Biographies: John A. SOLBERG, Arland Township, Barron Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Victor Gulickson 23 August 1999 ==================================================================== John A. Solberg, an early settler, now living retired on the farm in section 30, which he developed in Arland Township, is a man held in the highest esteem and honor for what he has accomplished. He was born in Norway, Aug. 2, 1849, attended school as he could, and did farm labor. In 1873 he came to America and found his way directly to Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where he did railroad work for about two years. Then he went to Cedar Falls, in Dunn County, and cooked for a sawmill crew. In 1877 he took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 30, Arland Township, and by later purchases added from time to time until he owned 360 acres. When he first came to the place it was covered with heavy timber, and he had to cut his way through the woods to get his goods and supplies in. The nearest place from which provisions could be obtained was at Prairie Farm, from which place Mr. Solberg often brought supplies on his back. At first he had a set of log buildings in a small clearing, and here he started to develop a farm. For a while times were hard. But by hard work he prospered. He replaced the log buildings with a good set of frame structures, fenced the entire tract and cleared about 75 acres. In the meanwhile he was ever mindful of his duties as a citizen. He was a real leader in the township, he was consulted on many important ventures, his judgment was valued, and he was always ready to take his part in everything which he believed to be for the benefit of the community. Especially did he realize that good roads were needed to promote the welfare of the township. He therefore served for more than twelve years as road commissioner, and during this time not only advocated the improvement of old roads and the establishment of new ones, but also helped to build many himself. He also foresaw that schools and churches were necessary to the full growth of the community. He therefore helped to organize the Concordia congregation and assisted in building the church. For many years he did good service on the school board. All in all, he has been a good and useful citizen, of the type of unselfishness and cool sense needed in the development of a new region. In 1910 he turned over the management of the farm to his son, Andrew, but continued to make his home there. Mr. Solberg was married on Nov. 10, 1881, to Gertrude Johnson, who was born in Norway. She was a most worthy woman, a loyal and sympathetic wife, a loving and understanding mother, a generous neighbor, and a true-hearted friend. She died Dec. 4, 1909, and her death was sincerely mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Solberg had seven children: Andrew, born Aug. 24, 1882, manages the home farm. Edward, born March 31, 1884, farms in Arland Township. Martin, born April 13, 1887, is in the insurance business at Turtle Lake, this county. Jennie was born Nov. 5, 1889, and is the wife of Oscar Rude of Rice Lake, this county. Clara was born Nov. 5, 1889, twin to Jennie, and is the wife of Paul Orfen of Minneapolis. Clarence and Oscar, twins, were born Jan. 14, 1892, and died in infancy. --Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 914-915.