Biographies:  John SAMDAHL, Rice Lake, Barron Co., WI 

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:  
Victor Gulickson  <vic@indy.net>  29 June 1999	
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John Samdahl, formerly a blacksmith, now a successful farmer, who operates 
his place in the rural outskirts, while living in Rice Lake, is a sturdy
example of those men from the north countries who have come to this land, 
and by hard work and application have taken advantage of the wonderful 
opportunities offered here and have won an honored place among their fellow 
men. He was born in Norway, Oct. 21, 1859, son of Andrew and Bertha (Lund) 
Samdahl, natives of that country, the former of whom died there in 1886 and 
the latter in 1896. In the family there were ten children: Carrie (deceased), 
Halver (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Ole, Edward, Andrew (deceased), Bertha, 
Ole (second), John and Peter (deceased).  John Samdahl received his education 
in his native land and learned the blacksmith trade there. In 1881 he came 
to America and located at Menomonie, Wis., where he followed his trade ten 
years. Next he worked at his trade in Duluth four years.  In 1895 he came to
Rice Lake, opened a blacksmith shop and continued in business for himself
until 1914. In that year he sold out. Since then he has operated his farm 
of 40 acres in the city limits and lives at 27 East Newton Street.  His farm 
was wild when he purchased it, and the many improvements on it were all made 
by himself. He successfully carries on general farming, together with 
gardening and dairying. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen 
and of the Scandinavian Society. Mr. Samdahl was married Nov. 20, 1886, to 
Lena Sockness, who was born in Norway, May 18, 1862. They have three 
children: Alma, born Jan. 19, 1888, is the wife of Edward Bender of Nebraska.  
Jennie, born Sept. 11, 1892, is a teacher, residing at home. Cleo is studying 
medicine at La Crosse, Wis. The family faith is that of the Norwegian 
Lutheran Church.

--Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.,
1922, pg. 636-637.