Anna Marie was the mother of nine children of her own. But tragedy would strike again in March 1882. Eva Marie (5); John Henry (12); Elizabeth (4); and baby Ingeborg (9 months) died within 11 days of each other of diphtheria. Nils (16); Gustav (11); and Johanna (10) survived. They had four more children after 1882. Concerned that the children should receive an education, Nels built a school on his land, the foundations of which still remain, the building having been moved to Hesper. Nels was a great friend of Johannes Jossendal, the Klokker at Big Canoe and spent many hours with him reading and discussing matters of theology and education. Nels, Jr. owned 200 acres of land valued at $25 per acre in 1882. He held the offices of County Supervisor for two terms, and township clerk for 10 years. He also served as a trustee of Luther College.

Nels N. Kjomme Jr. and Anna Maria Johnson Lien

But Nels was best known for his skills in veterinary surgery. He educated himself by borrowing books where he could, and purchased others through mail order catalogs. Most of the information available related to humans, not animals. He made medicines for animals, often trying them out on himself. He always wore a skullcap as his hair had fallen out due to his experiments. The label for “The Original Dr. N.N. Kjome's Liniment” reads: “For Man or Beast”, and was manufactured and sold by G.N. Kjome Co.

In the spring of 1895, Nels went to Wharton, TX, and purchased some land. He considered moving there but never did.

The Highland Congregation was formed in 1895 and in 1896, Nels was chosen to be on the school committee with Lars Flaten. It was their duty to secure the teacher and make other necessary arrangements for the parochial school held each summer in the Kjome school.

In April 1900, Nels gave up farming and bought a house in Decorah on the corner of Hill Street, now known as Center Street. Folks continued to call on him to treat their ills. One of his specialties was treating blood poisoning. He continued his veterinary practice until his health failed. Three months before he died, he fractured his hip and was hospitalized until his death 11 Jul 1917. Anna Marie continued to live in the house on Hill Street until her death in 1924. Both are buried at the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah.

Their children were: Nils Andreas “Andrew” Kjome; Gustav N. Kjome; Johanna (m. John Holter); Elizabeth (m. Robert Peterson); John Henry Kjome; and Hans Olav Chommie.

Kjomme, Nels, Sr. and Margit (Hov)

(Mildred Kjome)

Nels Nelson Kjomme was born 30 Jul 1814 in Rollag Parish, Numedal, Norway, to Nils Olsen Kjomme and Joran Nilsdtr Bergan. He was married 23 Jan 1834 to Margit Andersdtr Hov, born 25 May 1805, daughter of Anders Gullikson Solum and Ingeborg Gundersdtr Kleiverud. Nels wanted to take over the farm and a contract was made between the young couple and his parents which included a lifetime support for the parents from the farm (kaar). He would also take over a contract for the support of Nils Olsen's mother. In addition, the farm supported his younger brothers and sisters. But Nels and Margit were unable to meet the responsibilities of all these contracts. They turned the farm over to his parents again in 1836, rented Selsteigen farm from Margit’s brother Gullik until about 1840, then rented at Nord-Helle, and then Bromsdalen. Nils Olsen died in the fall of 1852. Knut Olsen Hov, Margit's cousin, returned that year from America to marry Viil Kittilsdtr Lid, and convinced Nels and Margit to emigrate to America.

They left Norway in 1853 for America with five children between 3 and 17 years of age. Margit’s sister, Torgunn Andersdtr went along. It took nine weeks for the crossing. They stayed in Koshkonong, Wl for some time, then moved on to Iowa.

NN Kjomme Sr. and Margit Andersdtr Hov

Their homestead in Section 16, Highland Twp, Winneshiek Co, was purchased 12 May 1854 and registered 8 Aug. Nels paid $1.25 per acre for his land. Their first home was a rock shelter rather than a log cabin. Margit brought her spinning wheel from Norway. It was dismantled and carried in pieces. It has passed down the family from daughter to daughter and is now in the possession of Kathryn Dalbey Rettig (5th generation).

In spite of crowded and primitive conditions the Kjommes offered hospitality to relatives and newcomers