Translated from 'Nordmændene i Amerika' by Martin Ulvestad. 1907. McLeod County Christen Johnson from Hedalen, Valders and Andreas Olsen† from Hedemarken were the first Norwegians in McLeod County. They came from Green Co., Wis. and settled in the Town of Bergen in 1856. Later in the year came A. Anderson, A. Hansen, Arne Olsen, Østen Syversen†, Esten Qvien† and Nils G. Tvedt, all from Valders, Esten Bakken† from Trøndelag, Bryngel Pedersen† from Hardanger, Elling Johnson from Gudbrandsdalen, Mathias Anderson† from Risør, Gunder Halvorsen from Skjervø parish as well as Lars Vrengen†, John Ellingsen†, Nils Torgrimsen† and Ole Knudsen†. The land was for the most part covered with forest. They began with wheat and cattle raising. To the nearest marketplace, Carver, it was 25 miles. In 1862, when people in other parts of the state were being murdered and plundered by the Indians, there was unease her also. They believed they saw Indians everywhere. And people moved night and day. Everyone was frightened but they did not know where they could best find safety. In McLeod County there are 2 Norwegian churches and 3 ongregations, all belonging to The Norwegian Synod. Norwegian place names; Bergen and Winsted.