John Torfin was born in Iowa. Married Hannah Olson Bjornstad in 1878. They came to Griggs County with Bjornstads in April 1880 and were "squatters" on land in SW quarter of Section 26, Washburn Township. The site of their log house was almost at the present location of Alf Ueland's farm buildings. On September 1, 1880, their daughter, Mathilda, was born. This was the first white child born in Griggs County. Mr. Torfin took final proof on his land in 1883. The family moved to Rouseau, Minnesota in 1887. After the death of Mrs. Torfin's mother, Mrs. Bjornstad, the family returned to the home of Mr. Bjornstad in Romness Township to make their home. After the death of Mr. Bjornstad they moved to Aneta, North Dakota and remained there the rest of their lives.

Mathilda was married to Olaf M. Sloulin on May 6, 1900 at Aneta, North Dakota. There were four children in the family:

Effie Sloulin Volkman, Hazelle Sloulin Otterson Welters, Mildred Sloulin Syvertson, and Milton Sloulin.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 491