This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: EIDE LOGA GREGERSON VAAGE FLOTEN FLEKKE NIELSON OLSEN Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/gFC.2ACI/1421 Message Board Post: >From 'THE HISTORY of the UPPER POPPLE CREEK LADIES AID SOCIETY' The word "Mother" brings forth memories and interesting life sketches of one at our pioneer aid members, Mrs. Martin Eide, (Thonetta), by her daughter, Nettie, as she recalls. Mrs. Eide was born in Flikkefjord, Norway in May 29, 1869. Her father, Ole Thorsen Loga, was a seafaring captain throughout his life. While he was off, his wife stayed on at the "gaard" with their family of five girls and three boys. During her childhood day. in Norway, Mother attended school, her teacher. were Irestad and Ostrem. She was baptized the 11th of July, 1869 and confirmed October, 1883 in Flikkefjord and Kes Church by Pastor Krok. Then a year at home and no employment to be gotten and the lure for America was great among the people in Norway. Mother, at the age of 17 on March 1886, left her home and native land. During her trip across which took them better then a month, she was very seasick. Her uncle Nat met her in New York and bade her welcome to this strange land. Striving to learn a new language, homesick and different work, she finally made friends and things took on a different light. She was married to my father Martin Johnson Eide and journeyed with him to his homestead in Red River Valley at Spink, South Dakota. How well I recall the telling of those hardships of pioneer days, blizzards, miles from town and neighbors, doctors, phones and railroads. What joy came to Mother when her sailor father made her two visits during her stay in South Dakota. At this home Mother and Father labored and raised their five children (one boy who died in infancy was laid to rest at the Brule Church Cemetery, South Dakota) when letters from friends in Wisconsin decided them to sell their farm and journey to Wheeler, Wisconsin, Town of Wilson, Dunn County and settle on the farm which we still call "Home." On this farm was a log and frame house and log barn with woods surrounding us everywhere. Gradually, it became home, a new log barn was built with the help of George Gregerson, Sr. and the house was repaired, father brushed and cleared the acres with hands and ax. He also planted the 8pecial trees around the house (which we now call lawn). It stands as a silent memorial of the love of nature which father enjoyed. Here mother worked as wife, mother, and neighbor throughout the years. Their mail and groceries were gotten at Sand Creek, ten miles away. When a doctor was needed, he was summoned from Prairie Farm, a distance of 18 miles. There was no telephone in those days for needed help calls. Their only means of travel to the above places and church were by means of horses and wagon. Wheat was grown on the farm and hauled to. Menomonie to be made into flour. Father would start out in the morning and be at Menomonie the next day by driving all night. Nether tended the home while father was gone. Two more children came to bless their home and Mother's hands were always busy with knitting and tasks to be done. During these years her spiritual life was not forgotten. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church at Sand Creek. Later Rev. Olsen held meetings at the various homes in the Popple Creek area until the Chapel was built by its members and Mother became a member and meetings were discontinued in the homes. Their aids were held at the homes and many were the times she served a big lunch to members and families of the Aid. Pastor's during her life were: Vaage, Floten, Flekke, Nielson, and Olsen. She was active in her aid work as treasurer. As a neighbor she was loved by all for her kindness, helpfulness during times of sickness, births, deaths, and gatherings on different occasions. Yes, her hospitality was endless. Memory pictures which come as I sit writing this is Mother at the spinning wheel singing "Vor Gud han er saa fast en Bor~g," "GMldit Blinker," "Den lille Flok," "Gamle Norge," and father reading the "tDecorah Pesten," paper. Also, Christmas, when we would all come home for Christmas Eve supper. Mother's supper of lefsa, lutefisk, fattig-man, meatballs, and Nesegrot, the tree, gifts of apples, candy and bible story books, then Mother reading the "age old story," from the "Pestelen" as we all sat quietly by. Last but not least is a tribute by her Pastor Olsen as she was laid to rest at the age of 54 in the year of 1923 and cherished by her children were "She was never weary of well-doing."