“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


OLE WIGDALE,  hardware merchant, Fort Atkinson; born in the Parish 
of Birkrem, Dioces of Christian Sands, Norway, Dec. 17, 1834.  Mr. 
Wigdale was left an orphan at the age of 10 years, and has ever since 
battled with the Fates, single-handed and alone; when 17 years old, he 
entered a provision store in Bergen, Norway, receiving for his services 
the munificent sum of $12 a year; emigrated to America in 1853; came 
West and located at Cambridge, Dane Co., where he attended school, 
then worked in Norton's saw-mill at Janesville, for a couple of months, 
then engaged in Norman Dutcher's store as clerk; in 1853, went to Beloit 
and served his time at the tinner's trade; was with John C. Burr one year; 
opened business for himself in Cambridge, Dane Co., in January, 1857, 
hardware, tins and stoves; sold out in 1867, moved to Fort Atkinson and 
re-opened business in the same line.  Married Miss Margaret Stinson, 
daughter of Rev. Christopher Stinson, of Cambridge, Dane Co.; have six 
children - Amanda L., born Jan. 20, 1859; Otto C., April 12, 1861; Ennis 
S., Jan. 31, 1864; Edwin A., Nov. 25, 1865; Tenna R., Feb. 1, 1868; 
Norman A., Dec. 11, 1873.  Held the office of Town Treasurer of 
Christiana, Dane Co., two terms and one term as Supervisor; member of 
Ancient Order of United Workmen; family attend the Methodist Church; 
Republican in politics.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)