Jennie (Dalager) Grove: Obituaries of Julius and Jennie

Pope County Herald

Glenwood, Minnesota, May 20, 1937

J. O. Grove, one of Pope county’s most prominent citizens, passed away at his home at nine o’clock Sunday evening May 15th, after an illness of over a year, caused by a stroke. Mr. Grove had not been in good health for several years, but was active in his business up to a year ago, when he suffered a stroke from which he never recovered, and had been confined to his bed since that time.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 20th, at his home at 2 o’clock and at the Glenwood Lutheran Church at two-thirty p. m. Internment was in the Barsness cemetery. Active pallbearers were Nels Austvold, Wm. Dalager, Henry Ness. J. O. Haugen, Melvin Billehus and A. K. Gandrud. Honorary pallbearers were Ed Kaldahl, Theo. Ogdahl, Carl Ronning, A. P. Branae, O. P. Brendal and Knut Knutson.

Although one of what might be termed the second generation of pioneers, the life of J. O. Grove was closely woven with the developments of Pope County. He saw the country developed from the pioneer days to the present stage of development. Julius was 65 years old.

Jennie Dalager Grove lived 16 years after Julius passed away. Jennie passed away October 14, 1953 at the age of 81 and a half years.

Glenwood Herald

Oct 18, 1953

In her active years Jennie took a prominent part in the community life of Glenwood. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid, the Women’s Missionary Society and a former member of the Art Circle and Literary Club. Beside raising her own family she took into her home orphaned children and made it possible for them to complete their schooling. In her great desire to help others she gave gladly to causes that would lift humanity to a nobler plane. Her life resembled a great river, deep and mighty, flowing on and on yet with little or no sound.

A sister, Mrs. Julia Knutson, wrote the following words in her me memory.

She was to me like some great cliff,

That lift’s its awe inspiring form

Swells from the deep and midway leaves the storm;

While round its head the rearing clouds are spread

Eternal sunshine settles on its head.

LaVilla (Dalager) Peterson: Memories

Lavilla is the daughter of Hans and Amelia, half-sister to Karl. What follows are some memories I compiled from an interview. –James Dalager

I was born May 18, 1903. I have been reminded many times by my sister Tillie that she, a girl of 14, came home from a dance and had to stay up and take care of things in the home while I was born. No doubt it was more like being born into a company as I had 7 sisters and 3 brothers older than I. I was also unfortunate enough to be born on a different place than any of my sisters and brothers. This was because the family was living on the Allen Hanson (1976) place waiting for their new home to be vacated by our Lutheran pastor Gens Bale. Pastor Bale was living there until the parsonage was completed and ready for occupancy.

My older sisters tell me that the family moved to the new home in September of 1903. I never lived on the homestead as this had been rented to Sophia and Theodore Ogdahl. Sophia was my half-sister. We never moved back to the homestead. I have two sisters younger than I so that was 10 children my mother had between 1888 and 1910.

During the 1908-09 school year my sister Cora went to live with Julia and Tollof Solverud in Sherwood, North Dakota. She finished 8th grade there. Tollof was real friendly and treated Cora as their adopted daughter who they nicknamed ‘Tootse.’

Tollof was a druggist by profession. Later Julia and Tollof went to Kirksville, Mo. to study and become chiropractic doctors. The started their Osteopathy business in Mankato. Later Tollof and Julia adopted a boy who they named Truman. They had plans to adopt girls also; however, Tollof died at an early age (1915-1916) so they never adopted a girl. Julia continued the Osteopathy work at Mankato for a short time and then moved to Glenwood. Julia took a job as teacher in Lowry. Later she became Superintendent of Pope County schools. Mother rented the house Hans had bought in Glenwood to Julia. Frances, Hilda’s daughter, still lives in this house.

Later Julia was a matron at an orphanage in Willmar and director of the House of Mercy, a home for pregnant girls in Fargo.

Julia’s son, Truman Solverud, finished college at St. Olaf during the depression years. Jobs were scarce. Julia suggested that he do volunteer work at the welfare office. This eventually lead to his work with the Red Cross. Following WWII he became director of Red Cross activities in Japan, Korea and Okinawa, the Philippines and Taiwan. By 1956 he was director in Hawaii, Guam, Enewetok and Kwajalein working with military hospitals, educational programs for military personal.

In later years Truman was located in Washington D.C. and lived at 5701 Colfax Ave., Alexandria, Va. His wife, Lila, whom he met while a student at St. Olaf College, was from Watford City, North Dakota.

In 1914-1915 my sister Cora took normal training in Glenwood and taught in school district 78 during the 1915-1916 school year. Lucille, Helen and I all had Cora as our teacher that year. She was super.

My niece Christine also taught for a number of years at Cokato, Minnesota. She had a blond haired boy friend named Tilrud but this didn’t go. Alice went to live with Christine in Herman, Minnesota where she took her 8th grade.

My nephew Kenneth Dalager married Barbara Steward June 15, 1956. Ken was employed as an electrical engineer at Remington Rand Univac. They have divorced and Ken has married Judy Beiswinger and they live in New Brighton. She is the owner of Biswinger Hardware.

My brother Herman Dalager and Clarence Pladson were head of the church crops project to raise money for the Barsness Church. The project leased 65 acres from N. P. Halvorson.

Fun on the farm

When growing up Hannah played a mouth organ and the youngest children danced and had fun.

The hired men were Anton Hoff, Rasmus Feigum, Anton Ogdahl, ‘fatty’ Gunder Johnson. Fatty became part of the Dalager family for a long time. After working for dad he worked for Cora and Adolph Anderson and later in the 3d generation my son Ralph teased my daughter Lila about him by just pointing his finger at her and saying ‘fatty Gunder.’

Hans Dalager: A brief history by Lavilla, his daughter

by Lavilla Dalager Peterson

My father was born in Bergenstift, Indre, Sogn, Norway on November 5, 1842. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Solfest Dalager. His brothers were Anfin, Lasse, and Nils. He had one sister Brita. Anfin, who was the oldest, came to America when Hans did in 1858. Anfin was so sold on becoming an American that he looked at America as his homeland and even gave up his birthright in Norway. When these two boys, 21 & 16 years old stopped in Wisconsin they went to a meeting where they were asking for volunteers for service against the Indians. Anfin volunteered. He became ill shortly after and spent the rest of his life (maybe two years) with a couple who cared for him.

Dad went on to Goodhue County, Minnesota where he worked for an aunt and uncle-in-law. He worked here for several years. He was paid a few pounds of wool for this work. Another cousin of his made him a pair of stockings from the wool. During the winters he worked in the pine forests near St. Cloud and Little Falls. After the Indian scare was over he filed a claim for a homestead in Pope County in 1866. His homestead was issued by President U. S. Grant October 1, 1873. His homestead is where Herman Dalager now lives.

Hans was married to Ingeborg Knutson in 1871. The following children were born to them. Jenny Grove, Christine Houston, Julia Solverud Knutson, Hannah Johnson, and Karl Dalager. Fifteen years later, in 1886, Ingeborg died.

Hans Dalager’s brother Nils, his sister Brita and his mother who was widowed came to Pope County from Norway. Brita lost her husband by accident and she and grandma Guri Dalager, Mrs. Solfest Dalager, later moved to Webster, South Dakota. Here Hans’ mother, Guri, lost her life in a prairie fire. She had gone to the barn to same the animals and was overcome by fumes. This was in 1886. Brita was saved by jumping into a shallow well but she was so badly burned she was in a wheel chair the rest of her life.

Brita had three children: Andrew, Julia and Sophia.

Nils Dalager settled in Pope County. He has passed on. He left many boys who carry his name, son at Benton Harbor, Mich. and in California.

In 1888 Hans married Amelia Bentrud. To them were given 10 children: Tillie, Cora, William, Selmer, Alice, Herman, Lavilla, Lucille, Helen and Alma who died in 1908 at the age of 8 years.

Hans died at his home in Chippewa Falls Township of cancer. He was 68 years old at the time. He was buried at the Barsness Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Hans Dalager and Amelia: First and second families, buttermilk, fire, and a surrey

On April 7, 1888 Amelia Bentrud married Hans Dalager, a widower. The wedding took place on the Bentrud farm. Hans’ first wife, Ingeborg, had died in child birth in 1886. Ameila did not turn 20 until June 20, 1888. Amelia stepped into a home where there were 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy. The oldest girl was 16 years old and the baby boy was 3 years old. The following children were born to Hans and Amelia: Tillie (Mrs. Anton Ogdahl), William (Willie), Cora (Mrs. Adolph Anderson), Selmer, Alice (Mrs. Torwald Disrud), Herman, Lavilla (Mrs. John Peterson), Lucille (Mrs. Arnold Selness), Helen (Mrs. Charles Thomas), and Alma (who died in April 1908 at the age of six).

The farm Amelia moved to was a large farm at the time consisting of about 2000 acres. There were sometimes as many as 7 hired men and 2 hired girls during the summer What would the bread making task be at this house? The women also did the milking and other chores during the summer months.

As the family of Hans and Amelia grew, the children of Hans and Ingeborg were growing up also. Sophia was married to Theodore Ogdahl in 1890, just two years after Hans married Amelia. Her oldest son, Henry, was born in 1892. Sophia and Theodore were living on the place that Ralph Peterson now owns and where his son Mark lives. Jenny taught country school after completing her training at St. Cloud Normal School. Country school at that time was usually held during the fall and spring. As a teacher, Jenny was on her own and did not live at home. Christine also trained as a teacher and taught in school district 78. During this time she made her home with Sophie.

Hannah, Karl and Julia lived at home with Hans and Amelia during the years following their marriage. Julia was a great story teller. One of her jobs was to watch the children which she was very successful at because of her interest in story telling. She went on to study at St. Cloud Normal School were she became interested in stars. Julia would tell the children stories about the stars. She also taught them English and would tell Bible stories.

Everyone was home at Christmas. This included the hired help which were usually two hired men and a hired girl in the winter. The Christmas tree was always important. The tree was usually a boxelder. Each branch was wound with green tissue paper. Then flowers were made and attached and small candles were tied on. There were gifts under the tree. There were pocket knives for the boys and dolls for the girls. A pie was made over a big dishpan with oats. In each one was a gift for each child of apples, popcorn etc.

Hans Dalager usually wore a beard and was a very loving and affectionate person. He usually brought Amelia gifts on special occasions. He was witty, cheerful and very good with children. He did not like to listen to gossip, always spoke Norwegian, and did not drink alcohol. Hans drank butter milk instead of whiskey. He might smoke once in while for the fun of it with friends. He would punish children if needed, loved family parties, especially at Christmas time, and would serve wine at the beginning of parties. Hans liked to sing when he drove along. The neighbors said they could hear him singing, mostly hymns in Norwegian.

Every day Willie was expected to bring in the wood for the next day. One time when he failed to do this and was expecting a whipping he hid all day by crawling under his bed so no one could find him.

In 1901 the Gilbertson school house burned. There was rejoicing that morning when the announcement was made–no school because the school had burned down. Bridget Olson, the teacher, was saving ashes in a wooden box at the school for Mrs. Gilbertson to use in making lutefisk and this caused the fire. The school board asked to have school at the Dalager place. There was no happiness for the Dalager youngsters now as school was soon in session again. The school was set up in the new addition to the house that was used as a summer kitchen. All the neighborhood children came to school at the Dalager place. There were over 20 students. Most of the children walked to school. Lunch usually consisted of slices of bread with molasses, molasses cake and once in a while an apple. To have apples they would be bought by the barrel.

Once when Cora was walking to the Gilbertson school she met a wolf. She had a tin pail to hold her lunch. She banged on the pail and the wolf ran off. It is not known if this was before or after the school was rebuilt.

One year a prairie fire took all the crops and a pair of oxen.

Once when Carrie Scokerstaff, who lived near Terrace, was to come over to help with house work, a big winter storm hit. Hans, who had gone to Terrace to pick up Carrie, and Carrie were caught in the storm and had to wait out the storm under the tipped over wagon box.

In 1888, when Tillie was a baby, Hans bought a team of horses in Goodhue County where he had relatives. On the way home from Goodhue County the horses became frightened and ran away. This happened near Willmar. The wagon tipped over and Hans broke his leg. Hans was hospitalized at Willmar. Because the leg was not set properly he always walked with a limp and had to have a heel built on his shoe.

Amelia Dalager went to church every time there was church service. Children and hired help also went. They usually loaded a wagon in the summer and a sleigh in the winter.

Hans served on the church building committee in 1883 when the first church was built in Barsness township.

He built an elegant brick house on the homestead place in about 1899.

Hans Dalager was always a hard worker and by persistent effort he became one of the richest farmers in the county. At the time of his death he owned nearly 2 sections of land.

Hans’ daughter Alice remembered when Hans brought home a new surrey around 1903-05. A surrey was a two-seated buggy pulled by two horses and had plenty of room for the kids. He had gone into town by himself that day. She did not know where he bought the surrey, whether in St. Cloud where he did most of his shopping, Alexandria or some place else. He came home while it was still light. The roads were not very good at that time but she didn’t think it was muddy. Alice didn’t think Hans would have taken them out in the mud. First they ate supper. The kids didn’t know any thing about the surrey as yet. After supper Hans said he had something to show and they were all surprised and excited. Hans loaded as many kids as would fit in the surrey and took them for a mile and a half ride to school district 78 as he wanted to look at some land that was for sale near by. Alice thought he bought the land later on because this land later went to the Groves as a part of Jennie’s share of Han’s estate.

According Lloyd Vindedahl of Glenwood—a distant relative of the Dalagers—Hans was a good operator. Lloyd had worked for a man who had worked for Hans Dalager many years before. This man had been hired to plow for Hans and his was one of eleven walking plows that Hans had working in his fields. A walking plow had only one moldboard. The pay was fifty cents a day plus food and lodging which was not bad at that time.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: A History

Karl Dalager’s older sister, Julia Dalager was born June 7, 1879, was a daughter of Hans and Ingeborg Dalager, pioneers of Barsness township.  She attended country school and later attended St. Cloud Normal school. 

Following are several letters written by Julia from Normal School to her cousin of the same name, Julia Dalager, who lived in Webster, South Dakota.  Guri Julia Dalager of Webster married Chil Chilson in 1904.  Their son Herman was born Sept. 27, 1905

Sunday Feb. 16, 1896

Dear Cousin Julia,

Today I started to think of you and I thought it was a shamed to think we do not write to each other.  Therefore I sit down and write a few words.

The first thing that will be interesting to hear is where we are. Jennie, Christine and I are going to school in St. Cloud.  We board ourselves, have rented two rooms and keep house in one way.  We have been down here since last September.  We had two weeks at Christmas and then we went home.  It seemed a very short vacation to us.

At home we had a very nice time, one day we went out to uncle Nil’s.  They had been sick, this is the little boys but then they were all well again.  I suppose you know that there was born a little girl last summer.  She was very small and pretty, the prettiest baby I ever saw. 

Last year when I went down here, as you know, I was put into the middle school, but have now passed into the high school.  I like it very well although I get homesick and think the lessons are hard.

I suppose you remember when we went out to Helge Rime when you were visiting at our place.  A few weeks before Christmas Karen died.  A little baby boy was born to her and when she was getting better again and walking around she sat down into the rocking chair and suddenly died.  She had been sick all the time since we were there.  The little baby that was born is living and growing very fast.  Karen’s husband’s brother that lived near them took the little girl, and he himself has the two boys.  He has a hired girl.  The old people went to stay with Helena.

When I came home last spring I was very surprised to hear that your sister was dead.  It seems so funny to think that you should happen to come and see us and shortly afterwards she died.  Christine was very sorry that she did not come home from Minneapolis so she could see and talk with Anna and you.  But I hope we can meet her in a better and happier place than at home.

This is all I can think of to write about this time.  I think Jennie and Christine will write too.

Remember you cousin,

Julia Dalager, State Normal School

St. Cloud, Minn.

Write back soon and write a long letter too.  We send our best regards to you all.

I think I must tell you that Willie has remembered you all the time since you left.  Even at Christmas he asked me when you were coming back.

At the time Julia wrote this letter she was 16 years old.  This letter doesn’t tell much about her school life but it tells us something about her family and pioneer life.  The sister who had died was Anna Dalager of the Webster Dalagers, a cousin of Julia’s, who died May 5, 1895 at the age of 19 years.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Early teaching days

Before finishing Normal School Julia started to teach country school in District 9, Pope County.  The lumber for the school was hauled from St. Cloud.  It was painted red and the school became known as the “Little Red Schoolhouse.” 

In the early fall she started out with about 30 students, but before the year was over 60 students would be in attendance.  Many of these students were what was known as ‘new comers’ – young men who had recently come from Norway and who wanted to learn English.  To accommodate 60 students, it was necessary to have 3 in each double seat and benches and tables were used.  Julia was a born teacher and had the gift of being able to transmit her knowledge to others.  Her time was divided among all these students but Julia managed it so that everyone received some knowledge and showed progress at the end of the year.   The little children loved her and were very much devoted to her. 

After teaching for some time she returned to Normal School to earn her degree.  Following graduation she taught at other schools in Pope County and also in Benson, Hayfield and Willmar which were all in Minnesota.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: More letters from Julia to Julia

The following fragment of a letter was written in 1904.  You will observe that she has already met her future husband.  She is now 25 years old.

Willmar, Minn. 

Feb. 18, 1904

My dear Cousin Julia and family,

I presume you have just about decided that I fell by the way side in going back to Minnesota but I got here safe and sound.  When I got to the post office I got a large pack of letters and among them two from Mr. Solverud, you know who I mean.  He was pretty much worried but things are lovely now.  He went through here a week ago….

(2 pages missing, it is assumed that the following pages are from the same letter because in both cases the writing appears the same and is on thin onion skin paper.)

…is the baby I have missed him so since I came away.  I presume he has grown a lot since I saw him.  Give him a lot of kisses from me.  He will surely enjoy them.  Does he still hold on to his sweetheart?  He was such a dear little baby.  I wrote Jennie you had the dearest baby I ever saw.

I have been well ever since I came back.  I have finished that piece of hardanger and two small pieces.  And now I am not doing a bit of fancy work.  Tell Mr. Chilson I am not doing a stitch of it.  Also tell him I have not had any of that good (blod polse).  (I presume I got that spelled wrong.)  Since I left I just long for it too. 

Well, I must stop my foolishness now else you will get tired.  I had such a cozy time with you that I think of you real often.  Would like to hear when you find time to send me a few words.  With best love to you all. I am

Your Loving Cousin

Julia Dalager

This is the first mention of Tollef Solverud who Julia must have met when she taught school in Hayfield, Mn.  In the following two letters we see her concern for her young brother Karl and her love for babies.

Willmar, Minn  Feb. 27, 1905

My dear cousin Julia,

I received your letter some time ago.  Thank you very much for same.  I was so glad to hear from you.  I presume Karl has told you all about things here so I shall not write much concerning the affairs.  I am real well and have a lovely position this year.  When I heard from the folks last they were all well.  Well, I presume you were surprised to see Karl.  He is quite a man now.  He was kind of tired out and wanted very much to go and see you folks so I let him go.  He wrote me the second day he was there.  He was so delighted with the place.  If he is not a good boy you must go for him.  He has not been away alone before.  Karl wrote me about your beautiful home.  I was so glad to hear you are so comfortably settled now.  I presume it is real pleasant.

I was very much surprised when I received Andrew’s invitation.  He surely did not wait very long.  Well, dear, I shall try to pay you a visit.  I have no idea how soon I will be able to do it, but rest assured I shall do so soon.

Give my love to the folks up there, also Karl.  Ask him to let me hear again from him.  You would do me a great favor if you would look after him.  I have no idea how he will care for himself out among strangers.  I was so glad when he decided to go west as I do not care to have him around home.  The young people there are not the nicest kind as so many of the boys drink and I am very anxious to keep Karl away from such society.  Let me hear from you soon; if you will kindly favor me with a few words.  With love and best wishes, I am,

Your loving cousin,  Julia Dalager

P.S. I have mislaid your letter and I can not think of your name so will you kindly pardon me for sending it in your maiden name.

The Andrew mentioned is Julia’s cousin Andrew Dalager from Webster who was married February 8, 1905.  It is also interesting to note that Julia had lost her cousins letter and could not remember her cousin’s new husband’s name.  In this respect, Julia is much like the rest of the world. 

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Tollef courts, and then they marry

Willmar, Minn December 18, 1905

My dear cousin Julia,

You will no doubt be surprised to hear from me but I have really come to a point where I will live up to my promise. I have so often thought of paying you a visit, but something has always prevented me from so doing. I have now decided to come and spend Christmas with you this year. Papa is so anxious to have me go and I dearly love to myself too hoping I will get acquainted with you all.

I shall come on next Saturday evening. Christine wrote my aunt had written her about your baby. I was so glad to hear it. I dearly love babies and shall love to be your nurse girl while there. Hoping to see you in a few days, I am

Your loving cousin, Julia Dalager

Best love to you all.

We can see that the relationship between Julia and Tollef Solverud must have developed quite rapidly. The following newspaper article describes their wedding.

Glenwood Herald

June 22, 1906

One of the prettiest home weddings that has taken place in the vicinity for some time was that which occurred on last Wednesday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Dalager in the town of Chippewa Falls. The contracting parties were their daughter, Miss Julia Aleta, and Mr. Tollef Solverud of Hayfield, Dodge County, Mn.

Miss Dalager is so well and favorably known to the people of this community that very little need be said concerning her. Exceptionally intelligent, highly companionable are her characteristics and her friends are limited only by the circle of her acquaintanceship. When only about sixteen years old she began teaching in rural schools. She saved her earnings and paid her own expenses while taking a course at the St. Cloud Normal from which institution she graduated with signal honors. Since her graduation she has been employed as teacher in the high schools at various places, having lately been employed in the schools of the city of Willmar.

The young man who has won her heart and hand is also abundantly supplied with educational attainments, being a graduate of St. Olaf College at Northfield and lately he completed a course in the pharmacy department of Valparaiso, Indiana, Normal.

At Kenmore, N.D. the newly married will make their future home, but will spend some time before going there in visiting among the relatives and friends of the groom in the southern part of the state. That health, prosperity and happiness may attend them in their newly assumed relation is the earnest hope of their many friends.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Last days in Dakota, the move to Minnesota, and Tollef’s passing

Deering Herald News

Jan 7, 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Tollef Solverud departed Monday for an extended visit with relatives in southern Minnesota.

June 3, 1911 The first section of an article by Julia Solverud comparing the US government with that of Great Britian appeared.

July 8, 1911 On Friday evening, June 30, the Deering Birthday Club held their regular social gathering in Koch’s hall, the guests of honor being Mrs. Tollef Solverud, Mrs. F. L. Allen and Mrs. Fred Long. Mrs. Solverud, president of the club, had just returned from an extended trip east and was happily surprised by being presented with a beautiful bouquet of American Beauty roses. The tables were tastefully decorated with ferns, rose leaves and wild flowers, and the banquet served in its usual happy style and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mrs. Long being absent was remembered by each lady present, with a post card reminding her of the happy event. The out of town guests were Mrs. G. M. Wedge of Plainview, Minn, Miss Dora Schram of Long Prairie, Minn and Miss Anna Solverud of Hayfield, Minn.

July 11, 1911 Miss Anna Solverud arrived last Saturday from Hayfield, Minnesota. She will spend the summer here with her brother Tollef Solverud and family and will assist Mr. Solverud in the store.

August 5, 1911 Misses Anna Solverud and Ida Franze and K. T. Dalager were among those from Deering who took in the circus at Granville Wednesday.

September 16, 1911 On Wednesday evening, September 13, the Deering Birthday Club held their regular business meeting at the home of Mrs. Solverud, twelve ladies were present. It was decided to give the last birthday entertainment on Monday evening, September 18. The yearly reports were read and approved. It was then decided by the ladies to discontinue the coming year.

November 25, 1911 Tollef Solverud arrived Thursday morning from Des Moines, Iowa and will spend time here looking after business interests.

February 3, 1912 Tollef Solverud visits friends at Sherewood between trains last Tuesday.

February 10, 1912 Tollef Solverud went to Minot Thursday evening to look after business matters for a few days.

On September 9, 1912 Julia Solverud, sister of the groom, was Matron of Honor in the wedding of Ida Franze and Karl T. Dalager on the Franze farm near Battle Lake, Minnesota.

It was about this time when Tollef and Julia left Deering, N. D. and moved to Kirksville, Missouri to study Chiropractic Medicine. Following this they moved to Mankato, Minnesota where they set up a Chiropractic Clinic. It was during this time that they adopted Truman. Truman was born February 11, 1911 and was perhaps about 3 years old.

On November 29, 1915, shortly after they had adopted Truman, Tollef Solverud died and Julia was left alone with a young child to raise.

Following Tollef’s death, Julia went back to teaching and taught at Lowry, Minnesota the 1916-1917 school year.

Julia (Dalager) Solverud-Knutson: Pope County Superintendent of Schools

Glenwood Herald, Oct 24, 1918

Mrs. Solverud seeks county Superintendent of School

• Born June 7, 1879 in Pope County
• Graduate of St. Cloud State Normal School 1901
• Taught Rural & graded school in Minnesota for 8 years
• Married to T. Solverud of Hayfield, Minnesota
• T. Solverud died November 29, 1915 in Mankato, Minn.
• Mrs. Solverud moved to Glenwood with son Truman
• Julia has been a speaker on various war topics
• Candidate for Superintendent of Schools of Pope County

In the fall of 1918 Julia was elected Superintendent of Schools of Pope county and served two terms serving until 1926. Here she met with much success, encouraging her teachers and helping them to make the most of their teaching opportunities. In those days there were no welfare boards to provide help and people began to come to her with their problems.

On June 27, 1923 Julia married Knute Knutson of Minneapolis. The ceremony was performed by Rev. G. G. Beito at the home of the groom’s parents in Swift Falls, Mn. Following the wedding reception the couple left for Minneapolis, Chicago and many places made famous by Lincoln.

Julia and Knute made their home in Glenwood where Julia continued her work as Pope County Superintendent of schools. Knute was an attorney and was later appointed judge of the district court at Benson, Minnesota, and would later become a State Legislator.

Julia ran for reelection in 1926 against some strong forces. Following is a message to the voters of Pope County on the behalf of Julia written by teachers and ex-teachers of Pope County.

We, the voluntary committee of teachers and ex-teachers, are urging the re-election of Julia D. Solverud-Knutson as County Superintendent of Schools of Pope County by making a straight forward plea upon the ground of efficiency and merit.

Julia D. Solverud-Knutson was born and raised in Pope County, was graduated from St. Cloud Teacher’ College in the class of 1901. She has had eighteen years of successful experience in the Educational Field, has taught for a period of ten years in the rural and semi-graded and graded schools of our state. She has also taught art in high school. She has served eight years as our County Superintendent of Schools and has proven to be a most efficient officer.

We, that have worked for years in the schools under the supervision of our present County Superintendent, have had the opportunity of seeing the great progress in the rural schools and have learned what it means to be of service to the boys and girls. More and more interest has been manifested in the pupils, teachers and parents of our county.

When Mrs. Knutson comes to visit the schools she brings with her the spirit of love and service. Teachers and pupils look forward to her coming. Her valuable suggestions are given in such a way that no offense can be taken. She always brings a beautiful message to the children in the form of a friendly, motherly talk. In these messages she sews seeds that we believe in due time will sprout and bring forth its valuable fruit and prepare the children to become citizens that will be a credit to themselves and to our nation.

Some of us have taught in other counties and we find that the pupils here are given wonderful opportunities. Mrs. Knutson gives the eight-graders a chance to make up one conditional mark during the summer vacation. This saves the pupil from attending school in the country for only one subject. You can imagine the extra work this gives her and for such services she charges no compensation.

Pupils who are unable to attend school after they are sixteen years and have been unable to finish the eighth grade are not forgotten by our County Superintendent. For those she has prepared a correspondence course that she offers to give them free. Many ambitious boys and girls in Pope County have availed themselves of this opportunity and many have made records for themselves which they could never have attained without the encouragement and help of Mrs. Knutson.

It may be well to touch upon the duties of our County Superintendent. Some hold that the County Superintendent has charge of all the Schools. This is not true. The County Superintendent of Pope County where all the districts are organized has charge of all the semi-graded and rural school, eighty-four in number. The four high school, namely Villard, Glenwood, Starbuck, and Cyrus. are directly under the state and visited by the high school inspector. Lowry and Sedan are graded schools and inspected by the graded school inspector.

The voters of the villages of our county should consider this carefully, and it should be their aim to cast their ballot for the candidate that will give the semi-graded and rural schools the best services. We feel that in the coming election the villages have the best opportunity to prove their loyalty to the rural districts by casting their ballots for our much loved County Superintendent, Mrs. Solverud-Knutson.

We teachers feel, furthermore, that the office of county Superintendent of Schools is a woman’s job. We feel more free to deal with a woman, and at present 95 per cent of the teachers are women and 75 percent of these are young girls. The value of Mrs. Knutson’s advice and council to these young teachers can not be estimated in dollars and cents. We find in her a most sincere friend and advisor. We learn she rejoices with us in our achievements and grieves with us in our sorrows.

The social work which Mrs. Knutson is giving to our people without compensation must not be forgotten. If any of the children are physically unfit to study she seems to pick them out very readily and we find that she drives miles out of her way to visit with parents of such children and the result invariably is that the parents will consult their family physician within a short time.

Some say that Mrs. Knutson is married and should not have the position. What about the men in office who are married? Does either the law or common sense specify or recognize nuptial relations as a qualification for service? In every state in the Union married women are active in educational work as directors, superintendents and teachers. President Coolidge said recently: “I can conceive of no experience better adapted to give either a woman or man that knowledge which is more likely to be of value in the discharge of public office than that which comes from family life.”

In this pleasure seeking age we can all truly say our County Superintendent is not numbered among those. She is on the job all the time. She is so conscientious in her work that we know it would be unlike her to take the time that rightfully belongs to the boys and girls in the rural schools to campaign. Seventy-five per cent of the schools have already been visited this fall. We feel that it is only our duty to take this step in order to let the voters of Pope County know what our County Superintendent means to the teachers and pupils in the school under her supervision. Let us show her our appreciation for the splendid service she has given us in the past by re-electing her with an overwhelming majority on November 2nd.

Yours for efficient service,

TEACHERS AND EX-TEACHERS OF POPE CT

Julia won that election, but was not re-elected in her third bid. Following her defeat, Julia wrote a farewell message. She had given so much of herself to this job. Excerpts from that message follow.

To the three great pillars that assisted me during the tragic accident and illness that made my son a cripple, I wish to extend my heartiest thanks. These pillars took the form of three neighborhood boys, namely: Bernhard Linnevold, Erwin Haldorson and Howard Vegoe. Through the faithful assistance you gave me, I was able to survive. Your services to me could never be paid in dollars and cents. Only the Giver of all Good Gifts can reward you, and I have an assurance from Him that you will become vessels of much value, and thus bring your Maker a Good Price.

To the teachers and ex-teachers who have served during my two terms in office, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the faithful manner in which you have performed your duties. The great wave of progress which has taken place in Pope county is mostly due to the efficient services you have rendered. Remember that I shall always stand ready to serve you whenever you feel that my services will be of value to you.

The boys and girls in the rural and semi-graded schools of Pope county will never be forgotten by me. Your courteous treatment, the kindness you have shown me, and the great efforts you have put forth to please me and live up to my expectations will ever linger in my mind.

I was taught, when a child, by my kind father, that it is not the stone that broke the window, but the force that throws it. He taught me never to carry grudges, but to serve my fellow men with heart and soul. I have tried to live up to his teachings and can at this time say with the Great Emancipator, “Malice toward none and charity to all.”

Pope County, the home of my birth, much have I labored inside your walls, and greatly do I love your people. And now, may the New Year Bells proclaim happiness and liberty to all your inhabitants, and may the Redeemer of Mankind cast the shadow of His wing over each and every one of you and give you peace.

As County Superintendent of Schools, Pope County, I bid you a kind FAREWELL. Most sincerely,

Mrs. Julia D. Solverud-Knutson.