From the 1891 Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, page 133 134:

SYVER HJERLEID, a wealthy farmer and leading citizen, residing on Section 9, Springfield Township, first saw the light of day among the pine-clad hills of Norway, Sept. 21, 1828. His parents, Iver and Ann Hjerleid, were also natives of Norway, and there lived and died. They had three sons: Ole, Haldor, and Syver, the youngest and only member of the family who left his native land. He grew to manhood in Norway, and was educated there. In 1852, he came to America and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at the painter's trade for seven years. He saved his money, lived economically, and by his prudence and thrift was enabled, in 1854, to purchase a farm in Jackson County he paid the Government one dollar and a quarter per acre five years after he bought this land he removed to it, and has since given his time and energies to its cultivation. His efforts have been successful, as he now has one of the most desirable farms in the county it consists of 160 acres and is well improved with many modern conveniences. In addition to this he owns 200 acres, in another portion of Springfield Township. When he arrived in New York, Mr. Hjerleid had put 2 in money, and was unable to speak one word of English, and today he ranks among the most reliable agriculturists of the community. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to every enterprise that is caluclated to upbuild the moral and religious elements of society. In his political opinions he agrees with the Republican principles of government. He has served the people of his township in some official capacity continuously since his residence there.

Mr. Hjerleid was united in marriage, in July, 1859 to Miss Helen Knudson, in Chicago, Illinois. She was born in Norway, February 7, 1835. In all the obstacles he has overcome, and in all the efforts he has made to accumulate some property, Mr. Hjerleid has been ably and faithfully aided by his wife, and this record would fail in one of its purposes if it did not preserve this fact in connection with the history of this successful man.

Mr. and Mrs. Hjerleid are the parents of eleven children: Dorothea M., Ibert M., Hans C., Ludwig Ol, Hannah S., Haldor R., Clarence M., Octavious, Ninah C., Carl M. and Effie D. Ibert M. is deceased. The families are all consistent members of the Lutheran Church and occupy a position of honor and high respect in the community.