OLE OLSON BJORNSTAD family, who came to Griggs in 1880
(Romness):
Ole Olson Bjornstad (1820-1895), and Mrs. Marea Bjornstad
(1819-1892) were born an married in Norway; came to Wisconsin, moved to
Iowa, to Griggs County 1880, with a caravan of pioneers. Their children
who came with them:
- BERNT OLSON (1855-1933), born in Dane County Wisconsin, married
Martha Tortin Lysebeck (1857-1929) in 1876. Children: Mrs. Albert
(Bells) Sundeen-died 1937; Anton-1st child born in Romness Township
1881; Olaf; Mrs. Ole Anderson; Mrs. August Brueske; Mrs. John Lind; Mrs.
Tilda Olson.
- GILBERT OLSON, shortened from Elling Gunerious Olson Bjornstad, was
born October 15, 1858, Highlandville Winnesheik County Iowa, died 1942
in Griggs County, married, 1879, Maria Kajsa Anderson Punland who was
born in Wermland, Sweden in 1845. Children: Mrs. L. L. (Anna) Hilstad,
Henry Olson, Albert Olson, Mrs. Ole (Clara) Midstokke, and Mrs. Lewis
(Gina) Hogenson. Two children died of diphtheria in 1882.
- MARTIN (Martinius) Olson (1857-1920), married Mariah Nelson
(1866-1942) in Griggs County. She came at same time. Children: Anna
Maria, Nils Olai, Lena Krishna, Emma Amalie, Oscar Otto, IdaAmilia,
Alice Lenora.
- THEODORE B. OLSON (1866- ), married Marie Thyle (1874- ) who was
born in Wisconsin Children: Ener Olai, Melvin Malius, Mabel Theoline,
Oscar Henry.
- JOHN TORFIN ( -,1932), born in Iowa, married, 1878, Hannah (Johanna)
Olson Bjornstad ( -1935) who was born in Iowa. They came to Griggs
County with Bjornstads in April 1880, were "squatters" on land held
(1957) by Alf Ueland, built a log house on 26-146-58 where their
daughter Thilda, the first child born in Griggs County, was born
September 11, 1880. Other children: Edwin (1882- ), Albert, (1884- ),
and Clara J. (1895-1906).
JOHN TORFIN'S BROTHERS who came to Griggs County and were
all born in Iowa: Dan, in 1880; Iver married Petra Thyle sister of Mrs.
Theo. B. Olson; and Andrew, County Commissioner, Lenora Township named
for his daughter.
Source: Cooperstown Diamond Jubilee 1882-1957 Page
58