War.

A Dangerous Flood

Shortly after arriving at Culbertson, the three men narrowly escaped drowning while sleeping in their wagon. A cloudburst had occurred about forty miles northwest of the settlement, and during the night a sudden wall of water swept down upon them. Fortunately, they had tied the wagon tongue to the branch of an elm tree. They woke in time to climb into the tree, but the wagon and nearly all their possessions were swept away. One of their horses also drowned. Almost without clothing, the men were forced to remain in the tree until the evening of the following day. Their situation was especially difficult because they were still in a sparsely settled wilderness. A few miles farther up Blackwood Creek, a group of soldiers had been camped. Two soldiers drowned, along with a number of cavalry horses, while tents and other possessions were carried away by the flood. The troops left the area shortly afterward. This proved fortunate for the Norwegian settlers, who found some weapons, saddles, food, and clothing that had been left behind. Much of it had been damaged by the water, but a considerable amount was still usable.

Churches and Congregations

By 1905, there was a Norwegian congregation in the county belonging to the United Church.

Sources:

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