Axel Arneson papers, circa 1911-1941

Axel Arneson papers, circa 1911-1941

P0025

circa 1911-1941

Abstract
Notes on Norwegian Settlements in Texas telling of pioneer life, frontier hospitality, relations with the American Indians, church and school life.

Contents

• "Notes on Norwegian Settlements in Texas," undated
  • Arneson emigrated in 1872 from the little town of Hamar on the shores of Lake Mjosen in Eastern Norway. He lived in Fort Worth, Texas. According to his letter of Nov. 28, 1911 (included in folder) the article focused on the Bosque settlement. It was published in "Southwestern Historical Quarterly," v. 45 (1941). Pgs. 12-135. (Copy of article is included in folder).
• Nordmands-Forbundet, 2.hefte, 1912
  • First Norwegian to homestead in Texas was Johan Nordboe from Gudbrandsdal who took up land in section now occupied by the City of Dallas. Norwegian Nicalai Hanson told early Norwegian explorers about the hill country beyond the Bosque River. First comers included Anders Bretta and Ole Ween; Karl Questad, Jens Ringness, Hendrik Dahl, Berge Rogstad, Johan Bronstad, Anders Huse (all from Hedmark). Next arrived Salve Knutson, Terje Nystel, Jens Halvorson, Ole Burreson, Knut Salveson, Knut Olson, Paul Paulson, Aslak Nilson, all with families, also Lars Olson and Peder Spandberg from Mjøsen. Also Jens Jenson and Ole Person from Arendal, Ketil Grimland from Aamli and Gleng Peerson with Ole and Knut Canuteson, coming from the Illinois settlements. In 1858 came Bersvend Swenson, Omund Omundson, Joseph Olson and Ove Colwick. In 1866, sailing directly from Galveston came Ole Sinderud, Jens Jenson and the Paulsons of Waco all from Stange. In 1872 Hendrik Dahl returned to Norway to visit his mother and a description of his return trip with a number of others, including Axel Arneson is related. Ole Ringness fashioned a plow based on his experience with a badly dished wheel, but died while en route to Washington to patent his design. Karl Questad is noted for his unusual intelligence. The Hendrik Dahl family was noted for the exceptional hospitality. Gustaf Wilhem Belfrage, Swedish and Scotch was foremost entomologist of the time.

1 folder

English

Manuscripts

Rights undetermined.