Synneve
R. (Hjelle) Sigdestad
1831- 1919
Synneve R. Hjelle was born to Rasmus and Kristi Hjelle in
Opstryn, Nordfjord, Norway on 25 March,
1831. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.
At the age of 22, she married Sakarias Johnson Valdsnes, and
after- their marriage they moved to a Farm called Sigdestad where they resided
until the Spring of 1881. (It was customary to take the name of' the farm upon
which one lived; therefore their name changed to Sigdestad).
They emigrated to the United States, arriving in Montevideo,
Minnesota July, 1881 and residing there until the Spring of 1884 when the
eastern section of Dakota Territory was opened to homesteaders. They filed a
claim in Lynn Township, Day County, about seven miles north of Bristol, South
Dakota.
Their children were all born in Norway, namely three
daughters: Kari, Ingeborg, and Kristianna; and three Sons: John, Rasmus, and
Sakris. One other son died in infancy. Their daughter, Kristaanna, left Norway
a year before her family in the year 1880.
When they learned of Dakota Territory issuing land grants to
homesteaders, they were eager to Journey on. So, in covered wagon, a team of
oxen, and with what possessions they had, they arrived an Lynn Twp. and were
among the very early settlers. The only mention of other settlers at the time
were the Winson and Tofley families.
Pioneer life was rugged. Their shacks were sod huts, and
small, and prairie fires were general and destructive. But with determination
and willingness to labor on, they progressed with unbelievable results, which I
attribute to the "Viking Spirit".
The settlers moved in fast and the sod proved rich and
produced abundant crops. They were accustomed to do so many things in life and
their fortitude and their faith in God was an ever-present power.
They were the organizers of the Bergen Lutheran Church and
always active in the promotion of God's Kingdom.
Grandma Sigdestad died April 7, 1919 at her home where she
had struggled in earlier years to build for keeps, happy to know she was near
her children and grandchildren to enjoy their association. Her husband preceded
her in death. She is buried in the Bergen Church cemetery.
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Submitted 4/15/55 by granddaughter, firs. Bert Flakoll (Selma Olson), Bristol, SD