Axel Liljenquist was born at Klösjo, Jamtland, Sweden in a family with 2 older sisters. His mother passed away when he was born. His father remarried about 11h years later. In 1902 he with his wife and three children sailed for America. Here they settled at Aitkin, Minnesota where many former friends and relatives had already made their homes. They worked hard logging and made their buildings of logs. There 9 children were born. They had a struggle to care for the family but all were amply clothed and fed. The father worked for others for a few extra dollars.

However when the youngest of the children was 8 months the mother died, scattering the family. The oldest ones, Axel being the oldest boy, had to go out to work for themselves and also to keep the home going. He also stayed at home for 3 years to do the housework and cooking for the family.

In 1916 he came to North Dakota to work during the harvest season where he met his future wife, Inga Person. They then lived at Aitkin, Minnesota for 4 years. In 1935 he and his wife moved to Cooperstown to the Person farm where their three children were born.

WILBUR on the farm with his wife and 4 children, Timothy, 13, Scott 10, Susan 7, and Stacy 4.
There were also Margaret, Mrs. Allan Stokka, Hannaford and
Julienne, Mrs. David Johnson of Benson, Minnesota

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 page 275