Born at Kuiva Joki, Finland
Husband of Hilma Koskela

In 1876, Peter Henrik Koskela immigrated from Finland with his parents, the Gustaf Koskelas, to Michigan. They resided in Michigan four years, prior to migrating to the New York Mills area, and later to Spruce Grove, Minnesota.

Isaak and Sanni Salmela homesteaded in 1886 on acreage one mile north of the present Bethany Lutheran Church. In April of 1891, the Salmela's gave consent for their daughter, Hilma, age 15, to marry Peter Koskela. the wedding was officiated by William Alajoki, witnesses were friends, Peter and Matt Hilden.

Peter & Hilma Koskela purchased acreage from Northern Pacific Railway and the U.S. Government. The Koskelas were postal patrons at Tegneer in Spruce Grove, as shown on the land documents. (the farm property is presently owned by Morris Jacobson, a grandson).

The Koskelas were parents to ten children: Emil, the oldest was born in 1892 in the one room log cabin, which is still locted on the homestead. Emil never married and remained on the farm until his death in 1952. Lydia married Eli Makinen, Hilda married Carl Haataja. Lena married Oren Jacobson. Esther married John Keranen, Miriam married Waino Ylitalo. Carl married Effie Heikkinen.

Edward, the youngest, served in the South Pacific during World War II. Two of the children died in early childhood.

Supplies were traded and purchased in New York Mills, because that was nearest to the railroad. After the Great Northern Railroad was built, and a station established in Menahga in 1891, most of their trading was done there.

The land for the local school site had been purchased for the sum of $8.00, from Matt and Katie Jacobson in April 1899, and was the beginning of the Becker County School district #59, where the Koskela children recieved their education. To encourage further education, the teachers offered 9th grade subjects. Several local students completed the ninth year of schooling in the years 1915-1916.

From the one room log house and horse stable, the family prospered clearing land and building the homestead. Beside the family home, the dairy barn, blacksmith shop, machinery shed, granary, smoke-house, storage building with root cellar, the summer kitchen was a must, as well as a sauna to complete the family needs.

Peter was a craftsman in mechanics of metals, and built one horse cutter sleighs, as well as the four runner bob sleds, which were in demand in that day. Peter was one of the few blacksmiths in teh area.

The Koskelas dedicated a plot on teh west edge of their farm for a cemetery.

Written by Mildred Kangas