The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-03-04
s. SERUMGARD
THOUGH BLIND
WON SUCCESS
Was Widely Known as Writer,
Author and Translator;
Active in Politics

Devils Lake, N. D., Mar. 4.-Funer-
al services for Silver Serumgard. 65,
blind attorney; who died here Sat
Silver Serumgard was born in Cud-
brandelen, Norway, Dec. II, 1858.
The son of Mr.. and Mrs. Silver Ser
,umgard. The family came to Amcri-
ca in 1868 and settled in Made liza,
Mimi. Silver later entered the Uni
versty of Minnesota and was grad
uated rs a lawyer in 1890.
While in the university, he was
stricken totally blind, yet this handi-
Zap failed to daunt his remarkable
courage, and he was graduated with
honors. his fellow students assisting
him with readings. While in the uni
versity, he became charter member
of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity, and
later was made /, member of Phi Beta
Kappa which is considered an excep-
tional honor
Author and Translator
Following his graduation, Mr.. Ser
umgard came to Devils Lake and for
time was associated with l.. NJ
McCann in the old Devils Lake News.
1t was during this venture that he
proved his ability as student and
writer, and throughout his life he
>Tad gained an enviable reputation as
Translator of Norwegian literature,
his work of rendering Norwegian poe
try into English receiving the plau-
dts of students throughout the coun-
try. Severing his connection with the
News, Mr.. Serumgard entered the
real estate business with f. 7. Moen,
and later opened law office in part
ncrship with Christopher Jacobson.
During the rest of his life his time
was devoted to his legal practice and
to the pursuits Of literature.
In 1894 he married Miss Grace
Kirker of Covington, Ky, the mar
riage taking place at that city.
7 Besides his widow, he is survived
by three sons and two daughters
Arthur of Missoula, Mont; Grace
Belle of Devils Lake; Eugene OF
Berkeley, CAL: Dorothy of Minnea-
polls, and William Of Missoula, Mont
Active In Politics
Early in life Mr.. Serumgard took a
deep interest in politics. At first he
was a Democrat and an ardent sup
portcr of William Jennings Bryan
having been one of the delegates TIC
the st. Louis convention which nomi-
mated Bryan for the president as the
opponent of the late President Nc
Kinlcy. He left the Democratic fold
l. h.
Roosevelt wing of the Republican
party. He was delegate to the Chi
cago "Bull Moose" convention which
nominated Roosevelt in opposition tt
Charles Evans Hughes, the regular
Republican presidential candidate.
Y Became Republican Adherent
Since that time Mr.. Serumgard has
adhered to the Republican politica
principles. At one time he was /
candidate for the United States sent
tor against the late Senator a. }
Gronna, and at the recall election he
was candidate for commissioner Of
agriculture and labor on an indepcnd
cnt ticket.
Among public Offices which he
held was that Of member of the boart
of regents of the University of North
Oak ota during 1898 and 1894. He al
SO served Ramsey county as states
attorney and for several terms was
city attorney for Devils Lake. HI
Twas also member of the Devils Lake
school board.
Mr.. Serumgard had Il national re
putation through his affiliation with
the Sons of Norway, and had served
us president of the national CRANE
lodge of that society and also as ;
member of the board Of directors.
Norwegian Literature Authority
Mr.. Scrumgard was considered one
of the northwest's greatest autnori
ties on Norwegian literature and his
tory. He was especially noted fol
his poetic translations, which have
been published in NEST of the Nor
wegian English publications of thu
country. Some years ago he publish
cd a collection Of these translations
which received favorable comments
from the critics. His TRANSACTIONS O.
Norwegian poetry are considered
among the first of their class.
- In 1909, he, in company with Mrs
\Serumgard, made a trip to Norway
visiting his old home and the homes
of it's great writer's. At that time HI
was presented to King Haakon b!
DR.. Gade, president of the Normand
Forbundet, who, during his visit t.
America, was entertained at Mr.. Ser
umgards home here. Mr.. and Mrs
Serumgard had entertained at thei
home a great number of national ant
international personages, including
William Jennings Bryan, and Raolt
! Amunds on, the Arctic explorer.