Born August 13, 1869 in Ostra Toten, Norway, Olaf Olstad came to Barnes County as a young man with his brothers, Martin, Ole and Harold. He worked as a farm laborer until his marriage to Mary Nelson on December 22, 1892. Mary (Gina Maria) was born to Andrew and Kjersti Nelson at Lanesboro, Minnesota, on November 23, 1872.

The Olstads farmed in Cuba Township and the following children were born to them: Magda, born September 6, 1894, married Even Evenson, died March 24, 1945; Arthur, born August 11, 1896, married Mildred Burton; Edwin, born June 21, 1900, married Selma Lahlum; Lillian, born November 1, 1905, married Oscar Langemo; Clifford, born May 18, 1907, married Norma Perkins; and Helen, born October 24, 1910, married to Kelly Linder.

Olaf passed away December 10, 1945 and Mary followed on August 17, 1946.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 187