Baalrud Gilbert
Baardseth Albert J.
Bakken Nels L.
Bakken Theodore
Bakko Ole
Balstad Christian
Balstad Rebecca Mrs.
Beck Andrew A.
Beck Christian C.
Beck John
Beck John 2
Beck Peter
Beck Roy R.
Bekkelund Ludvig L.
Benrud Engvald Olaf
Benrud Julius Mrs.
Benrud Karin Mrs.
Bensend Andrew
Bensend Andrew Mrs
Benson Andrew
Benson Andrew Mrs.
Benson Bernardt
Benson Berthe
Benson Carl
Benson Carl Mrs.
Benson John
Benson John Mrs.
Benson Martha Mrs.
Berg Andrew
Berg Andrew Mrs.
Berg Annie Mrs.
Berg Arne B.
Berg Arne B. Mrs.
Berg Arne I.
Berg Arne I. Mrs.
Berg Arne O.
Berg Barbo Bretten
Berg Carlius
Berg Carlius Mrs.
Berg Christ Finstad
Berg Christian Dr.
Berg Daniel O.
Berg Gunder Olson
Berg Gust Mrs.
Berg Ingeborg Erlien
Berg Iver A.
Berg John A.
Berg John Mrs.
Berg Ole G.
Berg Ole O.
Berg Oliana Mrs.
Berg Olive
Berg Otto
Berg Otto Mrs.
Berg Reinholte I.
Berg Sigvald
Berge Andrew J.
Berge Andrew J. Mrs.
Berge Helen Mrs.
Berge Jens K.
Berge Jens Tollakson
Berge John T.
Bergeland Ole
Berger Anton
Berger Anton Mrs.
Berger George
Berger Mary
Bergerson Ebert
Bergerson Ole
Bergerson Ole
Bergerson Thea Mrs.
Bergeson Tolef
Berget Olaf O.
Bergseng Even S.
Bergseth Knud S.
Bergseth Knute S.
Bergsing Andrew
Bergum Ingri Mrs.
Bergum Matt
Bergum Ole
Bergum Ole Mrs.
Bergum Tom Mrs.
Berntson Sever Mrs.
Berquist August
Bersing Nels
Bestul Rev C.
Bestul Christian Brandt Rev.
REV. CHRISTIAN BRANDT BESTUL
"Rev. Christian Brandt Bestul [photo of the reverend and his wife included], pastor of several Lutheran congregations
GUNDER OLSON BERG:
"Gunder Olson Berg, one of the most respected and prosperous farmers of Curran Valley, passed away at his home, at eleven o'clock, Wednesday night, June 27, 1923.
Deceased has been ailing for the past six months suffering from cancer of the stomach. No pains were spared to procure the best of medical aid to suppress the malady but of no avail. He suffered much during his last days but bore his affliction with Christian fortitude.
Gunder Berg was born at Oier, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway October 17, 1860.
He came to this country and state in May 1883 and settled in Vernon County near Coon Valley, He resided until in 1893 when he purchased a farm in Curran Valley which has been his home until the time of his death.
On May 23, 1894, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mathia P. Johnson at Coon Valley. To this union ten children were born, seven of whom are living and who together with their mother mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. The children are: Palmer, Obert, Gilman, Cora, Minnie and Myrtle Berg who are all at home and Mrs. Arthur Melby, who resides near Black River Falls.
He is also survived by one brother Chris Berg of Appan, N. Dak., and one sister, Mrs. Frank Johnson of Washington. His brother came here a couple of weeks ago and remained here helping to care for him during his last illness. His sister was unable to make the trip here to see him.
Mr. Berg has been a life long member of the Lutheran church and was one of the pillars of the Curran Valley congregation. He was secretary of this congregation for many years. He was a devout Chrisitian never losing faith in his Master and when the end came he was prepared to meet Him face to face. He was a kind and generous neighbor and friend and left nothing undone to live a noble and inspiring life. He was a hard and earnest worker, seeking to provide well for his boys and girls and a fine 200 acre farm with buildings of the best kind stand as a lasting monument to his life's endeavors.
The funeral services were held Saturday from the home and later from the Curran Valley church. Rev. O.O. Fosso conducted the funeral services and paid a glowing tribute to the departed. A splendid vocal duet was rendered by Joseph Olstad and Otto Negaard who sang "Naar blomster paa min grav har vokset" ("When flowers have bloomed on my grave"). The remains were laid to rest in the Curran Valley cemetery. The pall bearers were: Jens Ener, Helmer Danielson, Nils Nelson, August Ryerson, Lewis Peterson and Hans Severson." THE TAYLOR HERALD - July 6, 1923
ANDREW BENSEND: (SWEDEN)
"Last rites for Andrew Bensend, 88, who passed from this life Saturday, January 11, at 1 p.m. following a lingering illness, were held last week Tuesday afternoon at the O. Estad residence on Dewey Street and our Saviour's Lutheran church, the Rev. O. G. Birkeland officating. Burial was in Lincoln cemetery. Pall bearers, all Odd Fellows, were Henry Fransen, B.M. Engen, John Beck, Ed Scott, Dr. R.L. MacCornack and W.E. Harlow. Flowers were carried by Mmes. Sidney Gilbertson. H.J. Holtan, Misses Alice Speerstra, Harriet Hegge, George and Florence Hegge of Whitehall and John and Robert Wilberg of Mauston. In addition to the flowers there were several memorials.
An octette from Our Saviour's congreation, composed of Mrs. N.S. Simons, Miss Pearl Brennom, Mrs. Donald Warner, Mrs. S.B. Ivers, H.J. Aleckson, Kiel Blank, Dr. Anton Vold and T.O. Rice, sang selections at the church service, "I Know of a Sleep in Jesus' Name," "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," and "Abide With Me." Mrs. H.M. Johnson accompanied on the organ.
Andrew Bensend was born to Johan Anton and Christine Bensend in Sweden on September 29, 1852. He was baptized and confirmed in the Torpa church in that community. The family came to the United States in the fall of 1871, settling in Chicago just one week before the famous Chicago fire. Andrew, then a lad of about 18, often told in after years how the fire looked to him. The family resided in Chicago for five years and then came to Whitehall, arriving here on June 20, 1875. They settled on the present N.L. Fredrickson farm, then owned by Dave Wade, pioneer settler in this community.
For several years the Bensends lived in the Wade farmhouse. It was after their arrival that the Rev. Emmanuel Christophersen and his wife came, immigrants from Norway. The pastor had a call here. When they arrived in Whitehall they found it a crude little backwoods place, much unlike their Norwegian surroundings. They spent the first few nights with A.W. Anderson and wife of Irvin coulee and then took up their residence in the little house at the head of Main street that is now occupied by Henrietta Engen. Mrs. Bensend, Andrew's mother, and Mrs. Christophersen became close friends, and later, when the Christophersens settled in Pigeon Falls, Andrew's two sisters walked to that place from Whitehall to take confirmation instruction and stayed over night with the Christophersens, for that didtance was not a one-day trip on foot. Andrew recalled with pleasure his family's acquaintance with the Christophersen's.
After a few years here Andrew's folks went to Turtle Lake in northern Wisconsin to homestead land, and he was the only one of the family to remain. He worked some at first for Mr. Wade on his huge farm which comprised not only the present Fredrickson place but the Albert Fromm acres and all the land in between and surrounding. And all his land was sowed to wheat. Andrew had a good driving team - he loved horses - and Mr. Wade engaged him to cut his wheat. His brother John and O.C. Torson, also young pioneers, were engaged to follow behind Andrew's reaper and bind the grain, and they had a hard time keeping up.
With his team Andrew was also engaged to haul Mr. Wade's wheat to Trempealeau to ship it from there down the Mississippi River. On these trips he often stayed at the historic Four Mile House between Galesvile and Trempealeau. Again he made use of his team of beloved horses when he worked for H.E. Getts, pioneer Whitehall storekeeper, whose original store building still stands on the east side of Main street and is occupied by John Beck, Art Risberg and Theo. B. Olson. For Mr. Getts Andrew was not only clerk, but he hauled the eggs he took in from the farmers to Trempealeau, besides the other produce he got in trade. Perhaps some of his stock came up the river too, and Andrew had a load back from Trempealeau as well as down.
Mr. Bensend was last employed by Dave Wood in his elevator, buying and selling grains. Years later, when he was married and had children, he worked for a time for Harry Blodgett, who had a furniture and undertaking establishment on the corner now occupied by Edwin Matson's Canteen Company and the Gamble store.
Andrew Bensend's marriage to Elisa Fredrickson, daughter of Mrs. Ole Larson, early-day hotel keeper in Whitehall, occurred on February 23, 1884. Not long after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Besend operated for a time the Alexander hotel, a hotel built early in Whitehall's history by Sam Alexander and Moses Ingalls on the corner now occupied by Erickson's store. When Mrs. Larson, Mrs. Bensend's mother, came to this village she built the old Scandinavian House on Abrams street, now the Erickson hotel. That was in the year before the new court house was built. The hotel business boomed during the early days, especially after Whitehall became the county seat, for county court was held here twice a year and was in session for weeks. Also, travel wasn't so rapid nor so easy in those days and there was a large transient trade. But the Alexander hotel was eventually discontinued and the building used for other purposes. One part of it was taken over by N.L. Fredrickson, Mrs. Bensend's brother (still a residentof Whitehall), and her step-brother, Anton Reitzel, who went into the hardware business.
One night a fire broke out in the hardware store. A high wind was blowing from the northwest, whipped the flames up to a white heat and carried embers as far as the Bensend residence across the creek, the same residence as now stands on the East Side, was occupied by Andrew up until his death. Local citizens got out to fight the fire as well as they could. Suddenly Andrew, who was working Fredrickson & Reitzel at the time, remembered the dynamite-their stock was kept in a small shed back of the building proper. With a cry he rushed to remove it, his terrified wife looking on. But he got the dynamite out and, with the help of others, carried it across the creek, far from the danger of ignition.
The building burned to the ground. The safe which Fredrickson & Reitzel had in their store was the one first used by Trempealeau county when the county seat was moved to Whitehall. It was a heavy clumsy thing, and when the flames had progressed over the floor on which it stood, it fell through into the cellar. There it lay, defying anyone to remove. So the contents were taken out and the monster was buried in the earth onto which it had fallen. There it lies today, beneath the concrete floor in the basement of Erickson's store.
The second floor over the hardware store was known as Opera Hall, and here the citizenry of Whitehall gathered to see the production of road companies and the dramatic efforts of local talent. Mrs. Larson, Andrew's mother-in-law, owned this building at that time and was the loser when it burned.
Early in this century, the federal government decided to give the rural communities around Whitehall free mail delivery. Heretofore, the service had been only what might be called desultory. Thee was a post office over across the Freeman ridge at that time, near Elk Creek, called Alhambra, and Milt Whitney hauled mail there from Whitehall. But early in the 1900's Mr. Whitney, A.M. Dake and Andrew Bensend were assigned to the new routes that were laid out. Andrew's went west from Whitehall to a point near the asylum, then swung south to Plum Creek and came around to the starting point again via Irvin's coulee. Through mud hub-deep in the spring, fair roads in the summer season, mud again in the fall an fdrifts that seemed sky-high sometimes in the winter, Andrew made his route in all kinds of weather. He continued the route until the fall of 1919 when he was forced to resign on account of illness. Lewis Hanson substituted on the route for several months, then L. C. Hanson, only returned a short time from serving in the World War, was assigned Andrews run. Later Louis was given the then Star Route to Pigeon Falls and H.J. Aleckson was assigned to Andrew's original Route 2. Aleckson still services on that run.
But Andrew didn't rest long after hs operation. In December, 1920, he got the job of janitor at the MacCornack Clinic, then newly constructed. He remained in service there until October 1, 1928, when he retired because of his increasing years.
To Andrew Bensend and his wife, eight children were born. One daughter, Amanda, died in 1893 and his wife preceded him in death in 1911. Surviving him are seven children, 15 grandchildren, on great-grandchild, a sister Mrs. John Cornwall and a brother, John Bensend of Turtle Lake, this state. The children are: Floren, Sebeka, Minn.; Louis, Platteville; Zilpha, Mrs. E.O. Wilberg of Mauston; Cora, Mrs. O.W. Elstad, and Emelia, Mrs. S.N. Hegge, Dewey and Walter, all of Whitehall.
Mr. Bensend had been a member of Trempealeau Valey Lodge I.O.O.F. for over 61 years. On June 27, 1929, a special meeting of the order was held to present Mr. Bensend with a 50 year jewel, the second to be presented in Whitehall and the 47th in the state of Wisconsin. At the same meeting his youngest son, Walter Bensend, was initiated into the first degree. Mr. Bensend joined the lodge on June 27, 1879, the Odd Fellows having organized in Whitehall four years before. Before him only one member, Henry Olson, received the 50 year jewel. The year following, 1930, Andrew's brother-in-law, N.L. Fredrickson, was given the same award, having joined in 1880.
About two years ago, Mr. Bensend's health began to fail remarkedly. Even so, up until a year ago he was able to read all day long without the aid of glasses and took much pleasure in his papers and magazines. He made periodical trips to the barber shop to have his haircut and shave until the middle of November, and after that he was chagrined at the thought of not being able to make the trip. The last few days of his life he spent at the Community Hospital. Now he rests besides his wife in Lincoln cemetery." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - January 23, 1941
MRS. ANDREW BENSEND: (SOTRE TOTEN)
"Mrs. Andrew Bensend died at her home in Whitehall Sunday, May 7, 1911, at 11:15 a.m. aged 52 years, 5 months and 25 days. Mrs. Bensend had been in failing health for some months and a few weeks ago accompanied her husband to Eau Claire for a medical examination and physicians there diagnosed her ailment as cancer of the stomach, saying it was too late for an operation, and prophesying that she could not survive many weeks. Mrs. Bensend was born in Sotre Toton, Norway, November 12, 1859, and came to America in 1866, settling in Trempealeau county with her mother and brothers. At Whitehall on February 23, 1884, she married Andrew W. Bensend. Their happy union was blessed by eight children of which seven mourn the untimely loss of a loving and devoted mother, namely, Floren B., Cora E., Emelia, Zilpha, Louie A., Albin D., and Walter. She also leaves a husband, mother, Mrs. O. Larson and five brothers, as folows: N.L. Fredrickson, A.F. Reitzel, G.H. Reitzel, E.B. Reitzel, and F.C. Reizel. Mrs. Bensend was a dutiful wife and loving devoted mother. Her life was wrapped up in the home circle and she has raised a familly of nine children. The funeral was held at the home yesterday and at 2 p.m. services being conducted by Rev. A. Chaifant of the Methodist church and Rev. A. J. Orke of the United Lutheran Church. The floral tributes were elaborate and beautiful. Interment took place in Lincoln Cemetery. The husband and children have the sympaty of the community in their bereavement." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER May 11, 1911
MRS. OLE BERGUM: (VALDERS)
"The subject of this notice, Mrs. Ingri Bergum, was born in Valdris, Norway, December 19, 1824, and died in the town of Garfield, Jackson county, Wis., March 11, 1908, aged 83 years, 2 months and 22 days. Deceaseds maiden name was Ingri Olsdatter Ranum. She was married to Ole Tideman Bergum in 1847, her husband dying in 1891. They came to America in 1865, living at Blue Mound, this state, where they resided two years, and came to Trempealeau county in 1868, and in 1905 she removed to Jackson coiunty where she was cared for by her daughters, Mrs. Tideman Stenseth and Mrs. Ole Chester. She had 11 children, 7 sons and 4 daughters, all which 4 boys and 3 girls survive, as follows: Andrew and Tideman of St. Paul, Ole, Sr., and Ole, Jr. of Lincoln, Mrs. Emma Bateman of Colorado Springs, Colo; Mrs. Tideman Stenseth of York, Jackson county, and Mrs. Ole Chester of Osseo. The funeral occurred at Blair last Saturday. Rev. Gulbrandson officiating." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - March 19, 1908
KNUTE S. BERGSETH: (DRANGEDAHL NEAR OSLO)
"Knute S. Bergseth, one of the first settlers in the village of Taylor, died at his home south of the village at 9:30 o'clock on Sunday morning, April 12, 1931, in his 89th year. He had been remarkedly good health for one of his advanced age, until about eight months ago, when he commenced to gradually fail, and death ensued from general infirmities.
The funeral services will be held at the home at 1:00 p.m. and at the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran church at 2:00 o'clock on Monday, April 20th, the Rev. T.E. Sweger of Blair, officiating.
Mr. Bergseth was born oin Drangedahl, near Oso, Norway, on December 23rd, 1842. In this place he spent his youth serving an apprenticeshp in the blacksmith trade there and under the thorough supervision of hard taskmasters he became adept in this work.
In 1867 he was married to Miss Inger Amundson. In 1869 they emigrated to America with their one son, Samuel K. They located at Black River Falls where he found employment in Gullord stream sawmill which was in operation east of that growing village at that time. Here another son, Amos, was born to them shortly after their arrival. Mrs. Bergseth passed away on August 25, 1871. He spent about a year in the vicinity of Black River Falls and then moved to the Town of Springfield, locating on the farm now owned by Ole Huseboe.
In 1872 he erected the first blacksmith shop in this vicinity on a site about midway between the old Hjerleid Homestead and Ellison home. But in 1875 when the Green Bay and Western R.R. was completed as far as Taylor and this embryo settlement commenced to show life, he erected another blacksmith shop and moved here. And here his real service to the community began. By hard work and painstaking methods he built up a trade and reputation far and wide and in those days a blacksmith was called on to do many an intricate repair job and we have heard old timers say that "old Knute" could duplicate almost any repair piece needed for machinery of those days. He was also called on for other repair jobs and one amusing incident we have heard related was when someone came in with a cracked cast iron frying pan and asked Knute to fix it. To which Knute replied: "I'll fix it," and with a bang on his anvil shattered the frying pan, then, with that ever jovial twinkle in his eye reached into his pocket and gave the astonished customer twenty five cents for which to buy a new one.
When Mr. Bergseth first moved to Taylor there were only a few buildings and he built one of the first residences here. He continued to follow the blacksmith trade at Taylor, rebuilding and enlarging his shop and also sold a line of implements. July 10, 1899 he sold out his business to his son, Samuel, who had also learned the trade under his father. Mr. Bergseth then moved back to his farm which he later sold to James Mulry.
He then bought the farm from Thos. Charlson and moved there in the spring of 1906 selling this farm to his son, George, in 1910, when he bought the former Frank Serviss farm south of Taylor which was his home until his death.
He was married a second time, on December 23, 1875, to Miss Dorothea Hanson, who now surivves him. He also leaves two sons, Samuel K. Bergserth of Spring Valley, Minn., and Amos Bergseth of Arlington, Wash., born to his first union and nine children born to his second union, Helmer Bergseth and Mrrs. Edna Wallen of Everett, Wash., George Bergseth, Marie Bergseth and Evert Bergseth of Tayor, Mrs. Dagna Thompson of Trump Coulee and Mrs. Eda Huseboe of Tahlor. Another daughter, Mrs. Anna Anderson died at Seattle, Wash, in December 1930, and a son Carl died at the age of 11 years. One sister, Mrs. Emma Richards of Hooper, Wash., also survives him and one sister, Mrs. Thos. Charlson passed away December 26, 1930 at her home at Snobomish, Wash.
Mr. Berseth was a man of exceptionally strong physique which enabled him to continued activities of life long past the stage when other men have served their usefulness. He was of an independent mind, with a strong character and was endowed with the spirit of the sturdy pioneers who have transformed the raw frontiers into the highly developed communities and who by energy and frugal habits of life were able to acquire a competence to serve them in tneir declining years.
He was a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father, to his sisters a tender brother and to his friends a soul of fellowship. But the greatest of all-he was a man. And as a man it is that those who knew him best most love to contemplate him.
Until recently he was a frequent visitor in the village and enjoyed a visit with his friends. He was an interesting conversationalist and his interchange of ideas or thoughts were always more interesting due to his ever ready wit. He always seemed to be in good spirits, and ready to look at the bright side of life.
Thus another pioneer has left the fast thinning ranks in the community." THE TAYLOR HERALD - April 17, 1931
ANDREW BERGSING: (OSLO)
"Andrew Bergsing 74 years old and a resident of this community for more than 24 years, died early today at his home in Jameson addition. Mrs. Bergsing was born in Oslo, Norway, March 31, 1859, but has been a resident of this country for many years.
Before moving to the Falls, he was a resident of Staples Minn. Surviving Mr. Bergsing are twelve children. His wife passed away in 1916. His children surviving are Mrs. Ernest Simpson, Sawmill addition; Mrs. Gunder Nybo, Holler, Mrs. Elmo Erickson, Holler, Charles Bergsing, Sunnyside; Clarence, Sunnyside; Oscar, International Falls, Leonard, Jameson addition; Albert, Sawmill addition; Oliver, Orville, Wash; Christ, Lewiston, Idaho.
Removal was made today to the Hansen funeral home."
Here the editor of the ETTRICK ADVANCE, June 29, 1934 notes that the obituary is from a Minnesota paper and it was 40 years since Mr. Bersing lived in the Ettrick, Wisconsin community.
Correspondence 3/25/02
Andrew ( Anders ) was born at the tenant farm( husmannsplass) Toppen, under Bergseng nedre ( lower) at Br�ttum, Ringsaker, Norway. Decendants live in Oregon. Even Bergsengstuen
EVEN S. BERGSENG: (BERGSENG)
"Even S. Bergseng was born in Bergseng, Norway, May 10, 1837, and came to this country in 1865, first going to Vernon county, Wis., where he worked on a farm and three years later moved to LaCrosse, working there at the lumber business a year, and then started in the hotel business in that city, opening what was then known as the City hotel, corner of the Thrid and Pearl streets, on the site where the Jefferson hotel now stands. In 1873 he moved to this village, and the same year built the Blair house, the first real building erected in the village of Blair, which he conducted as a hotel, with a livery stable in connection, for 27 consecutive years. In 1900 he disposed of his hotel and livery business, and since that time he led a retired life, with the exception of an occasional deal in real estate of which he was a considerable holder. He was united in marriage in 1869 to Miss Agnetta Nelson, also a native of Norway, who survives him, and was the father of seven children, namely, Simon of Blair; Nick of Minneapolis; Edward of Aberdeen, S.D.; Clara of Blair; Ella of Minneapolis; Arthur of Blair; and Delbert of Spring Valley, Minn.
Deceased was first taken ill about 14 months ago, when he received a paralytic stroke, from which he partically recovered, but later was taken with stomach trouble, and gradually grew weaker until the end came. He died Tuesday morning, January 9, 1912 of uremia. The funeral was held from the U.L. church, of which he was active member since the first church was built in this town, Friday, at 2 p.m., Rev. Gulbrandson officiating. Considering the extreme cold weather, the obsequies were largely attended. Out of respect of this pioneer gentleman, the business palces of Blair were closed during the funeral. The pall bearers were Messrs. E.L. Immell, O.B. Borsheim, A.B. Peterson, P.J. Jonsrud, Morris Hanson and Alfred Thorbus." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - January 18, 1912
These are some excerpts from the 1955 Blair Centennial Book when Even must have gone by Bersing also:
"In 1873 when tracks were being laid for the railroad from Green Bay to Winona, Minn., farm houses along the line were crowded with workmen. A road was established from the mill bridge southward to the main highway. This is now Gilbert Street. A despot was built near this road not far from the mill. Two warehouses and a lumber yard were opened in the same neighborhood. The business center developed farther south the from the mill. Even Bersing opened a hotel, the first business establishemnt in the village. This hotel held an important place in the social life of the people. On the second floor was a hall in which dances were held, also pubic meetings, and theatrical entertainments. Many entertainers, some of whom later attained fame, played behind its oil foot lights in the seventies and eighties."
"On July 27, 1891, the business section of the village was entirely destroyed by fire, leaving ruins from the Bersing Hotel to the north, to the O.L. Olson Wagon and Backsmith Shop to the east, and to the Thorbus Wagon Works to the west."
"Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. of last Monday (July 27, 1891) the business portion of the prosperous and thriving village of Blair was totally destroyed by fire, some forty-five substantial buildings being entirely wiped out, with the principal part of their contents, entailing a loss of upwards of $65,000.
The scene as witnessed by the writer and many others on the following day presented a desolate and discouraging appearance, the flames having licked up everything burnable, nothing remaining to mark the locations of the structures save the stone foundations. The village had no fire apparatus, and the doomed place was practically at the mercy of the flames.
The citizens-men, women and children, worked like beavers to save their property and in several instances merchandise and household goods were preserved; but on the start the chief idea was to stay and confined the flames, until it became too late to save the contents of many buildings. The fire originated in the attic of Ole Kittleson's block, on the corner of Broadway and Market streets, and is supposed to have caught from the chimney, as it had settled and seperated about four inches just beneath the roof.
It was about 11:30 in the forenoon when the fire was first discovered and the alarm sounded. In less time than it requires to write the fact the roof of the building was boarded and stove in with the hope of putting out the fire before it gained headway, but the structure being of wood and dry, the flames spread rapidly to adjoining buildings and was soon beyond control. The territory burned, comprises all that between Broadway and South first streets running east and west and between Pearl and Dover streets north and south, as well as that lying north of Broadway up to BERGSENG's property, and east to Olson's wheelwright shop, including John Erickson's blacksmith shop and barn east of Pearl." There is a list of damages and insurance coverage but either Bersing or Bergseng didn't lose anything or he was somehow omitted in the story. The village immediately began rebuilding and did have a water system installed.
E.E. Bersing was elected trustee in the first village election held on October 30, 1894.
NELS BERSING: (BROTTEM)
"The sad news of the death of Nels Bersing of Pine Creek in the Town of Albion by drowning in the river at LaCrosse last Thursday afternoon reached here early Friday morning.
The remains arrived here Saturday evening. The funeral took place Monday at the home of the departed and interment was made in the Pine Creek valley cemetery, Rev. S.S. Urberg of Blair, officiating.
Nels Bersing was born at Brottem, Norway on December 13, 1860. He came to this country in 1883 and located at Blair. In 1886 he located on the farm in Pine Creek which has since been his home.
In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Mathie Olson the ceremony being performed by Rev. Christopherson of Pigeon Falls.
He is survived by his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Geo. Roswall and Miss Mary Bersing of Minneapolis, and five sons, Eddie of Black River Falls, Simon B., Menford B., Milton and Nicoli at home. He also leaves one granddaughter.
Mr. Bersing was a highly respected resident of this county and was a trusted and honored neighbor and friend. He served as school district clerk for a number of years and also as a member of the Albion Town Board. He will be greatly missed by the people of the community and whose sympathy goes out to the grief stricken family in the great sorrow which befell them so suddenly." THE TAYLOR HERALD - August 17, 1923
ARNE O. BERG: (NORDRE, AURDAL)
"It is again our sad plight to chronicle the death of one more of our early settlers, Arne O. Berg died at his home Saturday morning, February 25, 1928, after a short sickness, at the age of nearly 70 years.
He was born in Nordre, Aurdal, Norway, March 22, 1858. We understand he came of a good famiy, but like many, many other young people, he emigrated to this land of America at the age of 18 years. He came to Trempealeau County a couple of years later, and in 1879, he was married to Miss Julia Anderson, and the union was blessed with five children, all of whom are living, namely, Ida, Mrs. Wm. Retchart of Roy, Wash.; Anna, Mrs. S.A. Potter of Maypeh, Minn.; Henry of South Valley, and Oscar and William at home. His good wife preceded him in death nearly two years ago.
The funeral was conducted by Rev. Preus, the 28th, and he was laid to rest besides his loved wife at the West Beef River Cemetery. The pall bearers were: Theo. Holmen, Theo. Peterson, Hans Holmen, Chas. Ihle, Ed Hagen and B.A. Freng.
We understand he bought a piece of land in the town of Unity shortly after his marriage, but did not take up permanent settlement there until 1895. He then started farming for good and has lived there ever since. He found his farm too small for best results so he soon bought a farm known as the Cox Bros. farm joining his. He then had about one half section, mostly under plow, and with the help of his good wife and boys made good. To sum up, a good man is gone and peace be to his memory." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - March 8, 1928
MRS. SEVER BERNTSON: (NORWAY)
"Mrs. Sever Berntson passed away Monday, March 31, 1952, at the Mauston hospital, where she was taken after suffering a stroke. As Inga Jenson she was born in Norway about 68 years ago. Following her marriage to Sever Berntson they lived on a farm south of Taylor, later purchasing a home in Taylor. Some time later moving to Milwaukee to be near their children. A few years ago, she and her husband moved to a little farm with Arkdale, Wisconsin, where she was taken ill. Mrs. Berntson is survived by her sorrowing husband and five children, Burnett, Marie, Pauline, Edwin and Joseph, and nine grandchildren all of Milwaukee, who mourn the loss of a dear mother and grandmother. She has brothers and sisters living in Norway and two brothers living nearby.
Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church in Arkdale Thursday April 3, at 1 p.m. and laid to rest in the Arkdale cemetery with Rev. Sigrud Urberg of New Lisbon officiating. Attending the funeral from Taylor were relatives: Thomas and Nels Berntson, Edwin Dahl, Thomas Christianson and Mrs. Tilman Johnson, and from Milwaukee were Mr. and Mrs. Ebert Oakland and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Oakland, besides a large gathering of relatives and friends. She was a member of the Arkdale Lutheran church. Six nephews were pall bearers. Mrs. Berntson was held in high esteem by all who knew her." THE BLAIR PRESS - April 10, 1952
BARBO BRETTEN BERG: (REINLI, SONDRE VALDERS)
"Barbo Bretten Berg, familiarly known among her neighbors as "Betsy" Berg, was born in Reinli, Sondre Valders, Norway, February 12, 1849. After her mother's death, her father, Ole Bretten, decided to go to America. With his two young daughter, Barbo and Gunhild-now Mrs. Lien -he came to Black Earth, Dane county, in 1867. Here he lived for three years and came to this county in 1870. His daughters soon as old enough went out to work as "hired girls" - not "maids" in those days.
About forty years ago Barbo became the wife of Knut Berg, who soon after with his wife went to Brookings, S.D., and took up land. After a short time Berg deserted his wife. Finding herself practically alone on the prairie she decided to come back to this county, where she had relatives and friends. For some years she supported herself and her child by work in the country.
Thirty-two years ago she came to Whitehall where she bought two lots and soon afterwards built a house. This done, she felt she was in a position not only to earn a living for herself and her little girl, but also to pay for her home. Her principal work was washing clothes and ironing. Early and late, year after year, she kept on until her girl grew to womanhood and became the wife of our genial barber, Martin Swenson. Swenson, willing to see her provided for without continuing her onerous labor, urged her to quit. But the spirit of independency had become part of her nature as well as the habit of working. Then one day when she was about sixty-three years old Swenson offered to pay her every week during the remainder of her life as much as she was then earning by washing. Reluctantly she accepted hs proposition, and it is a pleasure to record that Swenson kept his promise and paid her every week up to the time of her death.
About two and a half years ago, Mrs. Berg fell and broke her hp. Since that time she never walked and life had little to give her that she cared for. The kindest of care and solicitude for her well being could not heal her broken spirit. Her last sickness was brief. She was taken sick on the 26th of January and died two days later. It was a consolation to her, as well as her nearest relatives, that Rev. Christophersen, her former pastor, was with her during her last struggle. She was conscious up to the time of her death. The funeral was held in Our Saviours church January 31st, Rev. Christophersen officiating.
Besides her daughter, Clara Swenson, she leaves three half-brothers, John and Tom of Trempealeau counmty, and Carl of Donaldson, Minn., and one sister, Mrs. Gunhild Lien of Whitehall, and two half-sisters, Annie Bergerson of Hixton, and Mrs. Mary Thorson of the town of Pigeon, to mourn her loss.
It is told of Lincoln that he once said "God must love the poor for her made so many of them" Well, if He doesn't most of the heavenly mansions will be vacant, for a Greater One has emphasized how difficult it is for the rich to reach those mansions. Not that poverty in itself is a virtue for, in many instances, it is a positive sign of laziness, shiftlessness or other moral defects. But there is a moral dignity about the poor, who like Mrs. Berg, uncomplainingly take up the burdens of life, willing to use every talent and power they have to support themselves and their dependents. When we meet them we instinctively give them a regard we cannot grant others in a similar circumstances who depend on charity or public aid. H.A. Anderson - February 5, 1927" WHITEHALL TIMES - February 10, 1927
MRS. INGRI BERGUM: (VALDRES)
"The subject of this notice, Mrs. Ingri Bergum was born in Valdres, Norway, December 19, 1824, and died in the town of Garfield, Jackson county, Wis., March 11, 1908, aged 83 years, 2 months and 22 days. Deceased's maiden name was Ingri Olsdatter Ranum. She ws married to Ole Tideman Bergum in 1847, her husband dying in 1891. They came to America in 1865, living at Blue Mound, this state, where they resided two yeas, and came to Trempealeau county in 1868 and in 1905 she removed to Jackson county where she was cared for by her daughters, Mrs. Tideman Stenseth and Mrs. Ole Chester. She had 11 children, 7 sons and 4 daughters, of which 4 boys and 3 girls survive, as follows: Andrew and Tideman of St. Paul, Ole, Sr., and Ole, Jr. of Lincoln; Mrs. Emma Bateman of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mrs. Tideman Stenseth of York, Jackson county, and Mrs. Ole Chester of Osseo. The funeral occurred at Blair last Saturday, Rev. Gulbrandson officiating." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - March 19, 1908
OLE BERGUM: (VALDERS)
"Funeral services were held here in the Zion Lutheran church, January 25, for Ole Bergum, Jr., whose death occurred January 24, 1926, at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 21 days. Deceased was a resident of Plum Creek and for many years resided at Blair where his parents , Ole T. and Inger Bergum, settled in 1865 on emmigration to America from Valders, Norway, where deceased was born. His father was one of the founders of the Zion church.
He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Betman, Colorado springs, Colorado; Mrs. Chester, Northfield and two brothers, Ole Bergum, Sr., Eau Claire and Andrew Bergum, St. Paul, Minn." THE BLAIR PRESS - February 4, 1926
NELS L. BAKKEN (BIRI)
"On April 15, 1911, Easter morning at sunrise occurred the death of Nels L. Bakken, after illness of three months. Deceased was born Birid, Norway, March 15, 1837. He came to America in 1875 and settled on a farm in the town of Hale, living there until eight years ago, when he went to live with his eldest daughter, Mrs. Lara Lure, at whose home he died. In 1862 he married Lisa Brennom, who died 27 years ago. Four children were born to them, three of whom are living, namely, Mrs. Lars Lure, Mrs. Andrew Hammerstad and Mrs. John Skoyen. The funeral was held from the home last Thursday, Rev. A. J. Orke officiating, the remains being interred to the Synod Lutheran cemetery beside those of his wife and infant son, Ludvik." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - APRIL 27, 1911
THEODORE BAKKEN (VARDAL)
"Funeral services were held Friday for Theodore Bakken, 65, who died Monday at his home in the town of Gale. He was born in Vardal, Norway, April 13, 1871, the son of Mr and Mrs. Peter Bakken. At the age of 15 he came with his parents to America, the family settling in Trempealeau County. He worked as a farm hand in summer and at lumbering in the winter. At the age of 22 he began work with John Quinn of Galesville where he learned the pump and windmill trade. He then started in business for himself in Whitehall, in partnership with Arne Thompson. Seven years later Mr. Bakken sold his interest and purchased the farm at Blair. After a year he purchased the old Andrew Loken homestead in French Creek where he had resided since. Mr. Bakken was united in marriage to Sena Hedberg, December 3, 1898. He is survived by his wife; a sister, Mrs. Clara Rhude, Ettrick and a brother, John P. Bakken of Minneapolis; a daughter, Mrs. Norman Loken of Blair; a son Joseph on the home farm and one grandchild. Two children, Melvin and Palma, and a sister, Mrs. Ida Thompson, preceded him in death. Services were held Friday at the home and at the French Creek Lutheran church. The Rev. Johan Olsen officiating. Burial was made in the French Creek cemetery. Pal bearers were Edgar Peterson, Fred Hagen, Benjamin Nelson, Edward Dahl, Olaf Severson, Lewis Antonsen." THE BLAIR PRESS - NOVEMBER 5, 1936
CHRISTIAN BALSTAD (NES, HEDMARKEN)
"Christian Balstad was born in Nes Hedmarken, Norway, June 2, 1833, and died at Blair, Wisconsin, April 29, 1917, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 27 days. While Mr. Balstad had been ailing for some time due to a complication of ailment and old age, he was confined to his bed only about two weeks prior to death. In the spring of 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Rekka Evenrud. To this union but one child was born, a son, Albert, now of Broadview, Montana. In the year 1867 they came to America and settled in Clayton County, Iowa, where they resided for seventeen years, moving from there to Happy Creek, LaCrosse county, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1884, where they resided for 12 years. In the fall of 1896 they moved to Trempealeau Valley residing on a farm two miles east of Blair, where they resided until the spring of 1897 when they moved to Blair, their home thereafter, excepting the years of 1910 and 1911 spent with their son Albert of Montana. Mrs. Balstad died February 19, 1914. Besides the son Albert, deceased also leaves a foster daughter, Mrs. J.M. Nelson of St. Paul, Minn., one brother, Gilbert Olson also of St. Paul, and one granddaughter, Miss Mabel Balstad, of Galesville. The funeral was held from the First Lutheran church Wednesday afternoon, S.S. Urberg officiating." THE BLAIR PRESS - MAY 3, 1917
OLE BAKKO (NORWAY)
"Ole Bakko, 66, formerly of Fly Creek, died suddenly at Delavan, Sunday, February 27, of a heart attack, although he had been in poor health for some time. The remains were brought to Melrose Wednesday, March 2, where services were held at the Smith Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Howard White, and burial was in the Old Whitehall cemetery beside his first wife, who died in 1917. Mr. Bakko was born in Norway, August 12, 1882, where he was joined in marriage to Anna Bergeli and came to America in 1904. They lived in Minnesota a few years and later moved to Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming. They resided in Fly Creek for some time and then 20 years ago or more moved to Cataract near Melrose. In 1944 he was married to Mrs. Florence Smith and moved to Delavan. Survivors are his wife; two sons, Bernt of Delavan and George of Cataract, and four daughters, Ozella, Mrs. Nelson Dayton, Alma; Mrs. Clarence Bornitz, and Olga, Mrs. Charles Sanders, all of Cataract, and Lillian, Mrs. Merle Christopherson of Mondovi. He also leaves four stepchildren and 20 grandchildren." THE WHITEHALL TIMES, MARCH 10, 1949
MRS. REBECCA BALSTAD (HEDMARK)
"Mrs. Balstad passed away from this life, at her home here last Thursday, February 19, 1914 at 8 o�clock in the forenoon. The funeral services were held Tuesday at the house and at the U.L. Church, the Rev. S.S. Urberg and Dr. A. Forness of Winona, officiating. Rebecca Evenrud was born September 25, 1839 in Evenrudnes paa Hedemarken, Norway. On the 4th day of December 1852, she married Chris Balstad. On the 10th of April 1867 she accompanied her husband and immigrated to America, settling near McGregor, Iowa. Here they remained for seventeen years and then moved to Half Way Creek, LaCrosse County, Wisconsin and twelve years later came to the Trempealeau Valley locating on a farm two miles east of the village. They stayed there from the year 1896 to 1907 when they moved to the village of Blair which place has been their home with the exception of one year spent with their only son Albert, who resides at Commanche, Montana. It was during her stay in the west that her health began to fail and believing Wisconsin atmosphere would be beneficial, they returned. On the 4th day of December she was taken seriously ill, but rallied until the 9th of January when she was stricken with diseases of nephutis and asthma. Kind and loving relatives and friends hurried her to the LaCrosse hospital so that the best of medical attention could be received, but it was all of no avail and on the 13th of February she returned to her home to await the call of the Father to come to the celestial home. She had not long to wait and on the morning of the 19th she passed into the deep sleep. The deceased leaves an aged husband, one son Albert of Commanche, Montana, a foster daughter, Mrs. James W. Nelson of Concore, S.D., a granddaughter Miss Mable Balstad of Galesville, and two sisters at Fairview, Utah, to mourn her departure. Her father died 12 years ago and her father 8 years ago. Both at attaining an advanced age." THE BLAIR PRESS - FEBRUARY 26, 1914
CHRISTIAN C. BECK (AASNES, SOLAR)
"Christian C. Beck died at his old home in Lincoln township, now the home of Lewis with whom he had lived for some time, on Friday, August 20, 1920, and the funeral services were from Our Savior�s Lutheran church at Whitehall, Monday, August 23, at 2 p.m., Rev. O.L. Hofstad officiating. Interment was at Old Whitehall. Mr. Beck was born September 18, 1833, in Aasnes, Norway. In 1855 he was married to Martha Charlesdatter. He came to this country with his family in 1869. His wife died in 1885. Four children survive, Mrs. Martin Florin, Manuel and Arne Beck of North Dakota and John Beck of Fairchild. Two children have died, Carlot at Whitehall and Christian at LaCrosse." THE WHITEHALL TIMES-BANNER, SEPTEMBER 2, 1920
JOHN BECK (ELVERUM)
"John August Beck, 91, Taylor, died November 30, 1965 at 8:30 p.m. at his home in Franklin. He was born April 5, 1874, in Elverum, Norway and moved to this country with his parents in 1883. His parents were Anton and Andrea Bekken Beck. He was baptized in the Elverum church in Norway and confirmed by the Rev. B. Hovde in the Trempealeau Valley church here in 1888. He attended schools in Norway and West Franklin. They homesteaded on the present Bernard Beck farm in Franklin. He married Clara Gaaskjolen on October 11, 1906, at the Blair First Lutheran parsonage by the Rev. S.S. Urberg. He was engaged in farming until 1942, when he retired. Survivors are three sons, Johnnie, Racine; Leonard, and Curtis, Taylor; two daughters, Mrs. Selma Sasse, Milwaukee; and Mrs. Charles Finger, Prairie Village, Kansas; 16 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and one brother, Ole, Opheim, Montana. His parents, one son, one brother and two sisters are deceased. Funeral services were held Saturday at 2 p.m. at North Beaver Creek First Lutheran church, the Rev. K.M. Urberg officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery." THE BLAIR PRESS - DECEMBER 9, 1965
PETER BECK (SONDRE LAND)
"Peter Beck, aged 80 years, 9 months and 11 days, passed away at the home of his son Bernt in the town of Hale, June 29, 1931, after a lingering illness of five months. He was born in Sondre Land, Norway, September 18, 1850, and was married may 13, 1873, to Maren Olson Nordraak. He and his family came to America in June, 1882. They settled on a farm in the town of Hale, where he has resided all his life. His wife passed away about 40 years ago. Those surviving are his two sons, Andrew of Coral City and Bernt on the home farm, and one brother, John Peterson, near Alma. Funeral services were conducted at the home and at the Hale church July 2, Rev. Halvorsen officiating. The pallbearers were William Tuftum, Jacob Tingvald, Hans Hammerstad, Andrew Hammerstad, Willie Anderson and Bert Crawford. Undertaker E.A. Sletteland was in charge of arrangements." THE WHITEHALL TIMES- JULY 9, 1931
LUDVIG L. BEKKELUND (BIRI)
"Ludwig L. Bekkelund, 90, died early Thursday (April 30, 1965) morning at Black River Falls Community hospital where he had been a patient a week with pneumonia. He had been in ill health a year. He was born in Norway, July 18, 1874, to Mr. and Mrs. Lars Larson. The family changed the name to Bekkelund when coming to the U.S. in 1877 because there were so many Larsons. He married Josie Hedberg, December 9, 1903, in the Curran Valley church. They farmed in Curran Valley, moving a few months ago to Black River Falls to live with their daughter. He also hauled cream many years to the Sechlerville creamery. He was a janitor at the Curran Valley church, joining Taylor Lutheran church after the one in the valley closed. He was a member of the Curran Valley school board. He and his wife celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1963. Survivors are his wife; two sons, Lloyd, Black River Falls, and Newell, on the home farm; three daughters, Mrs. Melvin (Amy) Nordstrom, Taylor; Mrs. John (Luella) Erickson, Minneapolis and Mrs. Lester (Inez) Back, Black River Falls; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. One son, Edwin, died in 1929. The funeral services were held Saturday at 4 p.m. at Taylor Lutheran church, the Rev. W. H. Winkler officiating. Burial was in the Curran Valley cemetery." THE BLAIR PRESS - MAY 6, 1965
ENGVALD OLAF BENRUD (BIRI)
"Engvald Olaf Benrud, 68, passed away at the county hospital Monday, April 21, after a lingering illness. Mr. Benrud was born October 27, 1878, in Biri, Norway, and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Benrud and infant brother Nicolai in 1883. The family settled in Fitch coulee near Pigeon Falls. Later the family moved to Pigeon Falls, where they made their home until 1941 following the death of the parents. Engvald Benrud was also preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Norman and a sister, Hilda, Mrs. Oluf Olson. He is survived by one brother, Nicolai of Eau Claire, and four sisters, Ricka, Mrs. Anton Tomter, and Josephine, Mrs. Torval Everson of Eau Claire; Olive, Mrs. Arthur Stalheim of Madison and Milla, Mrs. Peter Nokeby of Augusta. Funeral arrangements are in charge of E.A. Sletteland and the service will be conducted by the Rev. C.K. Malmin at the U.L. church at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 24. Burial will be in the church cemetery." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - APRIL 24, 1947
MRS. JULIUS BENRUD (RINGSAKER)
"Funeral services for Mrs. Julius Benrud, 86, were conducted by the Rev. C.K. Malmin at the United Lutheran church Monday, February 12, preceded by services at the home. Pall bearers were Albert Fremstad, Elmer Dahl, Emil Borreson, H.J. Severson, Andrew Johnson and Einar Isackson and flowers were carried by Mrs. Lester Benson of Eau Claire and Miss Arlene Stalheim of Whitehall, granddaughters of the deceased. Mrs. Benrud, as Mathia Haakenson, was born in Ringsaker, Norway, December 10, 1853. She was married in Norway to Julius Benrud on October 24, 1878, and the couple completed 61 years of married life. Their golden wedding anniversary was appropriately observed in 1928. Two children were born in Norway, who came to America with their mother in 1883 to join their husband and father, who had come to this country the previous year. The family settled in this vicinity, which has since been their home. Mrs. Benrud is survived by her husband, four daughters, Mrs. Torval (Josephine) Everson of Eau Claire; Mrs Anton (Ricka) Tomter and Mrs. Peter (Nellie) Nokkelby of the town of Pigeon, and Mrs. Arthur (Olive) Stalheim of Whitehall; and two sons, Nicholi of Eau Claire and Ingvald at home. She is also survived by a brother, Emil Haakenson of Bagley, Minn., 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Three children, Hilda, Edwin and Norman preceded her in death. Mrs. Benrud died at her home at Pigeon Falls February 7, 1940, at the age of 86. Burial was in the United Lutheran Church cemetery." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - FEBRUARY 22, 1940
MRS. KARIN BENRUD (BIRI)
"The death of Mrs. Karin Benrud of Frenchville was but briefly mentioned by the Republican last week. Death came to Mrs. Benrud with just a warning. Although she was quite ill last winter, she had recovered and was apparently in good health. At 11:30 Wednesday morning, she suffered a stroke and a half hour later, she was unconscious. The end came at 6:30 in the evening. The funeral was held Saturday. A short service was held at the home at one o�clock and the remains were conveyed to the French Creek Lutheran Church, from which the funeral was held. Nearly 100 teams were in the procession to the church. The casket was almost hidden with floral tributes. The pall bearers were John Mason, O.J. Weverstad, P.O. Nilsestuen, N.B. Nelson, Even Gilbertson, Christopher Erickson. Mrs. Benrud was a native of Norway. Her birthplace was Biri and the date December 13, 1844. She sprang from one of the best known families of the community. In 1866 she came to this country, and two years later she married a companion of her childhood days, M.P. Benrud. They settled early in French Creek valley and continued there the remainder of their lives. Six children were born to them, all of whom are living: J.M. Benrud of Galesville; Peter, Emile and Miss Minnie Benrud and Mrs. Carl Mason of French Creek valley; and Mrs. John Raichle of Ettrick. Mr. Benrud died last October after an operation at a LaCrosse hospital. Thus the husband and wife, after retiring from active life and building a beautiful country home, enjoyed for a few sort years the society of each other in their declining years and then crossed over the river almost at the same time. The deceased leaves a sister and a brother in the old country and a brother, Even Hegge, who lives near Frenchville - Originally written in the GALESVILLE REPULICAN." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - MAY 18, 1911
ANDREW BENSON (ELVERUM)
"Andrew Benson, 91, died early Monday morning at the home of his son, Earl Benson, in Eau Claire. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the First Lutheran church with the Rev. K.M. Urberg officiating. William Dahl sang, accompanied by Mrs. Urberg at the organ. Burial was in the Zion cemetery. Mr. Benson was born in Elverum, Norway on March 5, 1860 and operated a farm north of Blair for many years. Following the death of his wife in 1948, he went to Eau Claire to reside with his son and daughter. He is survived by his son, Earl, and daughter, Hazel, Mrs. Andrew Wieland of Eau Claire, and two grandchildren, Robert Benson, in service and Anita Genson (Mrs. Roy Wright, Jr.) of Eau Claire. His wife and two children preceded him in death." THE BLAIR PRESS - JANUARY 10, 1952
MRS. ANDREW BENSON (GRUE, SOLAR)
:Funeral services for Mrs. Andrew Benson, who passed away at Eau Claire in the early evening of Thursday, October 28, 1948, were held at the Zion Lutheran church at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 31, the Rev. Luther S. Borgen officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Two hymns �In the Sweet By and By� and �What a Friend We Have in Jesus� were sung by Mrs. A.J. Sather and Mrs. Francis Herreid. Pall bearers were Selmer Nyberg, John Ness, Ole Urlien, Albert Quammen, Ed. J. Elland and Albert Tenneson. Helga Granberg, daughter of Ole Granberg, Sr. and Helene Larson Granberg was born in Grue, Solor, Norway, on July 14, 1865. The family emigrated to the United States in 1868, arrived in Trempealeau on July 4th of that year and shortly thereafter settled on the Granberg homestead north of Blair. Helga Granberg was the sixth of a family of nine children, all of whom have preceded her in death except her youngest sister, Mina. She was confirmed in the Trempealeau Valley church by the late Pastor Hovde. She attended grade school in Blair; grew to womanhood in Blair, and for a time was employed in Minneapolis, Minnesota and in Billings, Montana. On December 11, 1895 she was united in marriage to Andrew Benson by the late Rev. O. Gulbrandson. They resided for a short time in Neillsville, Wisconsin and in Wamsutter and Bitter Creek, Wyoming, and in 1903 built their home on the farm one mile north of Blair. Four children were born to this union, the two youngest of whom were twins and who have preceded her in death. Mrs. Benson and her husband resided continuously on their place north of Blair until the winter of 1942. From that time in, they spent the winters with their children in Eau Claire, returning to Blair for the summer months. Due to delicate health, Mrs. Benson remained in Eau Claire the past summer, having been confined to her bed since March. She was in fair health until October 11, when she was stricken with pneumonia, from which she did not recover. She was 83 years, 3 months and 14 days old at the time of her death. Surviving the deceased are her husband, Andrew Benson; one daughter, Hazel (Mrs. A.M. Weiland); one son, Earl; two grandchildren, Anita and Robert Benson, all of Eau Claire; and one sister, Mrs. Mina Grasberg of Blair." THE BLAIR PRESS - NOVEMBER 4, 1948
BERNARDT BENSON (ELVERUM)
"Another of the pioneer settlers of this community has passed to the Great Beyond in the death of Bernhardt Benson, which occurred at his home in Vossie Coulee at 10:00 o�clock on Thursday, July 29, 1920. He was born in Elverum, Norway, March 5, 1858, and with his brother, Andrew, came to America in 1881, coming first to Blair. His early days were spent working as a farm hand. The year 1883 he went to Canada where he was employed on the Canadian Pacific railway, working as far west as the Rocky mountains in what was at that time a wild stretch of country. Following that he worked in a saw mill at Eau Claire and in 1886, he purchased 120 acres of land in Vossie Coulee, which place has since been the home of himself and family. He was married in 1881 to Martha Christopherson who also came from Elverum, Norway. To this union eight children were born, one dying in infancy. Those surviving are: Christopher Benson and Mrs. James McNaire of Altoona, Wisconsin; Mrs. James Realy of Minneapolis; Mrs. Edward Tuff of Taylor, Wisconsin; Mrs. Paul Nasset of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Julius and Bennie at home. He also leaves two sisters in Norway; another sister Mrs. Olof Otterson of Trump Coulee and four brothers, Andrew of Blair, Oluf of Barlow, Oregon, Pete of Lublin, Wisconsin and Julius who lives in Canada. The cause of his death was cancer from which he had long been a sufferer. His age was 62 years, 4 months and 24 days. He has been one of the foremost citizens of this community, always progressive and anxious that his family should be well provided for. For eighteen winters he worked in the pineries of northern Wisconsin and for seven seasons followed the log drives, being one of that band of men who hewed out of a wilderness one of the prettiest and most productive states ever blessed by the smile of God and nature. And that he lived to see the fulfillment of that for which he and those other brave pioneers strived was a source of great satisfaction to him, as well as a beautiful memory to his family. The funeral was held at the Trempealeau Valley church of which he was a member, on Monday, August 2, 1920, conducted by Rev. S.S. Urberg." THE BLAIR PRESS - AUGUST 5, 1920
CARL BENSON (VAALER)
"Carl Benson died at the home of his nephew, Olaf Ericksmoen in Preston Thursday, September 26, in his 80th year. Mr. Benson was born in Vaaler parish, Norway, February 4, 1861 and came to Blair in 1881, where some of his brothers and sisters had settled. A greater part of his life was spent in Clark county, where he developed a farm. He is survived by two children, his wife and two sons preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church in Longwood township, Clark county, Sunday afternoon, September 29." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - OCTOBER 3, 1940
MRS. CARL BENSON (KONGSBERG)
"Jorgine Marie Benson, daughter of Lars and Mathilde Jorgenson, was born at Kongsberg, Norway April 11, 1870. She passed away at Longwood November 5, 1935. Mrs. Benson came to the United States with her mother in 1884 and joined her father in Longwood. The father preceded them by two years. She was married to Carl Benson in Eau Claire, October 1, 1892. To this union was born four children: one daughter and three sons, two sons having preceded her in death. Throughout her life, Mrs. Benson was an active missionary for church and social organizations in and about Longwood. Always serving others, never thinking of herself. Her death came as a climax to the complicated ailments from which she suffered for several years. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Carl; son, Leonard; and daughter, Mathide Flaaten; and three grandchildren, Jerome Flaaten, Leonard, Jr. and Darlene Benson. Funeral services were held at the Longwood Lutheran church Saturday, November 9th, officiated by Rev. Aaberg, and prayer offered by Rev. Theiffer of Greenwood. Interment took place in the church cemetery." OWEN ENTERPRISE - DATE UNKNOWN
JOHN BENSON (NORWAY)
"John Benson, aged 56 years, met death at the farm home of Peter Olson in Shake Hollow, Tuesday morning about nine o�clock. Mr. Benson had been assisting at the Olson farm with shredding and was engaged in cleaning up in the barn yard. The cattle were in the yard and included among them a two-year-old Durham bull. It is said the animal was not considered dangerous, and as Mr. Benson was armed with a fork, he felt secure in attempting to drive him away from the buildings. According to reports as explained to the writer, the animal crowded Mr. Benson against the building with his head and crushed him with such force that death resulted. Doctors from Melrose were summoned and Mr. Benson was still conscious when they arrived, but died a short time thereafter. It is believed the unfortunate man received internal injuries, as there were no marks or outward bodily indications of injury. Mr. Benson was a native of Norway, but has resided in this country many years. For years he resided in the village of Merrillan, where he was engaged in railroad work. About two years ago he sold his Merrillan property and purchased a tract of land from Louis Grinde, in Shake Hollow, and moved his family to this section. He built new buildings and improved his investment, intending to follow farming as a future occupation. Mr. Benson leaves a wife and a number of children, most of them grown-up. His unlooked for sudden death, came as a great shock to the entire community as well as members of his family. The deceased was an industrious, honest citizen, kind husband and father. He will be greatly missed in the family circle and by all favored with his acquaintance. The funeral services will be held at his late home today, conducted by Rev. Marvig, of Black River Falls, and the remains will be conveyed to Merrillan, his former home, for burial in the family plot in the Merrillan cemetery, where a son is buried. F.H. Smith, undertaker, of Melrose, has charge of the funeral arrangements. (From the Melrose Chronicle)" THE ETTRICK ADVANCE - OCTOBER 8, 1920
MRS. JOHN BENSON (FALLDALEN, GULBRANDSDALEN)
"One of Blair�s oldest citizens has crossed the threshold of life. Mrs. John Benson was known to all in the village, and was especially active despite her advanced age. Ragnild Bunderson was born in Falldalen, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, November 10, 1846, to Jorgen Gunderson Hoff and his wife Engbor. In 1870 the family moved to America with that stream of emigrants who sought greater opportunities in the resourceful western world. Of this family, seven have departed this world, while two brothers, Ole Hoff and Embert Bunderson of Hixton, survive. In 1873 she was united in marriage to John Benson Johnson Smalberg, who was commonly known as John Benson. Mr. and Mrs. Benson lived in Lakes Coulee for several years and later moved to this village which has been their place of residence for over 40 years. The Bensons were blessed with ten children. Of these, two boys died in infancy, and Clara, Lillian, Marie and Elmer have preceded her in death. Her husband also preceded her in death on November 18, 1927. She is survived by Richard of Blair, Ida Morrison of International Falls, Minnesota; Edward of Harlis, Minnesota; Benhard of Libby, Montana; and 15 grandchildren. During her declining years her son, Richard, had been her constant help, while her grandson William, faithfully and tenderly did all he could to make her happy, and her granddaughter, Lucille, aided in the home. After a brief illness she expired on December 21, 1932. Funeral services were conducted on Christmas Eve at the First Lutheran church with the Rev. Konrad Urberg officiating. Her body now rests beside that of her husband in the Blair cemetery." THE BLAIR PRESS - JANUARY 12, 1933
MRS. MARTHA BENSON (ELVERUM)
"Mathea Kristopherson Benson was born in Elverum, Norway, March 11, 1858 to the parents Christ. Kristoferson and wife. Mathea�s mother died when she was a small infant. She was baptized in the Elverum church and also confirmed in the same church. Her education was had in the church school of the Elverum Parish. In 1880 she came to the United States finding work near Whitehall. In 1881 she was united in marriage to Bernhart Benson. He worked as a laborer in various places until in 1866 he purchased a farm in Vosse Coulee which farm was their home until his death on July 29, 1920. She continued to live on the farm until 1925 when she lived among her children in their respective homes. In 1933 she made her permanent home with her son, Bennie, of Minneapolis. Death came on Sunday morning, June 27, 1937 following a stroke which she suffered on Wednesday, June 23, from which stroke she never regained consciousness. One child, Bennie, died in infancy. She is survived by the following children: Christopher Benson, whereabouts unknown at present; Mrs. Hannah McNair, Altoona, Wisconsin; Mrs. Bertha Realey, Minneapolis; Mrs. Edward Tuff, Blair; Mrs. Paul Nassett, Eau Claire; Julius Benson, Nashus, Montana, and Bennie Benson, Minneapolis. Her body was laid to rest beside that of her husband and child in the Trempealeau Valley cemetery. The bell in the old church which she loved so dearly and which had called her to worship so many times during her many decades of membership there, tolled a kindly and loving last farewell until the glorious resurrection morn. Blessed be her memory. The services were conducted by the Rev. Konrad Urberg in whose family Mrs. Benson had received spiritual ministration for 44 years. Burial was on Tuesday, June 29." THE BLAIR PRESS - JULY 1, 1937
MRS. ANNIE BERG (SWEDEN)
"Mrs. Annie Berg was born in Jemtland, Sweden, October 10, 1853. She was married to Ole O. Berg in 1880 and they left for America, arriving in Blair June 2, 1882. Seven children were born to them, of which five are living. They are: Ole, Goodwin and Nels of Dupuyer, Montana and Albert and Helmer at home. Two sisters, Mrs. Martin Benson of Red Wing, Minnesota and Mrs. Charles Anderson of Monticello, Minnesota, survive. Her death occurred at the home in Larkin Valley Thursday September 27, 1923, funeral services were held Saturday, September 30th from Rev Boe�s church. All the children were present except Goodwin. Her husband still survives her." THE BLAIR PRESS - OCTOBER 4, 1923
BERTHE BENSON (SONFJORD)
"The subject of this sketch was born in Sonfjord, Norway, February 2, 1827, and died at Brill, Barron county, Wisconsin, on the 8th day of April, 1917. Hjelmeland, the farm on which she was born, though only a short distance from an arm of the seas, lies at an elevation of several hundred feet above sea level, in a valley easily spanned from mountainside to mountainside by a single farm. Around her were the mountains voicing their unchanging majesty from age to age. Sometimes in the clinging robes of almost constant sunlight, varying from the splendor of high noon, the deeps of the valleys awoke to son and gladness, to that mystic glow at night when the sun seemed to pause at the edge of the world to enhance the beauty and grandeur of crests and peaks covered with eternal snow. Nor was the scene less impressive when the long dark winter days shrouded the mountains with wandering mists and shadows rarely pierced by an unclouded sun. It was then that Saga spoke most effectively to the children of the Northland. From canyons deep in granite hills where knomes and dwarfs wrought magic swords and rings; from mounds and cairns eloquent with tales of great ancestors� deeds: from �Ur� and Cliff where the wise bear sleeps and fairies hold their carnivals; from winding fjords and gloomy caves where the unresting sea gives birth to plaintive threnodies over the uncoffined forms of loved ones lost; from glacier torrents where the Ice King builds his palaces-such were the environments and molding forces of her childhood and youth. Orphaned early by her mother�s death, she served as maid and mistress in her father�s home until about twenty years old. After that came service in the homes of strangers when the yearly salary was a suit of clothes plus two to four dollars. In 1852 she was married to Andrias Hanson, but as neither of them had any property, they continued to work in separate places until 1856 when they bought a small farm in the parish adjoining her birthplace. Here, hopefully, they began to build their home, but inside of six weeks the husband died, leaving her with two children. She continued on the farm and the following year married Ole Gunderson. As the years went by without apparent gain in wealth, and news drifted in with increasing frequency of splendid opportunities in America, they grew restless and in 1867, they sailed on the good ship Norden for the United States, reaching Quebec in six weeks and three days. There, together with six hundred and fifty fellow passengers, they were bundled into box cars and shipped to Grand Haven, Michigan, and thence by steamer to Milwaukee. When they reached Milwaukee with their five children, they had neither food nor money. Pledging what little household goods they had brought, they secured transportation to LaCrosse. Here they were picked up by the Steamer War Eagle, fed by the Negro cook or steward, taken to Winona, Minnesota, where they remained for a day or two with no other shelter than a shed which they crept into to protect themselves from the sun. While here, occurred one of those incidents that helps to make life worth living. A gentleman passing noticed the forlorn conditions of the little group, stopped to investigate. What he said is unknown for his language was strange, but what their gestures and attitude indicated was quickly understood by him. He went away and in a few minutes returned with crackers, cheese and bologna sausage. Having watched with satisfaction the rapid disappearance of the food he brought, he left, but in a short time returned and handed the husband about eleven dollars in money. Finally, to complete his mission, he brought a Norwegian to whom they could explain their situation and by him they were put aboard the War Eagle on her return trip from St. Paul on the evening of July fourth. Again they were taken to LaCrosse, then transferred to another boat which landed them in Trempealeau on the morning of July fifth. On this side of the ocean they knew but one man, whose address was written as follows: �Mads Knudtson, Witehlle, Tromfalo Co, Weskonsin�. The scrap of paper containing this was guarded as the most sacred possession during their long voyage and journey. But the man whose name it bore was unconscious of the fact that they had left their homes until they wearily dragged themselves to his door three miles above Pigeon Falls. This is why they walked from Trempealeau through the hot sun, the father and mother each carrying a child. Mads Knudtson was the first man with family to emigrate from his parish to the United States. When he saw these new-comers, he was almost as glad as they were in finding him. He gave them a hearty welcome and much assistance in getting employment. During that summer they lived with Mr. Knudtson, and the following spring they settled on Big Slough in Jackson county. Here they lived most of the time until 1882 when they moved to Hutchinson county, South Dakota. Gunderson died in 1897. In 1901 Mrs. Benson sold her home in Dakota and moved to Long Lake, Washburn county, Wisconsin, where for a short time she lived with her youngest son. But when she found that he was about to marry, she established another home about two miles south of Long Lake. On May 28, 1903, she married Nils Benson and lived on her farm until two years ago, when feeling the weight of her advanced age, she decided to quit farming. During the last two years she lived in Brill. She is survived by her husband, Nils Benson, and all her children as follows: Ole Anderson of LaCrosse; H.A. Anderson of Whitehall; Andrew Gunderson of Keystone, South Dakota; Julia Iveland of Brill; Hannah Smith of Presho, South Dakota; Fred Gunderson of Long Lake; Adolph Gunderson of Freeman, South Dakota. Mrs. Benson was endowed with remarkable physical strength, endurance and energy. Life dealt her many hard blows but she rebounded quickly from every fall with a buoyancy and optimism that irradiated all her plans and prospects." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - APRIL 19, 1917
ANDREW BERG (BIRI)
"Andrew Berg passed away at his home in Pigeon Falls on Wednesday, July 4, 1928, at the age of 76 years. He was born in Biri, Norway, November 30, 1851. He came to America in 1882, going directly to Fargo, North Dakota. They remained there only through the summer, then coming east, settled in LaCrosse, where he worked in the lumber mills for two years. In 1885, he came to Trempealeau County, settling where he has made his home for 43 years. He was married in 1880 to Syverine Larson of Lillehammer, Norway. To this union was born nine children, namely: Jens and Mrs. Alvin Halverson, Holmen; Ludvig and Bennie of Pigeon Falls; Mrs. G.T. Mundy, Gildford, Montana and Mrs. John Nelson, Eleva; all of whom were at his bedside at the time of his death. A daughter, Mrs. Christ Mattison of Eau Claire died a year ago and two children died in infancy. His wife preceded him in death seven years ago. He had been in poor health for some time, but did not seem seriously ill up to two weeks before his death. He died peacefully with a steadfast faith in his Saviour. The funeral was held Saturday, July 7, from the home and at the U.L. church at Pigeon Falls, Rev. Orke officiating and Undertaker Sletteland in charge. The floral offerings were beautiful." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JULY 12, 1928
MRS. ANDREW BERG (RINGSAKER)
"Mrs. Andrew J. Berg died at her home near Pigeon March 4, 1921, after several years of poor health. Mrs. Andrew Berg, whose maiden name was Syverine Larson, was born in Ringsaker, Norway, February 17, 1858. She was married to Andrew J. Berg and shortly after migrated to this country, arriving at LaCrosse, where they lived for two years. Then they moved to the town of Hale, where they bought a farm which has been their home ever since. Mrs. Berg has been in poor health for several years, and this winter became a victim of consumption which in connection with other ailments proved too much for her. A sorrowing husband and seven children mourn the loss of a kind and loving wife and mother." THE WHITEHALL TIMES-BANNER, MARCH 24, 1921
ARNE B. BERG (AASNES, SOLAR)
"Funeral services for Arne B. Berg (often called Flismoen) were held on Wednesday, April 13, at the Blair First Lutheran church. Pastor Konrad Urberg officiated and Rev. and Mrs. Urberg sang the funeral hymns. Arne B Berg was born July 24, 1867 in Aasnes, Solor, Norway to Mr. and Mrs Berger Anderson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Aasnes church. In 1891 he came to America, and in 1893 was united in marriage to Agnes Madsen at LaCrosse by the sainted Rev. E.O. Vik. The couple farmed in Trempealeau Valley until 1930 when they moved to Blair. Mrs. Berg passed away May 30, 1948. Children born to the couple are: Carl of Fergus Falls, Minn.; Alfred of Taylor; (Emma) Mrs. Roy Anderson of Chicago; Milton of Berwyn, Ill.; Leonard of Chicago; Alma, deceased in 1929; (Hilda) Mrs. William Nauert of Madison; Tilman deceased in 1916; and Norman of Minneapolis. The only member of the family now living in these parts is Alfred, the second son, living near Taylor. Mr. Berg made his home with the children and with the T.B. Thompsons after the death of his wife. He had been ailing in health since the demise of his wife. He was hospitalized about two weeks before his death and passed away at the Whitehall hospital on Sunday, April 10, 1949. Interment was in the old Trempealeau Valley cemetery beside the dear ones who had passed on before him." THE BLAIR PRESS - APRIL 21, 1949
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MRS. ARNE B. BERG (AASNES, SOLAR)
"Mrs. Arne B. Berg was born Agnes Madsen to Carl Madsen and wife, Emma, June 15, 1874 in Aasnes, Solar, Norway. She was baptized and confirmed in the Aasnes church before coming to America in the early 1890�s. She was married to Arne B. Berg of LaCrosse in 1893 by the Rev. E.O. Vik and they resided there for three years. In 1896 they moved to a farm in Trempealeau Valley, Jackson County, and in 1930, retired and took up residence in Blair. Funeral services were held at the First Lutheran church with the Rev. K.M. Urberg officiating. Burial was in the Trempealeau Valley cemetery. She is survived by her husband, five sons, Carl, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Alfred, Taylor; Melvin, Berwyn, Ill.; Leonard, Chicago; and Norman of Minneapolis; three daughters, Olga, Mrs. Emmett Strandberg, Minneapolis; Emma, Mrs. Roy Anderson, Chicago; Hilda, Mrs. William Neuert, Madison; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren as well as a brother and two sisters. A daughter Alma, died in 1929 and a son Tilman in 1916." THE BLAIR PRESS - JUNE 10, 1948
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ARNE I. BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"Funeral services for Arne I. Berg who passed away at his home in Lakes Coulee, November 5, 1951 at the age of 93, were held at the home and at the First Lutheran church in Blair Friday afternoon with the Rev. K.M. Urberg officiating. Burial was in the Zion cemetery. Arne Iverson Berg was born July 17, 1858 at Solor, Norway, the son of Iver Arneson Berg and wife Oliana Olesdatter. He was baptized in Norway and confirmed in French Creek. There being no church there in those days, the confirmation took place in a group of aspulund or a group of trees. He came to this country at the age of thirteen years and spent the remainder of his life on the Berg homestead in Lakes Coulee, living there for more than 80 years and building it up into one of the most highly developed farms in the community. He was married to Eli Arneson on November 18, 1882, at Whitehall. Eight children were born to this union, five of whom with their mother survive to mourn his death. They are Iver O. Berg, Blair; Mrs. J.W. Petry, Emma, of Minneapolis; Mrs. Clarence Gunderson, Clara, of LaCrosse; Odwin on the home farm and Norens Berg of Seattle. There are also 31 grandchildren and 45 great-granchildren. Preceding their father in death were Olive, Mrs. John Thompson; Sena, Mrs. O.W. Sorenson and Almer Berg of Minneapolis. Mr. Berg was the last member of the once large Berg family, his sister, Mrs. Karen Myhre, and brothers Ole, Reinholt, Julius and Otto having predeceased him." THE BLAIR PRESS - NOVEMBER 5, 1951
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MRS. ARNE I. BERG (AASNES, SOLAR)
"Funeral services for Mrs. Arne I. Berg, 94, pioneer Lakes Coulee mother, were conducted Tuesday afternoon with preliminary devotions held at the Gibson Funeral home followed by services at the First Lutheran church in Blair. Rev. K.M. Urberg officiated and burial was in the Blair cemetery. Mrs. Berg had been in ill health for some time and was admitted to the Community hospital at Whitehall last Friday where she passed away Saturday, November 29, 1952. As Eli Arnesdattter Arneson, Mrs. Berg was born in Aasnes, Solar Norway June 8, 1858 and lived there until she was 22 year old when she came to America. She was married to Arne Iverson Berg of Lakes Coulee on November 18, 1882 and lived on the Berg farm in Lakes Coulee until her death, a period of 70 years and 11 days. Nine children were born to this union, four of whom preceded their mother in death. Her husband died November 6, 1951. Surviving are Iver A. Berg, Blair; Mrs. Emma Petry, Minneapolis; Clara, Mrs. Clarence Gunderson, LaCrosse; Odvin on the home farm; and Norens Berg, Seattle, Wash. She is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. Her six brothers and sisters are deceased. Mrs. Berg was a charter member of the First Lutheran congregation and of the First Lutheran Ladies Aid." THE BLAIR PRESS - DECEMBER 4, 1952
CARLIUS BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"The death of Carlius Berg occurred at his home in Lakes Coulee on Tuesday night, November 18 after an illness of some duration. Mr. Berg was one of the very early settlers of this community, coming here when the valley was sparsely settled and helped with its development. He has all these years made his home on the farm where his death occurred. His wife died several years ago and their only child is also dead. Funeral services were held at the home Friday at 1 p.m. and at the First Lutheran Church in Blair at 2 o�clock in charge of Rev. S.S. Urberg." BLAIR PRESS THE WHITEHALL TIMES - NOVEMBER 27, 1924
MRS. CARLIUS BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"The funeral services of Mrs. Carlius Berg, one of the oldest ladies of Lakes Coulee, were held at the S.L. Church May 20, 1914 conducted by the Rev. S.S.Urberg. The remains were laid to rest in the Synod Cemetery. Bertha Oledatter Skerderud was born in Vaaler, Solar, Norway, March 17, 1837 and immigrated to this country August 1871. On December 28, 1872 she was married to Carlius A. Berg and settled on a farm in Lakes Coulee, where she resided until her death which occurred May 17. Her only son preceded her death two years ago. Her husband, four grandchildren, a daughter and two sisters, Mrs. A.H. Messingstad of Lakes Coulee and Mrs. Nels Peterson of Portland, Oregon, besides a host of friends and relatives mourn her demise." THE BLAIR PRESS - JUNE 4, 1914
CHRIST FINSTAD BERG (NORWAY)
"Christ Finstad Berg died at his home last Sunday morning at 8 o�clock after a week�s illness. The deceased was born in Norway, February 7, 1850, and came to this country when a young lad. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Charles Williams, Mrs. Hans Enger, Mrs. Charlotte Benson and Mrs. M.K. Wang, and a son, Andrew. The funeral was held at St. Paul�s church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Kjemboe officiating." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - MAY 2, 1929
DR. CHRISTIAN BERG (VAALER)
"Dr. Christian Berg, 79, physician in Whitehall from 1905 to 1915, died recently in Vaaler, Solar, Norway according to a letter received by Mrs. Adolph Hanson from Mrs. Sigurd Folkestad of Oslo. Dr. Berg and family returned to Norway in 1915. Mrs. Folkestad�s husband, Sigurd Folkestad, is a former pastor in Oslo, now retired. He spent some years in this country and while serving a church in Strum, met and married Mae Hovre. Mrs. Folkestad is a cousin of Mmes. F.O. Bitter, R.A. Holtan and E.L. Gilbertson of Whitehall." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - MARCH 6, 1952
DANIEL O. BERG (VERMLAND, SWEDEN)
"Funeral services for Dan Berg, resident of Whitehall since 1922 who died at his home June 28 following five months of illness with heart trouble and complications, were held at the home and the Chimney Rock Lutheran church Thursday, the Revs. O. G. Birkeland and A. Wichmann officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mrs. Carl Jahr and Mrs. J.E. Rhode, Whitehall, sang solos at the church, the former, �Den Store Hvide Flok. And the latter �Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling� accompanied at the organ by Mrs. William Olson of Eleva. Pall bearers were grandsons of the deceased, Ralph, Randolph and Elmer Olson, Benny Berg and Darwin and Anton Anderson. Flowers were carried by Lorraine and Dolores Berg, granddaughters. Daniel Olson Berg was born in Vermland, Sweden, April 10, 1859, son of Ole and Mattie Danielson. On December 25, 1880, he was united in marriage to Britta Petterson of Darby, Sweden. For three years, Mr. and Mrs. Berg resided in Sweden where one daughter, Martha, was born. Embarking May 26, 1883, the Berg family set out for America, arriving at Independence June 25. They settled on a homestead in Chimney Rock, where they lived 17 years. Here nine children were born to them, making a family of ten, six of whom survive their father. Mrs. Berg died on January 7, 1920. For two years after his wife�s death, Mr. Berg lived at Independence and other places, then bought the house on Scranton Street, Whitehall, where he lived until his death. On August 8, 1922 he was married to Caroline Gunderson of Minneapolis, who survives him, together with the following six children: Martha, Mrs. August Anderson, Ole Berg and Emma, Mrs. George Lokken, Independence; Edwin and Wilhelm Berg, Whitehall, and Selma, Mrs. Lars Larson, Osseo. A sister also survives, Mrs. Halvor Hendrickson of Melrose, 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The children who preceded their father, besides his first wife, two brothers and one sister, were Helmer, Bessie, Albion and Minnie. Mr. Berg was 78, years, 2 months and 18 days at the time of his passing." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JUNE 8, 1937
INGEBORG ERLIEN BERG (TOLGEN)
"Ingeborg Erlien Berg was born in Tolgen, Norway, December 18, 1861. She was united in marriage to Ole P. Berg on November 14, 1886. They both came to America in the month of June, 1887 and settled on a farm near the village of Strum, which had since been their home. Mrs. Berg passed away on January 2, 1933, after a lingering illness of several months. She leaves to mourn her death, her husband, Ole P. Berg; four children, Marie; Mathilda; Geoline and Ovid, and three sisters and one brother, who reside in Norway. The funeral services were held at the St. Paul�s Lutheran Church, Rev. O.A. Hjemboe officiating. Interment was made in the St. Paul�s cemetery." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JANUARY 19, 1933
MRS. JOHN BERG (VERMAND, SWEDEN)
"Mrs. John Berg, nee Erickson, was born at Varmland, Sweden, September 1, 1855. She immigrated to America in 1884, and settled in the town of Chimney Rock, where she has had her home ever since. Mrs. Berg was first married to Christ Storberg, and to this union was born 8 children, of whom four survive their mother. In 1897 she married to Halvor Henrickson and had by him one child. Mr. Henrickson was killed in an accident, and the 16th of October, 1903, she was united in marriage to John Berg. Mrs. Berg had been failing health for the last two years and she passed away December 25, 1927. Besides her husband she leaves to mourn her death her five children; Mrs. M. Matson, Edwin and Sigval Berg of Chimney Rock; Mrs. O. Christopherson of Superior; and Mrs. Hanson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her brothers, Andrew Erickson of Washington; Ole Erickson of Oakes, North Dakota; Chr. Erickson, Sweden, and Mrs. Storberg, Sweden; twenty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The funeral took place from the Chimney Rock church, December 30, Rev. Wichmann officiating." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JANUARY 5, 1928
OLE G. BERG (VARDAL)
"Ole G. Berg was born in Vardal, Norway, October 11, 1844; was married to Berte Marie Larson April 11, 1867. They came to America and settled down in Trempealeau County, near Pigeon Falls, in 1880. They moved to York, Jackson county, where they lived several years, and 19 years ago they bought some property in Coral City and made a home there. In 1916 they sold to Nels Winjue and moved to Wittenberg, where he had his home till he died, August 25, 1921. Mrs. Berg died November 30, 1920. They leave no children." THE WHITEHALL TIMES - SEPTEMBER 8, 1921
OLE O. BERG (GRUE, SOLAR)
"An aged and respected citizen of Larkin Valley passed away Wednesday night April 7, 1937. Ole O. Berg was 87 years, one month and 3 weeks old at the time of his death. He survived two serious illnesses, one of eleven years ago and one of two years ago. Though hearing and vision suffered from the impact of the years, his mental faculties were alert at his advanced age. Ole Olson Berg was born in Solar, Norway, February 17, 1850, the son of Ole Hanson Skyberg and wife, Kari Petersdatter. He was of a long-lived race, his father died at 91. He was baptized in the Grue church April 14, 1850. He was confirmed in the Brandvold church October 1, 1865. He worked as blacksmith, farmer and timber worker in the old country. In the course of his work he met in Sweden the girl who was destined to become his wife, Anne. They were united in marriage by the Swedish Lutheran pastor, O.A. Staaf December 18, 1880. The family came to America in 1882. Here Mr. Berg found employment as stone mason and farmer. In common with most of his neighbors, the winters were spent in the woods of northern Wisconsin. The present farm was purchased in 1884. His wife died September 27, 1923, and a son Ole, August 5, 1930. The children who mourn the loss of a good father are Goodwin, Great Falls, Montana; Nels, Dupuyer, Montana; Albert and Helmer at home. There are two grandchildren. Mr. Berg was a member of long standing in the Zion Lutheran church, an earnest Christian who strove to walk meekly and uprightly before his God. He made diligent use of the mass of grace and his soul longed for the Homeland. He served the congregation many years as an usher. Last rites for Mr. Berg were held on Monday at the Gibson undertaking parlors and the Zion Lutheran church, Rev. T.E. Sweger officiating. Mr. Angus Sather sang �Den Store Hvide Flok� and �Beneath the Cross of Jesus.� Pall bearers were Theodore Austin, Charles Borreson, Ole Roseth, John Ness, Thorvald Nyberg, and Otto Olson. Flower girls were Thea Lovberg and Agnes Olson. Interment was beside his wife in the Zion Lutheran cemetery." THE BLAIR PRESS - APRIL 15, 1937
MRS. OLIANA BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"Mrs. Oliana Berg died at the home of her son, Arne, on Thursday, October 12, and the funeral was held from the Synod Lutheran church on Monday, October 15, in charge of Revs. Urberg and Boe. Interment was made beside her husband in the Lutheran cemetery. Mrs. Berg was born in Norway and there married to Iver Berg, emigrating to America in 1870 and settling on their farm in Lakes Coulee where they spent the remainder of their lives. Her husband died seven years ago and since that time she has resided with her son, Arne, and family on the old homestead. She leaves six children - five sons and one daughter: Mrs. Myrhe of Osseo, Reinolt, Arne and Otto of Lakes Coulee, Julius of North Dakota and Ole of Barlow, Oregon, the last named being the only one not able to be present at the funeral Mrs. Berg has lived a creditable life, always being foremost in the social and church work of the community and the great respect which was felt for was attested by the large number of people who gathered to pay their last respects to this good woman. She was born May 27, 1825 and is therefore 91 years, 4 months and 19 days old." THE BLAIR PRESS - OCTOBER 19, 1916
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OLIVE BERG (SANEBERG)
"Olive Berg passed away at her home March 5, 1912 of consumption. Deceased was born in Saneberg, Norway, October 19, 1891, and when quite young came with her parents to Wisconsin. She leaves to mourn her death a father and mother, two brothers and one sister, namely, Selma, Johnnie and Emil; also four half-brothers and one half-sister. She also leaves many friends to mourn her death. She was laid to rest Friday beside her brother, Knut, who died this fall of consumption. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C.J. Helson." THE WHITEHALL TIMES AND BLAIR BANNER - MARCH 14, 1912
OTTO BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"Funeral services for Otto I. Berg, 84, who passed away in peaceful sleep Friday afternoon, June 1, 1951, were held at the First Lutheran church, Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. K.M. Urberg officiating. Burial was in the Rest Haven cemetery here. Otto I. Berg was born March 8, 1867 in Vaaler, Solar, Norway to Iver Arneson Berg and wife Oliana Olsatter. He was baptized in the Vaaler church and came with his parents to this county in 1870 at the age of three years. The family settled in Lakes Coulee which was then almost virgin territory, and that community was his home until he retired in 1929 and moved to Blair. He was married to Emma Amelia Syverson on May 28, 1896 by the lat Rev. S.S. Urberg and to this union thirteen children were born, all of whom survive. His wife died on September 19, 1921. On November 20, 1929, he was united in marriage to Ida Olson Nygardsmoen who preceded him in death on April 8, 1947. Mr. Berg was reared to agricultural endeavor and that line of work was his lifetime pursuit. He lived a full and active life and used his God-given talents in clean and honest endeavors. He enjoyed the visits of his many friends but of late years, only a few of his old time friends remained, others having passed to the Great Beyond. In his youth, he worked in the pineries and on the railroad. He saw transportation facilities progress from ox teams to horse power and then to automobiles and was skilled in the use of all. The trust his fellow men placed in him is attested by the various positions of public trust to which he was chosen at different times. He was vice president of the Preston Creamery for a number of years, was town supervisor, held office in the school district and various offices in the First Lutheran church and was president of the cemetery association. He was an active member of the congregation and contributed liberally to its support. Survivors are Miss Agnes Berg, at home; Olga, Mrs. Walter Crandall, Rochester, Minnesota; Everett, Alvin, James, Myron and Richard, Blair; Adella, Mrs. Palmer Stone; Hazel, Mrs. Raynard Peterson and Luella, Mrs. Frank Lebold, LaCrosse; Gerald, Ettrick, and Irving, University of Minnesota.. He is also survived by a brother Arne I. Berg, 93, of Lakes Coulee who is the last surviving member of the family, three brothers and a sister having preceded him in death. Thirty-two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive a kind and loving grandfather." THE BLAIR PRESS - DATE UNKNOWN
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MRS. OTTO BERG (AASNES, SOLAR)
"Funeral services for Mrs. Otto Berg were held at the home and at the Blair First Lutheran church on Saturday, April 12. A very large congregation was present to pay their last respects to one who had found a place in the affection of a large number of friends among both the older and the younger set. Hymns were sung by her granddaughter of Rochester, Minnesota, and by a chorus from the First Lutheran Ladies Aid, of which aid she had been an active member and had held a major office. Mrs. Urberg played the funeral music and Rev. Konrad Urberg officiated. In her memory memorials were created in large numbers to various benevolent causes. Interment was in the family lot at Rest Haven. Ida Olsen was born March 1, 1881 in Aasnes, Solar, Norway, to Ole Olsen Nygaardsmoen and his wife, Marie. She was baptized and confirmed in the Aasnes church. November 20, 1929 she was united in marriage with Otto I. Berg at Bismark, North Dakota, and the couple made their home here in Blair. Mrs. Berg had been ill for some time, but the gravity of her condition was not apparent. She entered the hospital on Monday and as the midnight hour neared on Tuesday, April 8, 1947, she passed away in a heart attack. She is survived by her husband and four children: Mrs. Ester Flaget of Kellogg, Idaho; Harold Anderson of Stockton, California; John Anderson of Halliday, North Dakota; and Arthur Anderson, of Archerwill, Sask., Canada. There are also 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. With deep respect and affection the six oldest sons of Mr. Berg carried the body of the woman who had made the past 17 years pleasant and happy for their aged father, to her resting place beside that of their own mother who earlier had likewise been a fine and loving wife unto him. Blessed be her memory." THE BLAIR PRESS - APRIL 17, 1947
SIGVALD BERG (NORWAY)
"Sigvald Berg, 81, French Creek, died Monday at a LaCrosse hospital after a long illness. Funeral services were held at the Runnestrand Funeral Chapel in Ettrick Wednesday evening and at French Creek Lutheran Church Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Luther K. Keay officiated and burial was in the French Creek cemetery. Mr. Berg was born in Norway September 20, 1873 and came to this county in 1882 with his family which settled in the French Creek valley. He was married to the former Clara Nelson in 1901. She died in 1921. Berg was engaged in farming in the French Creek community and he was a member of the French Creek church. Survivors include five sons, Lester, on the home farm; Sanford and Ernest of French Creek; Oscar, Alma and Theodore, Pleasantville; three daughters, Mrs. Oscar Dahl, Whitehall; Mrs. Archie Dahlby, LaCrosse and Mrs. Norman Hagen, Abrahams� coulee; 35 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren." THE BLAIR PRESS - JANUARY 13, 1955
ANDREW J. BERGE (SONDFJORD)
"Andrew J. Berge was born in Dale, Sondfjord, Norway, April 2, 1861. June 12, 1880 he came to Big Slough, Jackson County, Wisconsin. At first he made his home with his brother, Jens J. Berge, who had come to this country several years before. Among those who came with Andrew Berge from Norway, was Katrine Expedal, the lady who the next fall became his wife. Not long after his marriage, he bought part of his brother�s farm and here he spent the greater part of his active life. Here five children were born to him. His health, never very good and his body not strong, he found life a more bitter struggle than the average of men. But with the assistance of his patient, faithful wife, and the help of his children, as they grew up, he built up a good home and prospered more than many who had better opportunities. About ten years ago he sold his farm to his son, Henry, and bought a small place just over the line in Trempealeau County. Here he found a cozy home where he and his wife spent the rest of their days. His wife, who was his senior by almost eleven years, passed away August 10, 1929. During several yeas Mr. Berge and his wife had with them their daughter, Jennie, who was given them the most tender and efficient service that could be given them. His sons, John and Henry, living close by were also very good in looking after the needs of their parents. Mr. Berge�s last sickness began about February 3rd, but was not considered serious until February 5 when a doctor was called. On February 5, recalling that it was the 92nd birthday of his friend and neighbor, Jens Staff, Sr., he sent him the following greeting: �Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin, February 5, 1930. Dear Friend, Thou Old Jens Staff. As on account of sickness, I cannot go to see you; therefore, I will say with David: �I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil and do good; and dwell for ever more. For the Lord loveth judgementh and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever.� A friendly greeting and my earnest wish that God�s grace and blessing may rest over you on your 92nd birthday. A. J.Berge and Jennie� I called on him on the 15th and found him conscious and seemingly mentally alert, but struggling bitterly with disease. In the morning of the 17th, he passed away. Funeral services were held in the lower Pigeon Falls church February 19, Rev. Oerke officiating. The church was filled with sympathetic friends and neighbors. The following names of children survive him: John A. Berge, Henry A. Berge, Jennie Berge, all of whom are residents of Pigeon Creek Valley; and Clara Johnson of Enderlin, North Dakota. He also left thirteen grandchildren. I have known Mr. Berge ever since he came to Big Slough, and our contacts have been frequent and always friendly. Among other circumstances that made our relations intimate was the fact that Mr. Berge occupied for about forty years the home that was the first home of my parents in this country, the home in which I was married, and which was the first home I owned. Berge was one of a group of people from Norway known as �Sondfjordinger,� one of the smaller fjords on the west coast of Norway. Mads Knudson was the first of this group to settle here, and my folks came next. During the seventies and early eighties came many more. Some have moved away, many have died, but there is still a considerable number in Pigeon Valley. During later years, Mr. Berge�s position among these people was rather unique. He was naturally of a wide-awake, nervous, temperament, sensitive to every change and passing event, and equally ready to express his sensations and opinions. For this reason, to use a homely illustration, he was among his fellows �a live wire.� His presence had a quickening influence on all whom he came in contact with. And though he found fault with many existing things, every one who knew him, will testify that in his conduct, he sought to live up to the highest standards. He was indeed a clean, good man. The four fine children he left behind him, are the highest testimonials of two successful lives. Written February 23, 1930 by H.A. Anderson" THE WHITEHALL TIMES - FEBRUARY 27, 1930
MRS. ANDREW J. BERGE (DALE)
"Mrs. Andrew J. Berge was born in Dale, Norway, the 16th of January, 1850, and passed away at her home in Big Slough August 10, 1929. Mrs. Berge came to America in June, 1880, and was married to Andrew Berge November 12, that same year by Rev. Helsen. This union was blessed by five children. Johan died in infancy and those who mourn her death are: John, Henry, Jennie, Her aged husband, and a daughter, Mrs. Martin Johnson, who lives at Enderlin, North Dakota The Berges have lived in Big slough all their married life. The last few years Mrs. Berge has been confined to her home most of the time. Her daughter, Jennie, cared for her. Mrs. Berge was laid to rest in the U.L. cemetery August 13, Rev. Orke officiating." THE BLAIR PRESS - AUGUST 22, 1929
REINHOLTE I. BERG (VAALER, SOLAR)
"Reinholte I. Berg, 89, was born in Vaaler, Solar, Norway on December 8, 1861. He came to America with his parents in 1870, settling in the Blair community. He was confirmed in the Trempealeau Valley church by the Rev. A. Anders Lobben on June 16th, 1878. His marriage to Laura Thoraldson was performed by the Rev. B. Hovde on November 18, 1891. To this union eleven children were born, nine of whom, with the wife and mother survive. When Mr. and Mrs. Beg celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the Fagerness church, four generations of the family were present. Mr. and Mrs. Berg went to California about three years ago to make an extended visit with their children living in that state. His health became impaired about two years ago and he spent a brief time in a hospital. Since that time he had been a wheel chair invalid and quite helpless but never complained and was always appreciative of everything done for him. He passed away in his sleep Friday evening, June 3, 1950, at the home of his daughter in Pasadena. Funeral services were held at Memory chapel in Pasadena by the Rev. R. O. Aga, pastor of the Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran church, and the body was shipped to Blair, where services were held Monday June 19th at the Fagerness Lutheran church with Rev. K.M. Urberg officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Besides his wife, survivors are Iver O. Berg, Blair; Mrs. Olive Fisher, Marie Berg, Mrs. Cora Gunderson and Mrs. Thea Brastad of Pasadena; Russel Berg of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; Thomas Berg of San Pedro; Thorald Berg of Pasadena; and Martin Berg on the home farm in lakes Coulee. He is also survived by two brothers, Arne I. Berg of Lakes Coulee and Otto I. Berg of Blair, 26 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Berg was a just and an honest man, ever concerned about his church and church school to which he contributed generously. When the Fagerness church was built he helped haul bricks by team all the way from Galesville. He had lived a long and full life and was tired and ready to go when his time came." THE BLAIR PRESS - JUNE 29, 1950
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ANTON BERGER (NORWAY)
Funeral services for Anton Berger, 95, were held Monday afternoon at the farm home in German Coulee, near Ettrick, and at the South Beaver Creek Lutheran church. The Rev. K.M. Urberg conducted a Norwegian service and the Rev. George C. Strum, pastor of the church, conducted an English service, as was done for his wife who died in 1944. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Berger died Friday morning at the home of his daughter (September 20, 1951), Mrs. Julius Mason, Galesville, where he had lived for ten weeks. He had been in failing health the last year. Berger sat for a photograph showing five generations of his family at a party held in his honor recently. Born in Norway, June 12, 1856, Berger came to America at the age of 16. Farming, logging in the pineries and threshing were his occupations. He farmed in the area for 46 years. For 40 years he lived on the present Berger farm in German Coulee. He married Nicolene Nelson in 1885. She died November 28, 1944. Nearly 100 descendants survive, including four sons, five daughters, 35 grandchildren 48 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. His sons are Levi, Bangor; John, Melrose; Alfred, LaCrosse; and Lloyd, on the home farm; daughters, the Mmes Julius (Millie) Mason, Galesville; Oluf (Josephine Olson and Lewis (Matilda) Osley of Ettrick; Louis (Luella) Becker, LaCrosse, and Kolbjorn (Irene) Oppegaard, Blair. Also surviving are a brother George, Ettrick and a sister, Mary Johnson, Ettrick. Six grandsons who served as pallbearers as they did for their grandmother were Archie and Clifford Dahlby, Arthur Berger, Thomas Mason, Leo Osley and Irvine Becker. Four granddaughters who carried flowers were LaVonne Berger, Lulu Belle Becker, Mary Ellen Oppegaard and Mrs. Donald Stoner. THE BLAIR PRESS - SEPTEMBER 27, 1951
MRS. ANTON BERGER (NORWAY)
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the home and 1:30 p.m. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran church, the Rev. H. O. Aasen and the Rev. K.M. Urberg, Blair officiating, for Mrs. Anton Berger, 77. Burial was in the South Beaver Creek cemetery. Mrs. Berger died Tuesday evening at her home in German Coulee, Franklin township. The former Miss Nickolena Nelson, she was born in Norway, May 22, 1867, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Nelson. She was married in 1885 and the couple engaged in farming. She was a member of the South Beaver Creek Lutheran church. Survivors include her husband, three brothers, Nels Nelson, Peter Nelson and Henry Nelson, Melrose; two sisters, Mrs. Martin Carlson, Texas and Mrs. Ole Wold, Black River Falls; five daughters, Mrs. Oluf Olson, Sparta; Mrs. Julius Mason, Galesville; Mrs. Kobjorn Oppegaard, Blair; and Mrs. Lewis Oslie and Mrs. Lewis Becker, Ettrick; four sons, Alfred, LaCrosse; Levi, Bangor; John , Melrose, and Lloyd on the home farm; 32 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. THE BLAIR PRESS - DECEMBER 7, 1944
MRS. HELEN BERGE (NORWAY)
Mrs. Helen Berge, 93, Big Slough community resident died at her home Thursday morning, December 21, 1939. She lived with her son, Joe, and has been in a declining state of health for some time. Mrs. Berge was born in Norway, October 3, 1846 and was a pioneer resident of the town of Pigeon. She is survived by three sons, Joe at home, John of Alsen, N.D., and Nicholi of Whitehall, and also a sister, Mrs. Jens Vosseteig and a brother, Jens Tollefson, both of Big Slough. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday this week at the home at 1 o�clock and at the United Lutheran church at Pigeon Falls at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. C.K. Malmin will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. THE BLAIR PRESS - DECEMBER 28, 1939
JENS K. BERGE (DALE)
The familiar words, �In the midst of life we are in death,� can well be applied to the sudden death of Jens K. Berge. Without any previous warning he passed away peacefully at his home in Pigeon Falls July 15, 1952, at the age of 78 years, six months and 10 days. Only his wife was at his bedside at the time of his death. Jens K. Berge was born January 5, 1874, in Dale, Sonfjord, Norway, the son of the late Karsten and Rachel Jarstad. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Norway. When he was 23 years old, he came to America and resided at the home of his late uncle, Andrew Berge in Big Slough. It was at this time that Mr. Berge changed his surname from Jarstad to Berge. On May 2, 1908, he was united in marriage to Betilda Marie Johnson by the late Rev. A.J. Oerke. They resided in Pigeon Falls where Mr. Berge was employed in the Ekern Mill for 15 years. Later his occupation became farming until he retired about five years ago. He is survived by his wife; three children, Ruth, Mrs. William Hagen, Osseo; Laura, Mrs. Chester Lunde, Taylor; and Clarence, Pigeon Falls; and six grandchildren, Gertrude, Jul and Rachel Hagen, Elizabeth, David and Mary Lunde. Mr. Berge was a devoted husband and father. He was a faithful worker and supporter of the U.L. church, of which he was a member. His quiet, friendly and kind ways will long be remembered by those who knew him. He bore the respect of everyone in his community, and this was evidenced by the many relatives and friends who attended the funeral services Sunday afternoon, July 20, from the home of his son, Clarence, and at the U.L. church, the Rev. S.L. Amlie officiating. Ovid Berg of Osseo sang �Den Store Hvide Flok� and �Going Home�. Flower carriers were three grandchildren, Gertrude and Rachel Hagen and Elizabeth Lunde and a nice, Lorraine Thompson. Casket bearers were Orville Nereng, Karl Klomststen, Arthur Skumlien, Bennie Berg, Oluf Lovlien and Bendict Lokken. Interment was in the United Lutheran cemetery at Pigeon Falls. Blessed be his memory. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JULY 31, 1952
OLE BERGSLAND (NORWAY)
Ole Bergsland, one of the oldest residents of Bruce Valley, died at his home Here last Saturday morning. Deceased was born in Norway 83 years ago and came with his family to this county 38 years ago and settled in this valley which has since been his home, He is survived by a son, Oscar, and two daughters, Mrs. Carolina Mortenson, residing in North Dakota, and Mrs. Maria Lenroot of Minneapolis, beside a number of grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the church Monday September 30. The church was filled to capacity by a crowd paying their last respects to the departed. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - OCTOBER 3, 1929
MRS. TOM BERGUM (SOLAR)
Funeral services for Mrs. Tom Bergum, who died at the Community hospital at Whitehall last Friday morning (March 1, 1946) following a 24 hour illness, were held Wednesday afternoon at the Rhode Funeral Home in Whitehall and at the Fagerness Lutheran church with the Rev. Harold Aasen, Ettrick, assisted by Re. O.G. Birkeland, Whitehall, officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. As Carrie Olson Taie, Mrs. Bergum was born March 22, 1879, in Solar, Norway. When she was three months old the family came to America and settled in Lakes Coulee, which community was her home until about five year ago. There she was confirmed by the Rev. Ole Myhre and married on June 30, 1898 to Tom Bergum, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Myhre at the French Creek parsonage. Following their marriage the young couple settled on a farm in that community and resided there until their retirement five years ago. They lived in Whitehall the past three years. Mrs. Bergum is survived by her husband and 11 children: Bennie Bergum, Vancouver, Wash.,; Inga, Mrs. Oscar Jahr, Independence; Alice, Mrs. M.M. DeBoe, Salem, Ore.; Cora, Mrs. Ben Berg, Vancouver, Wash.; Lillian, Mrs. Leonard Jahr, Madison; Gladys, Mrs. Milton Strand, Whitehall; Lawrence, who resides on the home farm in Lakes Coulee; Tilman, Whitehall; Capt. Lester Bergum, Sacramento, Calif.; Doris, Mrs. Arthur Frederickson, Whitehall; and Cpl. Farrell Bergum, Ueda, Japan. She also leaves 21 grandchildren; thee brothers, Gilbert Taie, Minneapolis; and Edwin and Alfred Taie, International Falls, Minn.; and one sister, Mrs. Elmer Hanson, Oshkosh. One daughter, Ida, preceded her in death at the age of 14 months. THE BLAIR PRESS - MARCH 7, 1946
JENS TOLLAKSON BERGE (DALE)
Jens Tollakson Berge, 79, a resident of this vicinity for almost half a century, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jens Vosseteig, January 13, following an illness of about one year. He suffered a stroke about a year ago and another in April. After being cared for at the Community Hospital at Whitehall for several weeks, he was removed to the home of Mrs. Vosseteig, where he died at the age of 79 years, six months and nine days. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. C.K. Malmin Friday afternoon, with the Rev. A.J. Oerke delivering a sermonette in Norwegian. Pall bearers were John A. Berge, Henry Berge, Jens Berge, Mat Lokken, Louis Hanson and Severt Staff. Mrs. E.A. Sletteland accompanied by Mrs. A.J. Solboe sang �Tank Nor En Gang.� Jens Tollakson Berge was born in Dale, Sondfjord, Norway, on July 4, 1862, a son of Tollak Sorenson and Anne Nilsdatter Bortne Berge. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by the Rev. P.L. Smith. He came to America in 1881 and was employed at various occupations until he settled on the Tollakson farm in Big Slough, Jackson county, in 1894, and made his home for the remainder of his life. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Jens Vosseteig. His parents, four brothers, Soren, Nils, Anders and Johan, and a sister, Mrs. Helen Berge, preceded him in death. He lived a quiet, humble, Christian life. Blessed be his memory. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JANUARY 22, 1942
JOHN T. BERGE (DALE SONDFJORD)
Funeral services for John T. Berge were held Saturday, May 22, at the United Lutheran church preceded by services from the home, with burial in the church cemetery. Undertaker E.A. Sletteland was in charge of arrangements, the Rev. H.A. Oerke officiating with the Rev. A.J. Oerke speaking in Norwegian. The Rev. H.A. Oerke sang, �Volt Alle Dine Vele.� The pallbearers were Jens and Severt Staff, John A. and Henry Berge, Mads Sletteland and Matt Lokken. Memorial wreaths were given in the deceased�s memory by a large number of relatives and friends. John T. Berge was born in Dale, Sondfjord, Norway, September 24, 1859, of the parents Tollack and Anne Berge. He was baptized and confirmed and grew to manhood there and was united in marriage to Anne Espedal, also of Sondfjord, before coming to this county in 1884. Soon after arriving he purchased the farm which remained his home until he passed away on May 18 at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 24 days. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JUNE 3, 1937
GEORGE BERGER (EIDSVOLL)
Funeral services for George Berger, 96, who died Saturday (December 18, 1965) at a LaCrosse hospital, where he had been a patient for one week, were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran church. The Rev. H.P. Walker officiated and burial was in the church cemetery. Berger was born November 3, 1869 at Eidsvoll, Norway. He came to this country as a child with his parents. He married Olive Carlson at Black River Falls, September 21, 1904. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1964. Mr. and Mrs. Berger were engaged in farming in the Lee area in the South Beaver Creek valley until 1951 when they retired and purchased a home in Ettrick. He is survived by his wife. They had no children and Berger was the last of his family. THE BLAIR PRESS - DECEMBER 23, 1965
MARY BERGER (LILLEHAMMER)
Mrs. Constance Pernella Mary Grunn Berger passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Will Smith, Wednesday, April 14th, after a lingering illness. The deceased was born in Lillehammer, Norway, June 30, 1848. When fourteen years of age she came to this country with her parents. She lived with her parents in LaCrosse until September 15, 1883, when she was united in marriage to O.A. Berger. Two daughters were born to bless this union, one passing away in infancy. Her husband preceded her in death 33 years ago. Due to failing health, Mrs. Berger had spent the past several years here with her daughter. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C.B. Bestul at the Smith home Saturday, after which the body was taken to Onalaska for interment Mrs. Smith has the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of her mother. THE ETTRICK ADVANCE- APRIL 23, 1926
EBERT BERGERSON (VAALER, SOLAR)
Ebert Bergerson, one of the old residents of Blair and a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home here Saturday, March 12, 1921. He was born in Vaaler, Norway, November 19, 1846 and came to this country when but a child of eight years. He first lived in Pennsylvania four years and later came to Blair and here he was always since made his home. He served one year in the Civil War, being 17 years of age at that time. In 1873 he was married to Thea Taralson and to this union eight children were born, six preceding him in death. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, a son, Anton, of Taylor; and a daughter, Mrs. H. Everson of Hankinson, N.D. Funeral Services were held at the U.N. Lutheran church Tuesday, Rev. Boe officiating. The body was laid to rest in the church cemetery. THE BLAIR PRESS - MARCH 17, 1921
OLE BERGERSON (EIDSKOGEN)
Ole Bergerson passed peacefully away Saturday night, May 4, at his home in Bruce Valley after a day�s illness. His age was 85 years, 10 months and seven days. Deceased was born in Eidskogen, Norway, June 27, 1854, of the parents Berger and Berthea Bergerson. At the age of 21 years he came to America. He was employed near Milwaukee for a short time and later came to Bruce Valley in the town of Hale. In the year of 1878 he was united in marriage to Maria Halvorson. The young couple established a home in Bruce Valley, where Mr. Bergerson lived until death took him. To this union 11 children were born, two of whom, Albert and Otto, preceded Mr. Bergerson in death besides his wife, who died 2 � years ago. With the passing of Mr. Bergerson another pioneer has laid aside his implements of labor and joined the companions of his earliest years in the chambers of rest and silence, where pain, sorrow and adversities can no longer reach him. Deceased enjoyed many years of excellent health which extended to the day he was taken sick with his last illness. Always active in doing his part on his own farm, he was also ready to help others and he was a cheerful giver to the church, which he loved. Surviving him are the following children: Amanda, Mrs. Carl Christophersn, Hale; Bennie, Eleva; Melvin, Manitous Springs, Colorado; Hartwig, at home; Olga, Mrs. Hjalmer Halvorson, Chimney Rock; Hannah, Mrs. Carl Gunem, Bruce Valley; Minnie, Mrs. Clarence Folkestad, Forest City, Iowa; Ole, Minneapolis; and Clara, Mrs. Elmer Olson, Kalispell, Montana. He is also survived by 44 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three sisters, who live in Norway. Funeral services were held at 2 o�clock Thursday, May 9, at the Bruce Valley church, where a large crowd gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased. The Rev. N.E. Halvorsen officiated and six grandsons of Mr. Bergerson served as pallbearers, Odel, James, Percy and Harold Bergerson, Odell Christopherson, and Ernest Gunem. �They laid him away, our dear old Dad; Why do we weep, why be so sad? He longed to go, his heart was sore For our dear mother who had gone before. His days so lonely, his nights so long, He couldn�t forget her smile and song. A loyal pair this husband and wife; Through bitter death they gained sweet life. They met again in heaven above, So do not weep, do not sad- They are happy now, our Mother and Dad.� THE WHITEHALL TIMES - MAY 23, 1940
OLE BERGERSON (VAALER, SOLAR)
Ole Bergerson was born in Vaaler, Solar, Norway, December 3, 1838, of parents Berger Bergerson and Olea. He was married to Melie Bakken April 22, 1868. Shortly after in May they set out for America and arrived in Blair. Here they made their home with friends the first two years. Then they moved to Northfield driving with a team of oxen, Mrs. Bergerson holding in her arms a three-week old baby. At Northfield four children were born. These, together with the first born, are all living and mourn the departure of their aged father, who died at the Lutheran hospital at Eau Claire March 11. Mr. Bergerson was at his death, 88 years, 3 month old. He was buried March 15 from his old home in Northfield and laid to rest in the Upper Pigeon Creek cemetery, Rev. Christopherson officiating. In addition to the five children, Mrs. J. Hanson, Eau Claire; Berger Bergerson, Northfield; Olaf Bergerson, Northfield; Lena Bergerson, LaCrosse and Emil Bergerson, Northfield; he also leaves 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Ole Bergerson died May 22, 1907. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - MARCH 17, 1927
MRS. THEA BERGERSON (VAALER, SOLAR)
Mrs. Thea Bergerson was born in Solar, Norway, July 25, 1849. She emigrated to America in 1870 and in 1873 was married to Ebert A. Bergerson. Eight children were born to them, four dying in infancy. Emil died of black diphtheria in 1908. Emma died in 1909. Mr. Bergerson died in 1921. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. H.J. Iverson of Wahpeton, N.D. a son, Anton Bergerson, of Hixton, Wisconsin and two brothers, Ole Thompson of Black River Falls and Ed. Thompson of Eleva. Two brothers preceded her in death, Bent and Martin Tharaldson of Blair. For 44 years Mr. and Mrs. Bergerson lived on the farm a half mile west of Blair. Ten years ago they moved to Whitehall, living there three years. She then moved to Blair, where she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Iverson, where she died April 30, from a stroke of paralysis. Funeral services were held at the Zion Lutheran church in Blair, of which church she has been a faithful member during her entire residence here. Rev. T.E. Sweger conducted the services, which were held May 4 at 2:00 o�clock p.m. Interment was made in Zion cemetery. THE BLAIR PRESS - MAY 12, 1927
OLAF O. BERGET (TOLGEN)
Death claimed one of the few remaining pioneers of this region when Olaf O. Berget passed away Sunday night, June 22, at 11:45; 1952, at the Whitehall Community Hospital. He had passed his 73rd milestone of life. He had not been well the past three years, but was able to be up and about his home until Wednesday before his death when he was confined to his bed. He was born in Tolgen, Norway April 23, 1879, the son of the late Oliver and Kari Berget. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Norway and attended school there. In 1901 he came to America and to Jackson county, where he made his home for some time with his brother, Mikkel. He was united in marriage to Marie Gilbertson August 25, 1923, in the Lutheran church at Pigeon Falls by the Rev. E. B. Christopherson He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Marie, one brother, Marti of Northfield, one sister Olena of Hallsingland, Sweden, many nephews and nieces, and several other relatives. Services were held for him at the Sletteland-Hagen Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. and at 2 o�clock at the S.L. church at Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin. Officiating clergyman was Rev. E.B. Christopherson. Frederick Nelson of Eau Claire sang two solos, �I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say� and �We Shall Sleep, But Not Forever.� Rev. E.B. Christopherson sang the beautiful Norwegian hymn �Den Store Hvide Flok vi Ser.� They were accompanied by Mrs. Obert Lundberg. Rev. Christopherson based his service on the 25th Psalm, stressing David�s confidence in God thru prayer, also he praeth for remission of sin, and for help in affliction. The congregation sang the hymn �I Know of a Sleep in Jesus Name.� Pallbearers were Sidney Gilbertson, Hans Gilbertson, James Thompson, Theodore Thompson, Milton Johnson and Ole Berget. Flowers were in charge of Mrs. James Thompson and Mrs. Ole Berget. Final resting place was at the synod Lutheran cemetery. Mr. Berget was honest and trustworthy, faithful in every way to his friends and family. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Mikkel Berget and Carl Berget, four sisters, two of whom passed away in Norway, namely Marie and Olava, Mrs. Joseph Johnson (nee Johanna) and Mrs. Oscar Peterson (Nee Elene) in the U.S.A. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - JULY 3, 1952
AUGUST BERQUIST (SWEDEN)
August Bergquist passed away December 15 at Eitel hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 87 years. Funeral services were held December 19 at the Davies mortuary at 1:30, the Rev. Elias Rasmussen officiating. He was laid to rest at the Crystal Lake cemetery. Mr. Berquist was born in Sweden February 29, 1864. He came to America at the age of 18 years. He stayed in Iowa for a year and then moved on to Minneapolis. Here he worked as a painter for the Milwaukee railroad for 17 years. In 1893 he married Margaret Knutson. In 1902 they moved to Whitehall where they resided for many years, returning to Minneapolis in 1942 where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife and their one daughter, Amy, survive him. THE WHITEHALL TIMES - DECEMBER 27, 1951
MATT BERGUM (BIRI)
Matt Bergum passed away Friday, May 11, 1923 after a lingering illness, due to a bad heart. For the past year his condition has not been good, but with that his sudden death was a complete surprise to his family and many friends. The deceased was born in Biri, Norway, May 7, 1867 and immigrated to America with his parents when a child of two years. His parents homesteaded a farm in South Beaver Creek, about five miles east of the village. During his early years he worked as a stone mason and continued this occupation up until the time of his marriage. He was united in marriage to Emelia Swenson October 13, 1898, and to this happy union was born four children, namely, Even, Stella, Elmer and Alex, all of whom are living to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father. After his marriage he purchased a farm and continued to operate this until several years ago, when he sold it and purchased a smaller farm, the latter being his home until the time of his death. The deceased was a highly respected citizen and good neighbor, often times his home was the scene of neighborly gatherings. He was a true Lutheran and the faithfulness with which he served his church will be a fond remembrance to his many friends. Besides his widow and four children to mourn his loss, he also leaves two sisters, Mrs. G.W. Smith and Mrs. Henry Amoth and one brother, John. Funeral services were held in the South Beaver Creek church Monday May 14, at which a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respects to one that they so highly cherished. The pall bearers were the six Swenson brother (brothers of the surviving widow) and after an excellent sermon given by the Rev. Bestul, the remains were gently laid to rest in the family lot of the South Beaver Creek cemetery. THE ETTRICK ADVANCE- MAY 18, 1923
MRS. GUST BERG (JACKSON COUNTY, WISCONSIN)
Funeral services were conducted on Thursday afternoon, October 25, 1963 for Mrs. Gust Berg of Black River Falls. The Pastor Walker, of Ettrick conducted the service from the South Beaver Creek Lutheran church. Interment was made in the church cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her husband in the Danielson family lot. Mrs. Richard Olson was the soloist, and Mrs. Kathryn Cole the organist. The pallbearers were Allen Grinde and Victor Johnson, nephews; Erick Olson; Walter Pfaff, Vernon Ramsey and Leon Ramsey. The Langlois-Galston Funeral Home had charge of funeral arrangements. Ellen Alette Danielson, eldest daughter of Knudt and Karen (Johnson) Danielson, Norwegian immigrants, was born February 5, 1886, at the farm home of her parents in the Lee community of Jackson county. She was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran faith. Her confirmation was May 5, 19021, in the Ettrick Norwegian Lutheran Church by the Rev. S.S. Urberg. Prior to her marriage to August (Gust) Berg September 18, 1924, she was employed by Donaldson�s in Minneapolis. Her husband operated a blacksmith shop in North Bend, Wisconsin at the time of their marriage, and later they moved to Black River Falls where they resided about 30 years. He was a blacksmith for the Jackson County Highway Department until retiring in 1949. They had celebrated their silver wedding anniversary at their home on September 18, 1949. His passing occurred on July 17, 1961. She had been in poor health for the past seven years, and was hospitalized a number of time but was always patient and never complained. She had been a patient at the Jackson Home since August 15, 1961 until she was taken to the Krohn Hospital on October 14, 1963. She passed away there a week later, on October 21. She is survived by two brothers Carl Danielson of Seattle, Washington and Daniel Danielson of Jackson Home, Black River Falls; and three sisters: Josephine, Mrs. Helmer Grinde, Melrose; Nina, Mrs. Leonard Johnson, Blair; and Frieda, Mrs. Erik Olson Duluth; and several nieces and nephews. SOURCE - FAMILY SCRAP BOOK
KNUD S. BERGSETH (NORWAY) (2)
Knud S. Bergseth, a blacksmith by trade, was born in Norway, December 23, 1842. He is a son of Soren and Anna Bergseth, who were natives of Norway. The mother died in her native land but the father emigrated to America in 1872 and passed his last days in Jackson County, Wisconsin. He was a blacksmith by trade and it was from him that our subject received his most excellent training in this occupation. There were nine children in the family, of whom Knud S. was the second born. He grew to manhood in Norway and was early inured to the labor of his trade. He remained content in the land of his birth until 1870, and he then determined to cross the sea to the land which welcomed the nationalities of the world. After landing on our shores he continued his journey to Wisconsin, and selected Jackson County as his future home, and worked at his trade until five years later, when he invested in land near Taylor, Jackson County, and has brought this to a good state of cultivation; the farm consists of 200 acres and is well improved with fine farm buildings. When Mr. Bergseth came to America he was entirely unable to speak the English language and had little to rely upon except his natural resources. By wise management, and the exercise of his faculties he has accumulated a comfortable property, and has arisen to a position of independence. He is a Republican in his political opinions but has declined the public offices that have been offered him. He has retired from active work on his farm, and is now occupied with his trade in the village of Taylor, where he enjoys a liberal patronage. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Inger Amundson in Norway and of this union, two children were born: Sam and Amos. The mother died in 1871 and the father was married a second time to Miss Dorothea Hanson of Jackson County Wisconsin. She is the mother of seven children: Helmer, Anna, Jorgen, Evert, Marie, Carl and Edna. HISTORY OF CLARK AND JACKSON COUNTIES - 1891
ALBERT J. BAARDSETH (TOWN OF GALE, TREMPEALEAU COUNTY)
Albert J. Baardseth, proprietor of a general store and feed mill at Hardie�s Creek, Gale Township, was born at Hardie�s Creek, this township and county, July 4, 1879. His parents were Andrew and Mary (Hemma) Baardseth, both of whom were born in Ringsaker, Norway. Andrew Baardseth came to the United States when 30 years of age, about 50 years ago, locating in Lewis Valley, LaCrosse County. For 13 winters he worked in the pineries and in the summers on farms. He then bought land near North Bend, Jackson County, and was engaged in farming there for seven or eight years. At the end of that time he located on the farm on which his son, Albert J. was born, and where he is still living, though it is now the property of his son. His wife, to whom he was married in this state, died in 1885 at Hardie�s Creek. Mr. Bardseth was the fourth born of his parents� six children. He acquired his elementary education at the Glasgow school in Gale Township, and was later graduated from the LaCrosse Business College, March 27, 1902. At the age of 17 years he began working for others and so continued at intervals until 1902. He then began clerking in a general store at Ettrick and was thus occupied for four years. He then became associated with D. H. Strand in the firm of D.H. Strand & Co., general merchants at Galesville, where he carried on business for three years and a half. At the end of that time he came to his present location and opened the store he is now conducting, which has a floor space of 30 by 42 feet and basement. He carries a general line of groceries, dry goods, ready-to-wear furnishings, hardware, crockery, boots and shoes, and such other articles as make up the stock of a first class general store. He also owns 126 acres of land, on which his store is located, which he also operates in connection with his mercantile business. Mr. Baardseth keeps a number of cows and is engaged in dairying, but gives his personal attention chiefly to his mercantile business Aside from these interests, he is a stockholder and director in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank at Galesville, the Independent Harvester Company of Plano, Illinois, and the Waseca Milling Company at Waseca, Minnesota. Mr. Baardseth was married September 10, 1903, to Laura Evenson, who was born at Hardies Creek, Gale Township, this county, daughter of Bernt and Lena (Ekern) Evenson. Her parents were natives of Biri, Norway, but were married in Wisconsin. The father, coming to this vicinity when a young man, worked out for a number of years, but later became a land owner and farmer in Trempealeau County. Subsequently he moved to LaCrosse, where he was employed for a number of years in the lumber mills. Afterwards he returned to the farm, then occupied by his parents, and resided on it until about 1904, when he took up his residence with Mr. and Mrs. Baardseth, who were then living at Ettrick. Upon Mr. Baardseth�s removal to Galesville in 1910 he took up his residence with another daughter at Ettrick where he is still living. His wife died 1908. Their daughter Laura, who was youngest of four children, attended school at Beaver Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Baardseth are the parents of three children: Archie Burton, who was born October 7, 1904; Lucille Marian, born March 8, 1906; and Vilas Layton, born April 8, 1912. The family are members of the Synod Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Baardseth is independent, with Republican leanings. He has served as interested in the progress and development of the community in which he lives. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
ANDREW A. BECK (EKEBY, SWEDEN)
Andrew A. Beck, ice dealer of Galesville, was born in Ekeby, Sweden, August 2, 1843, son of John and Christina (Anderson) Beck, the pioneers. He was brought to Chicago in 1853, attended school there for a while, came to Gale Township in 1857 and attended school here, later taking a course in Gale College. As a boy he was employed by Captain Alex A. Arnold, and when the Civil War broke out, enlisted in August 1862 in Company C, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which Captain Arnold organized at Galesville. Going in as a private, he was soon promoted to corporal. His company served about a year in enforcing the draft in Wisconsin, a similar period in fighting the Indians on the western plains and a like interval in doing police duty in Louisville, Kentucky. For a time, because of a scalded foot, Mr. Beck was confined to a hospital. Mustered out at Madison, he returned to the home farm. After his marriage he moved to another farm near by. In 1879 he moved to the village and a short time later established his present ice business. He has an icehouse, 40 by 40 by 20, and during the summer months disposes of about 100 cakes of ice daily. He also continues his farming operations. By reason of his war service he has joined the G.A.R. and his wife is a member of the Relief Corps, and was a charter member of the O.E.S. of Galesville. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias of Galesville. Mr. Beck was married April 29, 1871 to Hannah B. Ladd, born in Unity, New Hampshire, April 29, 1847, daughter of Lorenzo D. and Laura (Bunnell) Ladd. This union has been blessed with one son, Roy Russell, born May 21, 1878. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
JOHN BECK (EKEBY, SWEDEN)
John Beck, the pioneer, was born in Ekeby, Sweden, in 1815, and was there reared. Apprenticed to a carpenter as a youth, he learned the carpenter, furniture-making and cabinet-making trades, and in following his occupation wandered about the Scandinavian countries for a while. Thus he met Christina Anderson, who was born in Kumla, Sweden, in 1815. Taking his bride to his home in Ekeby, he was there permanently employed for a considerable period. While there he was called to service in the Swedish regular army during the time when Denmark was disputing with Prussia and the Germanic Federation, the ownership of Schleswig-Holstein. Although participating in a number of bloody engagements, he escaped injury and wounds. Soon after, he determined to locate in the United States. Reaching Chicago in 1853, he found employment at his trade, and there remained until June 15, 1857, when he came to Trempealeau County and located on a farm in Gale Township, three miles from Galesville. He died there in 1878, and his wife moved to Grand Meadow, Minnesota. She died in 1896 at Northfield, Minnesota. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
ROY R. BECK (GALESVILLE)
Roy R. Beck, chicken fancier, and owner of the Marinuka Poultry Yards, the home of the Mammoth Light Brahmas, Galesville, was born in the village where he now resides, May 21, 1878, son of Andrew A. and Hannah B. (Ladd) Beck. He attended the schools of the village, and is now engaged with his father in the ice business, in addition to his poultry work. In this line he has won wide recognition, having been awarded prizes at Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, Lincoln, St. Louis and Chicago, and receiving orders for his birds and eggs from all over the United States. The high repute in which his work is held is shown by the fact that he is now the first vice-president of the Wisconsin branch of the National Brahma Club. He keeps about 500 fowls annually, and issued an attractive booklet describing his stock. Mr. Beck is a member of the Decorah Lodge, No. 177, A.F. & A. M., at Galesville, having served his lodge as Worshipful Master. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
TOLEF BERGESON (TELEMARKEN, NORWAY)
Tolef Bergeson, a well-known resident of Arcadia Township, where he settled at an early date, was born in Telemarken, Norway, November 24, 1847, son of Bjorgub and his wife Anna Sigerson. When he was 2 � years old his parent decided upon emigrating to the United States, Bjorgub having a brother resident in Dane County, Wisconsin. The father came first, being followed soon after by his wife and their five children, Tolef, Sigor, Jack, Charles and Jennie. After a ten weeks voyage on the ocean in a sailing vessel the party landed and came on to Dane County. Here, a few weeks later the children were bereaved by the death of their mother, who had been taken sick on the vessel and never recovered. She died without having seen her husband in America, as before she and the children arrived, he had gone on further west seeking a good place in which to locate. He found a temporary place in Vernon County, not far from LaCrosse. There he was rejoined by his children, who, in the meanwhile, had been taken care of by friends, some of whom, coming West, brought them to him. While residing in Vernon County, Bjorgub heard favorable reports of Whitehall, Trempealeau County, and set out to investigate the prospect. With Ole Gottornson he left home with an ox team and on arriving in Trempealeau County halted for a short time at Francis Creek. There a Norwegian blacksmith advised them to leave the ox team there and proceed on foot in search of land, which they did, the blacksmith accompanying them eastward and taking them up on a bluff where they were able to obtain a good view of the surrounding country. Looking down Tamarac Valley, they saw good opportunities for raising hay, with plenty of timber and decided on that locality as their future home, giving up the idea of Whitehall. Then returning to LaCrosse, they made arrangements for settlement. Mr. Bergeson liked a quarter of Section 28 better than any other claim he had seen, but this had previously been selected by Sigor Chastelson. The latter, however, gave up his right to Mr. Bergeson and this place accordingly became the home of the family and has remained so to this day. Mr. Bergeson cut hay there during the summer of 1863 and built a pole shanty to which he brought his children in the fall. He never remarried, his daughter, Jennie, keeping house for him. Later he built a hewn log house of one and a half stories, 14 by 16 feet in dimensions, a hewn log bar, 20 by 32 feet, and other necessary buildings. With the help of his sons he developed about 85 acres, the balance of the quarter section remaining in timber. When he settled on the place, there were no roads and easy access to his farm was barred by Big Tamarac Swamp. There were settlements at Trempealeau and Galesville, but his nearest neighbor was K.L. Strand, who was also a native of Norway, coming from the same locality as himself. Bjorgub Bergeson died in 1888, being cared for in his latter years by his son, Tolef and daughter, Jennie, into whose possession the homestead came. There was a heavy indebtedness on the place at the time of the father�s death, but this in time they cleared away. Tolef continued to improve the place and to engage in general farming and dairying, to which latter branch of agriculture he has in recent years given special attention with profitable results. By the purchase of 40 acres more land he increased the size of the farm to 200 acres. He also built a comfortable frame house consisting of upright and wing, one and a half stories in height. The farm is watered by fine springs. In his early years he had little opportunity for obtaining an education, as there was no school here until he had reached working age. He acquired as much book knowledge as he needed, however, and when a boy and young man learned much about nature from the Indians, who were then numerous in this vicinity. His sister, Jennie, who always remained with him died in June 1916 and he and his brother, Charles, who is living near Leonard, are now the only surviving members of the family. Mr. Bergeson is a Republican in politics, but has taken no active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Norway Coulee, and is a well-to-do and prosperous citizen, having a wide acquaintance. The memory of his father is well preserved in the neighborhood as that of a kind, helpful and honest man, universally respected. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
JOHN A. BERG (LACROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN)
John A. Berg, a well-known banker and businessman of Galesville, was born in LaCrosse County, November 16, 1873. His parents were Benjamin and Petrina (Aas) Holman, both natives of the northern part of Norway, but who were married in Wisconsin. The father came to the United States at an early date, stayed here awhile and then returned to Norway. Later he came again to this country, about 1871, and remained. Both he and his wife died when the subject of this sketch was a mere child and the latter was adopted and reared by a man named Berg, whose surname he has since borne. John A. Berg was educated in a grammar school at Halfway Creek, Wisconsin and in a business university at LaCrosse. When 23 years old, he opened a general store in Vernon County and carried it on for two years. He then returned to LaCrosse County and conducted a store at Holmen for about nine years. In 1908 he came to Galesville and organized the Farmers� and Merchants� Bank, of which he became cashier. This position, he has since retained, having an interest in the bank as stockholder, besides a similar interest in other banks in LaCrosse County. He is also interested in the Galesville Building and Realty Company and served as chairman of the building committee in the erection of several different public buildings, including the one above mentioned, of which he is president. He has served as treasurer of the Holmen Milling Company for several years, also treasurer of the Holmen Creamery for five years, and for four years served as president of the LaCrosse County Fair Association. In 1916 he was elected president of the board of trustees of Gale College, succeeding the Hon. K.K. Hagestad in that office, which he still retains. He has been an active member of the board since the college was transferred to the Lutherans, and was its unanimous choice as Mr. Hagestad�s successor. As a member of the executive committee he devoted his time unstintingly to the interest of the school. He was at the head of the movement to erect the new dormitory and gymnasium and successfully conducted the campaign for funds for that building, as well as giving the closest attention to the work of construction. Mr. Berg is an extensive landholder in North Dakota, having holdings in Burk and Morton counties, besides having land in Ettrick Township, Trempealeau County, which he rents out to tenants. As an enterprising businessman and public-spirited citizen he has been a strong factor for advancement in every community in which he has lived or with which he has had anything to do, and his aid and influence have greatly aided in their development. In politics he has been a Prohibitionist since he cast his first ballot, and has been a candidate for different offices representing his party. July 7, 1898, Mr. Berg was united in marriage with Matilda Molstad, a native of LaCrosse County, and daughter of Ole and Martha (Hough) Molstad. She has been a faithful worker in the Lutheran church, as well as Mr. Berg. Her parents, who were both born in Norway, settled in Wisconsin many years ago, the father being a farmer. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have one adopted child, Mildred E., who is now a student at St. Olaf College of Northfield, Minnesota. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
GILBERT BAALRUD (WINONA, MINNESOTA)
Gilbert Baalrud, proprietor of a well-equipped photographic studio in Whitehall, Wisconsin was born in Winona, Minnesota, May 6, 1893. He is son of Eric and Hannah (Hanson) Baalrud. The father, born in Norway, came to America in 1886, locating in Winona where he resided four years, subsequently settling in Pigeon Township, Trempealeau County. In April 15, he moved to Chippewa County where he is now living at the age of 55 years and is engaged in farming. By his wife, Hannah, who is ten years younger than himself, he has had 11 children, of whom all are living but three. Gilbert Baalrud, who was the eldest child of his parents, remained at home until November 1914 when he began to learn the trade of photographer. In January 1916, he bought his present studio from C. J. Van Tassel. It is located in a two-story frame building on Main Street and is well equipped with everything necessary for artistic work. Although he has been here but a short time, he has begun to make a reputation for himself and his future prospects are promising. Mr. Baalrud was married May 9, 1917, to Agnes Hansen of Preston Township, this county. He is a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church and of the Modern Woodmen of America. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
IVER A. BERG (PRESTON TOWNSHIP, TREMPEALEAU COUNTY, WISCONSIN)
Iver A. Berg, garage owner at Blair, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, was born in Preston Township, this county, August 24, 1886, son of Arne I. and Eli (Arneson) Berg. He attended the district schools, was reared to farm pursuits by his father and remained at home until February 1916 when he engaged in his present business. His garage occupies a suitable two-story building, 44 by 72 feet, on the corner of Broadway and Dover streets. He has a well-equipped plant, including a machine shop, with a steam vulcanizer and tools suitable for all kinds of repairing. A full line of supplies are always on hand. He has the agency for the Studebaker cars and does livery work at reasonable prices. He was married July 29, 1916 to Emma Briggs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Briggs. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917 Researching this family is Cindi Anderson
REV. CHRISTIAN BRANDT BESTUL (MORRISVILLE, WISCONSIN)
Rev. Christian Brandt Bestul, pastor of several Lutheran congregations in Trempealeau County, and a member of the official board of Gale College, was born near Morrisville, Wisconsin, November 13, 1870. His parents were John E. and Ingeborg (Brandt) Bestul, both natives of Norway, the father born in Telemarken in 1828 and the mother in Valders in 1826. They were married in Wisconsin in 1855, John E. Bestul coming to the United States in 1844, in which year came also his father, Ellef J. Bestul. Later John located in the Rock River settlement near Milwaukee, the father also locating in that vicinity, and was there for several years engaged in farming. In 1853 John T. Bestul, father of Ellef J. and great-grandfather of the subject of this memoir, came to America. He was then an aged man of 90 years and died in the same year. In 1860 John E. Bestul removed to Columbia County, Wisconsin, and there continued his agricultural operations until his death which occurred in 1878 when the subject of this sketch was eight years old. His widow, after living there a year longer, removed with her family to Shawano County, Wisconsin, which place was her home for six years. The last thirty-seven years of her life she lived with her children in this and adjoining states. She died May 20, 1917, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rev. E. Berrum, Holmen, Wisconsin. Christian Brandt Bestul was the youngest and the only boy of his parents� eight children. He attended school at Wittenberg, Wisconsin and subsequently became a student at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, being graduated from that institution with the class in 1893. His theological education was obtained at Luther Seminar, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent three yeas, finishing there in 1896. After graduating in theology he became pastor of a Lutheran church at Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he remained one year. His next charge was at Viroqua, as assistant to the president of the Eastern District of the Norwegian Synod, and covered a period of four years. In 1901 he became pastor of the Lutheran congregation at French Creek, Trempealeau County, and has since held that position, also serving the congregations at Hardie�s Creek, South Branch of Beaver Creek, Tamarac and Fagerness. There are 130 families in the French Creek congregation, and in that of Hardie�s Creek, which is the smallest, 44 families. Since the transfer of Gale College to the Lutherans, Mr. Bestul has served as secretary of the board and assisted in establishing the college on a Lutheran basis. He was secretary of the Church Extension Board nine years and for a similar period of time was a member of the Board of Home Missions. His whole time is devoted to church and educational work, in which he has shown an ability that has made him a power for good in his denomination. On June 27, 1900, Mr. Bestul was united in marriage with Harriet Halvorsen, who was born at Westby, Vernon County, Wisconsin, daughter of Halvor and Marie (Olson) Halvorsen. Her parents were both born in Norway, the father in Stavanger in 1845 and the mother in Christiania in 1846. Married in their native land in 1871, they came to the United States in the following year, locating at Westby, Wisconsin, where Mr. Halvorsen became pastor of the Lutheran Synod Church, a position which he still retains. The entire period of his residence in this country has been spent in church work. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Halvorsen consisted of eight children, of whom Harriet was the fourth in order of birth. She was educated at the Ladies� Lutheran Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota and the high school at Viroqua, Wisconsin and is a lady of culture and refinement and an able assistant to her husband in parish work. Mr. and Mrs. Bestul are the parents of eight children: Marie Ingeborg, Harold Brandt, Valborg Elizabeth, Erling Johan, Harriet Ragna, Christian Wilhelm, Signe Emelie and Anna Matilda. The family residence is in section 27, Ettrick Township. HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY - 1917
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