I shared with the world this great document tonight on Grizzly Groundswell’s Midweek Growl radio show. 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/show.aspx?stationurl=HeadingRight&userurl=GrizzlyGroundswell&year=2008&month=09&day=18&url=Midweek-Grizzly-Groundswell-Growl

This document to me is precious.  I found it at the MN history center here in St. Paul, MN. 

It is a document in defence of E. W. Everson and Theodore G. Nelson who were leaders of the Independent Voters Association.  The Socialist Squirrel Non Partisan League did a hit job on them trying to destroy them as they were so effectively defeating them in campaigns. 

The thing that this document does for me is that it has names of people who stood up shoulder to shoulder in defence of my great grandfather and probably my namesake, Theodore G. Nelson.  My father and I share Theodore as our middle name.  Coincidence, I doubt. 

I do not know these people.  I never met any of them but I see their faces and hear their voices within the Grizzly Groundswell membership.  These great American’s live on today in those who are being called to conservative action! 

I am so blessed to fight alongside you, shoulder to shoulder in this great fight!  Thank you and God Bless you!

Below are the documents:

http://flickr.com/photos/grizzlygroundswell/2867460170/

http://flickr.com/photos/grizzlygroundswell/2867460384/

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Exhibit a: E. W. Everson’s Handwritten Life Journey

This document I have now only as a photocopy of the original is probably the most precious piece of paper I will ever attain.  I have read it from time to time over the years.  Something lately, has called me to action, this is the reason for the creation of Grizzly Groundswell.First, it is a brilliant document of how my family immigrated to this wonderful country of America.  We came after the civil war and soon found ourselves neck deep in building a state if not a nation.  I hope future and current legal immigrants read my Great-Grandpa Grizzly’s story and dream those big dreams that only an American or soon to be, can dream.
Second, the document highlights many of those my Great-Grandpa Grizzly and I owe our lives and family too.  These people took care of Great-Grandpa Grizzly when he was young, sick and very vulnerable.  They gave employment, shelter, love and affection in a strange new land in a wave of immigration.
Thirdly, the document summarizes a man, an immigrant, who served his country with public service.  Great-Grandpa Grizzly was a Justice of the Peace for 16 years, served on his school and church board, and was not only elected to three terms as representative in the State House but he stood in the eye of the Townley Tornado and stood his ground as others rallied to his just cause saving North Dakota, for the time, from the devastating effects of socialism. 
E. W. Everson, Great-Grandpa Grizzly who inspired and has awoken me enough to create Grizzly Groundswell and ask the hard questions in order to unlock the key to defeating socialism today in our own political landscape.  Minnesota was very key in exporting scalism to North Dakota in Great-Grandpa Grizzly’s day.  Today, socialism is bigger, more prevalent and better funded having infested almost every institution we hold dear including our churches.  Great-Grandpa Grizzly’s closing words of this document are very true even today.  If you look back on how our family farmers were destroyed and now the taxpayer is threatened almost to the brink of revolt, these words seem almost prophetic, “I could write a book on this one subject alone (if only you did Great-Grandpa Grizzly!) That would be very interesting to see how these imported Scalists (socialists) could come and organize the Farmers and I.W.W.’s to gather and organization that would destroy the Farmers first, and then all other taxpayers, and to this day there is lots of Farmers just as blind as ever.” -E. W. Everson
Today, you could add taxpayers to that list of people “just as bind as ever.”   I was “just as blind as ever” until Great-Grandpa Grizzly called out from his grave or deep inside my DNA. Thank God my Grizzly Awoke! 
Document Begins:
 

Walum, North Dakota 8-9-1926

 E. W. Everson Born in East Toten Norway April 29^th, 1857. – Emigrated to U.S.A. with his Father Andrew Everson in the year of our Lord 1866.  At the age of 9 years, came a cross in a small sail vessel.  9 weeks and 3 days on the Atlantic Ocean.
(We) Arrived in Peirce county, Wisconsin last part of June.  Father leaving his wife and 5 children back behind in Norway and owing for our tickets had to find work where ever he could get it.  Being right after the close of the civil War.  Times were hard wage was low.  He, father could not look after me I had to take care of myself.  I was first at our place then a ‘nother till I got to Mike Cafree where I staid for 3 years.  Lernt (Learned) the English Language and how to work.  But I shure (sure) had the Irish broge (Brogue).  [End of page 1][Start page 2]
In 1869 I left Cafreis (Cafree) and worked a round at difrent (different) plases (places).  Father earned enough money to pay our ticket and sent a ticket to the rest of the family the next year in 1867.  In 1870 I started to work for Solomon Tidd.  Who was a very peculiar man, but good to me.  I had a good many queer experiences withle (while) there 1874- I worked a round in 1875 and 1876 I worked for old man Webster worked in the summer season and done chores for my board in the winter and I went to school that was in Kinnickinnic, St. Croix Co. Wisconsin the winter of 1876-77.   I hyered (hired) my board at Simon Nelson, my Brother in law.   And went to school then I worked for Eri Coggwhale [coggerale?] in Summer and went to school in winter till the spring of 1879.   I went to St. Paul and Minneapolis hard to get work.  Knocked around there worken (working) in different places till I was taken sick.  I was terrible [end of page 2 and beginning of page 3] sick.  When I got so I could work again, I worked till I had paid for my care while sick.  The sickness I had left me with a terrible cough.(E. W. Everson would eventually die of T.B. and loose two sons to the disease.  Both my father and Grandfather would also die of respiratory complications.)  So I left Minneapolis and went to Hudson Wisconsin to see Dr. Hoyt.  They were building the North Wisconsin Rail Road and that time and I was thinken (thinking) some of trying to get a job on that.  But Dr. Hoyt says if you want to live, you had better go out in the country and rest up a while.  So I started for Home.  And staid (stayed) a round there a few weeks soon picked up and hyered (hired) out to Mr. Aslerk (Aslak)-Gunderson worked for him trew (threw) harvest and stacken, (Stacking) then I went to Baldwin (Wisconsin) and hyered (hired) out to Mr. Foster to Cleark (Clerk) in his hotel and drive the mail to River Falls(, Wisconsin).  Staid (stayed) there till in (until) January.  1880- Then I went Hudson and worked for Mr. Jerell (Jerill)[very faded] unloading logs from Rail Road Cars and rolling them on to the St. Croix Lake.  [end of page 3 beginning of page 4]
In the spring of 1880 I went to North Dakota.  Worked around Mapleton and on the Rail Road and I filed on a ½ section of land the W ½ of Sexton (section) 20T.144-R59. During those years I worked in N.D. in the summer and looked after my claim.  I filed on the first claim taken in Greenfield township and would go to the pinery in Winter in the fall of 1884 I married Betsey Mossing daughter of Ole B. Mossing who still lived in Norway, But her Brother Martin Mossing was here.  With Betsey Mossing and I have lived 42 years next October 6th and have raised 8 children 3 boys and 5 girls.  The oldest in Clara, Adeline, Mabel, Julia, Edwin, Myrtle, Benton & Axel- Then we adopted a girl Helen when she was 11 months old.  And was confirmed this summer by Rev. Haalemed (Haaland?) .  I lived trew (Through) the pioneer days [end of page 4 and beginning of page 5] here in N.D.   Seen many a hardship.  But to picture out the hardship I do not care how the picture out. at this time, [Very faint, hard to make out] But I was Justice of the Piece for a bout 16 years and then on the school board and elected as the Legislator in 1912-1914 & 1916 and one extra (Very faint) section(Session) and then Townley got the Farmers and the I.W.W. organized so I had to start and fight Scalisum (Socialism) and that has been a hard fight the I.V.A. (Independent Voters Association) I started and that was the organization that chacked (clocked? very faint) the Sclastics (Socialists), we put over the recall, and reformed (referred, refusal?) some of their most dangerous laws in 1922, we woun (won, very faint) house & Main branches of State Government, and so I resinged (resigned) as president of the association .  I could write a book on this one subject alone that would be very interesting to see how these imported Scalists (socialists) could come and [end of 5 and beginning of 6 and final page] organize the Farmers and I.W.W.’s to gather and organization that would destroy the Farmers first and then all other taxpayers, and to this day there is lots of Farmers just as blind as ever.  [End of narrative]

If you have any comments, insights and suggestions please feel free to comment and join in on this quest.  Please view the actual document in the pages subset off this page!  Help with transcript!  Become your own History Detective!

Exhibit b: The Bismarck Tribune 03-28-1931 Front Page

Walum, N. D., March 28.-(AP)-

E. W. Everson, first president and

founder of the Independent Voters

association, died at his farm home

near here Friday of dropsy. He was

bom in Toten, Norway, in 1857 and

came to America with his father in

1866.

They homesteaded in Griggs county,

in 1880 and since his retirement from

the state legislature in 1917, he had

made his home on the homestead.

He also served in the lower house in

the 1913 and the 1915 sessions.

His widow, seven children, three

brothers and one sister are left.

Funeral arrangements  await word

from relatives.

The Bismarck Tribune 03-28-1931 Front Page

Double click on the image and it will open in a new window so that you will be able to view the text up close!

Assistance with the transcription of this priceless document is always welcome as well is any research!

Become a History Detective!

Get involved and make your own history!

E. W. Everson was only an immigrant pioneer farmer who brought down the socialistic dynasty of his day with a few of his friends! 

Join the Grizzly Groundswell today! 

Exhibit c: Good Road Enthusiast 12-29-1916 The Bismarck Tribune

GOOD ROAD ENTHUSIAST.   

E. W. Everson of Walum, one of  the few veterans of the house, returns to serve his third term as representative  from steele and Griggs, with the firm conviction that a consistent  state highway system is one of North Dakota’s crying needs. Repres-  enative Everson , also believes in the exemption from taxation of farm  improvements and In state hail insurance, 

both of which he will strongly  advocate-in the coming session.12-29-1916 The Bismarck Tribune

 Exhibit d: Death Claims Rebel Who Defied Townley Dynasty

Death Claims Rebel Who Defied Townley Dynasty

E. W. Everson, Fighting Griggs County Statesman, First Sounded Tocsin Of Mutiny Against Dictatorial Nonpartisan League Suzerains

The “original insurgent”-the first member of the Nonpartisan League to revolt at the leadership that brought that organization into the North Dakota political field, died at Walum, Griggs County, Friday.

He was E. W. Everson, member of the legislature in 1917-serving his third term-elected for his last session as a Nonpartisan, turned out in the succeeding year because he had the temerity to challenge the policies of and the leadership of A. C. Townley and his group.

Not for many years has the name of Mr. Everson graced the headlines of North Dakota Newspapers.  But there was a time when he got first attention when his name was blazoned forth in large type, when he was embattled by NonPartisan opponents as the champion of a new order within unit, when he was condemned and assailed by the Nonpartisan Leader as a traitor to the farm movement.

Those were stirring days in North Dakota Politics.

League Exultant In 1917

The nonpartisan league came into Bismarck at the opening of the 1917 session of the legislature exultant at their large successes in the prior election.  They had swept the state house practically clean of officials-Only one, John Steen, remaining of the group which had been in office.  They had gained control of the house of representatives by a majority of more than two thirds of the whole membership:  they had made a heavy sweep toward power over the senate a sweep that was destined to culminate two years later in obtaining absolute control. 

Into this situation came Everson-a heavily bearded, stocky figure-progressive or liberal to the last in his political principles, yet well enough versed in the ways of politics to resent the manner in which the Nonpartisan League had been conducted.

The 1916 elections had witnessed the naming of Lynn J. Frazier as governor:  had witnessed a Nonpartisan convention held in Fargo

(continued on Page 8, col. 2)

Death Claims League Rebel

E. W. Everson First Bearded Townley, Formed I. V. A.

(continued from page 1)

Where the whole ticket was picked by the “higher ups”-where the delegates were largely hand picked, and where they had no voice in the proceedings.

Everson Resents Dictation

  As the legislature came into action, the Nonpartisan caucus was organized.  Mr. Everson’s resentment mounted, coming to a point of open warfare when, circulating among the Nonpartisan legislators, he and others addressed themselves to the leaders with an open demand for membership representation in the conduct of Nonpartisan affairs.

This petition-a petition that was to become historic and which represented the first bit of insurgency within the Nonpartisan league-was signed first by Everson, then by others.

In this petition reciting grievances, there was this conclusion-

“That we the undersigned members of the Nonpartisan Farmers league, hereby respectfully petition and urge the officers of the league to make arrangements for the calling of a convention of duly elected delegates from each county to form a constitution and by-laws to embrace therein the initiative, referendum and the recall in order to insure that the wishes of the majority of the members shall at all times guide and determine the policies of the organization:  and also to provide therein for the placing of the organization on a firmer financial basis by the election of officers whose duties are definitely prescribed, whose salaries are fixed, and who will owe this organization a strict accountability for the disbursement of all moneys belonging therein.”

Everson Baits Leaders

One needs to know something of the bitterness of the period to understand how revolutionary all this was.  One needs to appreciate something of the ends to which the Nonpartisan leadership of that period was prepared to go to force obedience to realize that Mr. Everson had set himself in for a terrorizing attack.

A. C. Townley was out of the state at the time.  He was quickly recalled, and the rebellion that had commanded no small support, was quickly suppressed.  All but Everson abandoned the fight:  all but the Griggs county man gave up the demand for financial accounting, for membership control, and for the other things that he contended should be established.

The Nonpartisan Press-the notorious Nonpartisan Leader published in Fargo, then at its peak-pounced upon Everson.  He was accused of “selling out”;  he was cartooned with diamonds in his necktie, embraced by “Big Biz”-a character grown famous in North Dakota and who wielded a mighty influence.  No attack too biter;  no charge overlooked the Nonpartisan leadership made an “object lesson” of Mr. Everson as it dug into his private life, as it made sensational charges woven out of whole cloth.

Make Example of Him

Everson had rebelled, and Nonpartisan leadership determined that others within the organization might have similar ideas, shame be made to see what would happen to them. 

The Griggs county farmer stood his guns, became widely known as the man who wouldn’t quit-became in fact, the man responsible for the initiation of the movement that was to result in the eventual formation of the Independent Voters association, of which he was the first president. 

Born in Toten, Norway, April 29, 1857.  Mr. Everson came to American in 1866 and with his father took homestead in Griggs County in 1888. 

Lived on Homestead

  Since the close of the three terms a representative of the Griggs-Steele district in the state lower house.  Mr. Everson had made his home on the homestead.

In 1884 Mr. Everson married Betsey Mossing who, with seven children three brothers and one sister survive. 

Arrangements for Mr. Everson’s funeral are being delayed pending word from relatives in other sections of the country.

 (end of article)

This article was found in one of the North Dakotan Newspapers shortly after E. W. Everson’s death in March 27, 1931.  If anyone runs across this newspaper clipping going through archives, I would really appreciate if you could contact me and share your find with the Grizzly Groundswell so this can be properly sited.  Also, I would really love to attain the cartoons that attacked E. W. Everson.  I beleive that “Big Biz” was drawn by W. C. Morris for the NonPartisan League Leader out of Fargo.  If anyone would like to donate any ephemera of E. W. Everson and the I. V. A. I would graciously accept and keep safe in Archive for our next generations.

Glossary for words from above article:

Suzerains-Noun-suzerain adjective

1. A nation that controls another nation in international affairs but allows it domestic sovereignty.
2. A feudal lord to whom fealty was due

Tocsin-Noun

1. a signal, especially of alarm, sounded on a bell or bells.
2. a bell used to sound an alarm

Temerity-Noun

1. Foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness

Assailed-Verb

1. To attack with or as if with violent blows; assault.
2. To attack verbally, as with ridicule or censure.
3. To trouble; beset: was assailed by doubts.

Blazoned-Verb

1. Heraldry
2. To adorn or embellish with or as if with a coat of arms
3. To proclaim Widely.

-Noun

1. an ostentatious display

Exhibit e: I.V.A. Fighting Squad Touring North Dakota

I found this in the papers handed down to me.  I have contacted the Westhope Standard in hope that this exact article may be found.  When it is found, I will post here.  The paper was typed on an old typewriter.  Here is the text:

The following was copied from the Westhope Standard, 1919.  the IVA (Independent Voters Association) was fighting the Non Partisan League and were touring the state.  E. W. Everson, a former leaguer, was the primary mover behind the IVA.

There were several members of the touring squad described but only Mr. Everson is described here.

Hon. E. W. Everson

President of the IVA dubbed by the leaders of the Non Partisan League as the “Grizzly Bear”.  Served two years in the legislative where his progressive tendency and knowledge of farm economy made him a figure to be reconed with, even though he seldom makes any noise.  Anti-Townites who come to rally will wait to see Mr. Everson for details as to the plans and the purposes of the Independent Voters Association.

It is fascinating reading about what others have written about E. W. Everson.  I find it really helps to understand myself.  This is the article that gave me E. W. Everson’s nickname, the ”Grizzly Bear”.  Thus, the inspiration behind the name “Grizzly Groundswell”.  Come join us and watch the Grizzly Groundswell Grow!

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