Born near Namas, Norway, on January 20, 1854, Mathias Baarstad lost his mother when six months old. He was taken into the home of Ivar Hanson, a wealthy ship-owner, and was educated and trained in many activities until he was eighteen years of age.
In 1876, he came to America, finally settling at Lanesboro, Minnesota. Here he married Emelia Jensen on October 1, 1880. She was the daughter of Peder Jensen and Maren Jensen, born at Lacrosse, Wisconsin, June 18, 1858. She was a dressmaker.
In April, 1881, Mathias homesteaded in Raritan Township. Peder Jensen also filed in the same section. Here, Emma was born on January 10, 1882. Petra came on May 13, 1884. Louise was born December 15, 1886. A new house was in order for the larger family and it was built between the two quarters of land on high ground. The children attended the Wilberg School, which doubled as a church until the St. Petri Church was built.
Six more children came: Ida, Johan, Joseph, Susanna, Malfred and Kate.
Peder Jensen died in 1903, followed by his wife, Maren, in 1904.
Emelia Jensen Baarstad passed away in 1910, and Mathias died thirty-seven years later, in 1947. Of the children, Ida (Mrs. Bey) lives in Portland, Oregon. Malfred also lives in Oregon. Joseph lives in Brainard, Minnesota. Louise (Mrs. Wolski), Karl and Susanne are living in Valley City.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 23