John came to North Dakota in 1887 with his parents and three siblings. His interest in the dairy business and in registered Holstein cows enabled his family to be extremely active in the 4-H movement, bringing home many blue ribbons. In 1936, they moved into New Salem, to a house which was owned by Robert Rusch, Sr. (his father-in-law, who had moved to Bozeman, Montana). As long as his health permitted, John helped with the work on the farm; he also worked for the John Deere Company setting up farm machinery.

In a 1920 census document, John’s last name is spelled Klusman.


From a booklet created for a Klusmann family reunion in New Salem on June 18-19, 2005.

John Henry Klusmann was born on March 15, 1883 in Addieville, Illinois, to William and Wilhelmina (Meyer) Klusmann. He came to North Dakota in 1887 with his parents and brothers. They homesteaded on a quarter of land six miles north of New Salem.

Elizabeth Rusch, the oldest of eight children, was born on July 4, 1889 to Robert and Augusta Rusch, Sr. near New Salem, North Dakota. She received her education in a rural school at Rosebud, ND.

John and Elizabeth were united in marriage October 6, 1909 at Churchtown, ND. John's parents moved to New Salem at this time and John and Elizabeth took over the management of the family farm.

John was interested in dairying and registered Holsteins, as was his dad. He was a member of the National and State Holstein Association. The family took an active part in 4-H work, son Erwin and daughter Laura joining a club in 1923. Later the younger children also were active in 4-H. Their cattle took many blue ribbons at fairs all over the state.

In the fall of 1926 all the children came down with whooping cough. Before they recovered one also had scarlet fever, another had chicken pox, and a third developed pneumonia. The family was placed under quarantine and was isolated for six weeks. Neighbors brought groceries but were not allowed in the house. The cream and milk they didn’t use for their own butter or ice cream was poured out. Some milk was fed to calves and cows. The day before Christmas all were well. They fumigated the house and John went to New Salem to buy a few Christmas gifts for the children and they enjoyed a happy Christmas.