Translated from 'Nordmændene i Amerika' by Martin Ulvestad. 1907. Republic County August and George Asbjørnsen† from Horten came to Scandia, Kans. (where there were a number of Swedes) in February 1869. T. A. Nelson from Porsgrund came about the same time. And in August the same year (1869) the Trønder R. Rimol came and settled at Norway. They were thus the county's first Norwegian settlers. They dug their dugouts and began to grow wheat and maize which they brought with the help of oxen to Waterville, 65 miles away. It should as well be mentioned that two others from Melhus who settled at Norway were J. Lehn and Brynjulf B. Stensaas. But in 1882 Lehn went back to Norway where he died; Stensaas died in 1889. Vor Frelsers Congregation at Norway P.O. and in Norway Township, established in 1872 by Pastor Høiland and belonging to Hauge's Synod, is the only Norwegian congregation in the county. Now it belongs to The United Church. The church was built in 1888. Carl Hugaas from Strinden Parish near Trondhjem has been a Member of the State Legislature and the aforementioned R. Rimol has held the post as County Commissioner.