BIOGRAPHIES: Edward H. SOLBERG, Elk Mound, Dunn Co., WI ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, 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. Submitted by: Laura Abood 13 January 2004 ************************************************************************ EDWARD H. SOLBERG, a well known and highly esteemed citizen and retired farmer residing in the village of Elk Mound, was born in Norway, April 16, 1846, son of Hans and Karina (Solberg) Solberg. It was in 1866 that the family came to the United States, locating first in Chicago, whence they came to Dunn County, Wisconsin in the following year, taking 160 acres of land in Section 1, on Elk Creek in the town of Elk Mound. There they spent the remainder of their lives, Hans Solberg dying in April, 1917. They were the parents of three children. Edward H., the subject of this sketch; Oliver, who lives in the town of Elk Mound, and Anna, who is deceased. Edward H. Solberg acquired a public school education in his native land and as a young man accompanied his parents to America and to Dunn County, Wisconsin. Until 1871 he assisted his parents on the home farm, in which year his father deeded 80 acres to him. Later he homesteaded 160 acres in the town of Colfax and of his landed possessions he made a fine farm, breaking and developing 110 acres of the land and erecting a good house and out-buildings. After farming there until 1919, he sold that place and moved to the village of Elk Mound, where he bought a home and has since lived retired. Mr. Solberg was married April 9, 1882, to Maria Aslakson, who was born in Norway, May 26, 1853, daughter of Aslak and Olea Severson. Both parents died in Norway, their daughter Maria coming to America in 1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Solberg have been born eight children, namely: Hans A., Dec. 7, 1883; Anna O., May 10, 1885; Carl G., April 19, 1887; Emma K., Sept. 9, 1888; Otto R., Nov. 18, 1890; John S., Feb. 27, 1893; Severin E., April 2, 1895; and Ragna E., Oct. 24, 1898. With respect to the individual record of these children, Hans A., who is now a farmer in the town of Elk Mound, married Mabel Tilleson and has six children, Arnold, Blanche, Ruby, Gordon, Victor and Betty. Anne O., now Mrs. Albert Nelson of Rice Lake, Wis., is the mother of one child, Ione. Carl G., was graduated from the Union Business College at Eau Claire and is now a commercial teacher. He married Cornie Sorenson, and they have three children, Basil, James and Helen. Emma K., the wife of Carl Rosenberg of Elk Mound, has three children, Dora, Eva and David. Otto R., a traveling salesman, has a World War military record. He enlisted for service July 23, 1918, being assigned to the 161st Depot Brigade and training first at Camp Grant. Later he was transferred to Company H, 344th Infantry, and on Sept. 9, left for overseas, being landed at Liverpool, England, Sept. 23. He was then transferred to the 109th Machine Gun Battalion and after crossing to France was stationed at Thiaucourt, serving on the battle front from Oct. 14 to Nov. 11, when the armistice was signed. During that time he took part in all the principal fighting on his sector going over the top three times, and being slightly gassed after the signing of the armistice. After that he remained in reserve in France until April 19, 1919, at which time he sailed for home, being landed at New York, April 30, and discharged at Camp Grant, May 15, 1919, as a first class private. After his return home he resumed farming. He married Amy Blue, who died Sept. 5, 1923, leaving one child, Clayton. Since 1922, Otto R. has been engaged in selling separators on the road. John S. is now a merchant in Chetek, Wis., being proprietor of a fine store. He married Cora Munson and they have two children, Robert and Mary Jane. Severine E., now residing in Detroit, Minn., is a salesman. He was also in the army, entering the service in May, 1918. He trained at Camp Grant and became a member of Company C, 344th Infantry, and was sent to Fort Worth, Texas, where he was stationed until the end of the war, when he was discharged at Camp Grant. Ragna E., who is single, is residing on the home farm. The Solberg family are religiously affiliated with the Lutheran Church and are people who are both well known and well thought of in their community. -Transcribed from the "History of Dunn County Wisconsin, 1925," page 949 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm