Selmer M. Knudson

Slemer is number eleven of the Knudson children to be born. He was not mentioned as being a member of the band. Alma called him "Sam". She recalls that shortly before his birth, Lars took sick and was diagnosed by Dr. Engstad from Grand Frks to be ailing from Erysipelas. Olianna had been tending to him every 18 minutes giving him medicine for his high fever never leaving his bedside. Since she was in advanced stage of pregnancy, the Dr. advised that she stay clear of Lars and his sick room.

Bertha put Olianna in the upstairs bedroom and she delivered Sam with the help of Mrs Enget and Aunt Gonvor Helgeson cared for Lars. Lars made a slow recovery walking with the aid of crutches for many months.

Sam was the wit of the family and a good laugh was to be expected everytime he uttered a word.

Alma reclled that one time someone had dropped something into the family well and it was not functioning properly. The well was 85 feet deep and Lars need someone to be lowered into the well to clear it., He wanted to send Hi but he was still at school so he selected Sam who was much smaller and less daring.

Upon being advised that he had ben selected Sam repled,"I wish I wasn't at home". This reply became the family by words when ever an unpleasant task came up.

Sam stayed at the farm at home and worked with his parents. In June of 1924 he had to have an operation. Howard and Alma came to fill in at the farm. Sam regained his health and farmed again during 1926 and 1927. He also worked a few years on the Northern Pacific RR from 1937 into the 1940's. He later operated a movie theatre in Big Timber, Montana before returning to Detroit Lakes, Mn. where he resides at the time of her writing. (1954).The farm was taken over by Jim McNab and Elvira and operated until Jim's death in 1950. At that time Camron Sharp, who had married Lois McNab, took over the farm.