Alfred Tenneson was born January 2, 1886 in Christiansand, Norway. During his childhood years he lived on a small farm with his family. His elder brother, who was a sailor, had been to America, and came home with stories of untold opportunities in this New Land. Alfred, at age nineteen, decided to leave home and country, and venture out on his own. He sailed for New York in 1905, and from there traveled by rail and horses to Antler, North Dakota. He acquired land there and began to farm. During this period he met Clara Marie Overland, whose parents had emigrated from Boe, Telemarken, Norway in 1878. They were among the earliest pioneers to reach the area of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and had settled in the Mekinock area.
Marie Overland Tenneson was born in 1889 at Mekinock, North Dakota She had come to Antler with her parents, and at this time met Alfred. They were married in 1918. They lived at Antler until 1926, and then moved to Mekinock, North Dakota, where they purchased a farm. They continued to farm there until 1950 when an opportunity to expand the farming operation was presented. Since some of the children were interested in farming, Alfred and Marie bought land in the Sutton area and lived there until their deaths in 1961 and 1963, respectively.
Since his early training in Norway at the Agricultural Institute Alfred had a great interest in natural resources - maintaining good land conditions, and especially the planting of trees. During his time at Sutton he planted several miles of trees in shelterbelts - improving the land as well as the countryside. Wherever he lived there are trees of various types, which stand as a living memorial to him and his contribution to the land and country.
Marie is especially remembered for her ability in writing poetry and in music. She wrote many poems - some of which were published. These are a source of inspiration and pride to her family, and a continuing tribute to her memory.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 333