E. N. BJERKE (1856-1948) Even N. Bjerke was born at Toten, Norway, in 1856. He came to Minnesota when he was seven years old. His parents, Nils and Christine Bjerke, settled near Spring Grove, Minnesota on March 10, 1878. He was united in marriage to Anna Sophia Johnson, of Astrander Minnesota. The BJerkes farmed for three years in Mower County. then moved by ox team to Hagen township, Clay County, where they took a homestead of a hundred and sixty acres. He later bought more land west of his farm near the south branch Wild Rice River. He made many improvements and had a well-kept and profitable farm. Getting the farm's produce to market was always a big job. One spring, Bjerke, and his neighbor, Hans Kaushagen, decided to drive their stock of thirty-five head, into the yard of Moorhead. They drove a buggy with supplies. while sons, Albert and Helmer Bjerke. Edwin and Eli Kaushagen rode horses to keep the cattle moving. It took two days from the Borup area to Moorhead. Crossing the railroad tracks in Moorhead an engine plowed into the herd but none were killed. A big steer, sold that day. brought 5c a pound. They were fortunate to arrive that day because the next day it rained many inches. In 1908, the Bjerkes moved to a quarter section in Wild Rice township, Norman County west of Twin Valley, where they farmed untii retiring in 1914. Even was always interested in trees. He made a number of trips to the woodlands east of Mahnomen where he dug small evergreens and planted on his farm. He had as many as 300 growing at one time. In 1914, he bought a nice home in Twin Valley's city limits, where they lived until Mrs. Bjerke died in 1937. In 1928, the Bjerkes celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, a very happy occasion with all of their children and many grandchildren and relatives present. Four of their children lived to celebrate their own golden wedding anniversaries during their years together. Transportation changed a lot in Even's time. He came to Northern Minnesota by oxen, used horses for his farm work and driving to town, bought a Maxwell car (with side curtains), then a Mitchell which was enclosed, and in later years drove a modern Chevrolet. They were members of the Lutheran Church, the Jevnaker. near Borup, and later the Hauge in Twin Valley until the union of the churches in 1920 to Zion of Twin Valley. They were vitally concerned with the work of the church and of the community. The Bjerkes had 10 children: NoraMrs. Martin Ballangrud, lived many years on a farm east of Thief River Falls where she and her husband raised a family of ten children. Albert married Lena Jordahl, and farmed east of Borup most of his life. They had five children. Two of the girls died in a diphtheria epidemic in 1919. Edwinmarried Kate Blaser, farmed in the Mahnomen Minnesota area for many years, then moved to Tacoma, Washington where they reside. They had eight children. Helmermarried Sophia Olson, farmed west of Twin Valley until his wife's death in 1968. Helmer now lives in Twin Valley. They had five children. IngaMrs. Carl Heiraas, lived many years in Hagen township on the farm her parents had lived on. They had nine children. Oscarwho never married. Iived and worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota for most of his life. Melvinmarried Cora Aamoth, worked in a general merchandise store in Twin Valley, then moved to Warren, Minnesota where he operates a feed and seed business. They have two children. Clarencemarried Myrtle Waller. Operated the Peterson-Biddick plant in Twin Valley for many years. Clarence is deceased. Myrtle maintains her residence there. They have three daughters. SelmaMrs. Harold Hull, lives in Hunter, North Dakota. She and her husband owned and operated a lumber yard, now retired. They have two daughters and a son. Hardeanmarried Adele Quick. Iives in Minneapolis. Minnesota. where he works for a school supply company. They have one daughter. E.N. Bjerke passed away in 1948 at the age of 91 years. Besides his ten children, he left forty-four grandchildren and forty great grandchildren. His keen mind and pleasant disposition made him loved and respected by all who new him. Norman County History Book 1976