Williams County, North Dakota

Early Norwegian Settlement

Halvor Thorsen, who as far as the author knew was from Telemark, together with H. A. Nelson and Ole Barstad, were the first Norwegian settlers in Williams County. They settled in the vicinity of Hofflund in 1887. The settlers began with mixed farming and cattle raising. Williston, about thirty miles away, was their nearest market.

Churches and Congregations

By 1905, Williams County had seven Norwegian congregations. Three belonged to the Norwegian Synod, two to Hauge’s Synod, one to the Lutheran Free Church, and one to the United Church.

Public Office

Lawyer Overson of Williston was the first Norwegian to hold public office in Williams County.

Sources:

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