Nicolai Swenson was born in Eidfjord Hardanger, Norway in 1855, and came to the United States in 1875. Three older brothers had arrived earlier, one as early as 1856.
After graduating from Business College in Madison, Wisconsin, he took a homestead in Bartley Township. This land was proved up in 1890.
One of Mr. Swenson's neighbors was Eric Heyerdahl. When Mrs. Heyerdahl's sister came to visit from Wisconsin, she and Mr. Swenson met and they were married in 1889. Nicolai Swenson served one term as Griggs County Treasurer from 1892 to 1894, and served in the State Legislature in 1895 and 1897.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Swenson. Gladys (Swenson) Stowman is the only remaining survivor.
Nicolai Swenson died in 1918. The oldest son, Swen, then took over the farm and in 1927, married Cora Fladland. Norman Swenson was born to them in 1928. Mrs. Nicolai Swenson lived with the family on the farm until it became necessary for her to go to a nursing home in Valley City. She died in 1971, at the age of 110 years.
Swen Swenson died in 1971, shortly after moving to Valley City. Norman continued farming until 1981, when he rented out the farm. The Eric Heyerdahl family continue to live on the farm in the house, part of which was the original homestead shanty. Cora Swenson died in 1982.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 237