N. Johanna Kildahl Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-0073

Scope and Contents

The N. Johanna Kildahl Papers largely consist of various writings by Miss Kildahl. Some deal with her life and childhood, but most are about politics. The political writings focus on the League of Nations and international law. Kildahl believed that the League of Nations should have been formed more carefully and composed of as many nations as possible. Each of those nations would then have equal rights within the League. The essay titled "Selfhelp" details her financial struggles as a student at the University of North Dakota, but also discusses the many benefits she obtained from having a college education. Another essay, "Reminiscences", is a personal history of homestead life on the Dakota prairie of the 1880s. Daily life is described along with significant events of the time. Kildahl's description of this era provides a clear and personal view of life as a farm child.

Dates

created: 1895-1951
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1951

Creator

Kildahl, N. Johanna (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

N. Johanna Kildahl was born in Wastedo, Minnesota, in 1868. Her family moved to Towner County, Dakota Territory, in August 1883. They homesteaded in the Mauvais Coulee Valley near Lac aux Morts. She taught schools at rural schools in Towner County and then attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1898. She earned a Master's Degree in Biology from UND in 1900. From 1900 to 1905 she was an instructor in the Biology Department and Assistant Curator of the Museum. She graduated from the University of Chicago, in 1909, with a Doctor of Philosophy. She was the first female graduate of the University of North Dakota to receive a Doctorate. She remained in Chicago and became a Biology teacher in their school system. Following World War I, Miss Kildahl became a vocal supporter of the League of Nations and the World Court. She died June 5, 1967.

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