JOHN I. MELHUS

John I. Melhus came to the United States when he was twenty-one years old, and homesteaded the farm 1½ miles east and one mile north of Norway.  In 1905 he moved to a farm ½ mile east of Norway where he and his wife lived until their death.  Mrs. Melhus caem to United States in 1887.  A son Iver Melhus, passed away March 21, 1961.  A daughter Clara, Mrs. Russell Jacobson, and a son Joseph survive.  Both live in the Norway Community.

Mrs. Joseph Melhus' parents: Lars A. Malby was born in Trondhjeim, Norway, September 4, 1864.  He came to America in 1882 and lived with his uncle Severt Lovseth, south of Concordia for a time.  He was united in marriage to Martha Mikkelson, February 20, 1887.  They made their first home on a homestead in Sherman County, living in a dugout.  After three years they traveled to Leadville, Colorado in a covered wagon.  After seven years they returned to Kansas where they lived until their death.

They were the parents of eight children: Bertha, Mabel, Leo Martin, Leonard Martin, Ruth Sylvia, Arne Lena,m Clara and Elmer.  Clara and Elmer are the only surviving children.  Mr. Melby passed away November 19, 1942 and Mrs. Melby, March 24, 1951.

By Mrs. Joseph Melhus