Translated from 'Nordmændene i Amerika' by Martin Ulvestad, 1907. Hitchcock County Captain John E. Kleven† from Nordre Land, Hans Haugen† from Løiten and Even Bakken, who came from Wisconsin and settled in the vicinity of Culbertson, were the first Norwegians in this county. They also took part in founding Culbertson and Kleven was the town's first Postmaster. One of his sons is the Postmaster now. Old Kleven had also been County Treasurer for a time. The title of Captain he earned in the War with the South. The aforementioned men came close to drowning while they slept in their wagon, a night or two after they came to Culbertson. There had been a cloudburst about 40 miles northwest of there and a wall of water came down on them during the night. Luckily they had fastened the wagon tongue to an elm branch and they woke up in time to climb up the tree. As they sat up there the wagon floated away with everything they had. One of the horses drowned. Almost naked as they were, they had to sit or hang on in the tree until the evening of the next day. And they were in the wilderness so their situation was anything but pleasant. A few miles further up Blackwood Creek a number of soldiers had camped. Two of them drowned. A number of cavalry horses also drowned. The soldiers' tents and possessions were washed away by the flood. The troops left there immediately, which was to the advantage of the Norwegian settlers for they found left behind some weapons, saddles, food and clothing. Some of these were damaged by the water but there was also much that could be used. There is a congregation belonging to The United Church.