Markus M. Njust was born at Nord Odal, Norway, on September 26, 1860. He received his early schooling in the home area and later was graduated from military school in Oslo, Norway.
In 1886 Markus immigrated to the United States, and for some time he lived at Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he met Thea Holter. Later, he attended the Red Wing Seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota, and was ordained into the Lutheran ministry.
He was called to serve as pastor of the Westley Church east of Cooperstown. Shortly after this, approximately 1892, Markus took out a homestead claim, and the area that most appealed to him was an 80-acre tract which is the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 4, Township 145.
Other churches Reverend Njust served were St. Petri Congregation at Pickert, North Dakota, and Lyster Congregation west of Hannaford, North Dakota. He also served other congregations located in Minnesota, which required three days to make the round trip by horse and buggy.
On September 26, 1893, Markus Njust and Thea Holter were married at Mayville, North Dakota. They set up housekeeping in the ''claim shanty" as it was called. By degrees five more rooms were added, and it was here that they raised two sons and two daughters. The older son, Manford Njust, lives at Junction City, Oregon. Mabel Braa, the eldest of the children, lives in Salem, Oregon. Lily Holland, the youngest, lives at Silverton, Oregon, while Henry Njust remains on the old homestead. Henry has replaced the old house with a modern two-bedroom home. The other original farm buildings remain intact and are well-kept. The home area has been transformed into a virtual garden spot with evergreens as well as fruit trees and many varieties of flowers.
Frequently, Indians came through the neighborhood begging for food. Mrs. Njust allowed them to come in and help themselves. She feared for her life, but they would always leave just enough food for one day's supply, helping themselves to everything else.
The country school in Ball Hill Township was located a mile and one half away from home. There were times when storms made it quite difficult to travel, but this was the usual thing, and nobody seemed to mind.
Reverend and Mrs. Njust spent their last years at Silverton, Oregon. Markus passed away in May of 1946, and Thea in November of 1954. All the children mentioned are still living, as are five grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 208