Lewis M. Larson (1854-1937) was born in Ringsaker, Norway, and came to Preston, Fillmore County, Minnesota, by way of Quebec, Canada, with his parents when 5 years old. He had an uncle living in Minnesota and he helped with the farm work in summer and attended school in winter. He attended school in Lanesboro and Preston and Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. In 1884 he came to Dakota Territory to visit his brother E. M. Larson, and as a result was hired to teach a country school. Mr. E. A. Sager, county superintendent, granted him a permit. He worked in the summer haying, harvesting, plowing etc., and teaching for 14 years. In 1887, he bought a relinquishment from Ed Briggs to 160 acres in Oak Hill Township. He built a house in 1889 and improved his farm while still teaching at salaries ranging from $32.50 -$45.00 a month. In 1896 he married Anne Moen, a native of Norway, at Fort Ransom. One son, Melvin J. Larson, was born to them and they. raised another boy, Amund Larson.

Melvin married Ida Rue, daughter of Torkel S. Rue and Anna Rue of Thordenjold Twp., July 26, 1927 at Moorhead, Minnesota. Their children are: Phyllis, (Mrs. Charles Peterson) Mankato, Minnesota, and Melloy, married to Gladys Swanke, Renton, Washington.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 137