Ole H. Evenson, deceased. Credit is indeed due the man who leaves his native land and seeks his fortune in a new country, with the good results which was the lot of this gentleman. He made a success of the pursuit of agriculture, and that in a country where white men had never before made residence. He passed through all the struggles of the pioneer and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of Mooreton Township, Richland County. He made his home on section 10, and was surrounded by all of the adjuncts of a model rural home.
Mr. Evenson was born in Norway, January 6, 1853. Upon attaining his majority, in 1874, he decided to turn his way toward the new world, and accordingly emigrated to America landing in New York in the early part of the summer of that year. He soon proceeded to Dane County, Wisconsin and later went to Northfield, Minnesota, where he resided four years and was engaged at carpenter work. He went to Richland county, North Dakota, in March, 1878, and took a quit claim on one hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Mooreton township, formerly known as Center township. In the fall of that year he settled on his claim and has held continuous residence there. At the time of his death he was the possessor of four hundred acres of fertile land, with improvements that make it a comfortable and valuable estate.
Mr. Evenson was married in Northfield Minnesota, September 10, 1877 to Miss Mary Thompson, who was also a native of Norway. Mrs. Evenson was born October 22, 1852 and emigrated to America about 1870. Ten children were born to Mr. And Mrs. Evenson, as follows: Clara, Helmer, Tillie, Edwin, Harry, Ethel, Melvin, Ida; Clara died in infancy and Edward died in infancy. Mr. Lewis was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and was a trustee in the same for several years. He filled various offices of trust in his township, and gained the confidence of the people of his community. He was supervisor and interested in educational matters and has served as school director.
Mr. Evenson made a visit to his native land during the past summer, leaving his home April 28, 1899 and sailing from New York on the steamer Majestic, May 3, landing in Liverpool April 10. He reached Norway May 15, and after a two months stay returned to his home in Richland county, and was welcomed by his many friends. He was well known as a substantial farmer, industrious and honest, and in every way qualified to till the high place which he occupied in his community.
Mr. Evenson died December 22, 1899, and was buried in Dwight cemetery. His health had been failing for the last two years, and during the last six weeks of his life he was confined to his bed. His death resulted from a complicated form of consumption. At the date of his death his age was forty-six years, eleven months and two weeks.
Source: Compendium and History of North Dakota 1900 Page 202