Knudson, Herbrand 1838 - 1914

KNUDSON, THOVSON, AUSTINE, BLAKSTAD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/6/2020 at 10:57:06

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 19 Mar. 1914. Wagner column.

Our early settlers are leaving us one by one and soon there will not be many left. This time it is one of our near neighbors and friends of over half a century who has answered the last call

Herbrand Knudson was born in Numedal, Norway, July 21st, 1838. When he was about sixteen years old his parents concluded to leave their native home, although they were then somewhat advanced in age, but as they had two of their children already in this country they came and settled here in Clayton County. They left Norway in March, 1854, and after a long and tedious journey they arrived here in the month of August, to their son's farm. It was a happy reunion for the family but it did not last very long, before the son, whose name was Embret, and to whose home they had come, died after a short sickness a few weeks after his family arrived. He died from cholera, a sickness which at that time was raging among the immigrants. As he was unmarried his farm was left to his parents and later Herbrand owned it, retaining it until the time of his death.

July 24th, 1872, he was married to Miss Martha Thovson. To them were born three children, Knudt, now of Gunder, Iowa; Henry, who is on the farm and Emma, who died some years ago.

Mr. Knudson left the farm for a period of fourteen years, during which time he was in the store business, at Farmersburg. He will be well remembered by many since that time under the name of Knudson & A. Austine, his brother-in-law. In 1888 he sold out at Farmersburg to Mr. Henry Oelke and again went back to the old farm and there stayed ever since.

He had a fine home and dispensed old time hospitality to all who came and all were made to feel welcome. Mr. Knudson was a man who was well informed and had a good many accomplishments, which always came in handy. He had a taste for mechanics and was one of the best penmen and writers for miles around. He prospered and leaves his family well provided for. He was always of a strong, rugged constitution until last fall, when he began to decline. His trouble was heart failure and a few days before he died he was taken with pneumonia.

He died on March 12th in the firm belief that God had forgiven him for his sins and that he would be permitted to enter into the Kingdom of God.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, who at present is sick, and who has not been very strong for many years; one sister, Mrs. P. A. Blakstad, of Grafton, N.D., and two sons, Knudt and Henry.

He was tenderly laid at rest in the Norway cemetery and his life and work here is now ended. Rev. Arveson preached the funeral sermon at the house and church.