Theodore and Sophie (Dalager) Ogdahl: A History

Theodore Ogdahl was born in Dodge County, in south central Minnesota on December 8th 1868. He was the son of Thore (Ogdahl) Thoresen and Astri Olsdatter. Three years later his father and others, with their covered wagons and teams of oxen, started out for the northwest. They homesteaded in Kandiyohi County in the area of Sundberg and Norway Lake. They had not traveled far from Dodge County but travel in a covered wagon pulled by oxen was slow. Theodore grew to manhood in this area.

Sophia Oline Dalager was the second daughter of Ingeborg and Hans Dalager, a prominent farmer in the Glenwood, Minnesota area. Sophia was born March 10, 1874 on the farm in Barsness township where she grew to a adulthood. Pioneer life was hard and Sophia learned to work hard. She was sixteen years old when Theodore and Sophia were married.

The following letter was written before Sophia and Theodore were married. It was written to Julia Dalager, a cousin, who lived in Webster, S. D. Her sister Anna Sophia, had married John McCarlson July 28, 1888 and Sophia was anxious to get a picture of the couple. The letter was written in Norwegian and was translated into English by Estelle Grinde on September 6, 1998.

October 10, 1889

Dear Cousin,

Now since it is a long time since I have heard from you so now I will take pen in my hand and send you a few lines. I will first tell you that we are all well and healthy and I wish the same for you. I would like to hear from you again. We shall now have threshers tomorrow and now we are busy with that. Jennie is not home as she teaches school north of Lake Minnewaska. She will come home to visit in about two weeks when there is confirmation. Then Hannah Ronning, Emma Billehuus and Peter Gilbertson and many more will be confirmed. I wish that you could be here then.

You must greet Sophia from me and tell her I would like a portrait or picture of her and her husband and I will have a picture of my husband and me when you come. I do not have much news to tell you when I am so busy. A friendly greeting to everyone from us all with special greeting to Sophia.

Write soon in return. Ask Sophia to send me a portrait of her and her husband and I will have hers also.

Good By, Remember well and bare in mind

A good true friend is hard to find

But when you have found one just and true

Change not the old one for a new.

Excuse my poor writing-I am in such a hurry.

By, By

From your Friend

Sophia Dalager, Glenwood, Minn

Theodore and Sophia were married in the Barsness Lutheran church on July 14, 1890 with Rev. M. G. R. Skaar officiating. Sophia’s attendants were Jennie Dalager Grove and Gunild Ogdahl Braaten. Theodore’s attendants were Lars Holten and Ole Ogdahl. The day had started out with a lovely summer rain in the morning. In the afternoon the sun had come out and chased the clouds away. It seemed that the entire country side gathered at the church. Many came afoot while others drove in buggies or wagons with spring seats on them.

Following the wedding ceremony a reception was held at the Dalager farm. Following this reception Mr. And Mrs. Ogdahl went at once to Norway Lake to Theodore’s parent’s farm where another reception was held. When guests arrived at the Ogdahl farm a man stood at the gate playing selections as the guests filed into the house. The gallant groom carried his bride over the threshold. The festivities, which began with an elegant dinner, lasted well into the night.

Theodore and Sophie (Dalager) Ogdahl: Raising a family in Pope County

Theodore and Sophia farmed in the Norway Lake area for a short time before returning to Barsness Township. In 1891 Sophia and Theodore purchased the place later known as the John Hagen farm where they lived and farmed for twelve years. In 1892, two years after they were married, lightening struck and killed one of their horses or the team. However, they could not afford to replace the horse or horses so Theodore bought a team of oxen that were much cheaper and slower. He used this team until he could afford a team of horses. Sophia served as Postmistress of Barsness post office until it was moved to an inland town in Barsness township called Cheesetown.

Following this they moved to the Hans Dalager farm where they resided for seven years.

Glenwood Herald

March 20, 1903

Hans Dalager of Barsness Township has leased his big farm to his son-in-law Theodore Ogdahl for a term of six years at an annual rental of $1,100.00. Mr. Dalager will most likely move into town. He feels that he has performed his share of hard labor on the farm and is therefore entitled to a few years of retirement and rest.

Hans Dalager died March 23, 1910.

Following Hans’s death, Theodore and Sophia decided to move onto another farm where they lived for about 28 years. In the fall of 1916 their residence burned down. Sophia and Theodore built a new home on this farm.

Theodore and Sophia had nine children. Following is a brief description of each.

• Henry Theodore, born June 7, 1891, Married Inez Smith in Minneapolis, Minn on Sept 20, 1916.
• Arthur William, born July 30, 1893, Married Helen Iverson in Weyburn Sask, Canada on June 18, 1917.
• Tillman Martinus, born April 21, 1895, married Irene Larson March 2, 1917 in Minneapolis, Minn.
• Ida Amanda, born July 28, 1897, married William Scrimgeour June 1925 in Glenwood, Minn.
• Solfest Oliver, born October 12, 1899, married Svea Myrtle Victoria Ronge November 21, 1924.
• Norman James, born September 29, 1902, Married Alice Jacobson in Farwell, Minnesota.
• Wallace Clifford, born November 11, 1907, Married Mabel Schillo in Glenwood. Minn.
• Julian Dalager, born May 16, 1910, lived 2 days.
• Leland Ellsworth, born September 9, 1913, Married Esther Glaspey in Iowa.

When the Ogdahl boys were young they lived on a farm that was near a small lake or slew. It was a good place for the boys to play and learn to swim. Highway 104 south of Glenwood now goes through the slew. The Bentrud farm was on the east side and the Ogdahl farm was on the west side.

Theodore & Sophia Ogdahl spent 47 years of their married life farming and had always been members of the Barsness Lutheran Congregation. Mr. Ogdahl served on the school board in district 40 for 12 years and as director of the Farmers Elevator for 22 years. He was also a director of the Federal Land Bank for 16 years and was the first shipper out of Glenwood for the Glenwood Shipping Association.

Mrs. Ogdahl served as treasurer for the Barsness Ladies Aid for 15 years and was the first woman to serve as chairperson of school district 40. Sophia also served as the historian for the Barsness Ladies Aid.

Sophie (Dalager)Ogdahl writes to her sister Julia (Dalager) Chilson

The following is a letter written by Sophia after their 40th wedding anniversary in 1930. It is written to her cousin Julia Dalager Chilson in Webster, S.D. The Sophia mentioned in the letter is Julia Chilson’s sister.

Dearest cousin Julia,

Received your fine letter and big gift. (Tusini Tak). Julia it is entirely too big a gift. May God bless you and all your dear ones? Greet Andrew and family.

Oh! It would have been grand if you and Andrew could have been with us. It was the first time since I got married and moved away that all my sisters and Karl have been gathered.

We have so much to be thankful to God for. I got married as a child who lost my mother. Had no one to go to. But God had given us strength and given us so many nice children and there have been dark day, sickness. But always every cloud has had a silver lining and now letters, gifts, from nearly every state from friends and relatives so all we can say, “May God bless them all and may we all meet in Heaven.”

I presume you knew Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Dalager went to Norway some years ago. They live in California. I think his address is 783 E. Clairmont St., Pasadena, Calif.

How nice you could visit Sophia’s children. She left a grand family didn’t she?

Say when you go up north next year come and visit us. We love to have you.

Thanking you again for this big gift and greet Herman (Julia’s husband) and the Peters (Julia’s daughter’s family).And so I shall close with a tight hug and a big kiss to our darling cousin Julia.

Lovingly Theo and Sophia

Did you get the Tribune? Write when you want to hear from us dear.

Sophie and Theodore Ogdahl’s final years in Glenwood as seen in news clippings

When Theodore was 70 years old, Sophia and Theodore moved into Glenwood March 1, 1938 where they planned to spend their retirement years. However, they continues to be active.

Theodore began to work for his son Wally Ogdahl at the Glenwood Hatchery. He thoroughly enjoyed his office duties and continued to work there well into his eighties. Theodore enjoyed visiting, especially in Norwegian. Because he had a rupture he was not able to walk very far.

Sophia continued to take care of their house along with much community and church work. She took in boarder’s and roomer’s during the depression years of the thirties.

Pope County Tribune

July 15, 1940

50th Wedding Anniversary

Friends and neighbors of Mr. And Mrs. Theo Ogdahl of Glenwood gathered last Sunday in large numbers at the Barsness church to help this much-respected couple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Services had been announced for 11:00 o’clock at the church and those who attended first went to the church to worship. Rev. E. O. Barsness preached the sermon. The day was bright with sunshine, much like the day 50 years ago when they were married.

After the service the assembly repaired to the basement of the church where a meal was served by the ladies aid. Many of those who attended had brought well-filled baskets for the dinner.

At 2 PM the assembly entered the church to the strains of the Lohengrin wedding march with the bridal party at the head. Here a program consisting of musical numbers and talks was given. Rev. Barsness presided and after introductory remarks called on Rev. J. Linnevold of Glenwood. Rev. Barsness stated that Sophia’s and Theodore’s wedding was the first conducted in the Barsness church.

The remainder of the program consisted of talks by G. H. Moen of Glenwood who had been present at the wedding fifty years before, by Julia Solverud Knutson, sister of the bride, by Ida Scrimgeour, a daughter and a declamation by Elizabeth Scrimgeour, a grandchild. Musical numbers were given by Erling Wollan, Eleanor and Lorraine Ogdahl, daughters of Arthur Ogdahl, the Barsness male octet, Deloris Ogdahl daughter of Henry Ogdahl and by three year old Paul Ogdahl, son of Solfest O. Ogdahl. Wallace Ogdahl spoke for the family and at the end of the program Mrs. Ogdahl, the bride, read a poem.

Present at this golden wedding were three of the attendants of fifty years ago. They were Lars Holten, Mrs. Kittel Braaten and Jenny Grove. Ole Ogdahl could not be present so his place was taken by Nels Ogdahl in the procession.”

Pope County Tribune

July 19, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl of Glenwood enjoyed the rare privilege of observing their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary with a number of their children and their families, on Sunday, July 15th. They were married married 55 years ago in the Barsness Church. Five years ago they celebrated their golden wedding day in the Barsness church when the entire countryside joined in the festivities. This time they celebrated the event with a dinner at the Rex Café.

Present for the occasion was their son, Leland and his wife of Independence, Iowa; their daughter Ida, Mrs. W. A. Scrimgeour, her husband and daughter of Brownton, Minn; their son, Solfest and his wife and daughter, and with him Mrs. Henry Ogdahl and daughter and a daughter of Arthur Ogdahl and her husband, all of Minneapolis; Norman Ogdahl and wife and son of Farwell and Wallace Ogdahl and family of Glenwood. Mrs. J. O. Grove, a sister of Sophia, of Glenwood was also present at the dinner. Unable to be present for the occasion was their son, Arthur Ogdahl of Frontier, Saskatchewan, Canada; Henry Ogdahl in Alaska; and Tilman Ogdahl in Oregon.

Mr. and Mrs. Ogdahl were very happy to have their grandson, William Alexander Scrimgeour, who is in the air corps and is in training in Denver, Colorado call them over long distance telephone and add his congratulations. The connections were very good and it was very easy to hear him.

Pope County Tribune

December 3, 1948

Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl visited over Thanksgiving with Mr. And Mrs. Leland Ogdahl at Independence, Iowa. She also visited with relatives in the Twin Cities on the same trip. While in Minneapolis she visited another great grandson, a son of Mr. And Mrs. Lowell Ogdahl of Minneapolis. This is the 16th great grandchild that Mrs. Ogdahl has had the pleasure of welcoming. She has 22 grandchildren.

Pope County Tribune

December 9, 1948

Those who came to help Theodore Ogdahl celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday afternoon were Mr. & Mrs. Norman Ogdahl and family of Farwell, W. C. Ogdahl and family, Jennie Grove and Mr. And Mrs. John Norberg of Glenwood.

Pope County Tribune

March 10, 1949

Mr. And Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl had the great joy of having their children come home during the weekend for a family reunion and also to help them celebrate their birthdays. Mr. Ogdahl was 80 years of age a short time ago while Mrs. Ogdahl is celebrating her 75th birthday this month. All their children were home except Tillman who is on the west coast. The children who were home were Mr. And Mrs. Leland Ogdahl and two children of Independence, Iowa who came on Friday. On Sunday Mrs. Inez Ogdahl (wife of Henry Ogdahl who had passed away) of Minneapolis came in company with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. Ogdahl and Mr. and Mrs. Solfest O. Ogdahl. Present also were Mr. and Mrs. W. A. (Ida) Scrimgeour and daughter of Brownton, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Norman Ogdahl and son of Farwell, and Mr. and Mrs. Wally Ogdahl and family of Glenwood. In the afternoon Mrs. Julius Grove, Mrs. Ogdahl’s sister, was also present.

The entire group was out to the Sunset Beach Hotel on Sunday where they enjoyed a very fine dinner. In all there were 21 present. They had a light lunch late in the afternoon at the Ogdahl home before they departed. It has been some time since the Ogdahls have had so many of their children at home at one time and it was a great treat to them.

Pope County Tribune

July 6, 1950

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl of Glenwood will hold Open House on Sunday, July 16th between the hours of 2 PM and 5 PM at the Glenwood Lutheran Church parlors, in observance of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Minneapolis Sunday Tribune

July 9, 1950

GLENWOOD, MINN—Mr. And Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Friday, July 14. Open house will be held next Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Glenwood Lutheran Church.

Glenwood Herald

July 14, 1950

A milestone that few married couples have the privilege of reaching, the sixtieth wedding anniversary, will be observed by Mr. And Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl of Glenwood at the Glenwood Lutheran church on Sunday, July 16th between the hours of 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. A hose of friends and relatives are expected to attend.

Sophia Dalager, second daughter of Ingeborg and Hans Dalager and Theodore Ogdahl, son of Astrid and Tore Ogdahl were married in the Barsness Lutheran church on July 14, 1890 by Rev. Skaar. Their attendants were Jenny Dalager Grove, and Gunild Ogdahl Braaten, Ole Ogdahl, the groom’s brother and Lars Holten. The reception was held at the new Hans Dalager home just built that summer. A delicious dinner and supper was served to about 200 relatives and friends. On the 16th of July, two days later, another reception was held at the Tore Ogdahl home in Kandiyohi County. To this union eight boys and one girl was born. The eldest, Henry, passed away November 15, 1945; living are: Arthur of Saskatchewan, Canada, now of Minneapolis; Tillman of Portland, Oregon; Ida (Mrs. Scrimgeour of Brownton, Minnesota; Solfest of Minneapolis; Norman of Farwell; Wallace of Glenwood and Leland of Independence, Iowa. There are 26 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Sophia died March 1, 1951, at the age of 77 years,less than a year after they had celebrated the 60th wedding anniversary. Funeral services for Sophia were held at the Glenwood Lutheran Church at 2:00 P. M. Friday, March 23. 1951. Theodore lived six more years. He died August 4th, 1957 at the age of 89 years. Both Sophia and Theodore are buried in the Barsness church cemetery.

Bibliography

• Glenwood Herald
• Glenwood Historical Library
• Lavilla Dalager Peterson
• Alice, Mrs. Norman Ogdahl Sr.
• Norman James Ogdahl Jr.
• Pope County Tribune

Jennie (Dalager) Grove: Jennie’s father-in-law Olaus Grove, Pope County’s first pioneer

This story describes the lives of Jennie Dalager and Julius Grove. Jennie was my aunt, the oldest daughter of my grandfather Hans and elder sister of my father Karl.

To begin this story let us start with the life of Julius’ father Olaus Olson. Olaus was born at Kragero, Norway in 1840. His father, Ole, was a sailor who lost his life at sea when Olaus was a baby. When Olaus was five years old his mother took her two sons and along with her parents sailed for America. They settled in Rock River, Wisconsin where they lived for a few years. While living in Rock River Olaus’s mother became crippled and it became necessary for the two boys to earn their own livelihood and help support their mother. Seeking a more favorable place to live, they moved to Waupeca County, Wisconsin which is about 50 miles due west of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was here that Olaus learned to trap, hunt, and survey.

In the fall of 1859, when Olaus was 19 years old, he traveled on foot westward across the state of Wisconsin to St. Paul, Minnesota. While there he decided to buy traps and other supplies necessary for spending the winter trapping and hunting. From St. Paul he proceeded north and west beyond the current settlements until he arrived in the territory which is now the western part of Stearns County and the eastern part of Polk County. Olaus located his main camp on the south shore of Tamarac Lake (also known as Spunk Lake). Spunk Lake is south of present day Brooten in the present township of Crow Lake. Olaus built a semi dugout and log cabin.

In 1859, when Olaus arrived in this territory, it consisted mainly of wilderness and formed a part of Stearns County. In 1862 the legislature set off part of Stearns and named it Pope County. No actual organization of the county took place until the fall of 1866, when the county seat was established at Glenwood.

When Olaus began trapping in 1859 he set his trap lines along the streams and lakes of Pope County, trapping beaver, otter and mink. In trapping beaver, considerable territory had to be covered to be successful as beavers had to be sought along the rivers and streams where they built their dams. It took Olaus several days to visit all the traps on his route. He traveled on skis carrying his rifle, hatchet, hunting knife, compass, blankets, matches, some food and cooking utensils. All these supplies and equipment and his firs he usually pulled on his sled. Because of the length of his trap line Olaus had to pitch his camp at some favorable place when night overtook him, using his cabin as his base for keeping supplies, firs, and making it his home when convenient.

When he had to spend the night on the trail he would find a sheltered area with good water and wood supply. He would clear away the snow from an area and build a fire. Over this he would prepare his meal usually consisting of coffee or water, hard bread, fried bacon and any wild game he had shot. At night he would build up his fire with larger logs to last over night and prepare his bed from small branches. Next he would wrap himself in his blankets and lie down with his feet toward the fire. Beside him he would keep his loaded rifle, hunting knife and hand ax as weapons in the event of an attack by wild animals, Indians, or fur thieves.

Game was plentiful and Olaus had a very successful season. Early in the spring, when skiing and sledding were good, he pulled his traps and stored them in his cabin, loaded his furs and started on his journey for St. Paul on skis and pulling his sled. He sold his furs at a good price and was a very happy boy as he proceeded homeward to his mother with more money in his possession than he had ever dreamed of possessing.

It was not long after his arrival home before his neighbors heard of his good fortune and were told of the opportunities there were in Minnesota. Hearing of this good fortune many of the neighbors sold or left their places and prepared to go with Olaus to Minnesota. As Olaus’ brother had died in an accident and his grandparents had also died, the only option open for his mother Marie was to go with Olaus to Minnesota. In the summer of 1860 a caravan of covered wagons pulled by ox-team to carry their women, children, provisions and goods, left for Minnesota. They had to ford rivers and streams and sometimes cut their way through dense forests. It took several weeks to reach the towns of Crow River and Crow Lake in Stearns County where they settled.

Olaus and his mother went to live in the log cabin he had previously built. Olaus continued with his hunting and trapping as his main occupation. He brought his furs to St. Paul to sell using the money the furs brought to buy provisions and clothing. During his hunting and trapping operation he picked out his future homestead in section 2, township of Barsness, Pope County. With the help of his friend John Sandvig, Olaus erected a little log house on this land in Barsness township. This was undoubtedly the first permanent shelter or house erected in Pope County. It was a squatter’s claim and used as a hunter’s camp or refuge on their hunting exploits. A squatter’s right in those days was recognized as a peremptory right. He did not take his mother there because of the hostility of the Indians and the long distance to neighbors.

In the spring of 1862 he helped his four friends locate and file on claims in the township of Lake Johanna. These four men, John Sandvig, Ole Kittelson, Salve Gakkestad and Gregor Halvorson were the first homesteaders in Pope County.

During the summer of 1862, the Sioux Indians, who lived in central and western Minnesota, showed considerable hostility toward the white settlers who were invading their hunting grounds. Also, food promised was not delivered and it was a dry summer. On August 17th war broke out and many white settlers were killed. During these times Olaus took an active part in warning settlers and helping his mother and neighbors escape to a place of safety. These fleeing settlers would hide in the woods and swamps during the day time and move at night until they reached Paynesville where a stockade had been built for their protection.

After the initial hostilities had quieted down, Olaus took his mother from Paynesville and went to St. Cloud. He worked in the lumber industry there until the summer of 1864 when it was considered reasonably safe for settlers to move back onto their claims. At this time Olaus and his mother moved back to Pope county and settled on the homestead he had selected in the township of Barsness. His nearest neighbors during the following winter were his friends who he had helped establish in Lake Johanna township. The following summer a party by the name of Ole Reine settled in the township of Gilchrist which was only seven miles away.

Times were hard for these early pioneers. The nearest town where provisions could be bought was St. Cloud which was seventy five miles to the east. The price of flour was eighteen dollars a barrel and other necessities were proportional. Olaus had to make occasional trip to St. Cloud for provisions. The trip was usually made on foot. He would pay for the provisions with furs and carry them home on his back in the summer and on his sled in the winter. Outside of flour and a few groceries, the main food was venison. Farmers began to grow grain for their own use as well as keeping a cow for milk. There really was no market for produce. Indians came by quite often and were usually hungry and as a result would demand food. Frequently a pioneer family would be left without provisions.

In the summer of 1866 many settlers came to Pope County. The influx of settlers continued so that by the end of the year 1870 the county had a population of about 2700 people. Many of these settlers were friends and former acquaintances of Olaus and as he had some knowledge of surveying, he would help the new people pick out and locate their claims.

About this time railroads came to Benson and Morris. This stimulated the raising of grain and cattle as the market was not to far away.

With the increase in the population the wild game disappeared more and more causing Olaus to change his occupation from hunter/trapper to farming. At first farming was a slow with much hard work. Farm machinery was crude, grain had to be cut with a cradle or reaper and tied into bundles by hand. It was threshed by small machines driven by horse power. Hay was cut by scythe and pulled together after it was cured by fork or hand rake. It was then hauled into the farm yard where it was stacked by hand or by the use of crude tackle. Marketing grain 25 to 30 miles in poor wagons pulled by oxen over poor roads was slow and hard. During the years 1876 and 1877 grass-hoppers came and destroyed all the crops in the community creating hardships for the whole community.

As better and more labor saving machinery were developed and with better prices the conditions on the farm improved. Through hard work and thrift Olaus was able to increase the size of his farm and build a nice home. He took part in community activities and held offices on the town board, school board and was instrumental in organizing the Barsness Lutheran congregation. In 1871 he cut and furnished the logs and material and helped build the log church that was the first home for the Barsness congregation. His wife, Ragnild, was the first president of the Barsness Ladies’ Aid Society.

In 1871 Olaus was married to Ragnild Gilbertson, who came from Norway to Pope County in the year 1868. Her father, Gilbrand Berger, lived and died on a small farm in Norway. To them three children, Julius, Edwin and Lena were born. Edwin died in 1903. Lena was married to John Brendel, an attorney at Hallock, Minnesota.

It is not known when the Grove was added to Olaus Olson name. However, the Olaus Olson farm was in a wooded area of Barsness township. There were also several Olson families. Therefore it became common practice to refer to the Olsons in the grove. The family soon became know as the Olaus Olson Groves.

In the month of October, 1894, at the age of 54 years, Olaus was stricken with pneumonia and died. He was buried in the community that he loved, near his home that he cherished and in the Barsness cemetery that he helped establish. Thus the life passed of the man who may be entitled to be called the first pioneer of Pope County. Regnild lived another 23 years. She died January 5, 1917 and was buried beside her husband in the Barsness cemetery.

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 Ingeborg: Ingeborg’s early days, courtship, and the first family

Ingeborg Knudson, also known as Isabelle, was born August 8, 1848. In the Nord-Aurdal records she is listed as the daughter of Knud Lagesen Gjeldemarken and Ingeborg Syversdatter. In the Sor-Aurdal records, Ingeborg Syversdatter was born October 6, 1823 and her wedding to Knud Lagesen Gjeldemarken took place on June 17, 1847. The death record of Knud, found in the Nord-Aurdal records, recorded his death on April 24, 1853, at the age of 34 years. Ingeborg would have been less than 5 years old at the time. She had no known brothers or sisters. From family records it is known that Ingeborg came to the St. Cloud area when she was 12 years old, about the year 1860. It is uncertain who she traveled with or how long she lived in the St. Cloud area. However, Hans and Ingeborg may have first met in this area.

The 1870 federal census for Barsness township, Pope County, lists family #10 as Lars Larson (age 45), Ingeborg (age 47) and Isabelle (age 21). Hans Dalager was listed as family #12 in this same census report. The age for Ingeborg (47) would be right for Ingeborg Syversdatter who had been married ot Knud Lageson Gjellemaken and the age for Isabelle (21) would be right for Ingeborg Isabelle Knudson, if the census was taken in the spring before her 22 birthday on Aug. 8, 1870. This indicates that Lars Larson was most likely Ingeborg’s step father and his wife, Ingeborg, was her mother. To further support this the Nord-Aurdal records record the marriage, on Dec 29, 1853, of Lars Larson Anmarken, age 27, son of Lars Knudsen, to Ingeborg Syversdatter, age 30, the mother of Ingeborg Isabelle.

Lars Larson’s homestead document lists his quarter of land as the SE 1/4 of section 12 of Barsness township and Hans Dalager’s homestead document lists his quarter of land as the NE 1/4 of section 12 of Barsness township. Therefore Lars’ and Hans’ homestead quarters adjoined each other.

On July 7, 1871 Hans married Ingeborg (Isabelle) Knudson Larson. Following their marriage, Hans & Ingeborg settled on the groom’s homestead. The following children were born to them: Jennie (Mrs. J. O. Grove), Sophia (Mrs. Theodore Ogdahl), Christine (Mrs. George Houston), Solfest (who died at the age of 2 years of convulsions while teething), Julia (Mrs. Solverud Knutson), Henry (who died as a baby), Hannah (Mrs. P. O. C. Johnson), Louise (who died as a baby), Karl Theodore, and Martin (who died at the age of two months of blood poison contracted from his mother). Ingeborg, the mother of the above children died of blood poisoning six days after the birth of Martin. She was 38 years old when she died January 5, 1887.

Some of the characteristics of the Dalager children, as described by Julia would be physical stamina. This is illustrated by the long lives of those who lived through infancy. Their mother, on her death bed, requested that her children be given a chance for an education. Four of the girls in the family followed the role of teachers. The following Bible verse, written in Norwegian, is recorded on Ingeborg’s gravestone in the Barsness Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Luke 18:16 Let the little children come to me and forbid them not,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such.

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: 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.