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Torger Olson Skrukrud
The History of Renville County, Volume 2
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Chapter XXXVIII
p. 1179-1180

Torger Olson Skrukrud, one of the early pioneers of the Hawk Creek valley, was born in Norway, December 9, 1842, and at the age of sixteen came to Fillmore county, this state, where he joined his brothers, Ole and Knute, who had preceeded him. For several years he was there employed as a farm hand. In 1868 he drove an ox team overland to Renville county, and selected a quarter section in section 5, Hawk Creek, buying eighty acres from Christina Olson. He broke a few acres, erected a log cabin, and then drove back to Filllmore county. In June 15, 1869, he again drove his oxen, bringing his family, and taking up his home in his cabin. He went through all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, though he was somewhat better off that some of the settlers on the prairie, for there was plenty of timber on his claim along the creek. The nearest markets were at New Ulm, New London and Willmar, and the trips to those places were long and tedious. There were few settlers in the country, and there were many [drawbacks] to farming. The grasshoppers and the hail came, and the winters were long and cold. But with courage he worked early and late and developed a splendid farm. The log house was rebuilt into a sightly frame house. Barns and outbuildings were erected, and the place developed into a modern and successful farm. The situation is pituresque and comforatble, the creek adding much to the appearance of the surroundings. Mr. Skrukrud became a prominent man in the community, and while he did not seek public office, his opinion was highly valued by his friends, and his standing was very high. In 1905, Mr. Skrukrud retired from farm life and moved to Granite Falls, where he purchased a pretty home overlooking the Minnesota River, where he lived in comfort until his death, April 23, 1913. Mr. Skrukrud was married in Fillmore county, this state, December, 1866, to Anna Ingebretson, who was born in Norway, October 19, 1843, and came to America the year before her future husband. She now makes her home in Granite Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Skrukrud had eleven children, of whom eight are living. They are: Ellen, Ole, Engebret, Mathias T., Albert, Carl, Anna and Mabel, living; and Mary, and two unnamed infants, deceased. Ellen was born April 10, 1867, and married John Tandberg, of Canada. Ole was born November 2, 1868, and lives in Montana. Engebret was born September 13, 1872, and is a hardware merchant of Maynard, Minnesota. He married Christine Lerohl. Mathias T. was born December 29, 1874. Albert was born February 18, 1877, and is a merchant in Canada. He married Clara Braum. Carl was born June 30, 1880, and farms in Wang township. He married Sophia Berge. Anna, born October 16, 1884, and Mable, born January 6, 1887, both live at home.


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