Bio of Paul GUNDERSON(b.1857) Yellow Medicine Co., MN

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Source: "A History of Yellow Medicine County" by Arthur P. Rose
Published 1914

PAUL GUNDERSON (1882)

Paul Gunderson of Porter, is one of the oldest settlers of that village and
a man who has taken a leading part in the business affairs of the little
village.  Porter has been his home for thirty-two years.

Mr. Gunderson was born in Norway July 16, 1857, is a son of Gundbjorn Olson
Aakvik and Marta (Andzjon) Olson.  Both parents died in Norway in recent
years.  Paul lived in his native land until 1869, working at farm work and
fishing.  He arrived in the United States in July, 1869, and lived at North
Cape, Racine county, Wisconsin, until 1882.  For several years he worked 
for farmers in the vicinity and for two winters was employed in the 
pineries of Michigan.  At North Cape he conducted a wagon shop four years, 
and just prior to his arrival to Yellow Medicine county he farmed four 
years in the neighborhood.

On November 15, 1882, Mr.Gunderson arrived in the little village of Porter,
which was then just founded.  He formed a partnership with J. F. Friese and
bought from Ole Dahl a little stock of goods, valued at $500, with which
that gentleman was conducting the pioneer store.  The partners added to the
stock and opened a very creditable general merchandise store which they
operated until 1891.

After dissolving partnership, Mr. Gunderson engaged in farming and the
implement business, operating an implement house fifteen years.  He still
engages in farming and is one of the big land owners of Porter.  He has
deeded a half section of land to his sons and still owns three-quarters 
of a section of land, besides a find home and other Porter village property.

Mr. Gunderson was president of the Porter village council one year and has
been a school director many years.  He is a member of the United Norwegian
Lutheran Church.

In the state of Wisconsin, on April 20, 1875, Mr. Gunderson was united in
marriage to Ellen Martha Spellum, who was born in Wisconsin January 31,
1854.  Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson have four children.  Martin Gilbert, the
eldest, attended Highland Park School two years and now resides in Oregon.
Olaf is a graduate of St. Olaf College and attended Minnesota University 
one year; he is now principal of the Wood Lake school.  Henry Louis, who 
is deaf, attended the Faribault school ten years and is a graduate of that
institution; he lives at home.  Mabel, who also lives at home, has attended
the Madison Normal and was a student at St. Olaf one year.

Source: "A History of Yellow Medicine County" by Arthur P. Rose
Published 1914