| Name | Syver Hovland |
| Birth | 1 Oct 1849, Hadeland, Norge |
| Death | 16 Jun 1936, Rothsay MN Age: 86 |
| Burial | Friborg Rothsay MN |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Religion | Lutheran |
| Father | Ole Olson Hovland (1814-1890) |
| Mother | J�ran Olsd Hermoesen (1810-1893) |
They made a dug out which they lived in for two years. This dug out was about five hundred yeards west of where the present house now stands. Ole, the first born, was born in this dug out. Very shortly following his birth, Guri had to ward off a stampede of cattle threatening to overrun the dug out. Indians were also roaming through. The first house, a log cabin, was incorporated into the present home. They raised a big garden of begetables, potatoes. Norris Hovland, a grandson of Syver, presently owns the homestead. The farm is located 4.5 miles east of Rothsay, MN.
Syver was active in upbuilding the community. He had done his full share in promotion of good roads and schools. He was a good neighbor and friend. Syver and Guri were devout Christians and church workers.
They were faithful members of the Friborg Church, which is located three miles south of their home. Syver and others in the congregation would give lengthy devotions by memory during church services, in the Norwegian language. At that time they were "Klokker" or song leader. Syver could also sing very well. Their daughter Clara Moen cared for them for some time.
Syver O. Hovland, Trondhjem, 1871
Came to Trondhjem in 1871. Syver O. Hovland was mentioned in the Journal a few days ago but his year was not given. Mr. Hovland moved from Iowa to Trondhjem township in 1871. He drove up from Iowa in a covered wagon and with oxen. He resided and took a homestead here. He is 83 years of age and is still living on his homestead.
Fergus Falls Weekly, June 25, 1936.
Syver Hovland Trondhjem Township.
Died June 19, 1936. He was born October 1, 1849, in Hadeland Norway, and came to America at the age of 18 years. He spent 3 years in Iowa and it was there that he married Miss Guri Flatten in 1870. They came to Minn., in 1871 coming directly to this county and taking a homestead in Trondhjem township which has ever since been the family home.
There were very few settlers in this community at that time, the young couple being one of the first pioneer families to erect a log cabin home. Mr. Hovland has done his full share in upbuilding the community being active in the promotion of good roads, schools, and a devout christian and church worker. His wife died in 1917. He was the father of 13 children, 10 of whom survive. They are: Ole; Martin; Torval; Syveren; Oscar; Joseph; Mrs. Gust Sonsthagen: and Mrs. Tom Dalager.
For a number of years Syver Hovland was the song leader of Friborg church before the church had an organist.
| 1 | Guri Torgersd Flaten |
| Birth | 10 Jul 1854, Flatin, Eggedal, Buskerud Co. Norway |
| Death | 25 Feb 1917, Rothsay MN Age: 62 |
| Burial | Friborg Cemetery Rothsay MN |
| Occupation | Housewife |
| Religion | Lutheran |
| Father | Torger Larsen Flaten (1822-1908) |
| Mother | Mari Eriksdatter Eriksen (1820-1908) |
| Marriage | 1870, Iowa |
| Children | Ole Theodore (1871-1940) |
| John Martin (1873-1954) | |
| Edward Syver (1875-1919) | |
| Louise (1877-1931) | |
| Louie S. (1879-1904) | |
| Thorvald (1881-1956) | |
| Syverin (1883-1963) | |
| Oscar (1885-1945) | |
| Gina (1888-1962) | |
| Joseph (1890-1963) | |
| Alice (1892-1974) | |
| Arthur (1894-1971) | |
| Clara (1896-1969) |