Roseau County, Minnesota

Early Norwegian Settlement

In 1887, the following Norwegians came to the vicinity of Roseau and settled there: Mikal Anderson, whose parents were from Toten; Per Jørgensen Bø and Nils Jørgensen Bø from Drangedal; Gunvold Solum from Valdres; Jacob Sønsteng, Jacob Lunde, and Joe Dalen, all from Gudbrandsdalen; Ivar Torfin and John Torfin from Hardanger; Andrew Thompson from Eidskog; Christian R. Eilertsen from Kristiania; Thor Gundersen from Østmarken; G. A. Overvold from Ådalen; Ole F. Lien and Ole O. Moen from Hedalen, Valdres; Østen Haugen, also from Valdres; and Ole Olafsen and H. Shervem, whose birthplaces in Norway were unknown. These settlers came to Roseau in several groups at different times during the year.

Pine Creek and Ross

The first Norwegian settlers in the vicinity of Pine Creek and Ross were Arne Knutsen from Valdres, Sivert Eriksen Rue from Hallingdal, Gulbrand Bertilrud, Martin Braaten, Anders K. Lund, and Nels Besserud.

Duxby, Pelan, Greenbush, Pencer, and Sanwick

Fred Andal from Dovre, was the first Norwegian settler in the vicinity of Duxby. During the first years, he supported himself and his family by hunting. The first Norwegian settlers near Pelan were Syver E. Haugtvedt from Gran, Hadeland, together with Amund Pedersen, Otto K. Foss, Edward Holen, Ivar Alme, C. L. Hagen, Tron Hermansen, Hans Hagen, and Colbjørn Johnson. At Greenbush, Nels Samson from Sogn was the first Norwegian settler. Ole L. Haugen from Ringerike was the first in the vicinity of Pencer. The brothers Halvor Johnson and Ole Johnson were the first Norwegian settlers near Sanwick.

T. S. Nomeland’s Journey to Roseau

T. S. Nomeland, who came to Roseau in 1888, the year after the first settlers, recalled:

“I, together with many others, left North Dakota to find a home in northern Minnesota. The distance was about 150 miles. I had a pair of old oxen pulling the wagon, in which I had packed my family, our household belongings, and the provisions necessary for the journey. We had not traveled far before a terrible rainstorm began. The roads became muddy, and the few bridges that existed were washed away. Nevertheless, after a long and anything but pleasant journey, we finally made it through.”

Pioneer Life

The settlement’s principal sources of income were wheat farming and cattle raising. Stephen, seventy-five miles away, was the nearest market. The settlers traveled there with their oxen in both winter and summer. When evening came, they had to stop and rest whether or not they had reached a house. There was little question of comfort. The pioneers had to accept whatever conditions they encountered, no matter how difficult they were.

The Indian Scare of 1890

Nomeland continued:

“There were plenty of Indians in this area, and during the winter of 1890 rumors spread that they intended to drive the white settlers away. This caused great confusion. People released their livestock so that the animals could feed from the haystacks, then took their families and some provisions and left their homes. Day and night, refugees could be seen passing by. A meeting was held at Jadis Post Office, now Roseau, where we decided to build a blockhouse. The women and children could be taken there, while some of the men would serve as guards. The remaining men who knew how to handle weapons would meet the enemy. Rifles and ammunition had been sent by the government in Washington to Hallock for the use of the settlers. We also decided to send three scouts to Lake of the Woods to observe the movements of the Indians gathered there. We had been told that three hundred Indians had assembled for a war dance, which was considered a sign that they were preparing to move. We therefore believed it necessary to watch them after the dance was over. One of the scouts was Andrew Solum from Ringerike. A few days later, the scouts returned with welcome news. There were indeed about three hundred Indians gathered there, but they were friendly, and there was nothing to fear. While the frightened settlers had fortified themselves at Jadis, the Indian chief Meckinock had taken care of their livestock and watched over their abandoned homes. He was a splendid fellow.”

Churches and Congregations

The first Norwegian congregation was established at Jadis, now Roseau, in 1889 and became affiliated with the Conference. K. V. Birkeland was the first pastor to visit the area, while R. Askeland was the first resident pastor. The first Norwegian church in Roseau County was built by this congregation in 1896. By about 1907, there were twenty-two Norwegian congregations and fourteen churches in the county. Ten congregations belonged to the Lutheran Free Church, five to the United Church, four to Hauge’s Synod, and three to the Norwegian Synod.

County Organization and Public Office

Roseau County formed part of Kittson County until 1895. In that year, the county was divided and Roseau received its name. The Norwegians Hans Ericksen, A. O. Skagen, Syver G. Bertilrud, A. G. Løkken, and T. S. Nomeland were members of the county’s first government in 1895.

Norwegian Place Names

Places with Norwegian names included Haug, Grimstad, Sanwick, Soler (Solør), and Caspersen.

Sources:

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