Hans H. Koloen was born in Gulbransdalen, Norway, August 18, 1865. He came to America with his parents in 1872 where they lived in Fillmore County, Minnesota, 10 years, before coming to Pilot Mound Township in 1882.
His first schooling was in a school built in 1885, called Greenwood. This school was close to his home, just north of the Ottawa Church. He was 20 years old at that time and attended school eight days. School was held from June 15 until August 31. The teacher was Julia M. Jacobson. The County School Superintendent was Theodore F. Kerr. They studied reading, writing and arithmetic.
Most of the money he made as a boy was earned by trapping. Muskrats were plentiful and he got 5 cents for each muskrat. Other fur bearing animals were also plentiful.
Hans H. Koloen married Anne Amundson in 1892. They lived in a sod and log cabin near his parents home. The Koloens were parents of six children, five daughters and one son, Harry, who passed away while young.
Louise married Albert Arneson, and made their home in Washington. Ruth married Arthur Vallem and lived in Wisconsin. Hazel married Olaf Gunderson. The Gundersons are living on the farm settled on by his grandfather and homesteaded by his father. Alice married Melvin Seim and lived in Oregon. Florence married Olaf Reinhart. They lived in Romness Township before moving to Cooperstown.
Mr. Koloen donated the land for the building site for the Ottawa Church and cemetery. He was among those who hauled the lumber by horses and wagon from Cooperstown for the church building. He also helped with the building of the church, and was active in other church work.
Besides farming, Mr. Koloen owned and operated a steam-threshing outfit.
A picnic area, closer to the Koloen farm than the first one, became a popular gathering place for social doings, and Sunday afternoon ball games. The largest attendance at this picnic area was in June 1927 when a new automobile was given to Reverend Ovrebo, who served there for many years.
The Koloens spent several years with their daughters in Montana and Oregon. Hans passed away in 1933, Mrs. Koloen in 1950.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 372