"I was married." (September 4, 1868)

An early settler's five decade diary

Apr 24, 2025

Paula and I had dinner recently with friends Martha and Denis. At one point, Denis mentioned having a printout of the diary of Gilbert J. Gilbertson, 1843 – 1923. The Gilbertson farm was located near to Denis’s family’s farm, several miles southeast of St. Ansgar.

I was unfamiliar with this document and was pleased when Denis gave me his copy, while noting it was available online (http://iagenweb.org/mitchell/data/gilberts.htm). The edited diary, translated from Norwegian into English in the mid-’70s, is seven pages, single spaced. I’m grateful for the printed version, which prompted me to read several sections, ultimately leading to this column. Without encountering the physical document, diary thoughts likely would have ended with the evening.

The Boerjan log house was used by Gilbertson friends and family members after it was first built in the 1850s. It is now displayed at the Mitchell County fairgrounds.

Gilbertson made diary entries from age 17 (1860) until age 69 (1912). Most dispatches were one line, maybe a half-dozen words. (“Logbook” is probably a more accurate description than diary.) Of course, there are many instances where a reader wants more. For instance, September 4, 1868: “I was married.” It’s the only 1868 entry, although this document is an EDITED version. Perhaps once there WAS more.

I share an excerpt here, with explanatory notes when helpful. The entire document is remarkable for Gilbertson’s brevity, his local focus – for example, no mention of Civil War battles – and his laconic recitation of daily activities. There were pioneer settlers in every Midwestern community; unfortunately, most of these characters didn’t keep written records. Well done, Mr. Gilbertson!

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1860, September 18 - We borrowed $40 (and) fixed ourselves ready (to move with his parents from Wisconsin to Iowa). Note: It was always “we” until 1864.

1863, October 29, November 2, 3 - We quarried stone for church. (First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, then the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church.)

1865, October 6 - We raised on steeple for church. (The new church was dedicated September 27, 1868.)

1866, July 23 - Received word mother’s sister was killed by cannon ball. (Don’t know what this was about.) November 25 - I and cousin looked after the railroad route which was recently surveyed.

1869, September 15 - Wife was sick. September 16 - Wife gave birth to a child (Louise, their first-born).

1877, March 3 - (Reverend Claus) Clausen came here from Virginia for visit. March 21 - Clausen preached and took money for his traveling expenses to Virginia.

1880, April 30 - I started for Norway. October 1 - Left Norway. October 16 - Arrived New York City.

1881, July 2 - Heard Garfield was shot. (Word spread quickly… the same day Garfield was shot.) September 20 - Heard President Garfield died. (Garfield died September 19.)

1882, Oct 10 - I, wife, mother, father… attended dedication of St. Ansgar Seminary. (The Seminary existed from 1881 to 1910.)

1896, November 3 - I and father was to town and voted for McKinley for president. (McKinley won.)

1899, September 25 - George and Lewis (sons) started for Austin to see the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. (These shows ran from 1883 to 1916.) November 18 - We tried the new ice cream freezer. November 19 - We are going to eat ice cream. Did.

1901, June 29 - Telephone wire was stretched to our house.

1907, May 22 - Windmill was set up, George and Lewis helped.

1908, November 3 - I voted for Taft for president and Cummins for U.S. Senator. (Both were elected.)

1909, May 31 - I laid in hammock as usual.

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From his published obituary, 1923: “Gilbert J. Gilbertson was born at Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin, September 4, 1843. In 1861 he came with his parents to the farm south of St. Ansgar, Iowa, where he has since resided. On September 4, 1868, he was united in marriage to Ragnild Haugrud. Seven children were born to them. His wife and two daughters preceded him into the great beyond. Of a quiet and retiring disposition, he was loving and considerate in all the relations of home life. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.”

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I’m pleased to be part of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative. These are my colleagues.