Iowa County, Wisconsin

Early Norwegian Settlement

The brothers Erick Halvorsen, Ole Halvorsen, and Halsten Halvorsen from Veggli, Numedal, were the first Norwegian settlers in Iowa County. They came directly from Norway and settled three to four miles from Dodgeville in 1841. Halsten was a blacksmith, while Ole and Erick were farmers. They were followed by John Lee from Toten. Wheat, barley, and rye became their principal sources of income. Daily wages at the time ranged from twenty-five to fifty cents.

Pine Knob

Knut Halvorsen Bromsdalen from Numedal was the first Norwegian settler in the vicinity of Pine Knob. He settled there in 1846.

The Moscow Settlement

A Norwegian settlement was established in the vicinity of Moscow in 1846. Ole Sandersen from Hallingdal and Ellef Knudsen from Nissedal were the first settlers there.

Churches and Congregations

The Otter Creek Congregation in Highland Township and the Dodgeville Congregation, both established around 1850, were the first Norwegian congregations in Iowa County. They belonged to the Norwegian Synod. Their first permanent pastor was Johan Munch, who took up the position in 1855. By 1905, Iowa County had six Norwegian congregations and four churches. Four congregations belonged to the United Church, one to the Norwegian Synod, and one to the Lutheran Free Church.

Public Office

Gunder Paulson of Hollandale was the first Norwegian to hold public office in Iowa County. He was elected County Treasurer in 1884.

Norwegian Place Names

The only place in Iowa County whose name was said to be of Norwegian origin was Hollandale. 

Sources:

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