Arnt J. Fordahl

As printed in 1909

Arnt J. Fordahl, of AVanamingo village, a native of Norway. was born June 16, 1868, son of John and Randi (Hegge) Fordahl, who came to America in 1869 and located on Section 1, Cherry Grove, in the spring of 1870. Here they first bought 120 acres and later forty acres more, upon which the father built a large home and room barns, improving it until it was under a high state of cultivation. He died November 9, 1879, but the mother still lives on the old homestead. Arnt J. acquired his education in the common school at Cherry Grove. Completing this, he worked on the farm and threshed for a number of years. In

1890 he purchased a half interest in the AVanamingo mill, and in 1891 his brother purchased the other half. In the fall of

1891 the brothers built a mill which burned down January 18, 1892. They erected a new mill in the spring and installed machinery for grinding feed and making flour. The mill was then conducted under the name of A. J. Fordahl & Co., until 1900, when the brother sold his interest to Arnt J., who now conducts it under the name of the AVanamingo Flour Alills. They make a specialty of "Nonpareil" and "Staff of Life" flour. This mill was first built by a Mr. Clark, and in 1861 he sold it to Nels Norby, who later sold a half interest to Henry Nelson. Norby and Nelson were in partnership for some time, after which Norby bought Nelson out. The old mill was originally half a mile further west, but in 1868 was moved to the present site. Mr. Fordahl put steam power into the mill, so it is now operated by both steam and water. He was united in marriage July 1, 1890.

to Eannah Akre, daughter of Hans ('. and Anna Akrc, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Akrc came to America and located at Madison, AVis., where Mr. Akre worked at cabinet making until 1866. They then came to Holden township and followed farming until 1895, when they removed to Kenyon to live a retired life. Mrs. Akre died in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Fordahl have ten children: Joseph H., Rosa A., Anna J., Kenneth E., Ellen V., Albert H., Clarence R.. Elmira M.. Joel B. and Nora M. Politically Mr. Fordahl affiliates with the Prohibitionists and fraternally with the Modern Samaritans. He is a man of recognized ability, as is shown by the fact that he was state boiler inspector for two years under Governor Van Sant. For six years Mr. Fordahl was school director in District 63, and for three years township supervisor. For a similar period he was president of the Farmers' Telephone Company. He is a stockholder in the Telephone Company and the Farmers' Elevator Company. By his fair business dealings and genial temperament. Mr. Fordahl has Avon for himself a large circle of friends and acquaintances who respect and admire him.

Nels Gunderson. of AVanamingo township, was born in Norway in 1844, and there received his education, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade. He then came to America and located in Wanamingo township, wdiere he worked at his trade until 1879, when he purchased 120 acres of land in Section 9, which he improved, building a fine house and outbuildings, and where he has since followed general and diversified farming. Mr. Gunderson is married, his wife also being of Norwegian birth, and they have four children: Dina, now at Beltrami county; Tilda, now at Los Angeles, Cal.; Andrew, now at Lawson, Canada, and Joseph, who lives at home, looking after the farm and caring for his parents. Mr. Gunderson is a Republican in his politics, but has never sought public office, being too busy with his own duties. He is a hard worker, and has through his own efforts acquired the prosperity which he now enjoys. The family attend the Lutheran church.

As printed in History of Goodhue County, Minnesota (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.