Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

The Valders Settlement

Until 1848, Manitowoc County was inhabited largely by Indians and wild animals, but that year the first Norwegian settlers arrived and established what became known as the Valders Settlement. Anders Aabol from Nord-Aurdal, Stephen Helle, Thomas Helle, and Gudmund Brekken, all from Vang, together with Juul Gulhaug from Slidre, were among the first to settle there. In time, the post offices of Valders and Oslo were established within this settlement.

Another part of the area settled by Norwegians became known as Gjerpen. More settlers and families arrived in Manitowoc County during 1848. Among them were Ole Bolstad and Søren Bolstad from Gjerpen, Ole Svendsen from Arendal, Anders Aanensen Bjørkhus from Grimstad, and Halvor Wilson from the Skien area. They were followed by Halvor Johnson, Johan Johnson, Hans Hengning, Hans Helland, and Erik Enochsen, all from the Stavanger area; Ole Lykset from Ringsaker; Ole O. Helle, Gulbrand Berge, and Johannes Tollefsen, all from Valdres; as well as Ole Evensen Hovi, Gulbrand Gulbrandsen Prestegaarden, Anders C. Kval, Johannes Rebne (?), Knud Oppen, and others.

Pioneer Life

Forestry and wheat farming became the settlers’ principal sources of income. Land clearing paid fifty cents a day, and oxen served as draft animals both on the farms and on the long journeys to town.

When the great trees had been felled, their branches removed, and their trunks cut into large logs, the logs had to be rolled together and stacked for burning. This required the combined strength of the men and oxen of the community in what was known as a great “log bee.”

Professor A. A. Veblen described it as an enormous undertaking. There was satisfaction in seeing the massive logs moved into position with pikes, and when evening came and the large piles of timber stood ready for burning, the settlers could take pride in having overcome the “proud forest kings.” They then enjoyed the substantial food prepared by the women, while flasks and glasses had also provided encouragement during the day.

Life in the Forest

Clearing the land, cultivating the soil among the stumps, and struggling with heavy tree roots were not the only challenges that tested the settlers’ strength and patience. They also faced encounters with bears, wolves, wildcats, and other animals. The large number of wild animals, together with their appetite for newly planted grain, created continuing difficulties.

By the time Veblen wrote his account, however, the forests had largely disappeared and the log cabins were scarcely remembered by the younger generation. Where tamarack swamps had once stretched across the landscape, locomotives now passed. Where the old octagonal timber Valders Church had once stood on the rocky slope, a much finer and more modern church had taken its place.

Prosperity had replaced the hardships of the pioneer years, and the old days seemed almost like memories from childhood. The community had become well populated, although many capable men and women had moved farther into the Northwest, where a number of them became prominent members and leaders of newer communities.

Most of the settlers had come from Slidre and Vang, although a considerable number also came from Aurdal. They had retained their language well, and many of the old customs remained alive. Veblen also noted that a remarkable number of the younger generation had entered occupations different from those of their parents, particularly trade and various kinds of business.

Churches and Congregations

The Manitowoc Norwegian Lutheran Congregation was established in 1850 by Pastor H. A. Stub of the Norwegian Synod and was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Pastor J. A. Ottesen, also of the Norwegian Synod, was its first resident pastor. The first Norwegian church in Manitowoc County was built at Gjerpen in 1851. By 1905, the county had six Norwegian congregations and six churches. Four congregations belonged to the Norwegian Synod and two to the United Church.

Norwegian Place Names

Norwegian place names in Manitowoc County included Valders, Gjerpen, Oslo, and Northeim.

Sources:

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