Biography of Hon. J. O. Langness

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Hon. J. O. Langness is an enterprising citizen and public-spirited man of affairs. Born in Norway in 1839, he immigrated to America in 1866 and settled in Minnesota. Recognizing the potential for a Norwegian colony, he selected the county of Minnehaha in Dakota as the ideal location. Langness played a crucial role in the development of the region, establishing a thriving village called Baltic. He excelled as an agriculturist, expanding his farm to four hundred acres and deriving income from stock raising. Langness actively participated in public affairs, holding various positions and serving his community faithfully. Highly esteemed, he remains a loyal American citizen while cherishing his Norwegian heritage.