Translated from 'Nordmændene i Amerika' by Martin Ulvestad. 1907. Murray County Iver†, Petter and Albert Pettersen, together with J. Ingebrigtsen, all from Valders, were the county's first Norwegian settlers. They came from Winneshiek Co., Ia. and settled in the vicinity of Slayton in 1868. Next after them came Sven Nelson, H. Nelson, P. Sakrisen, Claus Clausen, G. Gulbransen†, Sakris Thompson, Peder Thompson, Hans Simonsen, Erick Larson, Lars Solem, Gulbran Johnson and Christian Christiansen. They settled in the vicinity of Hadley. The first in the vicinity of Avoca were Christ Larson, Ole Olsen, Brede Tanner and Arnt Larson, all from Odalen. It was partly dugouts and partly log houses they had as residences in the first years. Wheat growing was the main source of income. The nearest marketplaces were heron Lake and Marshall. One of the old settlers mentions the prairie fire as one of the greatest dangers. When it came, things looked dark for the new settlers. It was worst if it came when there were only women and children at home. The men were often away at work. But, if one did not lose his composure, it went well. And then one had to fight hard to prevent it from reaching the huts and haystacks. Beaver Creek Cingregation, that was established at Mason in 1873 by Pastor L. Lund, was the first Norwegian congregation in the county. Its church was built the following year (1874) Now there are 13 Norwegian congregations and 12 churches, 8 belonging to The United Church, 2 to The Norwegian Synod, 1 to Hauge's Synod and 1 to the Free-Free. Civil War cavalryman Peter Petersen from Valders was the first Norwegian to hold a public office in the county. He was elected Registrar of Deeds in 1874. He was also the first to represent the county in the State Legislature (in 1885) Places with Norwegian names; Dovray (Dovre) and Ibsen.