Hello!
I'm about 10 years too late for this thread, but thought I'd post anyway.
I descend from John L Hjelle (sometimes written as Jelle), who settled with his wife, Ingrid, in Artcander, right outside of Wilmar, MN around 1874ish.
John was born in 1830, so I'm wondering if he is an uncle or dad of Hans? I can't find him in relation to Hans and only find the following children: Karin, Anne, Elisabeth and Ole.
Their daughter, Anne is my 3rd great grandma married Lars Goeson.