Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

Transcribed by Jackie Hufschmid, July 2003

Petition to Begin a New Norwegian Lutheran Church

Source: East Lemonweir Lutheran Church Centennial Observance July 23-25, 1954 [church bulletin]

About the year 1850, Norsemen began to settle in the vicinity of Lemonweir River in the present township of Lindina, Juneau County, Wisconsin. The oldest record at hand concerning these Norwegian settlers is the following letter:

"To the Reverend Mr. Preus:

Being that we live here in a small colony far from other Norwegian settlements and have not, since we began to settle here, been visited by any Norwegian clergyman, we, therefore, with one accord heartily wish that we might have the joy of having a Norwegian clergyman visit our colony once or twice a year. It has become known to us that at various times you visit the Norwegian colony north of Portage, which borders in part on the Wisconsin River. Thus the trip from there to our settlement would not be so far accordingly as the distance from Spring Prairie. From the Dells bridge to our colony it is about twenty miles in a northwest direction, through Adams County, to the place we live, which is called Town of Lisbon in Lemonweir. We hereby make known our desire and have the hope that we may come to some agreement with you. If you would make a journey this summer, we could then discuss the above-mentioned matter. We have begun to erect a schoolhouse. Near it we have chosen a location for a churchyard which we wish to have dedicated. If our request can be granted, we should like to have you write us what time you intend to come and also how much you would request for each trip you make. We are twelve settlers and about forty-three individuals.

Adams County, Town of Lisbon, May 22, 1854.

All those present while this letter was composed hereby affix out signatures. We all send our greetings and have the sure hope of seeing you here this summer. With very best wishes.

Lemonwier, Town of Lisbon, May 22, 1854
John Halvorsen
Knud Ormson
Ole Jhanson
Nils Bjornson
Gunder Johansen
Laurans Augondsen
Andres Mikelsen

The address of our settlement: Seven Mile Creek Adams County, Wisconsin