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1840, Some from Muskego moved on to Racine County, Wisconsin, a little southward of Muskego. They moved into Norway, Waterford, Raymond, and Yorkville townships of Racine County. Also, the greatest of the early settlements, Koshkonong in Dane County was established. Blegen, Norwegian Migration to America, p. 126. Also see Flom, Norwegian Immigration to the United States, p. 155.
1840, The Koshkonong settlement in Dane County, Wisconsin was started by setters from the Jefferson Prairie and Fox River settlements. Gunnul Olsen Vindegg was probably the first to clear land and he became a well known writer of "America letters". This was perhaps the most important of all the Wisconsin settlements, certainly the most prosperous. Blegen, Norwegian Migration to America, p. 141. See also Norlie, The History of the Norwegian People in America, p. 168. The Telemarkings were most numerous in Pleasant Spring Township. Lovoll, Odd, The Promise of America, p. 212.
1843, The year that "Telers" moved into Koskonong, 35 families of 182 people led by Olav Knutson Trovaten. Nils Luraas and his sons Jon Nilsen Luraas and Kjetil went to Koskonong in 1843. Østein O. Blomhaug (43) went soon thereafter. Telemarkings were most numerous in Pleasant Spring Township. For a description of the journey see Flom, Norwegian Immigration to the United States, p. 243. Also see Clausen, C. A., A Chronicler of Immigrant Life, p. 107 and 125 and 128. John and Kjitil Luraas were married to two sisters, the daughters of Olav Berge who was the Master Hunter in Tinn. Telelaget, Telemark to America Volume II, p. 28 and 30.
1843, In upper Telemark 689 traveler passports were issued this year alone. Gaute Ingebrigtsen (Gulliksrud)of Tinn, influenced by good tidings in letters from early emigrants from his home district went to Skien, Havre, New York, and Milwauke, then on to Koskonong. He became one of the earliest pioneers in Dunkirk Township, Dane County. His party from Tinn numbered about 140. Blegen, Norwegian Migration to America, p. 146. Also see Flom, Norwegian Immigration to the United States, p. 80.
