Obit: Bergseth, Knute S. (1842 - 1931)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bergseth, Amundson, Hanson, Wallen, Thompson, Husaboe, Anderson, Richards, Hjerleid, Ellison, Mulry, Olson, Saeveig

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 4/15/1931

Bergseth, Knute S. (23 December 1942 - 12 April 1931)

Knute S. Bergseth, one of the first settlers in the Village of Taylor, died at his farm home south of that village at 9:30 o’clock on Sunday morning, April 12, 1931, in his 89th year. He had been in remarkably good health for one of his advanced age, until about eight months ago, when he commenced to gradually fail, and death ensued from general infirmities.

The funeral services will be held at the home at 1:00 o’clock and at the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran Church at 2:00 o’clock, on Monday, April 20, Rev. Saeveig, of Blair, officiating.

Mr. Bergseth was born in Drangedahl, Christiania, Norway, on December 23, 1842. He spent his youth in his native village, and learned the blacksmith’s trade there. He was married in that village, in 1867, to Miss Inger Amundson.

In 1870 they immigrated to America with their one son, Samuel K. They first located at Black River Falls, where he found his first employment akin the Gullord steam sawmill, which was then in operation a few miles from the city. Another, son Amos, was born to them soon after their arrival here. Mrs. Bergseth passed away on August 24, 1871.

He spent about a year in this vicinity, and then moved to the Town of Springfield, where he located on the farm now owned by Ole Husaboe, about two miles south of Taylor. In 1872, he erected a blacksmith shop on the Hjerleid homestead on a site about midway between the location of the Hjerleid and Ellison homes. When the Green Bay Railway was completed as far as Taylor in 1875, he moved his shop to Taylor. It then had only a few buildings.

He continued to follow the blacksmith trade at Taylor, also engaging in the farm implement business, until July 10, 1899, when he sold his business to his son, Samuel K., and moved to a farm which he afterwards sold to James Mulry. He continued f arming thereafter, about twenty-four years ago purchasing the fine farm property which he had since owned about one-half mile south of the village.

He was married the second time, on December 23, 1873, to Miss Dorotha Hanson, who now survives him. He also leaves two sons Samuel K. Bergseth, of Spring Valley, Minn., and Amos Bergseth, of Arlington, Wash., born to his first union, and seven children born to his second union, Helmer Bergseth and Mrs. Edna Wallen, of Everett, Wash., George Bergseth, Marie Bergseth and Ebert Bergseth, of Taylor; Mrs. Dagna Thompson, of Trump Coulee, and Mrs. Eda Husaboe, of Taylor. Another daughter, Mrs. Anna Anderson, died at Seattle, Wash., and a son, Carl, died at the age of 11 years. One sister, Mrs. Emma Richards, of Cooper, Wash., also survives him.

On December 23, last, Mr. and Mrs. Bergseth celebrated their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. He had been a member of the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran Church near Taylor since 1875.

Mr. Bergseth was a man of strong physique, and he continued his activities until late in life. He was of independent mind and strong character--one who formed his own opinions and judgments, and who by industry and energy acquired a competence.

He was a good husband and father, and was devoted to his family circle. He was also a loyal friend and a good neighbor. He resided in this county more than sixty years, and was favorably regarded by the many that came to know him in that long period.

Until more recent years, he was a frequent visitor among his friends here in the city, and he enjoyed his associations with those, who, like himself, were early arrivals here from Norway. Many of those pioneer people have passed on, but until the closing days of his life, it pleased him to receive calls from those still living. Only a few weeks ago, though quite weak, he was able to enjoy a good visit from his old time friend, Peter Olson, of this city, who went out to his home to call on him. He leaves a wide circle of friends whose sympathy goes out to the widow, children and other relatives and friends in their sorrow.