In 1874 Hans Nielson immigrated to America from Norway together with his wife and four children. Hans Nielson was the son of Niels Hansen and Anne Paulsdatter, born January 5, 1830 at Vardal, Opplund, Norway. On March 3, 1851, he was united in marriage to Berte Christiansdatter. Four children were born to this union:
Niels Hansen (this son did not come to America with his family)
Mathea Hansdatter, born August 13, 1853 (Mrs. Ole Lockrem)
Berte Helene Nielsdatter born July 11, 1860 (Mrs. John Vangen)
and Andreas Hansen (known as Andrew H. Overby) born November 30, 1863. In 1871, Berte, Hans' wife died of cancer and on May 8, 1872 Hans Nielsen married Ambjor (Emma) Andersdatter. Before immigrating to America a son Bernt Hansen (known as Ben Overby) was born on January 25, 1873.
Upon coming to America Hans Nielsen took the name Overby derived from the farm name in Norway, which was Overbyeie. Hans and Ambjor settled in Little Chicago, Minnesota, (about 8 miles west of Northfield). While living in Minnesota four children were born:
Andrew N. , born February 11, 1876
Anne born February 1, 1877 (Mrs. John Johnson)
Christian born June 12, 1880
and Betsy born February 11, 1883 (Mrs. Tom Rendahl).
In 1884 Hans, Ambjor and their family, along with their son Andrew H. Overby and his wife (Ingeborg Vangen), came to Dakota Territory and settled in Bryan Township, Griggs County. Also at that time Ingeborg's brothers, John Vangen and family and Carl Vangen came to Bryan Township. These four all settled on the same Section of land (Section 12, Bryan Township). These women were the only white women in the Township. In time they could borrow $300.00 per quarter and let the land go back when it came due, if they so desired.
In 1885 another daughter, Clara (Mrs. Lewis Williamson) was born.
Hans Nielsen Overby died on June 2, 1895 and was buried at the West Prairie Church northeast of Binford, as it was the closest cemetery at that time. Ambjor died on January 30, 1917 and was buried at the Binford cemetery.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 page 249