Perley, Minnesota
Johannes Martinus Olson Ness was born in Volden on April 28, 1851. His father's Name was Ole Otteson Ness and his mother’s name was Petrine J. Eide. He came to America in 1872. He attended Breckenridge Institute from 1873 to 1847, Luther College from 1874 to1880 (A. B) and Lutheran Seminar from 1880 to 1883, (C.T.). He was a Priest in Perley and Hendrum, Minnesota from 1883 to 1910 and Buffalo, North Dakota since 1910 and Maple River, North Dakota since 1912. He was Teacher at Concordia College from 1910 to 1912. He was the chairman of the Northwestern Lutheran College Association since 1891. He was a visiting priest from 1907 to 1908 and the followers Financial Secretary from 1902 to 1905.
He was one of Concordia College’s Diocese, He has worked persistently and faithfully for this school’s development. He was chairman ot the Committee for the erection of Ivar Aasen’s Monument at Concordia. He has been an involved member of Sondmors regional society and was the vice chairman for several years and has taken part in many of the regional society’s annual meetings.
Source: Norwegians and Norwegian Homes in America by Hans Jervell - 1916 - Page 70