index97

EDISON TOWNSHIP
(103-48)

     The west line of Edison township was surveyed by Wm. J. Neeley in July, 1859, and the north, south, and west lines by M.K. Armstrong in October, 1864, at which time the subdivisions of the township also were made, and it contains, according to the government survey, 22,995.56 acres of land. The soil is good and there is scarcely any waste land. At the time of this survey there were quite a number of small streams of sufficient size to find a place upon the map. It was first settled in 1872, Lasse Bothun, the Berdahls, Ole Nesheim, Edson Millard, Anton Hegge, John Sundback, and some others, took up land that year and settled down to farming. In 1873, about twenty families settled in this township, and nearly all of the early settlers, or their descendents, are now living there. Bessie Borhun was the first child born in Edison, and the first marriage was that of Miss Christina Berdahl to E.E. Ellefson.
     The first school in the township was held in the winter of 1872-3, in A.J. Berdahl’s claim shanty near the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section thirty. There were upwards of twenty scholars in attendance, and Erick J. Berdahl was the teacher. He taught two months, and received about eight dollars per month. In connection with the school a debating society was established, and John Sundback and C.A. Soderberg, who lived about five miles away, were usually in attendance taking part in the debates.
     Garretson, Corson and Baltic are the nearest shipping points. It is strictly a farming community, having no hotels or stores within its borders, but it has six school houses, and two large churches.

NORWAY LUTHERAN CHURCH.—This church was organized in 1873, with about thirty members. The first pastor was the Rev. H. Z. Hvid, and he was succeeded by the Reverends A.N. Kleven, H. O. Opsal, E.M. Midtbo and C.C. Moe. There is a Sunday school connected with the church, also a Woman’s society and a Young Ladies’ society. In 1886, the present church was erected on the southwest corner of section 10, at a cost of about $3,000, which has been paid by the members of the congregation, except about $150 donated by the business men of Sioux Falls and Dell Rapids. This church can be seen for miles in almost any direction, as its site is upon quite an elevation, and, although it is somewhat extravagant language, the writer has frequently heard it remarked that this church could be seen from almost any point in Minnehaha county. About thirty families worship at this place.

ST. PAULUS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, was organized December 17, 1873, with a membership of twenty-eight. The first pastor was the Rev. O.O. Sando, who remained in charge until 1885. In 1886, a church building was erected on the southwest corner of section 8, two miles west of the Norway Lutheran church, at a cost of about $1,800, which was paid by subscription among the members of the congregation. The Rev. H. Aanestad then became its pastor and still remains in charge. The congregation numbers about two hundred persons, and is in a prosperous condition, with a Woman’s society connected with it to aid in the work. The church building is not only pleasantly located, but is pleasant in all its appointments.

AN ANCIENT BIBLE AND A FAMILY RECORD.

     Ole J. Nesheim of Edison has in his possession a Bible, the New Testament of which was printed in Copenhagen in 1632, and the Old Testament at the same place in 1633. It is of immense size, and was among the South Dakota exhibits at the World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893, and while on its way there we obtained possession of it for one day. It contains a Family Record commencing in 1635, and is written in German letters in the Danish language until 1815, from which time it is continued in the Norwegian language. It is of such a unique character that we thought it worthy of insertion in this work. Literally translated it reads as follows:
     1635. January 2, I was born in the name of God, here in Bergen, of honest and married parents. My father’s name was Jacob Anderson Dischingthun, who was born on the Orkney Islands in Holland. My mother’s name was Lutzia Jansdotter, born here in Bergen. The witnesses present at my baptism were Abraham Kinckedt, Hendrich Korke, Claus Jacobsen, Trine Williams and Anne JobsDotter, and I was named Anders.
     1635. November 17, was my beloved wife, in the name of the Holy Trinity, born here in Bergen of honest and married parents. Her father’s name was Anders Jansen, born in Christiania, her mother’s name was Margrette Jorgensdotter, born here in Bergen. She was baptized and named Karen.       A.J.D.
     1664. January 1, I was, in the name of the Holy Trinity, married to my beloved wife Karen Andersdotter. May God help us to so live together here in this world, that when this life is at an end, we may be worthy children of God in the life everlasting. A.J.D.
     1665. February 21, in the presence of the Burgomaster and the Aldermen, I took the burgher’s oath, as a citizen of Bergen. May God help me to so use my citizenship in this world, that I may, when this here comes to an end, be worthy of a citizenship among the selected inhabitants of heaven. Amen.   J.J. Dischingthun.
     1699. November 22, in the evening at 6 o’clock, my father, Job Jacobsen Dischingthun, exchanged his mortal life for that of immortality, after having lived in this world for 64 years, 5 months and 20 days. He was buried in the city church, on the floor, under the minister’s pulpit. The funeral sermon was preached by Magister, Jens Moneken. May God give him, and all of us when we shall follow him, a glad resurrection.       Jorgen Dischingthun.
     1713. November 2, which was on a Thursday, at 12 o’clock, my mother, Karen Andersdotter, left this world in the love of God, after having lived for 78 years, minus 5 days. She was buried at the same place as my late father, etc.   J.D.
     1664. March 12, which was St. Gregory’s day, at 10 o’clock A.M., my first son was born in the name of the Holy Trinity, and on account of his feebleness, was baptized at our house, (all the following children were baptized in the church) by the honorable and well learned man, Mr. Otte Hansen; the witnesses present were Peder Matzen, Jorgen Dass, Mr. Jacob Hansen, my mother and Marie Andersdotter, and he was named Jacob.
      1669. July 14, which was on Wednesday in the evening about 11 o’clock, my first son Jacob, in the love of God, went into eternal sleep, his age being 5 years, 4 months and 2 days. He was buried in the city church in my father-in-law’s burial place. May God give him and all of us a glad resurrection on the Judgment Day.   J.J.D.
     1666. August 8, was born a daughter named Anna, at 3 o’clock A.M.
     1669. January 14, at 10:30 o’clock Sunday morning, born a son named Anders, who died in Amsterdam, August 30, 1684, age 15 y., 7m., 14d.
     1670. August 11, Thursday at 10 o’clock A.M., born a son Jacob, who died April 4, 1694, age 23 y., 7m., 3 w. and 3 d.
     1671. November 8, at half past six Wednesday morning, born, a son named Jorgen, who died October 31, 1752, aged 81 year, minus 8 days.
     Same day at 9 o’clock was born a daughter named Lutzia.
     1674. March 14, Saturday at 8 o’clock P.M., born Margretta, who died February 7, 1750.
     1676. January 1, Saturday at 7 o’clock P.M., born, a son named Job, who died September 25, 1680.
     1679. October 11, Saturday at 12 o’clock at night, born, a son named Jonnas, who died April 3, 1681.
     Jorgen J. Dischingthun was engaged on August 28, 1704, to Christina Elizabeth Mohrsen, born September 16, 1680, her parents were Magister Jacobus Mohrsen and Magdalena Christina Hagedorn. They were married February 20, 1705, in the house of her brother, who was Counselor of the Exchequer. He died October 31, 1752. She died January 20, 1759.
     1706. March 3, at 2 o’clock P.M., was born their first child, Magdalena Christina, who died January 22, 1767.
     1707. December 12, at 6 o’clock, born, a son named Job. He married Harmiche Van der Veld born December 2, 1727. Her father, Jan Van der Veld, was 1st Lieut. Infantry, and her mother’s name was Beathe Kramer. Job D. died on January 27, from a fever, having been sick only two days, he died just at midnight. They had been married thirteen years.
     1709. July 10, Jacob Christopher was born to Jorgen and his wife. He was drowned during a voyage between Havre De Grace and St. Martin. The galleon, on which he made his trip going to the bottom, during a hard storm in 1758.

1711, Feb. 9, Catharina Lutzia was born. She died 1732.
1712, Aug. 30, Born Maria Elizabeth. Died March 11, 1751.
1713, Oct. 20, Born Anna Sophia. Died March 13, 1714.
1715, April 4, Born Anna Sophia.
1716, June 22, Born George Frederich. Died January 4, 1717.
1719, Jan’y 9, Born Christina Elisabeth. Died November 10, 1739.
1720, Nov. 23, Born George Frederich. Died August 31, 1722.
1723, June 5, Born Wibiana Margaretha. Died February 19, 1747.

1815, Sept. 29, John Oleson Nesheim was born to this world on the farm of Nesheim, Norway.
1817, June 24, Ingebior Olsdotter Nesheim.
1821, May 31, Ole Olsen Nesheim.
1824, July 15, Gjori Oldsdotter Nesheim.
1826, Oct. 5, Lars Olesen Nesheim.
1829, Aug. 27, Thore Olsdotter Nesheim.
1833, Feb. 2, Brithe Olsdotter Nesheim.
1836, April 11, Anders Olsen Nesheim.
1843, Jan. 28, Sigri Johnsdotter, on Saturday at 2 o’clock A.M.
1846, April 21, Ole Johnsen Nesheim.
1849, May 4, Ole Johnsen, Jr., Friday, about 1 o’clock P.M.
1852, Aug. 27, Sjur Johnsen Nesheim, on a Friday.
1852, Dec. 6, Kari Nesheim.
1872, March 14, Inger Siverena Nesheim.

EDISON TOWNSHIP BOARD.

     The first meeting of the board was held January 1, 1881. The chairman was not present, and after a little discussion about getting record books for the town, the board adjourned until the next day, and on January 2, it does not appear that any important business was done. A special meeting was held January 31, when the clerk reported he was unable to get suitable books for the use of the town, at Sioux Falls, but that they could be procured at Yankton, and a vote was taken that each supervisor and the clerk should pay three dollars towards procuring the books, and town warrants were issued to them to be paid “when there should be any money in the treasury.”   The bonds of the town officials were approved at this meeting. On the 19th day of July a special meeting of the board was held, and it was voted that a scraper should be bought, if a town warrant could be exchanged for one. The officers were: Edson Millard, chairman, S.O. Hegge and P.A. Bergh, supervisors; C.H. Wangsness, clerk; John Sundback, assessor; Wm. T. Cole and Edward Crook, justices.
     1882. Supervisors, Knute Henjum chairman, S.O. Hegge, W.W. Coon; clerk, P.A. Bergh. The assessed valuation for this year was $54,248.88. At this meeting the Beardsley bridge “was laid on the table.” At the last meeting, for the year, Anfin J. Berdahl, treasurer, reported that he had received during the year $209.46, and paid out $134.44.
     1883. Supervisors, Edmund Crook chairman, Knute Henjum, S.O. Hegge; clerk, P.A. Bergh; treasurer, Anfin J. Berdahl; assessor, Lasse Bothun; constable, John Hermanson; justices, C.H. Wangness, E.H. Jacobs.
     1884. The annual town meeting was held March 4, and Lasse Borhun was elected moderator. This was the first meeting under the law of March 9, 1883, governing township matters. The records do not show a complete list of town officials but it is evident, from the proceedings had, that the supervisors and clerk were the same as the year previous. A meeting of the board was held February 21, 1885, and it appears that the treasurer and received from taxes during the year, $330.57.
     1885. A meeting of the town board was held March 13. The new board, Edmund Crook, chairman, A.J. Berdahl and Lasse A.Vadheim present. On the 2d day of May the town board ordered the clerk “to record all section lines in Edison, not already recorded as such, as public roads.”
     1886. The town records for this year show that a meeting of the board was held June 28, at which time P.A. Bergh resigned as clerk, and I.N. Fry was appointed to fill the vacancy. The records for the first of the year, do not show who the officials were, but it would seem the board of supervisors remained the same as the year before, and that A. Myers was assessor and M. J. Smith constable.
     1887. The annual town meeting was held March 1, and the following officers were elected: A.J. Berdahl chairman, W.J. Crittenden and Knute Henjum, supervisors; I.N. Fry, clerk; C.H. Wangsness, treasurer and justice; W.W. Coon, assessor; C.J. Millard and Stephen Hansen, constables. At this meeting it was voted that all bridges should be placed at right angle with section lines. It was also declared by a vote, that the town would not be responsible for the passage of steam engines across bridges, but that the persons doing damage to bridges with steam engines would be held responsible. October 15, E. Millard was appointed one of the supervisors to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of W.J. Crittenden from the township. January 21, 1888, A.J. Berdahl resigned as supervisor and Ole J. Berdahl was appointed to the vacancy and Knut Henjum was made chairman.
     1888. Supervisors, Ole J. Berdahl chairman, Knut Henjum, C.J. Millard; I.N. Fry, clerk; C.H. Wangsness, treasurer; L. Bothun, assessor; A. Walter, justice; John Bergh, constable. On the 17th of March, S.L. Fry was appointed justice and H.J. Berdahl constable.
     1889. Supervisors, Ole J. Berdahl chairman, Knut Henjum, C.J. Millard; I.N. Fry, clerk; C.H. Wangsness, treasurer and justice; L. Bothun, assessor; S.L. Fry, justice; C.J. Millard and H.J. Berdahl, constables.
     1890. There is no record of the town meeting in March, but it appears from the record of the proceedings of the town board during the year that W.W. Coon was chairman and Knut Henjum and John Henjum supervisors, Stephen Hanson treasurer, A.H. Stephenson assessor, I.N. Fry, clerk.
     1891. The town meeting was held March 3. C.H. Wangsness was elected chairman of the board and W.W. Coon and Anfin J. Berdahl supervisors, George E. Millard clerk, Stephen Hanson treasurer, A.H. Stephenson assessor, C.H. Wangsness and S.Lem Fry justices, John Powers and O.K. Hamre constables. March 12, all the newly elected officers qualified except the constables, who declined to do so, and C.J. Millard and Herman Berdahl were appointed. June 19, a special town meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether a resurvey of the township should be made. The vote stood 40 for and 56 against the resurvey.
     1892. At the town meeting C.A. Wangsness was elected chairman, A.J. Berdahl and W.W. Coon supervisors, George E. Millard clerk, Ole J. Berdahl treasurer, A.H. Stephenson assessor, H.J. Berdahl and C.J. Millard constables. Among other business transacted at this meeting, on motion the chairman of the town board of Palisade that the Russian thistle in that township must be destroyed, or the matter would be placed in the hands of the state’s attorney for prosecution.
     1893. Supervisors, S.O. Hegge chairman, Ed. Crook, J. Hove; clerk, George E. Millard; treasurer, L.A. Vadheim; assessor, A.H. Stephenson; justices, S.L. Fry, Thomas Johnson.
     1894. Supervisors, H. Stephenson chairman, J.W. Crowson, B.S. Hove; clerk, Geo. E. Millard; treasurer, S.E. Vadheim; assessor, John Hove.
     1895. Supervisors, A.H. Stephenson chairman, John Powers, L. Bothun; clerk, Geo. E. Millard; treasurer, L.A. Vadheim; assessor, John Hove.
     1896. Supervisors, S.M. Edgington chairman, Peter Hatlestad, Herman Berdahl; clerk, G.E. Millard; treasurer, Butler Hove; assessor, L. Bothun.
     1897. Supervisors, H.J. Berdahl chairman, J.R. Powers, John Hove; clerk, Geo. E. Millard; treasurer, B.L. Hove; assessor, A.A. Grinde.
     1898. Supervisors, H.J. Berdahl chairman, John Hove, W.H. Ingalls; clerk, John R. Powers; treasurer, B.L. Hove; assessor, A.A. Grinde.
     1899. Supervisors, John Hove chairman, T.M. Erickson, S.M. Edgington; clerk, John R. Powers; treasurer, S.H. Stephenson; assessor, L. Bothun.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

ANDERSON, CASPER, was born in Norway September 16, 1844, and emigrated to Iowa, and form there came to this county in 1876. He is living upon his homestead in Edison, comprising the southwest quarter of section 5.

BENTSON, ROGNALD, was born in Norway in 1826. He emigrated to the United States in 1866, and resided in Iowa until 1873, when he removed to this county. He secured a homestead in Edison, filing upon the west half of the northwest quarter of section 1, and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 2, where he now resides and has one of the most substantial home in the township. He has several well-to-do sons in the county, and is himself a prosperous and respected citizen. While in Norway he engaged in farming during the summer, and fishing during the winter, and had many a fierce combat with the gales of the North Sea.

BENTSON, SEVER, is a native of Norway and was born on the 1st day of July, 1855. In 1866, he emigrated with his parents to the United States and lived in Wisconsin a short time, then removed to Decorah, Iowa, and in 1873, came to Edison, where he still resides on his homestead in section 1. Since his coming to this county he has worked some of the time at stone masonry and brick laying, but his chief occupation has been that of farming. He is a good citizen and respected by his neighbors.

In the towns of Edison and Sverdrup, there are now living several families by the name of Berdahl. There are six brothers in all.

BERDAHL, JOHN E., the father, was born October 24, 1822, in Norway, and emigrated with his family to this country in 1856, and settled in Iowa, where he remained four years; then removed to Minnesota and resided there until June, 1872, at which time he came to Minnehaha county and took up the north half of the northwest quarter of section 30 of Edison, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 25 in Sverdrup, as a homestead. He resided on that portion of his homestead in the town of Edison until his death, which occurred on the 23d day of February, 1883. He was a good citizen, and well thought of by his neighbors.

BERDAHL, ANDREW J., the eldest son of John E. Berdahl, was born in Norway, December 10, 1848, and lived with his father until he came to Minnehaha county in 1872. In June of that year he took up as a homestead the south half of the northwest quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 30 in Edison, and pre-empted the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter and the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 25 in Sverdrup. After farming for several years he went to Baltic and engaged in the mercantile business for six years, and then went to Garretson and engaged in the same business with his brother Anfin until 1896, when he resumed the management of his farm in Edison. In 1875 and 1876 he was county assessor and ex officio sheriff of the county. He has held several town offices and frequently been a delegate to political conventions. In the fall of 1892, he was elected county commissioner from his district and served the full term of three years. As an official Mr. Berdahl is conservative and upright, and looks after the interests of his constituents with the same degree of diligence that he bestows upon his own business. He is well educated and keeps himself well posted upon public affairs, and is recognized as one of the foremost citizens in the county.

BERDAHL, ANFIN J., was born in Norway in 1852, and came with his father to this county June 19, 1872. He took up as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 5 in Edison, and has since purchased eighty acres adjoining his homestead on the south. He was town treasurer in 1882 and 1883. For several years he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Garretson, is a good business man, and a good citizen.

BERDAHL, CHRISTOPHER, the youngest son in the family, was born in Minnesota, August 14, 1867, and came to this county with his father. He owns and resides upon the northwest quarter of section 29 in Edison, and has a good farm.

BERDAHL, HERMAN J., was born in Minnesota, January 16, 1863, and came to this county with his father June 19, 1872. He lives on the farm taken up by his father as a homestead. He has been constable in Edison for three years. He is a good neighbor and a good citizen.

BERDAHL, OLE J., the fourth son of John E. Berdahl, is an American by birth, having been born August 3, 1860, while his parents were residing in Houston county, Minnesota. He came to this county June 19, 1872, and has since then lived in Edison. He owns and lives upon the northeast quarter of section 30. He was chairman of the town board in 1889 and 1890, and has held other town offices. He is a good neighbor and a highly respected citizen.

BOTHUN, LASSE, is a native of Norway, and was born in 1836. He emigrated to the United States in 1854, and resided in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Minnesota before coming to Dakota in 1861, where he has since remained. He first located in Clay county, and removed to Minnehaha county in 1872. He settled in Edison township, making homestead, pre-emption and tree claim filings on land in sections 18 and 19. He resides on the southeast quarter of section 18, and has a good farm with substantial buildings. Since coming to Dakota he has seen a good deal of public life. He was a member of the house of the territorial legislature in 1862-3, and of the council in 1864-5, and again in the house of representatives of the first legislature of the State of South Dakota; was elected to the senate in 1891, and again in 1896, and nominated to the same office in 1898, but was defeated by the Republican nominee. Mr. Bothun is a man of more than ordinary ability, is well informed upon all the public questions of the day, and has for the last few years taken a very active part in the politics of the state. He is an industrious, hard-working man, a good public speaker, and while a member of the legislature exerted considerable influence upon legislative matters. He has a wide acquaintance and a host of friends.

COON, W.W., was born in Fon du Lac, Fon du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1851, and was educated in the public schools. He worked on a farm in Wisconsin until 1869, when he removed to Iowa. In April, 1876, he came from there to this county, and took up a homestead in section 25 in Edison, and a timber claim of 80 acres, in section 30 in Palisade. He said that “at that time the largest market for wheat for a large extent of country from the Vermillion river, Madison, Flandreau, Rock and Lyon counties, Iowa, was Luverne, Minnesota. I used to get up at 2 o’clock A.M. and start my ox-team with a load of wheat for Luverne, so as to be able to start back by dark. I came to Canton by stage and walked from there to Edison. I had only money enough to make a homestead filing and borrowed money to file a timber claim. Several of us were living in a shanty in Edison in June, 1876, and I went to Sioux Falls for provisions. I wanted some pork, ham or bacon, but there was nothing of the kind in Sioux Falls, and I waited for C.K. Howard’s teams to come in from Sioux City. They arrived at eleven o’clock at night, and I got some pork and started for home, and the next morning we had something to grease our pancakes with. But those were pioneer days, and now I am only a short distance from the city of Garretson, where anything that a farmer needs can be obtained.” Mr. Coon has held town offices in Edison, is a good neighbor and a respected citizen.

CRITTENDEN, W.J., was born in New York, May 26, 1836. He resided in several states before coming to Dakota in 1873. At that time he took up the northeast quarter of section 13 in Mapleton, where he made his home for several years, and was a member of the town board of that township in 1881. He also resided in Edison a few years, where he was elected to the same position. After having lived in this county fourteen years, he removed to Tuscola county, Michigan, but will always be remembered as a good neighbor and esteemed citizen.

ELLEFSON, E.E., was born October 10, 1847, in Wisconsin. He lived there and in Iowa until 1872, when he became a resident of this county. He now has a fine farm comprising the northwest quarter of section 18 in Palisade, and the northeast quarter of section 13 in Edison, where he resides engaged in farming. He is an enterprising farmer, and a good citizen.

ELVIG, OLE, was born in Norway in 1866. He came to Minnehaha county in 1883, and bought and now owns the north half of the northwest quarter of section 11 in Edison, where he resides and has a good farm.

EVENSON, PAUL, was born in Norway May 28, 1849, and came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and from there removed to Edison in June, 1873. He took up as a homestead 80 acres of section 9, and 80 acres of section 10 in Edison, and has a good farm.

ERICKSON, THEODORE MARTIN, was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, June 28, 1864. He came to Dakota with his parents in the summer of 1872, and located in this county. His father then secured a homestead upon the northeast quarter and a tree claim and pre-emption upon the southwest quarter of section 31 in Edison, which he transferred to the subject of this sketch who still holds it. They are all living on the homestead.

FULLER, ALFRED, was born in Connecticut June 15, 1817, and before coming to Dakota resided in Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa. He arrived in this county July 4, 1870, and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 19 in Sioux Falls, where he resided until 1887, when he sold it and removed to Edison and engaged in farming in section 26 until his death, which occurred during the spring of 1893. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G, 12th Iowa Regiment, and served until November, 1864. He was a highly respected citizen.

FRY, ISAAC N., was born at Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1839. On the 10th day of September, 1862, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served until September 20, 1866. In October following he removed to Minnesota, and resided there until 1881. In April of that year he removed to Palisade, this county, where he remained one month, and then settled in section 27 in Edison, where he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace in Edison, and was town clerk for six consecutive years from 1885 to 1891. He is a conservative, good citizen, and a good neighbor.

GRINDE, ANDREW A., was born in Norway in 1854, but came to this country with his father when three years old. Before coming to Edison in May, 1874, he lived in Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He went into the grain business at Brandon in 1879, and continued in this business eight years. In 1887, went to Baltic, and took charge of the Farmers Warehouse until June, 1891. In September, 1891, he moved back on his farm in Edison. He is highly respected as a business man and citizen.

HAMRE, OLE K., a native of Norway, was born August 2, 1855. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until 1873, when he removed to Dakota, arriving in Minnehaha county June 27, 1873. He took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 14, but disposed of it and now lives on and owns the east half of the southeast quarter of section 19 and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 20, in the town of Edison, which is a good farm with good buildings.

HATLESTAD, PEDER L., was born in Norway April 15, 1863. He emigrated in 1868, and resided in Minnesota sixteen years. On the 21st day of April, 1884, he came to this county and located on his present farm in section 21 in Edison. He has a good farm and is a good farmer.

HEGGE, ANTON, was born in Norway August 17, 1840, and emigrated to Minnesota and resided there and in Iowa until he came to Edison, June 24, 1872. He took up a homestead, tree claim and pre-emption. He has a large and valuable farm, a portion of it being in Sverdrup, and a portion in Edison, but his residence is on the southwest quarter of section 7 in Edison.

HEGGE, SIVERT O., is a native of Norway and was born September 26, 1847. He emigrated to this country and settled in Iowa. In 1873 he removed to Minnehaha county and took up a homestead and tree claim in section 7 and 8, in Edison. He afterwards purchased land in section 18 and has a large, valuable farm. He planted twenty-five acres of trees, and has good farm buildings. He has held various town offices, is a good farmer and a good citizen.

HENJUM, KNUT NELSON, was born in Norway, February 3, 1845, and came to this country in 1861. He resided in Minnesota until 1874, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He pre-empted the northwest quarter of section 11 in Edison, and after perfecting his title sold it in 1885. He also secured a timber claim on the southwest quarter of the same section, and a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 14, where he resides and has a very fine farm with substantial buildings and improvements. He owns at this writing about 520 acres of land in Edison township, and is engaged in extensive farming. He has held school district and town offices, and is one of the responsible farmers of Edison, and a highly respected citizen. Mr. Henjum, together with John Hermanson, Lars Hove and John J. Henjum were the first persons to settle out on what was then called the “high prairie” in Edison; the settlements before that time being along the Split Rock and Pipestone creeks.

HENJUM, JOHANNES, was born in Bergen, Norway, and emigrated to the United States in 1870. He lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota four years, and came to this county June 12, 1874. He took up a homestead of 160 acres in section 11, in Edison, and pre-empted 80 acres more in the same section. He also took up the northwest quarter of section 14, under the tree culture law, where he resides, and has one of the finest farms in the township, with valuable improvements. He is a prosperous farmer, a good neighbor and a respected citizen.

HENJUM, JOHN N., was born in Bergen, Norway, June 23, 1856. He came to the United States in 1870, and resided in Wisconsin and Minnesota four years. On the 12th day June, 1874, he came to this county and secured a homestead in sections 17 and 18, in Edison. He also filed a tree claim on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20, and purchased forty acres of section 19, and has a good farm. He has been town supervisor and takes great interest in the welfare of his town.

HERMANSON, HENRY, was born in Iowa in 1871, and came to this county with his father in 1873. He is the owner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 16, in Edison.

HERMANSON, HERMAN, was born in Iowa in 1869, and came to this county with his father in 1873. He now owns the north half of the southeast quarter of section 19, in Edison.

HERMANSON, MAT N., was born in Norway, May 15, 1845. He emigrated to the United States, lived in Iowa eight months; removed form there to Minnesota, where he lived two years; came to this county in 1875, and took up as a homestead the east half of the southwest quarter, and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 31, in Highland township, but now resides in section 1, Edison township, where he is engaged in farming. He is a good citizen.

HERMANSON, THOR, was born in Norway, February 24, 1839, and after coming to this country lived for awhile in Iowa. He came to Edison, June 19, 1873, and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 17, where he now resides. He has since bought forty acres in the same section, and has a good farm with substantial buildings and improvements. He is an enterprising, good citizen.

HOGANSON, OLE, was born in Trondhjem, Norway. He emigrated to this country and came to Dakota in 1873, taking up as a homestead and tree claim the south half of section 6, in the town of Edison, where he still resides, having a good farm with substantial and fine buildings.

HOVE, JOHN, came from Minnesota, where he was born September 25, 1864. He settled in this county in 1885, and resides on his 160-acre farm in section 3, in Edison, engaged in farming, and has a good farm.

INGALLS, WILLIAM HARRISON, was born in Kane county, Illinois, December 16, 1848. He lived in Iowa a few years, and came to Dakota in 1872, where he remained until 1874, when he left the territory. In 1884 he returned to Dakota and took up his permanent residence in this county on the northeast quarter of section 23 in Edison, where he engaged in farming until in November, 1898, when he removed to Todd county, Minnesota, where he is now located on a stock farm. He was an active and well-known citizen, and served as school director and road overseer several years in Edison township.

JOHNSON, NELS P., was born in Sweden in 1846. He emigrated to the United States in 1871, and lived in Chicago, Illinois, until 1873, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He resides on his farm in Edison comprising about 400 acres of land in sections 34 and 35, and is a well-to-do farmer and a good citizen.

JOHNSON, THOMAS, was born in Norway in 1852. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until he removed to this county in 1875. He took up the southwest quarter of section 22 in Logan as a homestead, and the northwest quarter of section 32 in Edison as a tree claim, where he has since resided engaged in farming. He has a good farm, and is a good citizen.

LOFTESNESS, JOHN H., was born in Norway in 1822, and resided in Wisconsin and Minnesota before coming to Edison in 1873. He took up the northeast quarter of section 20, as a homestead, to which he has added 80 acres, and has a good farm.

LARSON, OLE, is a native of Norway, and was born in 1845. After coming to this country he lived for some time in Wisconsin and came to Dakota in 1873, and settled in this county, taking up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 3 in Edison. He also owns the northwest quarter of the same section, making in all a good farm of 320 acres with substantial buildings and improvements. He is an enterprising, reliable citizen.

MILLARD, EDSON, was born at Morris, Otsego county, New York, July 27, 1827. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. Before coming to Dakota he resided for a few years in Minnesota. In 1872 he came to this county and settled in Edison, taking up land in sections 25 and 35. He resided on his farm until his decease, which occurred December 5, 1892. He was a kind, generous man, and was greatly beloved by his neighbors. As a citizen he was highly respected, and the pioneers of Edison cherish his memory and often speak of the many little helps he gave them.

NESHEIM, OLE J., is a native of Norway, and was born in 1849. He emigrated to Dakota in 1868 and lived about two years near Vermillion, then took up a quarter section of land in the northern part of Clay county, where he was one of the first settlers. He removed form there to this county in 1872 and took up a homestead and tree claim comprising 200 acres in section 18 in Edison, where he has since resided and has a good farm.

OVESON, ERICK, was born October 1, 1859, in Winneshiek county, Iowa. He lived there and in Minnesota until 1872, when he came to Dakota and settled in Minnehaha county. His farm is located in section 31 in Edison and section 6 in Brandon. He resides in Edison, is a good farmer and a respected citizen, and has held the office of assessor.

POWERS, JOHN, was born in Ireland in 1844, and came to Minnesota in 1870, and to this county June 1, 1873. He took up the northeast quarter of section 29, as a homestead, where he has since resided. He also filed upon the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 28, as a timber claim, and has since purchased land in Edison so that he is now the owner of 520 acres. He is a good farmer and a good neighbor, and it looks now as though he would get along comfortably without any outside help. He has held several important town offices, and is a highly esteemed citizen. His father, Allen Powers, took up the southeast quarter of section 29 in Edison as a homestead in 1873, and resided there until his death, which occurred in December, 1876.

ROGNALDSON, HANS H., was born in Norway in 1847. He emigrated and lived in Wisconsin and Washington Territory before he came to Dakota in 1880, when he located in this county. He bought the east half of the northeast quarter of section 11, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 12, in the town of Edison, where he now resides, and has a good farm with substantial buildings and improvements.

STEPHENSON, ANDREW H., was born in Norway in 1865, and came to the town of Edison with his father in 1873. He owns and resides upon the southwest quarter of section 9, and has purchased the northwest quarter of section 16, and has a good farm. He has been assessor three years, member of the school board and chairman of the town board, and in 1895 was elected county commissioner form his district. He makes a good official and is an enterprising and respected citizen.

STEPHENSON, JACOB, is a native of Norway and was born June 25, 1856. He emigrated to Minnesota and lived there until he removed to Dakota with his father in 1873. He has a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 9, in Edison, and also owns the west half of the northeast quarter of the same section, where he resides and has a good farm.

STEPHENSON, STEPHEN, was born in Norway, December 16, 1853. He came to this country and lived in Minnesota for some time, but removed to Dakota and settled in this county in 1873. He then filed a homestead on the northwest quarter of section 9, where he still resides. He also owns the east half of the northeast quarter of section 8, making in all a good farm of 240 acres.

STOKKE, JOHN J., was born in Norway in 1826. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until 1872, when he removed to this county. He took up considerable land, but disposed of a large portion, and now owns 400 acres in section 30, 31 and 33 in Edison, where he resides and has a good farm. He is a good neighbor and an esteemed citizen.

VADHEIM, L.A., is a native of Norway and was born January 10, 1850. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Iowa until in July, 1873, when he removed to this county. He secured 240 acres of land in section 12 in Edison by homestead and tree claim filings, and resides on the northeast quarter of that section. He has been town supervisor and school district clerk, is a good farmer and a good citizen.

WANGSNESS, CHRISTOPHER H., was born in Norway, July 15, 1857. He came to this country with his father, Herman H. Wangsness, lived with him in Minnesota and Iowa, and came with him to Edison June 19, 1873. His father took up as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 17, and as a tree claim the west half of the southeast quarter of the same section. This land is now owned by Chris, and is a good farm. His father was born January 14, 1814, and is still living. Chris is an active participant in public affairs, and for the past few years a republican county convention without his presence has been of rare occurrence. He was the first town clerk of Edison, has held nearly all the township offices and has been chairman of the town board. He was elected register of deeds of this county in November, 1892, was re-elected in 1894, and performed the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Since the expiration of his term of office as register of deeds he has been in the employ of the McCormick Harvester Co., and resides in the city of Sioux Falls. He is one of Minnehaha county’s foremost citizens, has a wide circle of acquaintances and a host of friends.