Tonnes Watne was born 1854 in Hailand, Norway. His parents were Simon Foss-Watne and Maria Foss

Watne. He came to America in the spring of 1884 with his wife and three children. He went to Stone City, Iowa and from there he came to North Dakota arriving at Cooperstown, he went out to Nels Herigastad's homestead by wagon drawn by oxen. He bought home stead rights in 1886 from Julia Bustrack for $200 located in Sverdrup Township Section 8. His nearest neighbors were Wilhelm Watne, Andrew Watne, Simon Ouren and Swen Aalgaard.

Tonnes Watne helped organize the Saron Evangelical Free Church and was one of the first elders.

He passed away in 1917 on his homestead and was buried in the Saron Cemetery. His wife followed him six months later (1918).

Ten children:

Simon Watne, Maria Watne, Geoige-anna Sharpe, Jonna Sharpe, Gretha Greenland, Laura Watne, Rachel Lovegren, Vera La Rue, Wilhelm Watne, Minnie Watne.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 444