Biography of Martin N. Trygstad
Martin N. Trygstad, born May 27, 1843, in Norway, moved to Minnesota in 1867 and to Dakota Territory in 1869. He settled in Medary Township, filing for pre-emption in 1872. In 1870, he married Caroline Johnson, and they had eight children. Trygstad became the first postmaster of Medary in 1871, served as a county commissioner for 12 years, and was elected to the territorial legislature in 1872 and 1878. In 1902, he was elected state senator from Brookings County. A devout Lutheran, he was instrumental in founding several churches and promoting community enterprises in Brookings County.