Lars K. Aaker


Lars Knudsen Aaker was a Norwegian American farmer, politician, and American Civil War veteran who served in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature.

Early life

Born in Lårdal, Norway on September 19, 1825, Aaker was the son of Knut Saavesen Aaker and Mary L. Heggtvedt. Aaker attended the Teachers Seminary in Kviteseid where he graduated in 1845, that same year Aaker emigrated to the United States and lived at the Koshkonong Settlement near Lake Koshkonong in Dane County, Wisconsin Territory. In 1847, Aaker moved to Goodhue County, Minnesota Territory and then to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1870.

Career

Aaker was a farmer and in the mercantile business. During the American Civil War, Aaker served as a Lieutenant in Company D of the 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Captain Hans Mattson. Company D of the 3rd Minnesota was primarily recruited Goodhue County, Minnesota. The nickname of Company D was the "Scandinavian Guards" for the overwhelming amount of immigrants in the company from Norway and Sweden. Aaker served with the 3rd Minnesota until March 30, 1862 when he resigned his commission and was discharged from service.
In 1859–1860, 1862, 1867, and 1869, Aaker served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as a Republican. In 1881 and 1882, Aaker served in the Minnesota Senate. Aaker worked in the United States General Land Office in Alexandria, Minnesota, from 1870 to 1876 and then in Crookston, Minnesota from 1883 to 1893.

Death

Aaker died from a stroke at his home in Alexandria, Minnesota.

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