Torkel Undem

Torkel Undem left Norway as a teenager, coming to America and Valley City. He held a multitude of jobs in the course of his travels, finally operating a dray line.

He met Kristina Swenson in Valley City, where she worked at the new, magnificent Kindred Hotel, and they were married April 18, 1885. Torkel was nearly, eighteen at the time, having been born December 13, 1867. Kristine was older as she was born February 2, 1862.

They made their home near the city park and eight children were born here:

  1. Sven (1886),

  2. Theodore (Tudy - 1888),

  3. Mamie (1889),

  4. Torwell (1892),

  5. Gustava (1894),

  6. Christopher (1896),

  7. Martin; (1898), and

  8. Minnie (1900).

In 1903 Torkel purchased a farm six miles east of Rogers in Barnes County and the family moved there. Here were born Jacob (1903), and Robert (1908).

As the Undem sons grew up, they became ardent baseball players, often walking seven miles to play baseball at Sibley Crossing. Later a team was organized at Rogers which was known locally as the "Undem Team," with Torwell, Christ, Mart and Robert as regular players.

Sven married Ada James - both are deceased. Torwell and Ruth Wakefield were married in August of 1914 and they had a daughter, Laura, and seven sons. Earl, Harold, Freeman, and Duane still farm in Rogers Township. Gustava married Ed Emery. Theodore never married and died in 1974. Martin married Eva Farrell. Christ married Helen Young. Minnie married Joe Christenson of Dazey. Jake married Goldie Lokken and is deceased. Robert married W. Della Lokken and he died in August 1972.

Torkel, an energetic farmer, passed away in July, 1943. Kristine died May 17, 1948.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 254