Mankell Family History
"Into a New World: Thomas and Bergit (Gunderson) Osmundson"
written by Orlynn Mankell
Storyteller and historian, Orlynn Mankell
From Stepping Stones (First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake), October 1981:
Thomas and Bergit Osmundson ... played prominent roles on the early Norway Lake frontier. Their story almost seems to come out of some kind of historical novel. They always seem to be a part of the important events -- including those certain epochal ones as well.
Bergit was born in Norway. She came with her parents to America in the 1850s, coming first to Rock County, Wisconsin. This county is in the southern part of the state bordering on Illinois, and was the first stopping place for many people heading up into the northwest..
Also, at Rock County at this time was a man, Thomas Osumndson, also from Norway and traveling alone. Bold, resolute and with that certain taste for adventure, he had all the traits a pioneer was supposed to have. He had noticed Bergit's arrival -- with apparently more than just a passing interest -- as the resourceful Thomas and Bergit were soon married. She was 18 and he as 24.
The two were then to commence an undertaking that from today has to be always noticed for its audacity, and its sheer sense of daring. They gathered their goods together, said goodbye to their friends in Wisconsin, and then set forth to the west and north, up to that remote and far-off land of Monongalia County. Minnesota, which the land offices had now declared open for settlement. (Monongalia County was to constitute the northern half of present Kandiyohi County.).
No mention is made of their route but the usual one from southern Wisconsin was to go west to the river town of Prairie du Chien, then up the Mississippi on a paddle wheel river-going steamer to St. Anthony Falls (later Minneapolis). From there the route went down the Minnesota River to Henderson, up the long Henderson-Pembina Trail, which cut directly through Monongalia Co. But whatever route they took, just getting there was probably an adventure in itself..
On a long forgotten day, sometime in the summer of that almost unhear of year, 1859, did Bergit and Thomas arrive into the new world. Their part of it would be that part of Section 8, lake Andrew Township, Monongalia County. Along their claim lay a broad and blue lake, still in its origianl wilderness setting and about this time being named Norway Lake..
During this summer season a cabin was built, and the enterprising Thomas was bartering with the Sioux Indians as they appeared around the cabin. It is Thomas who seems to know these colorful people the best. As far as he was concerned, it was simply a mater of "live and let live.".
As far as the church is concerned, there is record of about three early Norway Lake worship services begin held in this cabin, and there would be a logical reason for it. This cabin of Thomas and Bergit was built on the side of a small hill and in place of the usual small cellar it had a full fledged basement with an outside doorway. Thomas' cabin seems to be the only one with such features as a walkout basement.
The year 1862 is probably considered an early and remote year at Norway Lake, but the Thomas Osmundson family had already been a part of it for three years. They now had two children (there were to be 12 in all). (The children of Thomas and Bergit were Nellie, Betsy, Gunder, Mary, Sivert, Lena, Julia, Henry, Samuel, Anna, Edwin)
Bergit and Thomas Osmundson, undated.
Thomas and Bergit Osmundson cabin ( #3 ) on the south side of Norway Lake.
Bibliography: Anniversary Album, 1859-1944: Lebanon Lutheran Church and Keeping the Faith...Sharing the Faith