John Saxberg was born at Snertindal, Norway on July 19, 1900. He came to America with his brother Erick in October 1905. They came to Jessie, North Dakota, where they lived first. Albin Saxberg was born there on December 24, 1906.
John started school in Cooperstown and the first day he was to go with George Adams, but when he got to George's home, he had already left, so John went home, but his mother wanted him to go to school so he could learn to speak English. So she chased him with the broom. After the first day he didn't need to be chased.
John worked for farmers for several years. In 1922, he went to Circle, Montana, to visit Albert and Vera
Jacobson who were both from Cooperstown. He met Bessie Wilhelm there and was married to her on May 17, 1924.
They farmed in Griggs County and in 1946 bought the farm where they now live. They have five children and nine grandchildren. Also one grandson.
They had Open House for their 50th wedding anniversary on July 14, 1974. All the children and grandchildren were at home to attend, the first time they had all been together at the same time in eight years.
John retired from farming because of ill health in 1964, but still helps his neighbors, now and then.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 318