HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, VOL. II, 1918, page 330

Among the retired farmers of Worth county is numbered Elling Knudson, who is living in Kensett. He is a self-made man and one who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for his prosperity has resulted entirely from his individual effort. He was born in Hallingdal, Norway, May 25, 1848, a son of Knute and Guri (Answold) Knudson, both of whom were also natives of Hallingdal, where they spent their youthful days and were married. The father then took up the occupation of farming, and he and his wife continued residents of Hallingdal until called to their final rest.

Elling Knudson was reared in Norway, where he acquired his education, but the reports which reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world led him to determine to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly, in 1867, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States, being six weeks upon the water ere the sailing vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of Quebec. He then proceeded westward by way of the Great Lakes to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he was employed at farm labor, and at a subsequent date he removed to Houston county, Minnesota, taking up his abode in Spring Grove township. Again he engaged in farm work until I874, when he came to Iowa, settling in Danville township, Worth county. This was in the spring of the year and he purchased a farm in Danville township comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He at once began to cultivate and improve his land and as the years passed by converted it into productive fields, to which he afterward added a further tract of forty acres. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and harvested his crops, which by reason of the care and labor he bestowed upon his land were very large and brought to him substantial profit. He continued to cultivate and develop his farm until 1911, when he retired from active life and removed to the town of Kensett, where he now makes his home, while his son Knute continues the cultivation of the home farm. During all these thirty years Elling Knudson also operated a threshing machine with good success deriving a gratifying return from this enterprise.

On December 20, 1873, Mr. Knudson was united in marriage to Miss Randena Halgrimson, who was born in Houston county, Minnesota, a daughter of Halgrim Trulsen and Ingeborg Knutsdatter, who were natives of Norway and, on coming to the United States cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Minnesota. To Elling and Randena Knudson were born three children: Gurena, who is the wife of Knute Leverson, of Clay county, Minnesota; Ingeborg the wife of John H. Haugen, of Benson county, North Dakota; and Clara. The wife and mother passed away in 1878 and Mr. Knudson was married again on the 15th of December, 1882, to Miss Margit Jensen, a daughter of Christ Jensen, who was born in Norway and came to the United States with his family when his daughter, Mrs. Knudson, was but a year old. The family settled in Houston county, Minnesota, establishing their home in Spring Grove township. To Mr. and Mrs. Knudson have been born seven children: Knute, who wedded Miss Randena Asbjorensen and lives on his father's farm; Reginus who married Miss Emma Mostrom and resides in Brookfield township, Worth county, Iowa; Ben, who married Miss Norma T. Lukensen and makes his home in Kensett, Iowa; Georgina, who is the wife of Palmer Butler, a farmer of Kensett township, Worth county, Iowa; Nora, Gerhard: and Alfreda. In 1896. Mr. Knudson made a trip to his native land and remained for a year amidst the scenes of his childhood, also visiting other noted points of interest, returning to America in 1897.

In community affairs Mr. Knudson has always taken a deep and helpful interest and has ever given his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as township trustee and his aid could always be counted upon to further any plan or movement for the general good. His religious faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church and his entire life has been guided by its teachings. His career has commanded for him the respect, confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated and his record proves conclusively that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously

Additional information provided by Gordon Felland:

Elling Knudson died in 1928 in Kensett, Iowa.

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Transcribed by Gordon Felland - July 13, 2005