Inger (Helgeson/Helgerson) Thompson (1825-1917)

HELGESON, HELGERSON, THOMPSON, RISVOLD, QUAM, SEVERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/24/2022 at 18:36:42

From Nevada Representative August 4, 1917 (page 1)

PIONEER PASSED AWAY SUNDAY

DEATH OF MRS. PAUL THOMPSON REMOVES COUNTY PIONEER. INTERESTING REVIEW OF LIFE

With the passing away suddenly on Sunday night, of Paul Thompson of Roland, Story County loses another of its sturdy pioneer christian women who had much to do with making in the early days of this great county and one who dreams of herself and her husband who journeyed westward many years ago, when there was little less than desolate prairie hereabouts.

Mrs. Thompson was born in Eevde, Norway on March 30th 1825, her parents being Helge and Enger Risvold. Her life was spent in Norway but hearing the call of the great free land of America, she like many of her countryman, started on the great journey to our distant shores in 1851. It was not long after her arrival that she met, was wooed and won by Paul Thompson, who at that time was located at Lisbon, Illinois. Even at that time land values were started on the upward trend and Mr. and Mrs. Thompson company with some others in 1858, started over land to this community where they made their future home. The journey was made in typical pioneer style, in canvas covered wagons driving overland across the prairies. The Mississippi they crossed by ferry but the other eleven rivers they encountered on the trip, they waded across as best they could, sleeping wherever night overtook them. But with all the vicisitudes of the journey which took many days, Sunday was never forgotten and as the day of rest came around, they ceased travel for the day and held services in the faith of their fathers.

After hardships which the present generations know nothing about the sturdy little band of pioneers arrived at what is now Roland. Des Moines and Marshalltown were not even trading posts in those days and the nearest store was at Marengo where the necessities of life, high in price and scarce to get, were procurable. But for the most part the soil had to support the little band and after many trying experiences they got their little homes and farms started.

It was not till the early seventies that Roland had a trading post and from that time on the community grew. In the early days, the Thompsons selected a place about a mile south of what is now Roland and it was not long before this home became noted for its hospitality and every traveler was sure of a place of repose and welcome.

In the early days the sturdy couple remained true to their faith becoming part of the St. Petri congregation till the formation of the Bergen congregation in 1875 when they joined it and remained firm members up to the time of their demise.

During the residence in Roland, three children were born to the happy couple of whom one, Harry survives and lives on the home place.

Mrs. Thompson's husband, Paul passed away this spring dying on April 6th at the home place a little more than 88 years old.

The funeral of Mrs. Thompson was held on Wednesday morning from the Bergen church of which she had been so long a active member, the Rev. G. Smedal conducting the services in a comforting and appropriate manner. The pall bearers were grand children and relative of the deceased, Dr. Paul Thompson, Elliot Thompson, Cyrus Thompson, Irwin Thompson, Luther Quam and A. J. Severson.

Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were the following: Dr. Paul Thompson from Forest City; John Halverson, Toronto, S. Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Severson, Jewell; Dr. and Mrs. Rice, Ames; Mr. and Mrs. O. K. Helvig, Mr. and Mrs. John Hagen, Mesdames Micus, Alex Henderson, Misses Stena Heggen, Emelia Gandrup and Lester Henderson from Story City; Miss Carrie Olson, Randall and Helen Henderson, Minneapolis, Minn.