Rock County, Minnesota

The First Norwegian Settlers

Bendik Evensen, also known as Evans, from Valdres, and Ole Steen, whose name was given to the Steen Post Office, were the first Norwegians in Rock County. They settled in Clinton Township, near Steen, in 1870. In Martin Township, near Hills, the first Norwegian settlers were Nils Andersen, Anders Anderson, and Joseph Jacobsen. They settled there in 1871 and were all from Helgeland. Ole Nilssen claimed land at Luverne in 1870, although he did not settle there until 1872. The first actual settlers at Luverne were T. O. Opsata and Ole Hage from Hallingdal, who settled there in 1871.

The Settlement at Hardwick

T. O. Tollefsen, Sevat Anderson, and Ole Guldhagen, all from Hallingdal, were the first Norwegian settlers near Hardwick. They settled there in 1871. Anton Larsen from Nittedal was also one of the earliest settlers in the area. Earlier in his life, Larsen had traveled overland from Iowa to California by ox team. During the journey, he was attacked by Indians several times, but he escaped with his life and was among the more fortunate gold seekers. 

Churches and Congregations

The Blue Mountain Congregation at Luverne was established in 1872 by Pastor Hans Z. Hvid of the Conference. At the same time, the Rock River Congregation, fourteen miles southwest of Luverne, was established by Pastor E. Olson of the Norwegian Synod. These were the first Norwegian congregations in the county. The first Norwegian church was built by the Blue Mountain Congregation in 1875. By about 1907, Rock County had eleven Norwegian congregations and eight churches. Five congregations belonged to the United Church, five to the Norwegian Synod, and one to the Lutheran Free Church.

Public Office

J. O. Helgesen was the first Norwegian to hold public office in the county. He was elected Clerk of Court in 1874.

Norwegian Place Names

Norwegian place names in Rock County included Kongsberg and Steen.

Sources:

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