Torger Johnson

As printed in 1916

Torger Johnson was born in Norway on the 19th of March, 1851. His parents were John and Maren Johnson, both of whom were born in Norway. His father was a farmer and followed that occupation until his death. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, six came to America in the following order: Edward, who settled in Girard township, where he took up farming; Christian, who is a farmer in Nidaros township; Carrie, deceased, who was the wife of William Gulickson, of Wisconsin; Gunhild Maria, who lives in Wisconsin, and is the wife of Axel Gulickson; Thomas, who lives in Sand 1'oint. Idaho, and Torger.

The early education of Torger Johnson was received in the public schools of Norway, and after completing his education he came to this country, where he took up the occupation of farming. Before coming to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he worked for three years in St. Croix county, Wisconsin. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county he bought two hundred acres of land in Nidaros township and made his home in that section of the county until his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, [906. The land on which he settled was prairie without trees or buildings. It ma) be truthfully stated at this time that the presence of his wife and her untiring efforts to improve their mode of living added much to the success achieved by Mr. Johnson in his life on the farm. lie engaged at first in the work of breaking up the soil and after a short time erected a dwelling which was destroyed by fire. Mr. Johnson was obliged, with scarcely any assistance, to build a second home, which is still used as a residence by his wife. During his life. Mr. Johnson was engaged in both political and educational affairs, where he gained popularity as a man of high principles and worthy accomplishments. He was a devout member of the Free Lutheran church and gave liberally to its support. Mrs. Johnson continues to work for the welfare of the church.

The marriage of Torger Johnson to Julia Swenby took place in 1881. Julia Swenby is the daughter of Ole and Ingeborg Swenby, natives of Norway, who emigrated to Marquette county. Wisconsin, in the early forties.

Mr. Swenby was a farmer and landowner and after twelve years' residence in the county where he first settled he moved to St. Croix county, where he lived until 1876, when he passed away. Mrs. Swenby died two years later, after a life of usefulness and service.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of the following children: Oscar is a farmer in Nidaros township. Inga married A. W. Pearson and lives in South Dakota. She received her education in the Northwestern College at Fergus Falls and later attended the State Normal School at St. Cloud. She was graduated from the school at Moorhead in 1906 and for the two years following taught school. Thora died at the age of three years and Julia died at the age of one year. Thea married O. E. Herbranson and lives in Nidaros township. She received her education in the State Normal School, at Moorehead, and following her graduation taught school for two years. Mina died when just a year old. Minnie J. is a teacher, and while not engaged in that work makes her home with her mother.

Mrs. Julia Johnson continues to reside on the home farm and enjoys a popularity among the residents of this community and on account of her strong personality, her usefulness and the great assistance she renders her acquaintances in times of need, she belongs to that type of women whose influence is felt for good.

As printed in History of Otter Tail County, Minnesota : its people, industries, and institutions : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1916). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.