Karl C. and Marie Bgenstor Kjelland came to America in 1881 from Kjelland, Norway. With them came four children, Lana, Inga, Emelia and Annie. They settled first in Cass County, but in 1884 came to Green Township in Barnes County. Here Amanda, Charles, Benjamin, Lewis, Alma and Albert were born. In addition, a foster child, Georgie Koehn lived with the family.
A widely traveled man, Karl was also a lay preacher and he was instrumental in starting the first Sunday School, and in building the first church. Mrs. Kjelland possessed a fine solo voice and sang at community meetings. She lent a helping hand to her neighbors and delivered many babies.
The family moved to Litchville where Karl and his son-in-law, Gust Carlson, operated a hardware store. In 1917 they returned to their farm. Mrs. Marie Kjelland passed away in 1928 and Karl (Charles) in 1931.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 125