Skavlem, received a good common school education, and although his opportunities were limited, he made the best use of them and fitted himself for a school teacher, and combined the two occupations of farming in summer and teaching school in the winter months. In 1873 he Avas married to Miss Gunnil Olmstad, on December 15, 1873, and bought a farm in Newark township, where they made their home until 1880, when he was elected sherifi" of Eock county. They then removed to the city of Janesville, where they have since resided.