Lokensgard Family History

A bound anthology of histories of various family members, divided into chapters with a preface from 1994 by the creators, a preface from 1949 by Professor Emil O. Ellingson introducing the “Pioneer Stories” written by his Uncle Ole. The an introduction, “Pioneer Stories” by Ole Lokensgard describes the origins of the family and discrepancies in spelling. Additional accounts include, "Grandmother Helga" by Olga Thompson, "Sigrid’s Story" by Sigrid Ellingson, “Pioneer Stories: A Continuation” by Fritjof Lokensgard, “My Father Mikkel” by Norris Lokensgard, “Christmas in Pioneer Days” by Knute Lokensgard, “Knute’s Story” by Ruth Larson and Beverly Williams, “Reminiscences” by Oluf Lokensgard, “Remembering Olina” by Norbert Snyder, “The Lillegard Writings” by Lars Lillegard.” Following these biographies are: Items of Interest – Hallingdal, Items of interest – Lake Prarie, and genealogical information for the descendants of Ole and Helga Lokensgard. The biographical accounts are written largley as first-person narratives and replete with personal anecdotes and rememberances, photographs, copies of personal documents, recipes, and genealogical records in the back.

Biographical Note

The Lokensgard family can be traced back to before 1600. Ole and Helga Lokensgard left Norway for America, landing in New York in 1857, a depression year. They moved first to Minnesota and then to Lake Prairie Township in South Dakota and then back again to Minnesota, working as farmers. Ole died in 1871. Helga and her children had to run the farm alone after his death. The biographical and autobiographical narratives describe pioneer life for the Norwegian settlers around Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, including religion, family life, agricultural and homesteading practices, education, and relations with the Native American nations.