Early Norwegian Settlers Monument Dedication

Granite Memorial Dedicated to Original Norwegian Settlers
Submitted by Ruth Shipley	written by two members of the Norse Church
NORSE - The dedication of a granite memorial commemorating the 17 original Norwegian settlers in Bosque County was celebrated on Sunday, May 20, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at Norse. The ceremonies began at 2pm in the church sanctuary with approximately 100 people in attendance. Kay Pierson Owens, the great-great-great-grand-daughter of Ole Pierson and Jens Jenson, was at the guest register. Larry Huse, spokesman for the Bosque County Chapter of the Norwegian Society of Texas, welcomed the group to Norse. Pastor Beverly Blackman of Our Savior's, opened with an invocation. Huse explained how the granite memorial marker evolved and recognized the contributors and the working committee that had made the marker possible. Quested Swenson presented a historical background of the eight early families, as compiled by Derwood Johnson. The histories explained how the families were interrelated and the common bonds they shared, both here and in Norway. In quoting Johnson, Swenson said, "We may not be pioneers, but we can be the preservers of history." Huse then asked the descendants of each of the families that were present to stand and be recognized, and share something of family history with the audience. Fifty-eight descendants of the 17 original Norwegian settlers introduced themselves, and many shared stories that had been handed down in their families. Pastor Blackman spoke of her work in compiling family histories from the early days as related to the church and noted that the histories will become a part of Our Savior's archives. Following the program in the sanctuary, everyone gathered at the entrance to the cemetery for the unveiling of the granite memorial presenting portraits of the original 17 Norwegian settlers. Audrey Amundson Pierson, descendant of Ole Pierson and Jens Jenson, and Questad Swenson, descendant of Carl Questad, unveiled the granite marker (photo above). Pastor Blackman blessed the memorial and invited everyone to the fellowship hall for coffee, punch, and cookies.
from the Summer 2001 Nyheter (newsletter of the Norwegian Society of Texas)