John N. Kirkeby was born near Oslo, Norway July 27, 1857. At the age of 14 he came to Rushford, Minnesota with his family. Here he grew to manhood and worked as a painter in a wagon factory.

He and his father, Nils Kirkeby came by wagon to Anderson Township in 1885. His mother and youngest sister joined them when a house was built.

In September 1893 John returned to Rushford and married Millie Christianson ' who was born October 22, 1864. Six children were born: Ruth, Nordahl M., Carl J., Martin C., Edna and Christian L. In 1905 the family moved to Valley City where the youngest child was born, Jeanette.

John N. Kirkeby passed away April 27, 1907. Mrs. Kirkeby and family remained in Valley City while Nordahl and Carl operated the farm. Mrs. Millie Kirkeby passed away October 18, 1940. Clifford, Ruth and Christian L. are the children now surviving.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 123