Torris Halaas was born in Norway in 1827 and married Gertrude Olava Johnsen there. After living in Milan, Minnesota, the couple came to North Dakota and homesteaded on Section 30 in Nordmore Township. They also had a tree claim in the township. He farmed, taught school and was song leader at the church.
The couple had three children: Aslak, Ellen and John T.
Mr. Halaas died in March 1905 and is buried in Kvernes Cemetery.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 91B