[This is a letter written by Hans Welo (Velo), Son of Lars A. Velo (Aug1820-Dec1906) and Elli Falang Velo (Dec1825-1897). The letter was written in Norwegian and translated into English by a family member. Added grammar corrections are in brackets.]

"Memories From Pioneer Days" by Hans A. Welo (b: 1825 d: ?)

Someone has requested me to make a write-up about my early life. I am not a writer but will tell something about myself and what I have done.

I was born in Norway on July 29, 1858, on a farm about 40 miles from Oslo. I lived on this place where my grand lived and that he sold to my father. My grandfather was an unforgettable man, big and strong as a bear. He retained a life income from the farm. The farm had a house, two milk cows, [and] two animals to butcher each fall. [We} raised grain and potatoes for our own use.

He was rather feared by the small boys because they bothered him so they tried to avoid him. My grandmother was an invalid. My father was not as large as my grandfather, but had great strength. He was known as one of the area’s best farmers. His farming failed due to too many false friends that used his name to get credit. Perhaps when thinking about the future of his family boys and two girls——he sold the farm and decide to go to America in 1866.

You might know we were busy telling about our intended trip to America, to be on a ship and on an ocean! We learned it wasn’t as enjoyable as we had anticipated. The ship wasn’t as great as we had been told.

My father made plans to take us to town in March. We drove night and day; all went well except my younger brother lost his new cap and there was trouble about that until! I gave him mine, with the promise he would get a new one when we reached town.

We stayed in the town a few days and eventually we went on board. We all brought our own food enough to last six weeks. We were told it would take five weeks if all went well.

When we got on board the little boys thought it was- wonderful, except there were no windows There were two small port—holes on deck. A small tug boat took us out of the harbor, and so our journey began. When we reached the North Sea there was a storm that took us off our course, so we were delayed three weeks. One day after another was the same except a few fights between the city and country boys. The city boys ridiculed the farm boys. We climbed the ropes and masts to see who could climb the highest. I was too small to join in contests, but I could show interest in watching.

All went quite well, but only once we saw moonlight. Due to a curfew all had to be quiet quite early.

Everyone had to cook their own food. There were six ovens and 400 passengers so there was- much confusion. The ovens were in a row on deck covered with a board roof. One evening we saw some albatross. Once, someone climbed up and poured salt water on the oven l cover and the water dripped into food boiling below. Some bad feelings and harsh words followed this act. I have often thought about this happening. Officers restored order; it shouldn’t have happened as the Norwegians were blamed for it.

Days passed very much the same except one day we were motionless all day due to lack of wind. During this time we all became more friendly.

The ship- rocked constantly, but we arrived in Quebec seven weeks and four days after leaving. We got busy unloading, and our goods were put in a large emigrant house. It was at huge shed’ and they drove into the building and piled our belongings on both sides up to the ceiling. We stayed nine days waiting for our train that would take us inland. The trains were loaded with soldiers because there were prospects of a corning war, but I don’t remember where, and nothing came of it.

Eventually we got railway cars, only freight cars with board benches along the sides to sit on for those lucky enough to get a’ place to sit. I don’t remember for how long we traveled, but we got to a place where there was water to cross. We waited four days before a boat was unloaded. Some of our passengers helped so the boat could be available sooner. This boat was the worst hole to be seen for people to ride in. For two nights we had nothing to sit or sleep on except to lie down as animals herded into a corral.

One night I and two of my older brothers climbed up on a wood rack and slept until morning when some sailors came for wood for use on the ship. The next night we found a little corner at the front of the boat where there was a lot of noise. We were allowed to remain there all night. I do not know where my father, mother and the small ones were. They most likely were in a group on the floor. I wonder often how our mother could keep our youngest sister a few months old alive.

In time we came to Lake Michigan and then to MacGregor, Iowa. Our journey didn’t end until we had to ride 26 miles out in the country. Those that had waited to meet us had returned home. But two boys had waited. They got a team and wagon and took us where we intended to go.