Born in Vaga, Gulbrans Valley, Norway in January 5, 1861 , Thor Baarstad lived in Fargo, North Dakota, June 30, 1892.

Before coming to Barnes County, Thor had been baptized in the Baptist faith and had traveled as an evangelist, playing his guitar, singing and organizing Sunday Schools in Norway. His first activity upon arrival in Fargo, besides working on a farm, was to attend school and assist the Baptist minister in Fargo and Hillsboro. He made a trip to Valley City in 1894 on an evangelistic mission and on July 1, 1894 the Norwegian Baptist Church was organized.

Before leaving Norway Thor Baarstad had made an agreement with his fiancé, Mari Teigen, that he would send for her as soon as possible. She was born on October 30, 1870. In July, 1893, her ticket arrived and she left for America. Twenty days later she arrived in Fargo and friends took her to Valley City and on December 26, 1894 she and Thor were married. Their first child, Paul Gerhard, arrived October 13, 1895. In June 1897 they purchased a lot and built a home. Here Mable Teresa was born October 22, 1897. Seven children in all were born, four living to maturity. Inga Marie was born June 21, 1902 and Ruby Gunhild, February 9, 1907.

Thor's younger brother, Peter, came in 1903. A master painter, he and Thor organized a crew of home decorators and Thor continued in this work until he was eighty-five years of age.

The lives of Thor and Mari were dedicated to family, home and church. Their loyalty to their adopted country was passed on to their children, along with their unswerving faith in the goodness of God. Mari passed away July 19, 1940 and Thor passed away December 7, 1952.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 21