Pekin, North Dakota
is a farmer. He was born in Lesjeskogen on November 5, 1854 and emigrated to America in 1872 to Albert Lea, Minnesota and lived there for nine years. He came to Nelson County, North Dakota in 1881 along with his brother, Ole Bjorlie, who died in 1889. His oldest son Henry O. Bjorlie is a Priest in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He took preemption in Nesheim Township in 1882 and lived there as a farmer. He now lives in Pekin, North Dakota where he has built himself a fine home.
His wife, Karen Oyen, is from Grytten, Romsdalen. They have eight children. John E. Bjorlie graduated from St. Olaf's College in 1910. He is a professor in Page, North Dakota and has been the principal there for two years. Regine is married to B. H. Enstad in Pekin, North Dakota. Henrikke graduated as a nurse from St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota and is married to Ole Lysne, who has a farm in Bergen Township. Olaf Bjorlie operates his father’s farm. He is married to a daughter of Ole J. Enstad. Gilbert Bjorlie is a carpenter and works with Hauge in Pekin, North Dakota. Arthur Bjorlie is at the Atlas Lumberyard. Sidney is of school age. An adoptive daughter Ragna has been with them since she was eight years. He has had several positions of trust, and has been an assessor in Nesheim Township for eleven years.
Source: Norwegians and Norwegian Homes in America by Hans Jervell - 1916 - Page 37