Johannes Kalvik, the oldest son of Ole and Guri Kallestad Kalvik, was born at Stamnes, Norway, not far from the city of Bergen, in the year of 1858. He was married to Britha Fyllingslee, Stamnes, who was also born in 1858. They were the parents of seven children:
Mrs. Kalvik had three brothers, who had immigrated to America, as early as 1881, 1882 and 1885 and had settled in Griggs County. They left their homeland, immigrated to America hoping to be able to make a better living for their families.
It was in 1892 that Johannes Kalvik, with his wife and three children bid Good-by to their homeland and came to America. It made it easier for them being they had relatives to come to.
They came across in what was a cattle boat, bringing cattle to Norway and people back to America. It was no pleasure trip to travel by boat at that time. They had to have their own food along, food that would keep - such as dried beef, mutton, and, of course, flat bread.
The Kalvik family came by way of Quebec, Canada and on to the United States, and then to North Dakota to be welcomed by the Haugens and Kallands, brothers of Mrs. Kalvik.
Johannes Kalvik homesteaded on a quarter of land in Greenfield Township. He did some herding of cattle as it was all prairie and not far to water in the Bald Hill Creek. Oxen were used for breaking and later on horses were used. The family lived in a sod house with lumber for inside walls and ceiling and wooden floors. There were two rooms heated by a small cook stove. This was the family home until 1905.
Johannes Kalvik passed away in 1905 at the age of forty-seven years, shortly after the family had moved into their new home. That left the mother to bring up the children, the youngest, being the twins, were six years old. She remained on the farm until the children were confirmed and able to earn a living for themselves. Before they left Norway, she worked in a wool and cotton factory, located at Dale, not too far from Bergen. She was healthy and strong and lived a full life. She passed away in 1948 - close to the age of ninety years.
The only sister of Britha Kalvik, Mrs. Andrew Oie, lived a short time in Griggs County then she, with her husband, moved to McLean County, North Dakota.
The children of Johannes Kalvik who are still living are:
Those who have passed away are
"I often think of these early pioneers who dared the trip across the great ocean and came to make this country their home. They toiled so hard - most of them came with empty hands. Their struggles were many and it was hard to make a living. But one thing I really do believe - they had a strong faith in their Maker and Lord to keep them going. They lived a good life - a Christian Life. They were helpful, satisfied and happy and it seems they should have been worthy of a great honor, helping to make this country what it is today.€
- Mrs. Gertrude (Kalvik) Vedo
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 302