Miner County, South Dakota

Early Norwegian Settlement

Anthon A. Henden was the first Norwegian settler in Miner County. He settled at Nansen in 1880 and was followed by many settlers from Nordfjord.  Miner County contained the strongest Nordfjord settlement in America, although Norwegians from other parts of Norway were also represented. The first Norwegians in the vicinity of Fedora were Alexander Freeland from Karmøy, together with Nils Hyland, David J. Guldbraa, Phillip Dahl, and Emil Hansen.

Churches and Congregations

Nordfjord Congregation was established at Nansen Post Office in Henden Township in 1882 by Pastor E. O. Ruste of the Norwegian Synod. The author noted that both Nansen and Henden were fitting Norwegian names. The congregation built its church in 1885. By 1905, Miner County had four Norwegian congregations. Three belonged to the United Church and one to the Baptist Church.

Public Office

Lars Olsen, Hans Vinden, and Brede B. Sander were the first Norwegians elected to county office. In 1884, Olsen was elected Treasurer, Vinden Register of Deeds, and Sander Commissioner. R. D. Støve was the first Norwegian to represent Miner County in the State Legislature, and according to the source, the first Norwegian elected to the South Dakota State Legislature. He was elected in 1889.

Sources:

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