Martin Johnson was born in Toten, Norway. He was born of Johanes and Martha Christianson on March 5, 1856. The exact date of his coming to America is uncertain. It is believed to be in the late 1860's. His first home on American soil was in Fillmore County, Minnesota. He came to Barnes County by wagon train in 1880 and filed on a tree claim a few years later. The location of this was the Northeast ¼ section 14 in Thordenskold Township. At this early date there were very few settlers, yet the Indians had barely moved out. Martin later acquired 80 acres in section 13 to the east of his original quarter section. Martin's first wife was Ingeborg Peterson. She died in 1886. He married Hannah Evenson and to this union there were ten children born. Martin and his family were members of St. Petri Lutheran Church, where all their children were baptized and confirmed.

Johan, their first child passed away in infancy.
Joseph grew to manhood on his parents farm. He married Edna Fisher and they continued farming in Barnes County. They had four children. Norman, Sherman, Charlette, who died in infancy, and Sandra. Joseph died in 1962.
Minnie, Mrs. Peter Strand, the second child, married and she and her husband farmed in Ransom County. Six children were born to this union. Maynerd, Lorine, Muriel, Orville, who died in 1949, Wayne, and Milton.
Hilda, who died in 1898 in infancy.
Henry, who grew up on the family farm, married Agnes Aase and continued farming in the Nome-Fingal area and later worked with the R.E.A. They have one son Harold.
Elmer, grew to manhood on his parents farm. He has never married. He spent most of his pre-retirement years with the R.E.A. After retirement he has made his home in Kindred, North Dakota.
Helma, Mrs. Fremont Hagen, lives in Valley City. Two boys were born to his union. Verne, who died in an automobile accident in 1963 and Duane.
Frederick Johnson grew up to manhood on his parents farm. He married Eleanore Olson. He worked for the R.E.A. for many years. His wife passed away in 1960. He married Guida Zwick. Fred passed away in 1961.
Marvin, grew to manhood on the family farm. He married Marcella Bjerke. Eight children were born to this union. Divonne, who died in infancy, David, a baby girl who died in infancy, Barbara, Gary, LeMonte, Gail and Mark.
Floyd, grew to manhood on the family farm. He worked for the R.E.A. He married Helga Fisher. Floyd died in 1961.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 115