Roald Benson was born in Norway October 8, 1837, the son of Bern and Ingeborg (Peterson) Johnson.  His schooling in Norway was by district teachers, who went from house to house and stayed a few days, the length of time depending upon the size of the farm, and he afterward attended the public schools, in the meantime working upon his father’s farm.  He later learned the carpenter’s trade and also wagon-making.  At the age of twenty-nine years in the spring of 1866 he sailed for America, and proceeded to Dane County, Wisconsin, and soon found work in a factory in that place. The following spring he went to Sauk Centre, Stearns county, Minnesota, where he continued the work of his trade during the summer, and in the autumn of 1867 he came to Douglas county and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, of Solem township.  He has made this his home since that date and has added to his acreage by purchase, and now owns two hundred and fifty-six acres of well improved land. He devoted a portion of his time to carpenter work,building several farm houses in Douglas County, and the Norwegian church near his home.  He has filled most of the township offices at various times, including assessor, clerk, justice of the peace, school director, chairman of the board of supervisors. He also served several years as a county commissioner.  
Roald Benson was married in Norway to Beret Olson. Twelve children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bentson:  Ingeborg, Annie, Ida (Christ Ashla),Olaf B., Pater O., Edward, Roald, Nettie, Martinus and Bertina.
Ronald's parents Bern & Ingeborg Johnson came to America in 1870, living with Roald until their deaths. Ingeborg 1801-1883 & Bern 1801-1893.
[Above excerpted from: “Compendium of History and Biography of Northern Minnesota. “Published 1902 Geo. A. Ogle & Co. Chicago, Illinois. Page:  597]