Ole Trostad was born January 7, 1844 at Skjääk, Gulbransdol Valley, Norway and Ronnaug Sviene born October 23, 1853 at Lom, Gulbransdol, Norway were married there and came to the United States in 1883 with there five children:

Louis, Gunder, Guy, Ana, and Melina. They came to seek a better home and living for their family. They chose North Dakota because it was believed to be a good state for agriculture. The journey to the Dakota Territory was by wagon and horses. They homesteaded near the Sheyenne River on the South East corner of Section 7, which is now Lenora Township, Griggs County. It was assumed their first home was a dug out and part sod house in the hillside. Later they moved to a log house, North West corner of Section 12, Pilot Mound Township, Griggs County. Another daughter, Clara was born here. This was to be their home until 1901 when they moved to the NW quarter of Section 22, Pilot Mound Township.

Ole Trostad passed away June 23, 1903. Mrs. Trostad continued to live there. She was a member of West Prairie Church and Ladies Aid. Some years later she married John Ness, who came from Skjääk, Gulbransdol, Norway to work here. Ronnaug died August 20, 1929. This original homestead is now owned by a grandson, son of Louis Trostad, Theodore Trostad and his wife Selma.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 381