Syver N. Koloen

Syver N. Koloen was born April 14, 1871 at Gulbrunsdalen, Norway.

He came to the United States with his parents, Nils J. and Kari (Aamodt) Koloen, at the age of 17.

They settled first in South Dakota.  Then the family moved to Griggs County in 1889 and homesteaded in Addie Township near Plum Lake.

Syver married Annie Helene Lotvedt of Jessie, North Dakota on December 4, 1898.  After his marriage he worked on the farm of John Severson in Willow Township.  Awhile later he moved to his own farm that he established also in Willow Township.  They retired to Binford in 1936.

The children are: 

  1. Mrs. Arthur (Nora) Knapp.  (born March 14, 1900),

  2. Albert.  (September 25, 1901-June 6, 1968),

  3. Mrs. Oscar (Lillian) Rorvig.  (born November 8, 1903),

  4. Mrs. Mark (Aulga) King.  (born March 12, 1909),

  5. Mrs. Earl (Evelyn) Olson.  (born August 1, 1911),

  6. Mrs. Ralph (Ethel) Trostad.  (August 1, 1911-November 17, 1956). 

  7. Mrs. Clarence (Hazel) Larson.  (born September 22, 1913),

  8. Mrs. Bill (Cora) Hoffmeyer.  (born May 25, 1917),

  9. Mrs. Oliver (Helen) Bakken.  (born April 8, 1922),

  10. Reynold  (born June 10, 1926).

Mr. and Mrs. Koloen also had a son and two daughters that died in early childhood.

Syver was active in Township affairs, being Township treasurer and assessor for many years.

Syver Koloen passed away May 24, 1945, at the age of 74.

Mrs. Koloen passed away July 30, 1965, at the age of 85.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 497