Belle Thompson Elgaaen

Engebor “Belle” Thompson was born on October 24, 1880, in the southeastern corner of the Dakota Territory. She was baptized on December 2, 1880, at Willow Creek Church in Dell Rapids. Belle’s educational pursuits led her to earn a teaching certification.

In late April 1885, four-year-old Oliver Elgaaen emigrated with his parents and three siblings from Trondheim, Norway. Upon arrival, the family journeyed to Sioux Falls, SD a popular destination for many Norwegian immigrants. By 1890, Sioux Falls, had grown considerably from its early days as a modest settlement. The city, situated along the Big Sioux River, had a population of nearly 10,000 residents. Much of the city’s early growth was fueled by the arrival of immigrants, mainly from Scandinavian countries.

When Belle and Oliver met, a lifelong partnership and adventure began. Together, they faced many challenges and were presented unexpected opportunities. During their time in South Dakota, Belle and Oliver witnessed the state’s transition from a territory to a state. They also experienced the harsh winters, unpredictable weather, and rugged landscape that characterized this region.

In 1902, Oliver and his father, Jorgen, embarked on a journey to establish new homesteads in Alberta, Canada. Traveling over 1,000 miles to the north and west, they pursued a new beginning despite anticipating harsher conditions. They were prepared for the predictability of severe weather swings. While the newly developed Dakota states began to thrive and grow, central Alberta remained largely untouched. The stark isolation and never-ending loneliness of the frontier must have been a jarring experience for anyone who ventured to settle there.

Eventually, Jorgen and Oliver settled near Killiam, a community that today proudly holds to its agricultural heritage. Killiam is now home to over 1,000 residents. Farmers in Killiam continue to cultivate Canola, Spring Wheat, and Barley.

By 1906, Oliver had established himself well enough to invite Belle to join him in Canada. Upon her arrival, they married and began the next stage of their adventure. They kept busy managing two homesteads: one in Galahad and another in Killiam. With a dedication to their farming endeavors, Belle and Oliver had no children, focusing entirely on their agricultural pursuits.

Everything changed in 1916 when Belle was entrusted with caring for her sister Rachel’s two children: 3-year-old Raymond and 4-year-old Alfie. The exact circumstances of this request remain unclear. At that time, Rachel had four children under the age of six, a situation that undoubtedly placed immense stress on the family.

Belle and Oliver cared for Raymond and Alfie like their own children. In 1918, the new family took a trip out west to Los Angeles. Walking along the beach, they picked seashells and saw the Pacific Ocean. Raymond and Alfie were given the attention and affection they needed to grow and blossom.

Alphie and Raymond seized the educational opportunities presented to them, leveraging their knowledge to pave the way for their future successes. Alfie earned her teaching certificate and began her career in Edmonton schools. Later, she relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she continued to teach. During her time in Salt Lake City, she married and had a child. After her husband’s passing in 1950, Alfie and her daughter moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Raymond was also educated in Alberta and became a Radio dealer and repairman. He also eventually moved to Minneapolis and entered the armed services as a member of the Radio Signal Corps. Eventually, Raymond moved back to Alberta.

Oliver retired from farming in 1945, and he and Belle settled in Edmonton. Belle made her final visit to the South Dakota homestead in 1952. Belle’s speed and agility in chopping rhubarb impress Selma and her South Dakota relatives. Her years on the Canadian homesteads gave her solid hands and honed her skills in the kitchen and the fields.

Belle died on May 7, 1955, and was buried in Pleasington Cemetery in Forestburg, Alberta. Oliver passed away two short years later and has joined Belle in Pleasington cemetery.

Belle and Oliver’s journey from South Dakota to Alberta encapsulates the spirit of pioneering resilience and adaptability. Faced with unforgiving winters and the challenges of establishing new homesteads, they successfully navigated the unpredictable and often harsh conditions. Their lives took an unexpected and joyful turn when Alfie and Raymond became part of their family. Oliver and Belle enjoyed creating a nurturing home for their adopted children. They were committed to providing a quality education and opportunities for personal growth. It was evident that Belle and Oliver needed their adopted children just as much as the children needed them.