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The first boy born in Riverdale township, Watonwan county, Minnesota, is a distinction that is claimed for O.
A. Bjoin, the subject of this sketch. This event occurred on October 26, 1865. His father was Anderson Bjoin, a
native of Norway, who came to America when a young man. He landed at New Orleans and drove an ox team from New
Orleans to Minnesota. From here he went to Kansas, where he lived for a few years, and where he was married. He
moved from Kansas to Illinois, making the journey by team over the entire distance. After farming for a few years
in Illinois, he began loading up his personal chattels in a wagoh and moved to Iowa. In 1864 he again moved, by
the same method of transportation, coming to Riverside township, Watonwan county, Minnesota. Here he entered a
homestead of eighty acres of government land on which he located and established his permanent home, and lived
here the rest of his life.
Anderson Bjoin was twice rriarried. By his first marriage there were three thildren: Anderson, who enlisted in
the Fifteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, as soldier of the Civil War. He was killed in battle. Ole, the second
son, was also a member of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and was killed in battle. Lisse is the third child
by this first marriage.
The second marriage of Anderson Bjoin was to Julia Ronninggen, a native of Norway. Following are the names of children
by this marriage: John, Andrew, O. A., Lisse, Edward and Julia. The father was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran
church, and a Republican.
O. A. Bjoin was educated in the public schools of Riverdale township, Watonwan county, and worked on the farm in
his early years. In 1890 he bought a farm of eighty acres and started farming for himself. He continued in' this
business until 1902, when he moved to LaSalle and took the position of manager of the Eagle Roller Mill Company.
For the past ten years he has been buying hogs for A. J. Leonard, of St James, in connection with the management
of the elevator.
Mr. Bjoin was married to Jennie Rinde, a daughter of Peter Rinde, of Madelia. To this union seven children have
been born: Alma, Clara, George, Mabel, Stella, Lyda and Syvena. Mr. and Mrs. Bjoin are members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church. Politically, he is a Republican; his lodge affiliation is with the Woodmen, and the Modern Brotherhood
of America.
From:
History of Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties
Minnesota
Their People, Industries and Institutions
John A. Brown, Editor in Chief
B. F. Bowen and Company, Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana
1916.
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